The U.S. Army Special Operations Air Command (USASOAC) awarded Boeing a contract for the production of six remanufactured MH-47G Block II helicopters as part of the Army’s modernization initiatives.
“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years. USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, cargo programs. “With the modernized MH-47G, USASOAC soldiers are well-suited to meet today’s challenging environment.”
As special operations requirements have become increasingly complex, the heavy-lift helicopter has adapted to meet those changing needs. The MH-47G Block II program not only supports the warfighters needs today but enables the Chinook to be battle-relevant well into the future.
“With the new and improved MH-47G Block II aircraft, USASOAC is not only receiving the most capable Chinook helicopter, they are also provided the flexibility to add additional upgrades as their needs evolve over time,” McBryan added.
With this contract valued at $271 million, Boeing now has 42 MH-47Gs under contract with the USASOAC.
See also: Boeing builds last 19 CH-47 Chinook Block I, prepares to start production of Block IIs
Chinook Block II
The Block II is a modernization that builds on a foundation of design excellence (the first flight of the Chinook was in 1961), well proven in more than 950 Chinooks built for 20 countries.
The new Block II capabilities can be applied to modernize previous models, increasing their capabilities and extending their service life.
The improvements focus on 4 key areas:
- An improved, strengthened airframe with increased use of parts common to the entire Chinook fleet
- New advanced rotor blades, constructed of composite materials and with redesigned tips, which alone allow a 680 kg increase in the load the Chinook can lift
- Simplified fuel tanks, going from 6 individual tanks to only 2, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft and increasing the fuel it can carry
- Powertrain that allows more efficient delivery of power from the turbines to the rotor, increasing torque output by 9%
The benefits of the original design, coupled with modern technologies, will allow Chinooks to fly beyond 2060.
