Japan Orders 17 CH-47 Block II Chinooks
Deal with Boeing makes the country the fourth to purchase the advanced configuration of the heavy-lift aircraft.
CH-47 Chinook Block II heavy-lift aircraft. [Courtesy: Boeing]
The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has placed an order for 17 CH-47 Block II Chinooks Extended Range, Boeing announced Thursday.
The Block II order, which will be produced by Boeing and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), comes as Japan is replacing some of its CH-47 JA aircraft as it modernizes its fleet.
The extended range variant features a variety of next-generation improvements, including an advanced digital cockpit, reinforced airframe, and enhanced fuel tanks, Boeing said. The order makes Japan the fourth country to purchase the advanced configuration of the heavy-lift aircraft, joining the U.S., U.K., and Germany.
“This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the [JSDF] operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs.
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