The U.S. Army has ordered three additional Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters under a $135 million Lot 3 contract, continuing its modernisation efforts for the heavy-lift fleet, Boeing announced on December 4, 2024.
This latest acquisition follows the U.S. Army’s February decision to advance the CH-47F Block II program to full-rate production, a big milestone in the modernisation of its helicopter fleet.
To date, Boeing is contracted to deliver nine CH-47F Block II helicopters out of a planned total of 465 aircraft.
The CH-47F Block II Chinook represents a significant leap in performance, say its builders, with upgrades to the drivetrain and airframe that add 4,000 pounds to the helicopter’s maximum gross weight.
Additionally, an improved fuel system extends its mission radius, enabling the aircraft to meet the U.S. Army’s evolving heavy-lift requirements.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” said Heather McBryan, Boeing’s vice president and program manager for cargo programs.
“The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the U.S. Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements around the world.”
The U.S. Army has already received funding from Congress for three aircraft as part of the next production lot and awarded Boeing a separate contract last year for the acquisition of long lead parts.
Boeing delivered the first production CH-47F Block II to the Army in June 2024, followed by a second aircraft in September.
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I hope they build them better than the civilian lines. Returning with a door missing as it’s fallen on through someone’s roof or forgetting to put some bolts in place is not needed.
Are these the same model as the U.K. has ordered?
When I worked at a certain defence contractor I was involved in discussions with both the Defence and Commercial sides of Boeing, lets say that the Defence guys did not think very highly of their colleagues on the commercial side of the business. I’m not saying they are perfect but the descriptions were pretty colourful of the commercial operation…. read into that what you will 😂