The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has awarded Boeing a contract for the supply of 17 CH-47 Block II helicopters, the company announced on Wednesday.
The aircraft will be assembled in partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and will replace older Chinooks in service.
Since the partnership between the two companies was established in the 1980s, more than 100 of the tandem rotor helicopters have been delivered to the JSDF.
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“This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the Japan Self-Defense Forces operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Boeing Cargo Programs. “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly improve Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.”
The Block II Chinook incorporates improvements with extended range, advanced digital cockpit, reinforced airframe, enhanced fuel tanks, and other improvements.
Boeing also adopted an open architecture enabling design and avionics that allows the aircraft to be updated quickly and cheaply.
In addition to Japan, Chinook Block II operates in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.
