The US Army and Boeing have signed a US$4 billion contract for 177 CH-47F Chinook helicopters, plus options that could increase the total buy to 215 aircraft, under a new multi-year buy arrangement. Deliveries will begin in 2015.
The tandem-rotor Chinook is the backbone of combat, logistics and humanitarian operations for the US Army and 18 other operators around the world. The order would eventually bring the Army’s CH-47F total procurement close to its target of 464 aircraft. The Army’s current inventory stands at 241 F-model aircraft.
There are 15 Army active duty and National Guard units operating the CH-47F, and a 16th is currently being equipped. CH-47F units have logged more than 86,000 combat hours in Afghanistan, maintaining an operational readiness rate of over 80 percent while conducting air assault, transport, and medical evacuation and support missions.
“The Army is benefiting not only from the efficiencies of a multi-year contract but also from the production efficiency gains Boeing and our suppliers have made,” said Chuck Dabundo, vice president, Boeing Cargo Helicopter Programs.
