The United States (US) Army has ordered two extra Boeing MH-47G Block II Chinooks from Boeing for special-ops deployment in a $115 million deal.
The order was negotiated by the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC), which “organizes, mans, trains, resources and equips” elite units in support of national security objectives.
On August 1, 2024, Boeing confirmed that the contract also included the start of advanced procurement on future helicopters.
Including the newly announced order, the US Army has contracted for a total of 46 MH-47G Block II Chinook aircraft.
Commenting on the agreement, Cargo Programs Vice President and Program Manager for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Heather McBryan said: “Whether it’s operating in the dead of night or in difficult terrain, the MH-47G Block II is a proven workhorse for special operations. It is our privilege to support ongoing USASOAC modernization efforts that will continue to have a real-world impact on U.S. national security.”
According to Boeing, USASOAC’s Chinook modernization program supports more than 20,000 jobs and 360 suppliers in 40 states across the US.
The MH-47G Block II is the most advanced and capable heavy-lift aircraft and is built with a reinforced airframe, redesigned fuel tanks and state-of-the-art avionics.
Boeing announced in July 2024 that the first CH-47F Block II Chinook had been delivered to the US Army.
The aircraft is one of up to 465 in the Army’s fleet that will be modernized to the new Block II configuration.
On arrival of the first Block II Chinook, Viva Kelly, the US Army’s 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.”