The US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) has awarded Boeing a contract to produce six remanufactured MH-47G Block II Chinook heavylift helicopters as a part of the army’s modernisation efforts, the company announced on 11 December 2023.
The deal, valued at USD 271 M (EUR 251 M), means that Boeing now has 42 MH-47G aircraft under contract with USASOAC.
Compared to previous MH-47s, the MG-47G features a digital cockpit called the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and takes in the upgrades incorporated into the CH-47F Chinook. The MH-47G Block II, meanwhile, “serves as a stepping stone to future technology upgrades”, according to Boeing. It includes all of the improvements from the CH-47F Block II, as well as an inflight refuelling capability, a defensive aids suite and low-level/adverse weather piloting aids such as forward-looking infrared and multi-mode/terrain-following radar. As a special forces-roled aircraft it is armed with two 7.62 mm M134 Miniguns and two M240 7.62 mm machine guns.
“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years. USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe,” Heather McBryan, vice president and programme manager for cargo programmes at Boeing, was quoted as saying by the compan. “With the modernised MH-47G, USASOAC soldiers are well suited to meet today’s challenging environment.”
“With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter, they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time,” McBryan added.
