US defense contractor Boeing announced it recently delivered the first MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopter to US Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
The company is on contract for 23 more of the upgraded Chinooks, having signed a contract with SOCOM in July.
“This delivery marks a major step for the Chinook program,” said Andy Builta, vice president and H-47 program manager. “The new Chinook will give US Special Operations Forces significantly more capability for extremely challenging missions and will enable them to conduct those missions on the future battlefield.”
The MH-47G Block II Chinook features an improved structure and weight reduction initiatives like new lighter weight fuel pods that increase performance, efficiency, and commonality across the fleet.
Boeing is delivering the Chinook helicopters from its Pennsylvania site, which supports H-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey, MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft and a number of services and engineering efforts.
