The U.S. Army awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a contract for six CH-47F Block II Chinook transport helicopters. The $324 million contract builds on the Army’s acquisition strategy to get critical equipment in the hands of the warfighter sooner and increases the number of CH-47F Block II aircraft under contract to 24. The Lot 6 agreement follows two other awards last year, including the first contract as part of the Army’s Rapid Fielding decision. Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the Army. The U.S. Army plans for a Block 3 upgrade after 2025, which could include a new 6,000 hp (4,500 kW) class engine with boosted power capacity of the transmission and drive train developed under the future affordable turbine engine (FATE) program and a lengthened fuselage.
“Consistent production awards reflect the Army’s confidence in the CH-47F Block II as a critical capability for handling logistics in challenging environments across different domains and in varying operations,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Block II Chinooks provide commanders greater operational reach, faster resupply and enhanced protection for forces operating in austere and contested environments.”
The CH-47F Block II features improved capabilities:
- A strengthened drivetrain and airframe that adds 4,000 pounds to the aircraft’s maximum gross weight, and thus, significantly greater lift capability.
- Innovative fuel-system changes that extend the mission radius for nearly all payloads.
- Improved sustainment and the ability to accommodate affordable future upgrades.
A CH-47F Block 2 is being implemented as of 2020. The Block 2 aims for a payload of 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) with 4,000 ft (1,200 m) and 95 °F (35 °C) high and hot hover performance, eventually increased up to 6,000 ft (1,800 m), to carry the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle; maximum takeoff weight would be raised to 54,000 lb (24,500 kg). It has 20% more powerful Honeywell T55-715 engines along with an active parallel actuator system (APAS) to enhance the digital advanced flight-control system, providing an exact torque split between the rotors for greater efficiency. A new fuel system combines the three fuel cells in each sponson into one larger fuel cell and eliminates intracell fuel transfer hardware, reducing weight by 90 kg (200 lb) and increasing fuel capacity. Electrical capacity is increased by three 60 kVA generators.
