Overview
- The U.S. Army, which awarded the $324 million Lot 6 contract Wednesday, now has 24 Block II Chinooks under contract.
- Boeing has delivered six production aircraft, and the Army plans to field the first equipped unit no later than mid-2028 after Lot 3 deliveries.
- Block II upgrades add 4,000 pounds of lift through a stronger drivetrain and airframe, extend range with a redesigned fuel system, and ease upkeep to support future add-ons.
- Boeing says it needs a clear service commitment to move past the minimum sustaining rate, even as Germany’s plan for 60 aircraft helps keep the line stable over the next two years.
- Budget pressure continues, with a $210.7 million FY2027 request for five aircraft as Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon warns trimmed funding has driven layoffs at Boeing’s Ridley Park plant.