U.S. Army Orders Six Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks

The U.S. Army awarded Boeing a $324 million contract on April 15, 2026, for the procurement of six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters. This Lot 6 agreement increases the total number of CH-47F Block II aircraft currently under contract to 24.

The contract is part of an acquisition strategy designed to accelerate the delivery of critical equipment to warfighters. According to Boeing, the Block II variant is intended to provide commanders with faster resupply, greater operational reach, and improved protection for forces operating in contested and austere environments.

Consistent production awards reflect the Army’s confidence in the CH-47F Block II as a critical capability for handling logistics in challenging environments across different domains and in varying operations

Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space & Security

Contract History and Procurement Timeline

The Lot 6 award follows a series of rapid procurement actions by the U.S. Army to modernize its heavy-lift capabilities. On October 21, 2025, the Army authorized Lot 4 and Lot 5 contracts valued at $461 million for nine CH-47F Block II Chinooks, which brought the total number of aircraft under contract to 18 at that time.

Earlier, in December 2024, the U.S. Army ordered three CH-47F Block II helicopters under a Lot 3 contract valued at $135 million.

The rapid succession of contracts indicates that the Chinook will continue to play an important role in the U.S. Army’s family-of-systems, particularly in a contested logistics environment

Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Cargo Programs, for Boeing Defense, Space and Security

Technical Specifications and Enhancements

The CH-47F Block II features several structural and mechanical upgrades over its predecessor. A strengthened airframe and drivetrain increase the maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds, or approximately 1,814kg, bringing the total maximum gross weight to 24,494kg. This modification significantly increases the aircraft’s lift capability.

Boeing has also implemented innovative changes to the fuel system, which extend the mission radius for nearly all payloads. The aircraft is designed for improved sustainment and the capacity to integrate affordable future upgrades, supporting the Army’s goal of operating the platform for at least another 40 years.

Additional verified specifications for the CH-47F Block II include:

• Height: 5.68 meters with tandem rotors
• Maximum speed: 302km/h
• Service ceiling: 6,096 meters
• Useful load capacity: 12,565kg

Delivery and Fielding Status

Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the U.S. Army. These aircraft are currently undergoing evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities.

The U.S. Army is preparing to field the first unit equipped with the Block II aircraft no later than mid-calendar year 2028, following the delivery of the Lot 3 Block II aircraft.