Boeing has received a contract to build and deliver additional next-generation MH-47G Block II Chinooks to the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC).
The $194.22m order is a modification of an existing current contract for the procurement of the Chinook helicopters.
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Under the contract, Boeing will supply six renew-build and one new-build MH-47G rotary wing aircraft.
The Block II configuration aircraft is expected to increase the army’s ability to safely conduct missions.
Boeing will commence deliveries of the second lot of MH-47G Block II aircraft starting in 2021.
The Block II Chinooks are incorporated with technological advancements to extend the service life of the fleet and improve performance.
Boeing vice-president and MH-47 programme manager Chuck Dabundo said: “The MH-47G is the world’s best, most reliable heavy-lift helicopter and will help special operations execute their difficult missions.
“Nearly a quarter of the special ops fleet is now on contract for Block II, and we look forward to delivering this capability to them on schedule.”
The army operates 69 MH-47G Block 1 Chinook helicopters.
With the latest contract, the total number of MH-47G Block II Chinooks ordered for the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command comes to 15.
The company expects to start final assembly of the first MH-47G Block II aircraft later this year.
The MH-47G has the ability to support heavy-lift missions such as the transportation of troops, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, fuel and supplies. The aircraft can also be used for civil and humanitarian relief missions.
In a statement, the US Department of Defense said: “This action is required to sustain US Special Operations Forces (SOF) heavy assault, rotary wing aircraft and to mitigate the impact of the MH-47G aircraft availability in light of increased SOF operational demands.”
Boeing’s MH-47G will meet the US Army Special Operations Command’s urgent need for heavy assault helicopters.
In November, the company was awarded a contract to deliver four MH-47G helicopters for the SOF.
