The U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) has placed an order for six remanufactured MH-47G Block II Chinooks, Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced.
The Block II orders are part of a modernization plan aimed at updating the Army’s aging Chinook heavy-lift cargo helicopter fleet, which first entered service in the early 1960s.
The $271 million deal increases the number of the Block II special operations variant of Chinooks under contract to 42, according to the aircraft manufacturer.
- READ MORE: Army Special Ops Ups Block II Chinook Order
“The Chinook has been a key player in the special operations domain for many years,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of cargo programs at Boeing. “USASOAC and international allies have used the unique capabilities of the Chinook to complete the most daring missions around the globe. 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.”
The USASOAC contract award comes as the Army continues a heavy-lift study expected to determine whether or not it will move ahead with full-rate production of the more advanced CH-47 Block II.
In July, Boeing announced the end of Block I production when it received orders for 18 CH-47F Block I Chinooks for South Korea and one aircraft for Spain. The deliveries are expected in 2027.
Time for a special upgrade.
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 11, 2023
Thank you, @USASOAC, for a contract to produce six remanufactured MH-47G Block II aircraft. The new and improved Block II gives special operations the most capable #Chinook in the world.
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