Boeing delivers first of 465 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters to US Army.

On July 2, 2024, Boeing delivered the first CH-47F Block II Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter to the US Army, marking the start of an upgrade program for up to 465 Chinooks in the Army’s fleet to the Block II configuration. The CH-47F Block II Chinook includes enhancements such as an improved drivetrain, a reinforced airframe, and an upgraded fuel system to increase the aircraft's maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds and extend the mission radius for nearly all payloads. The new configuration also supports future technology upgrades, positioning the aircraft for long-term modernization and sustainment.
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The CH-47F Block II Chinook includes enhancements such as an improved drivetrain, a reinforced airframe, and an upgraded fuel system to increase the aircraft's maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds and extend the mission radius for nearly all payloads. (Picture source: Boeing)

Additionally, the Block II program aims to improve aircraft sustainment. The improved rotor system reliability reduces unscheduled maintenance, and the simplified fuel system increases sustainment efficiency by lowering maintenance burden and cost. The US Army considers the CH-47F Block II as its future Heavy Lift platform, providing increased capability and supporting the Army's requirement to remain strategically responsive across various operations.

The CH-47F Block II supports the US Army’s need for a heavy lift helicopter capable of executing full-spectrum operations, including air assault, casualty evacuation, aerial recovery, and area resupply. The aircraft’s range, speed, and lift capacity provide operational flexibility, whether employed individually, in multi-ship formations, or as part of a company. The CH-47F is a twin-turbine, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift transport helicopter designed to transport up to 31 combat troops, artillery, and equipment weighing up to 16,000 pounds.

General Support Aviation Battalions within Combat Aviation Brigades utilize the CH-47F to meet operational requirements across various environments. Each brigade is authorized 12 CH-47F helicopters. The Block II is a consolidation of post-production modifications made on Block I aircraft, incorporating advancements such as a reduced weight ballistic protection system, a redesigned flight control system, an improved drive train system, new rotor blades, a redesigned fuel system, and updated avionics. The Army’s objective is to purchase a total of 465 CH-47F aircraft.

The CH-47F Block II supports the US Army’s need for a heavy lift helicopter capable of executing full-spectrum operations, including air assault, casualty evacuation, aerial recovery, and area resupply. (Picture source: Boeing)

The CH-47F model, first flown in 2001 as an upgrade to the CH-47D, has undergone continuous enhancements. The first production model took flight on October 23, 2006, featuring 4,868-shaft-horsepower Honeywell engines and an airframe designed for lower maintenance requirements. The CH-47F can reach speeds over 175 mph with a payload exceeding 21,000 pounds. Its avionics suite includes a Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) cockpit and BAE Systems' Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS). Several international customers, including AgustaWestland, assemble the CH-47F under license.

Since 2020, the Block II upgrade has aimed to improve performance further, targeting a payload capacity of 22,000 pounds with high and hot hover performance at 4,000 feet and 95°F. The upgrade includes more powerful Honeywell T55-715 engines and an active parallel actuator system (APAS) to enhance flight control efficiency. A redesigned fuel system reduces weight and increases capacity, and electrical capacity is boosted with three 60 kVA generators.

The US Army plans for a Block 3 upgrade after 2025, which could include a new 6,000 hp class engine and a lengthened fuselage under the future affordable turbine engine (FATE) program. The Future Vertical Lift program aims to replace the Army's rotorcraft fleet starting in the mid-2030s, with the CH-47 expected to remain in service beyond 2060.

The CH-47F Block II Chinook has a rotor diameter of 18.29 meters, an overall length of 30.14 meters with rotors operating, and a height of 5.68 meters. It is powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, each providing 4,777 shp. The helicopter can achieve a maximum speed of 302 km/h, a cruise speed of 291 km/h, and has a mission radius of 306 km. The service ceiling is 20,000 feet, and it has a maximum gross weight of 24,494 kg with a useful load of 12,565 kg.

Powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, each providing 4,777 shp, the CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopter can achieve a maximum speed of 302 km/h, a cruise speed of 291 km/h, and has a mission radius of 306 km. (Picture source: Boeing)