Paris Air Show 2023: Unveiling the future of heavy-lift operations US Army debuts CH-47F Block II.

Paris, France - June 19, 2023 - At the renowned Paris Air Show 2023, the United States Army displays the CH-47F Block II, the newest generation of CH-47 heavy-lift cargo helicopters. This latest iteration brings significant enhancements to the U.S. Army's sole heavy-lift cargo helicopter, augmenting combat and other critical operations.

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U.S. army presents the CH-47F latest variant of military transport helicopter from the CH-47 Chinook family.  (Picture source Air Recognition )

The upgraded CH-47F Block II encompasses a suite of advanced features, including an all-digital cockpit equipped with the Common Avionics Architecture System. The sophisticated monolithic airframe boasts an impressive vibration reduction system, and the Digital Automatic Flight Control System enhances controllability in challenging conditions such as reduced visibility, high winds, and brownout scenarios.

The state-of-the-art digital cockpit of the CH-47F Block II provides unprecedented multiservice digital compatibility and interoperability, improving situational awareness, mission performance, and survivability. The platform also offers ample opportunities for future growth.

Beyond the existing capabilities of the CH-47F, the Block II model enhances payload capacity and extends operational reach. This upgrade will empower the Army to augment rapid response capabilities essential for high-stakes, early-entry contingency missions and intricate tactical operations.

Soldiers and commanders will benefit immensely from the CH-47F Block II, as it offers tactical transport of troops and related equipment, routine aerial sustainment of maneuver forces, and the capability to conduct secondary missions. These secondary tasks include medical evacuation, search and rescue, parachute drops, disaster relief, and aircraft recovery.

The CH-47F Block II also boasts a maximum gross weight increase of 24,500 kg (54,000 pounds, offering the field even greater reach, payload capacity, and adaptability.

The CH-47F Block II, when empty, weighs in at an estimated 12,150 kg, a noticeable increase from the Block I version. The latest model also sets a new standard with a maximum gross weight of 24,500 kg. The total lift capability at hover in a 1,219-meter pressure altitude and 35-degree Celsius environment is 21,750 kg. Despite these enhancements in power and lift, the CH-47F Block II maintains the maximum cruise speed of its predecessor at 160 knots.

The CH-47F Block II carries a capacity of up to 36 troops or, alternatively, it can serve as a medical evacuation helicopter with a litter capacity of 24. The sling-load capacity stands at 11,800 kg for the center hook, 7,700 kg for the forward or aft hook, and 11,339 kilograms for tandem operations. The minimum crew required remains at three: a pilot, a copilot, and a flight engineer.