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American multinational corporation Boeing will produce six remanufactured MH-47G Block II Chinook heavy-lift aircraft to enhance the US Army’s modernisation efforts.
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The US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) awarded the contract to Boeing, and the company now has 42 MH-47G aircraft under contract with USASOAC in a deal worth US$271 million.
Block II Chinook heavy-lift aircraft are expected to offer operators increased capability and survivability for global missions, respond to increasingly complex special operations requirements and provide a stepping stone to future technology upgrades.
The MH-47G Block II program not only supports US warfighter needs today but enables the Chinook to be battle-relevant well into the future, according to cargo programs vice-president and program manager Heather McBryan.
“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years. USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe,” she said.
“With the modernised MH-47G, USASOAC soldiers are well suited to meet today’s challenging environment.
“With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter, they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time.”
The MH-47G advanced multi-mission tandem rotor helicopter provides cargo and troop transport capability as well as allowance for search and rescue, casualty evacuation, special operations, and humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Earlier this year in Australia, federal government Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced an expanded industry footprint and opportunities for Australia’s defence industry as part of the Australian Industry Capability Deed for the Apache Program with the Boeing Company.
Minister Conroy made the announcements at the Australian International Airshow 2023 at Avalon, Victoria, where both the Apache and the Ghost Bat were on display for the Australian public, which will see Boeing engage Australian companies to supply parts for the planned AH-64E Apache fleet and all new Apache attack helicopters.
The deed will underpin Australian industry contribution to the production of the Apache fleet, creating new opportunities, expected to bring millions of dollars to local defence industry companies.
These Apache helicopters will be equipped with some of the most advanced technologies, sensors and equipment, making them one of the most formidable helicopters for the Australian Defence Force.
Minister Conroy welcomed the impact this deal would have for Australian industry, saying: “The Albanese government is ensuring that opportunities are maximised for Australian defence industry as we move to build the Defence capability our nation needs for its future security.”
