US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
One of six CH-47F Block IIs delivered to the US Army conducts a flight test at Redstone Test Center in Huntsville, Alabama. (Photo: Boeing/Studio 51).
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.
The US Army has placed contracts for an additional nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters under a deal for Lot 4 and 5 awards worth US$461 million.
This follows the decision late last month to advance the Rapid Fielding Effort for Chinook Block II which authorises the procurement of Block II aircraft in FY25 and FY26.
Alongside previously approved Congressionally directed procurements, the army will field CH-47F Block II helicopters to two Combat Aviation Brigades, modernising the Army’s heavy-lift fleet for future large-scale combat operations.
The CH-47F Block II aircraft are upgraded from the CH-47F Block I, featuring significant
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement]()
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
![Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power]()
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
-
![Iran war exposes the limits of US military mass]()
Iran war exposes the limits of US military mass
As the Straits of Hormuz continue to witness military action of various types, what does this mean for combat air and air defence planners in the region and beyond?
