In April 2019, the US Army decided to stop procuring the CH-47F Chinook helicopter for conventional force beyond 2020. The decision to discontinue the program came as part of the larger plan to design and procure two new helicopters, including a long-range assault and an attack reconnaissance helicopter. The Army still desires to purchase a small number of CH-47F helicopters for special operations.
Later in December 2019, Congressional appropriators showed increased funds for the newest variant of the Chinook helicopter, contrasting the Army's desire to free up cash for the two future vertical lift air vehicles. Meanwhile, Boeing continues to proceed with its original plans to build the block II variant of the Chinook. While only 69 of those are planned for construction, Boeing remains under contract to build its manufacturing and engineering development versions.
More recently, in October 2024, the US Army Futures Command's person revealed to TWZ that the Army is actively exploring options for the CH-47 replacement - a new-generation heavy-lift helicopter. In the last few years, contrasting plans and statements have put the fate of the CH-47F Chinook in question. Would the type continue to serve the US Army for another decade or two, or is the end near for the tandem-rotor helicopter?
The CH-47 Chinook Crew: 3 (pilot, copilot, flight engineer, or loadmaster) Capacity: 33-55 troops, 24 stretchers and three attendants, 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) payload Length: 98 ft (30 m) Fuselage length: 52 ft (16 m) Width: 12 ft 5 in (3.78 m) (fuselage) Height: 18 ft 11 in (5.77 m) Max takeoff weight: 50,000 lb (22,680 kg) Maximum speed: 170 knots (200 mph, 310 km/h) Range: 400 NM (460 mi, 740 km) Combat range: 200 NM (230 mi, 370 km) Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is among the heaviest-lifting helicopters in the US Army. Developed in the late 1950s, the original variant first flew in September 1961 and was introduced to service a year later in 1962. The helicopter is powered by two Lycoming T55-GA-714a turboshaft engines, each producing 4,733 shaft horsepower (3,529 kW) at takeoff.
Photo: Boeing
Since its introduction, Boeing has improved the design through multiple versions, including upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, redesigned cockpit, upgraded avionics, and advanced flight control systems. The CH-47 helicopter has been produced and in frontline service for over six decades.
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Posts 3 The dangling fate of the CH-47 Chinook
The fate of the Army's long-standing workhorse comes into question when mixed decisions about stopping the procurement of the type for conventional missions and spending the cash flow to develop a next-generation heavy lifter emerge. Talks among Army colonels and authorities have floated the idea of an upcoming contender that will succeed the older-generation Chinook.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Brigadier General Cain Baker, the director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team (FVL CVT) at the Army Futures Command office, states that the Army is eyeing a Capability Set 4 or Cape Set 4. This idea, combined with several earlier efforts, has evolved into two distinct helicopter programs for the future: a Joint Heavy Lift (JHL) program and a Joint Multi-Role program.
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According to General Cain Baker,
"We've done some initial studies on what a Cape Set Four looks like. Those studies are still ongoing, very, very cognizant of the size of it, the type of lift capabilities we want from it, but also the affordability of that."
The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program seems to be a greater priority for General Baker, signifying the urgent need for the type to overcome the challenges of existing technologies. General Baker alludes that an initial low-rate production of the Cape Set 4 may occur in 2028 with operational readiness by 2030. While this may seem quite ambitious, if the groundwork has already been done, it is mostly a matter of announcement and follow-through.
Photo: USAF CH-47 Armaments Up to three pintle-mounted medium machine guns (1 on loading ramp and 2 at shoulder windows) Can be equipped with 7.62 mm (0.300 in) M240/FN MAG machine guns Can have a 7.62 mm M134 Minigun rotary machine gun
Will the CH-47 be replaced with the next-generation heavy-lift helicopter? Or will Boeing's plan for block II come to fruition? It seems like it is a little too early to tell. The Army's plans are unclear as they weigh all options. General James McConville, former Army Vice Chief of Staff, said that while the Army was comfortable with its decision to move forward, things were somewhat unclear.
"I think in two to three years, we will have a better idea about where we are, as far as developing the helicopters we talked about, and that will drive the decision."
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