On 1st July 2024, the Boeing company officially informed about the delivery of the first CH-47F Chinook helicopter, modernized to the new Block II configuration. The rotorcraft is the first of up to 456 of the US Army helicopters, which potentially could be subject of the Block II upgrade.
The CH-47F Block II features an improved drivetrain, reinforced airframe and enhanced fuel system. Max gross weight of the rotorcraft was increased by 4,000 pounds, as well as its mission radius was significantly increased. In addition, the Block II design enables future technology upgrades.
´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,´ said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs. ´This modernization program enables the battle-tested Chinook to play a key role in multi-domain operations going forward.´
´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´, added Viva Kelly, US Army Cargo Helicopters acting project manager.
It should be also mentioned here that the Block II modernization improves aircraft sustainment. The improved reliability of the new rotor system minimizes unscheduled maintenance, and the simplified fuel system drives sustainment efficiency reducing maintenance burden and cost.
In 2021, the US Army awarded Boeing a contract for first four CH-47F Block II rotorcraft, worth 136 million USD. It was shortly followed by Lot 2 order, valued at 63 million USD and increasing the number of helicopters to six. Works on the modernized Chinook rotorcraft began in April of 2022.
Cover photo: Boeing CH-47F Chinook Block II. All photos and quotations © Boeing. Information from The Boeing Company press releases were used.
