The United States Army continues the modernization of its heavy-lift transport fleet through the acquisition of nine CH-47F Chinook Block II helicopters, manufactured by Boeing. The operation, valued at 461 million dollars, was formalized through two contracts corresponding to Lots 4 and 5, bringing the total number of Block II aircraft under contract to 18 units.
“The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role within the U.S. Army’s weapons system, particularly in a contested logistical environment,” stated Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Cargo Programs at Boeing Defense, Space and Security. “We value our partnership with the Army and the support of Congress as we deliver this modernized capability to military personnel.”
The new contracts follow the Army’s recent decision to begin production under the Rapid Fielding scheme. Boeing is working closely with the service to define the schedule corresponding to Lot 6. To date, the company has delivered six production CH-47F Block II helicopters, currently undergoing testing and evaluation to validate their enhanced capabilities.
The CH-47F Block II incorporates a series of significant upgrades compared to previous versions. Among them are a strengthened drivetrain and airframe that increase the maximum takeoff weight by 4,000 pounds, thus improving lift capacity. In addition, changes implemented in the fuel system expand the operational range for most missions. These improvements, along with more efficient maintenance and the ability to integrate future upgrades at a lower cost, aim to ensure that the model remains in service for at least the next four decades.
Boeing delivered the first modernized Block II units to the U.S. Army in 2024. In December of that year, the service ordered three additional helicopters for 135 million dollars, while in January 2025 it received the third production unit. In July, the fifth and sixth helicopters were added, currently undergoing operational evaluation.
The Block II version of the Chinook —a platform that has been an essential component of the Army’s air transport for more than six decades— is designed to provide greater payload capacity, range, and operational availability, in line with the U.S. Army’s rotary-wing modernization plans.
*Cover image obtained from Boeing.
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