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
More from Air Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Turkey’s Eurofighter process going to plan despite German block, says minister]()
Turkey’s Eurofighter process going to plan despite German block, says minister
The comment, made by Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler, also noted that the 40-strong sale of Eurofighter Typhoons was primarily managed by the UK, not Germany.
-
![Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet]()
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
![Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs]()
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
![Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss]()
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.
