Chinook Product Improvement Program
This project is critical to achieving heavy lift capability in support of Transformation in Contact (TiC) and Continuous Transformation objectives. The CH-47F Block II helicopter, with an increased payload and operational reach, is the only platform that can lift the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), M777 and medium girder bridge to enable the TiC Forces to Compete, Penetrate, Disintegrate, and Exploit at operationally relevant distances. The CH-47 Block II Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Fielding (MTA RF) effort inserts critical and affordable technologies into the Chinook fleet to maintain platform operational capabilities, while continuing to meet the Warfighter requirements. The CH-47F Block II provides additional capability to the field with increased payload, extended reach, improved sustainability, and an increased maximum gross weight to 54,000 pounds. Key improvements to the aircraft's safety and reliability include refinement to the rotor system, drivetrain, fuel, and electrical systems and a strengthened airframe providing commonality with the MH-47G. The Chinook Block II program updates the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) software packages of the aircraft and incorporates other avionics changes introduced into the final CH-47F production aircraft. The program includes provisions for anticipated future upgrades, weight savings and cost savings that provide significantly increased capability to the field. These initiatives ensure the Army has a platform with the flexibility and performance needed to meet the needs of TiC operations. The total cost of the CH-47F Block II MTA RF effort is $1,228.5 billion (APA $1,184.1 billion, RDTE $44.4 million), including RDT&E from FY2025 through FY2030, per the Acquisition Decision Memorandum dated 12 Sep 2025. The CH-47F Block II MTA RF is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. This PE utilized FY2025 $4.640 million and FY2026 $10.859 million for the CH-47F Block II MTA RF requirement. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase produced three production representative test articles to support a Production Decision.
FY2027 planned work Complete Operational Demonstration and utilize engineering support and support mitigations to resolve issues discovered during demonstration. Incorporate mitigations into production aircraft as necessary to obtain Materiel Release (MR). Complete the next iteration of Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) software handling qualities testing, standalone electronic warfare assessment, and preparations for fielding.
FY2026 to FY2027 change The FY2027 decrease reflects completion of system level qualification, MWO testing and installations in FY2026 leading to the Operational Demonstration in 2QFY2027.
FY2026 plans — current year Finalize all system level qualification testing for the production aircraft. Use engineering support and mitigations for technical challenges discovered during qualification testing and Modification Work Order (MWO) installations. Incorporate mitigation and improvements onto the production aircraft. Finish system level validation and verification of production aircraft configuration. Complete testing of MWOs: Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), Multi-Anti Jamming GPS Antenna (MAGNA), Eagle M Embedded Global Initial (EGI) navigation system, E3 testing, CAAS and DAFCS software testing, and improved system handling qualities and fielding.
FY2025 accomplishments Enter into Safety of Flight (SOF) testing for Aviation Survivability Equipment (ASE) and Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (AMSA) equipment. Conduct Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) testing on the production representative aircraft followed by handling qualities testing. Provide continued engineering support for any issues or challenges encountered during system level testing.
FY2026 to FY2027 change The decrease in costs from FY2026 to FY2027 is due to the completion of additional requirements for Contract Data Requirement List (CDRL).
FY2026 plans — current year Completion of additional requirements for Contract Data Requirement List (CDRL) document resubmittals and revisions necessary for airworthiness approval of the production aircraft.
FY2025 accomplishments Continued development of the mission planning software to support SIL testing. Qualification of the GFE items for performance improvements to the CH-47 Block II for Lot 3. Provide development and engineering support of Cargo Engineering Analysis Cockpit (CH-EAC) for evaluation of software and avionics impacts affecting pilot workload.