First EMD CH-47F Block II inches closer
The first engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) CH-47F Block II programme helicopter has entered final assembly, Boeing announced on 27 June.
Boeing is developing the next-generation Chinook for the US Army under a contract awarded in July 2017. The Block II programme incorporates several upgrades to increase lift capability, including advanced Chinook rotor blades, an upgraded fuselage, new fuel system and new drivetrain. These upgrades will support Chinook operations with the army into the 2060s.
Boeing is building three prototypes for testing from 2019 with flight testing scheduled shortly thereafter. The first delivery of low rate initial production helicopters is expected in 2023.
The army is expected to upgrade more than 500 Chinooks to the new configuration.
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