As part of a US Department of Defense Foreign Military Sale (FMS), Boeing has received a contract to produce 18 CH-47F Block I Chinooks for South Korea and one additional aircraft for Spain. As Boeing continues to transition to building the advanced Block II configuration, the deal valued at up to $793 million represents the last aircraft to be ordered under the current CH-47F Block I FMS contract with the US government.
“The CH-47F Block I Chinook continues to be the world’s leading heavy lift helicopter, and for good reason,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and H-47 program manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “While this concludes the Block I orders as we continue our modernization efforts, we will continue to support our customers’ aircraft as they play a vital role for years to come.”
Although production and deliveries of the CH-47F Block I will conclude with this order in 2027, Chinook modernization efforts will continue with the H-47 Block II program already underway. The Block II provides increased lift and range thanks to an improved powertrain, strengthened fuselage and redesigned fuel tanks. Currently, six Block II aircraft are under contract with the US Army, 36 with the US Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and 14 with the UK. SOCOM has been receiving Block II aircraft for several years, and the US Army will receive its first CH-47F Block II in early 2024.
“The Block II program is the natural successor to an already exceptional aircraft,” added McBryan. “It will provide the US Army and its international allies with even more capabilities on a complex and evolving battlefield.”
Block I and Block II aircraft will coexist in the heavy transport space. With this latest acquisition of Chinook Block I aircraft, Spain will increase its fleet to 18 aircraft. South Korea will join 15 other operators benefiting from the digital cockpit and advanced cargo handling capability.
“South Korea joins a growing list of operators around the world who are recognizing the value brought by the modernized CH-47F Chinook,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president of Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “While Spain is already reaping the benefits of the aircraft in Europe, we are honored to support the modernization of South Korea’s heavy-lift helicopter with a versatile product capable of meeting the demanding requirements of missions in the Asia Pacific.”
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