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The US Army has ordered three additional Block II CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters as part of the ongoing modernisation efforts, worth US$135 million (AU$209.9 million).
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This contract award follows the US Army’s February announcement that it is moving forward with full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II program, with Boeing under contract for the delivery of nine of up to 465 aircraft to replace the Block I CH-47Fs currently in the US Army’s inventory to date.
The Army has also received funding from the US Congress for three aircraft as part of the next production lot and awarded Boeing a contract last year for acquisition of long lead parts.
Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Boeing Cargo Programs, said, “The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the US Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements around the world.”
Boeing delivered the first production of CH-47F Block II aircraft to the Army in June, followed by the second in September. With improvements to the drivetrain and airframe, the CH-47F Block II configuration is stronger, adding 4,000 pounds (in excess of 1,800 kilograms) to the max gross weight of the aircraft and significantly increasing lift capability.
“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” McBryan said.
Additionally, innovative changes to the fuel system extend the mission radius of nearly all payloads. The Block II aircraft combines enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades is designed to meet the Army’s desired goal of flying for at least another 40 years.
The Chinook Block II program positions the Army and international allies for long-term success. Not only is the Block II aircraft capable of meeting today’s heavy-lift requirements, but it also provides 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
