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The US Army has taken delivery of its first CH-47F Block II Chinook aircraft, one of the planned 465 to replace the service’s ageing Block I aircraft.
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The Block II modernisations include a reinforced airframe and enhanced fuel system while also providing an additional 4,000 pounds or 1,813 kilograms of max gross weight and extends the mission radius for nearly all payloads. In addition to the capability improvements, the aircraft’s design enables future technology upgrades.
Heather McBryan, vice-president and program manager, Cargo Programs, welcomed the delivery of the first Block II Chinooks, saying, “The CH-47F Block II provides capability improvements allowing the US Army to lift more, fly farther, and maintain their aircraft better than ever before. This modernisation program enables the battle-tested Chinook to play a key role in multi-domain operations going forward.”
Designed to improve sustainment and maintenance costs and time out of service, the Block II upgrades also provide improved reliability of the new rotor system, minimising unscheduled maintenance, and the simplified fuel system drives sustainment efficiency, reducing maintenance burden and cost.
Viva Kelley, US Army Cargo Helicopters acting project manager, added, “As the Army’s Heavy Lift platform of tomorrow, the CH-47F Block II provides increased capability while continuing support of the Army’s requirement to remain strategically responsive across the full spectrum of operations.”
The Chinook Block II program positions the US Army and international allies for long-term success, delivering an aircraft capable of meeting today’s heavy-lift requirements, while providing structural and design improvements that allow additional future upgrades to meet long-term heavy-lift needs.
Key investments in next-generation technologies such as avionics open systems architecture and mission systems integration will enable decisive overmatch – a critical advantage for the warfighter to succeed in Joint All-Domain Operations.
Additional structural enhancements and vehicle power upgrades will keep the Chinook prepared to fight and win in all missions, including large-scale combat operations for decades to come.
Currently, there are more than 950 Chinooks in service globally across 20 nations and support more than 20,000 jobs and 360 suppliers across 40 states in the US.
