Boeing Announces CH-47F Block II Helicopter First Delivery Imminent

Boeing Announces CH-47F Block II Helicopter First Delivery Imminent

• Boeing revealed that the first CH-47F Block II Chinook delivery is almost here.
• Touts Block II as the most advanced heavy-lift aircraft featuring major performance upgrades.
• US Army shows confidence in Block II Chinook with plans for full production in the future.

Boeing will soon deliver the first CH-47F Chinook Block II helicopter to the US Army – the heavy-lifter chopper features a wide range of design and equipment upgrades to enhance its performance.

First CH-47F Block II delivery soon

Boeing Defense said on its Twitter/X account that the delivery day of the first Block II Chinook is “almost here,” with the helicopter recently completing its final assembly and paint job. Video footage uploaded by the aerospace manufacturer shows the shiny new chopper being transported to Boeing’s delivery center in Philadelphia, where it will soon be handed over to its new owner, the US Army.

The CH-47F Block II first entered production phase in April 2022 – under the initial agreement, Boeing had hoped to deliver the first upgraded chopper in 2023. As part of the production process, older US Army Block I Chinooks are stripped down for usable parts, which are then integrated into the Block II airframe, saving time and money.

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Boeing heralds the Block II Chinook as “the most advanced and capable heavy-lift aircraft in its class.” Boasting an improved drivetrain, redesigned fuel tanks and a more robust fuselage, the Block II can deliver enhanced lift and mission radius. It has a Max Gross Weight of 54,000 lbs – an increase of 4,000 lbs on the Block I – and can carry payloads up to 22,000lbs, while its upgraded Honeywell T55-714C engines are 20% more powerful than its predecessor.

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And why the program will likely be around to see at least an entire century.

US Army orderbook

The US Army expressed its interest in the Block II over five years ago, initially committing to four helicopters before exercising two additional options, then paying an advance on a future Lot 3 procurement. It has since signaled its confidence in the CH-47F Block II after scrapping a next-generation scouting helicopter – the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program – in favor of the enhanced Chinook. It also wants the helicopter to enter full production at some point in the future.

While the former Block I variant remains popular with international customers, only Germany has ordered the Block II having committed to 60 helicopters last year. The company accepted its final Block I contract last summer after South Korea ordered 18 airframes in a deal worth alsmot $800 million. There are approximately 20 national armed forces that operate the Chinook, with approximately 950 helicopters in service today.

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