US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs
Boeing says the upgraded configuration allows for increased lift and range of the aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)
Valued at $135 million, the Lot 3 contract is part of the US Army’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
The US Army has ordered three more Boeing CH-47 Block II Chinooks as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise. The Lot 3 contract award, at US$135 million, follows the US Army’s announcement that it would move forwards with the production of the CH-47 Block II programme in February 2024.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” said Heather McBryan, VP and programme manager for cargo programmes at Boeing.
“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.”
Related Articles
Boeing receives $22.5 million contract for CH-47 Chinook long lead items
Boeing lines up helicopter deals and delivers first US Army CH-47F Block II
US Army Special Operations orders two more Chinooks
The first Block II helicopter was delivered in June 2024, with the second following in September. According to Boeing, the manufacturer is under contract for nine of up to 465 aircraft in the US Army’s current fleet.
The army also received funding for three aircraft as part of the next production lot and awarded Boeing a contract modification for long-lead components in December 2023.
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook, a twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift transport helicopter, has served as a workhorse on military and civilian operations since its debut.
The CH-47F Block II configuration has an additional 2,000kg to the aircraft weight, increasing its life capacity. It also has extended range due to improvements on its fuel system. It is anticipated that the Block II upgrade will allow the aircraft to continue in service for another 40 years.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
![Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed]()
Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed
New Delhi had been gearing up to sign a Navy Rafale deal as talks swirled around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.
