Boeing has secured a $461 million contract from the US Army to build nine CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, advancing the service’s plan to upgrade its heavy-lift fleet for enhanced operational capability.
The deal encompasses production Lots 4 and 5, bringing the total Block II order to 18 helicopters. Following the Army’s decision to accelerate Chinook modernization, Boeing and the service are now considering a Lot 6 procurement.
Testing and Enhancements
To date, Boeing has delivered six Block II Chinooks, which are undergoing rigorous performance testing to validate improvements.
The Block II variant includes reinforced internal frames, a reengineered fuel system, and upgraded engines and drivetrains, increasing lift power and endurance. These refinements raise the maximum takeoff weight by 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms) and extend operational range for greater mission flexibility.
The new aircraft will be allocated to two Army combat aviation brigades, supporting the branch’s long-term modernization objectives. Boeing is also fulfilling separate contracts for more than 50 MH-47G Chinooks for Special Operations Command.
Aircraft Capabilities
The CH-47F Chinook spans 98 feet (30 meters) with an 80-foot (18-meter) rotor system. It can lift 55 troops or 24,000 pounds (10,886 kilograms) of cargo and accommodate over 20 medical stretchers when configured for evacuation missions.
Equipped with twin Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines rated at 4,700 horsepower each, the helicopter reaches 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), flies at 170 knots (196 mph / 315 km/h), and covers 1,200 nautical miles (2,252 kilometers) on a single mission.
