The US Army has ordered three additional CH-47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing in a deal valued at USD 135 million. The Lot 3 contract award is a part of the US Army’s ongoing modernization efforts.
The award of this contract is a result of the U.S. Army’s announcement in February regarding the advancement to full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II program. Currently, Boeing holds a contract for nine out of a potential 465 aircraft within the Army’s existing fleet.
Furthermore, the Army has secured funding from the U.S. Congress for three additional aircraft as part of the upcoming production lot and has previously awarded Boeing a contract for the procurement of long lead components. Boeing successfully delivered the first production CH-47F Block II aircraft to the Army in June, followed by the second in September.
The CH-47F Block II configuration features enhancements to both the drivetrain and airframe, resulting in an increased maximum gross weight capacity of 4,000 pounds and a substantial boost in lift capability. Moreover, innovative modifications to the fuel system have expanded the mission radius for nearly all payloads.
Together with improved sustainment and the potential for cost-effective future upgrades, the CH-47F Block II is poised to fulfil the Army’s objective of operational longevity for at least another 40 years.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Boeing Cargo Programs. “The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the U.S. Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements around the world.”
