U.S. Army Orders Nine More Boeing Chinook Helicopters
New Contracts for CH-47F Block II Chinook Helicopters
Boeing recently announced two significant contracts with the U.S. Army, totaling $461 million, for nine CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters. These contracts, covering Lots 4 and 5, bring the total number of Block II aircraft on order to 18. This development marks a major step forward in the Army’s efforts to modernize its heavy-lift capabilities.
Earlier, on December 4, 2024, Boeing received a $134 million contract for three additional CH-47F Block II helicopters under Lot 3. The company is also collaborating with the Army to plan for Lot 6, which could further expand the fleet.
Since full-rate production began in February 2024, Boeing delivered the first production CH-47F Block II in June 2024, followed by the second in September. So far, the Army has received six Block II helicopters, which are undergoing evaluations to showcase their enhanced capabilities.
On September 30, 2025, the Army released a statement announcing a Rapid Fielding Production decision for the CH-47F Block IIs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to recapitalize the existing Block I variants to the new standard. The Army currently operates 465 CH-47 aircraft.
Advancements in the CH-47F Block II
Heather McBryan, Boeing's vice president and program manager for Cargo Programs, emphasized that the rapid succession of contracts highlights the Chinook’s continued importance in the Army’s family-of-systems, especially in contested logistics environments. She stated that the Chinook will play a critical role in supporting the Army’s heavy-lift modernization goals.
The CH-47F Block II features several key upgrades. These include an improved drivetrain and airframe, which increase the maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, significantly boosting lift capability. Additionally, changes to the fuel system extend the mission radius for nearly all payloads. Combined with enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades, the Block II is expected to serve for at least another 40 years.
Future Missions and Capabilities
Boeing has also unveiled concepts for kinetic launched effects for the Army’s CH-47 fleet. These include expendable munitions launched from chin-mounted tube launchers, striking ground air defense sites while operating alongside AH-64 Apaches and the Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft. These missions are likely to become more prominent in both European and Pacific theaters as the Army shifts focus toward conventional warfare.
The MV-75 tilt-rotor would also be a crucial element in this mix, enabling rapid movement of Company- or Battalion-sized light infantry formations into defended locations.
Upgrades and Innovations
The Block II variant includes other improvements such as elementary autonomous operations in functions like engine control, a new cockpit layout, customizable screens, and an open systems architecture for quick future upgrades. These enhancements ensure the Chinook remains ready to serve as technology evolves.
A previous experiment involved re-engining a single CH-47 with General Electric T408 engines, which power the Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion. The T408 provides 7,500 shaft horsepower, offering 2,500 SHP more than the Honeywell Lycoming T55 engines.
Enhanced Performance and International Interest
The CH-47F Block II has increased payload capacity and extended range, enabling the Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements globally. The improved drivetrain and airframe allow for carrying 4,000 pounds more payload, significantly increasing lift capability.
According to reports by Aviation Week and FlightGlobal, the Block II features an improved Honeywell T55-715 engine. A defining feature is the combination of three fuel cells into one, eliminating intracell fuel transfer hardware and reducing engine weight by 90 kg (200 pounds). This increases fuel capacity, while an active parallel actuator system enhances the digital advanced flight control system, accurately splitting torque between the two rotors for greater efficiency.
The Army noted that the Block II can create standoff areas demanded by contested logistics environments. With an increased maximum gross weight of 54,000 pounds, the aircraft allows operational commanders to move more materiel, Soldiers, and fuel farther and faster.
International and Domestic Collaboration
The Block II has generated international interest, with one partner nation committed to 60 aircraft. While not explicitly stated, this nation is likely Germany, which selected the helicopter in 2022 to replace its aging CH-53s.
The Block II shares commonality with SOCOM’s MH-47G variant, allowing the Army and SOCOM to leverage each other’s modernization efforts. This collaboration reduces production costs and long-term sustainment expenses while simplifying logistics.
Testing and Evaluation
A March 24, 2025, Army press release detailed two Special User Evaluation (SUE) trials of the CH-47F Block II in April and November 2024 by the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade's General Support Aviation Battalion. Aircrew members conducted aerial gunnery tables, Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) training, and additional sling load iterations to familiarize themselves with the increased lifting capacity.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Lantz highlighted the upgraded software and cockpit displays, making it easier to access necessary data for assessing the aircraft’s capabilities. He also noted the four gun mounts, which double shooting capability, saving time and fuel in training and increasing overall lethality.
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