The Lot 4 and 5 awards, valued at $461 million, increase the number of CH-47F Block II aircraft under contract to 18.
Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space and Security, said “The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Army’s family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment. We value our partnership with the Army and the support from Congress as we deliver this modernized capability to the warfighter.”
The awards follow the Army’s recent Rapid Fielding production decision. Boeing is working closely with the Army on a path forward for Lot 6.
To date, Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the Army, which are currently undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities.
The CH-47F Block II features significant upgrades, including an improved drivetrain and airframe that increase the maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, significantly increasing lift capability. Additionally, innovative changes to the fuel system extend the mission radius of nearly all payloads. Combined with enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades, the CH-47F Block II will meet the Army’s desired goal of flying for at least another 40 years.
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Army Accelerates Capability to the Force with a Rapid Fielding Effort for Chinook Block II
US Army - The decision authorizes the procurement of Block II aircraft in FY25 and FY26. Combined with previously approved Congressionally directed procurements, the Army will field CH-47F Block II helicopters to two Combat Aviation Brigades, modernizing the Army’s heavy-lift fleet for future large-scale combat operations.
The CH-47F Block II upgrades existing CH-47F Block I aircraft through a recapitalization process. The Block II significantly improves the CH-47F fleet, giving commanders increased payloads, extended range, and improved sustainability to create the standoff areas demanded by contested logistics environments. With an increased maximum gross weight of 54,000 pounds, the aircraft permits operational commanders to move more materiel, Soldiers, and fuel, farther and faster.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Brooks, Golf Company, 6-101 GSAB’s maintenance test pilot, said “With the Block II Chinook’s increased gross weight and increased torque available, we can carry more. Imagining just a single serial of Block II Chinooks versus Block I Chinooks, (Block II Chinooks) can carry more Soldiers and equipment, and carry them further.” For example, missions that currently require two sorties with Block I can be completed with a single Block II sortie, reducing crew exposure and accelerating operational tempo.
The Block II Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) uses a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), ensuring that the platform can adapt to technological advances. This architecture allows the integration of degraded visual environment (DVE) sensors and the introduction of semi-autonomous flight capabilities with the potential for full autonomy in the future.
The commonality with the special operations MH-47G variant lets the Army and SOCOM leverage and build on each other’s modernization efforts and further enhances efficiency. By sharing major components, the Army reduces both production costs and long-term sustainment expenses, while simplifying logistics support for units in the field.
International interest in the CH-47F BLK II aircraft continues to grow. One partner nation has committed to 60 aircraft and several other partner nations have expressed interest in acquiring Block II to strengthen their own heavy-lift capabilities. This global demand underscores the platform’s reputation as a proven workhorse with cutting-edge upgrades tailored for 21st-century warfare.
COL Jennie Conlon, the PM of Cargo Helicopters, said “Block II is about more than incremental improvement—it’s about ensuring the Army and the Joint Force retain a heavy-lift advantage in contested environments. With added payload, range, and digital growth capacity, the Chinook will continue to deliver for Soldiers and evolve to remain ahead of future battlefield environments.”
As the Army prepares for the future fight, the CH-47F Block II represents both continuity and transformation: retaining the trusted reliability of the Chinook while enabling the modernization required to compete and win against peer adversaries.
See also |
CH-47F Block II in
US Army Aviation US Army Orders Lot 3 of CH-47F Block II Chinook
