Within the framework of strengthening its heavy transport capacity through rotary-wing means, the United States Army has ordered the purchase of three additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters. The contract awarded to Boeing for a value of USD 135 million will correspond to Production Lot number 3, with the most immediate precedent being the start of full-capacity production last February and the beginning of deliveries of modernized aircraft in mid-year.
Although the United States Army has been reluctant to order the purchase of new units, this has not been the case for awarding contracts for the modernization of its Chinook helicopters to the CH-47F Block II version. Although the exact number of aircraft to be upgraded is not precisely known, Boeing indicated in its official statement dated December 4th that the program has the potential to encompass up to the total of 468 helicopters in service with the force. Currently, and with the most recent contract, Boeing is advancing with the upgrade of a total of nine aircraft, of which two have already been delivered during the months of June and September.
Among the improvements introduced in the CH-47F Block II version, enhancements in terms of the aircraft’s power plant and structural reinforcements stand out, resulting in an increase of 4,000 pounds in the maximum gross weight, thus improving load capacity. Improvements are also listed in terms of fuel efficiency to increase its operational range, along with new avionics systems.
“It is crucial that soldiers reach their destinations and have the necessary equipment to accomplish the mission,” expressed Heather McBryan, vice president and manager of Boeing Cargo Programs. “The greater payload capacity and extended range of the CH-47F Block II allow the United States Army to meet the constantly evolving requirements of heavy transport missions worldwide.”
In addition to the US Army’s upgrade orders to Boeing, orders for new helicopters must also be listed for the Special Operations Aviation Command, which has expanded its order to 42 units of the MH-47G Block II version; as well as orders placed by Germany (60 units) and the United Kingdom (14 units) to equip their Armed Forces.
You may also like: For $655 million, the U.S. authorizes the sale of over 2,500 Hellfire II missiles for the Saudi Arabian Army’s AH-64 Apache helicopters
