US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs
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
More from Air Warfare
-
US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft
The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
-
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
-
How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said that China would continue to be a “problem” for the development of the service’s fleet over the coming decades.
-
Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister
The Thai government minister expressed confidence in the aircraft type, noting that a decision on the selection process between the Gripen and F-16 would be “made soon”.