US Army Orders Nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks for Heavy-Lift Modernization

The U.S. Army has ordered nine additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters from Boeing in contracts valued at $461 million, increasing the number of these aircraft under contract to 18. These orders, covering production Lots 4 and 5, follow the Army’s recent Rapid Fielding production decision to expedite deployment of the enhanced heavy-lift helicopters. Boeing has already delivered six CH-47F Block II helicopters, which are undergoing operational evaluations to confirm their improved capabilities, including a strengthened airframe and improved drivetrain that increase payload capacity by 4,000 pounds and extend mission radius. Heather McBryan of Boeing highlighted the Chinook’s continuing critical role in the Army’s family-of-systems, especially in contested logistics environments, while Boeing is also collaborating with the Army on plans for a potential Lot 6 contract. The modernization aims to keep the Chinook operational in the Army fleet for at least 40 more years, reflecting a long-term commitment to enhancing heavy-lift capabilities. Congressional support and the partnership between Boeing and the Army are key factors advancing this modernization effort.