Block II Provides Improved All-Around Capabilities

Boeing is performing upgrades to the US Army’s 465 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to the Block II configuration and has delivered the first of the upgraded aircraft, the company announced earlier this month.

The upgrades include an improved drivetrain, enhanced fuel system, and a reinforced airframe. Together these give the Block II helicopter an additional 4,000 pounds of max gross weight, and extends the mission radius for almost all payloads. There is also room for future technology upgrades.

The Block II improves the aircraft’s maintainability, as the simplification of the fuel system and reliability of its new rotor system minimizes unscheduled maintenance and reduces the overall burden and cost of maintenance.

Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s Cargo Programs division said, “The CH-47F Block II provides capability improvements allowing the US Army to lift more, fly farther and maintain their aircraft better than ever before. This modernization program enables the battle-tested Chinook to play a key role in multi-domain operations going forward.”

Viva Kelly, U.S. Army Cargo Helicopters acting project manager said, “As the Army’s Heavy Lift platform of tomorrow, the CH-47F Block II provides increased capability while continuing support of the Army's requirement to remain strategically responsive across the full spectrum of operations.”

The Chinook is a tandem twin-rotor helicopter capable of performing a wide variety of heavy-lift operations including transport of troops and light weapons, equipment, parachute drops, medevac, search and rescue, and disaster relief assistance. The US Army has utilized them since 1962 and currently they are used by the Army, Army Reserve, National Guard. Globally, 950 Chinook helicopters are in use by the US and 20 other countries including Australia, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

 FMI:  boeing.mediaroom.com