Chinook Product Improvement Program

Abstract

Program Element (PE) 0607137A Chinook Product Improvement Program is critical to achieving heavy lift for the Army of 2030 Operational capability. With an increased payload and operational reach, the CH-47F Block II is the only platform that can lift the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), M777 and medium girder bridge to enable Army of 2030 Forces to Compete, Penetrate, Disintegrate and Exploit at operationally relevant distances. CH-47F Block II Modernization Product Management Office includes the Block II acquisition program that upgrades existing CH-47F aircraft and procures common hardware between the CH-47F and MH-47G aircraft. The CH-47F Block II program reduces O&S costs. It provides additional capability to the field with greater reach, increased payload capability and increased maximum gross weight to 54,000 pounds. CH-47F Block II upgrades include a strengthened airframe and improvements to the rotor, fuel and electrical systems which improves the aircraft's safety and reliability. The program updates the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS) software packages of the aircraft and incorporates other avionics changes introduced into the final CH-47F production lots. Along with providing significantly increased capability to the field, the program includes provisions for anticipated future upgrades as well as weight and cost savings initiatives to ensure the Army has a platform with the flexibility and performance needed to meet the needs of the Army of 2030 operations. The Cargo Project Management Office awarded the CH-47F Block II Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract in July 2017. The EMD phase produced three production representative test articles to support an acquisition decision. This phase includes contractor and government led ground and flight system level qualification testing, which requires Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3), operation assessments and aircraft subsystem Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFTE). On 27 September 2021, the Army provided direction to remove the Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade (ACRB) from the CH-47F Block II system configuration and replace them with the currently fielded Fiberglass Rotor Blades (FRB) for the duration of the EMD phase.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0607137A_7_2040_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY25 funding reduction impacts engineering activities driven by EMD testing and decreases support from Other Government Agencies (OGA) on the EMD aircraft.
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.