The US Army has ordered three additional CH-47F Block II Chinook heavylift helicopters under a Lot 3 contract award, valued at USD 135 million (EUR 127.7 million), Boeing announced on 4 December 2024.
The contract award follows the US Army’s announcement in February 2024 that it is moving forward with full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II programme. To date, Boeing is under contract for nine of up to 465 aircraft in the army’s current fleet. The army has also received funding from the US Congress for three aircraft as part of the next production lot and awarded Boeing a contract last year for acquisition of long lead parts.
Boeing delivered the first production CH-47F Block II helicopter to the US Army in June 2024, followed by the second in September.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” Heather McBryan, vice president and programme manager for Boeing Cargo Programs, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the US Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements around the world.”
With improvements to its drivetrain and airframe, the CH-47F Block II configuration adds 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) to the maximum gross weight of the Chinook and significantly increases its lift capability. Additionally, innovative changes to the fuel system extend the mission radius of nearly all payloads. Combined with enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades, the CH-47F Block II “will meet the army’s desired goal of flying for at least another 40 years”, according to Boeing.
