The U.S. Army has placed new orders for nine CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters under two contract awards with Boeing, valued at a combined $461 million. The Lot 4 and Lot 5 contracts bring the total number of Block II aircraft on order to 18, marking another step in the Army’s ongoing heavy-lift modernization program.
Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager for Cargo Programs at 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 announcement follows the Army’s recent Rapid Fielding production decision. Boeing is also working with the Army to plan for Lot 6 production.
So far, six CH-47F Block II helicopters have been delivered and are undergoing evaluations to verify performance improvements.
The Block II variant incorporates key upgrades, including an improved drivetrain and strengthened airframe that raise maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, enhancing lift capacity. Modifications to the fuel system extend mission range across most payloads, while design changes support easier sustainment and cost-effective future upgrades.
According to Boeing, these features are intended to ensure the Chinook remains a core component of U.S. Army operations for at least the next four decades.
