The US Army has awarded a $195 million contract to Boeing for six additional MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters.
A heavily modified CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the MH-47G Block II is a large transport helicopter featuring improved structure and reduced weight for better performance and efficiency.
The aircraft can carry up to three dozen troops and has a maximum speed of 120 knots (222 kilometers per hour).
It is equipped with advanced digital avionics, a rescue hoist, a multi-mode radar for day and night operation, electronic countermeasures, and an insertion-extraction system for troops and equipment.
The recently awarded contract brings the total number of MH-47G Block II orders for the US Army to 36.
“We’re answering the [Army’s] call to modernize its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters,” Boeing vice president Andy Builta said. “With this upgrade, new advances in technology enable the proven Chinook to meet evolving threats and ever-changing mission requirements.”
As of now, the company has delivered five MH-47G Block II helicopters to the US Army. Delivery of the additional order is expected to begin in 2024.
