U.S. Army orders additional Chinooks from Boeing amid modernization efforts

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U.S. Army orders additional Chinooks from Boeing amid modernization efforts

William A. Ampofo II Chair, Supply Chain Operations Council Vice President, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services | Boeing

By Sky Industry News

Dec 4, 2024

The U.S. Army has placed an order for three additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters from Boeing, valued at $135 million. This order is part of the Army's modernization strategy.

Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs, stated, "It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission." She highlighted that the CH-47F Block II's enhanced payload capacity and range allow the Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements globally.

This latest contract follows a February announcement by the U.S. Army regarding full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II program. Currently, Boeing is contracted for nine out of a potential 465 aircraft in the existing fleet. Additionally, Congress has allocated funds for three more aircraft in an upcoming production lot, with Boeing previously awarded a contract for long lead parts acquisition.

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Boeing delivered its first CH-47F Block II helicopter to the Army in June and followed with a second delivery in September.

The new configuration of the CH-47F Block II includes improvements to both drivetrain and airframe, increasing its maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds and enhancing lift capability significantly. Changes to the fuel system also extend mission radius capabilities across nearly all payloads. The enhancements aim to sustain operations affordably while allowing future upgrades as needed, aligning with the Army's goal for these helicopters to remain operational for at least another four decades.