Boeing has received a $139.8 million contract from the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) to build four MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters.

“The Army uses the MH-47G for some of its most difficult and challenging missions,” said Pat Donnelly, director, H-47 Domestic and Foreign Military Sale Programs. “By incorporating key Block II features we significantly extend the service life, enhance performance, and maintain Chinook’s position as the world’s preeminent special operations helicopter.”

The USASOAC fleet includes 69 MH-47G Chinooks, but 61 of these are Block I aircraft remanufactured from earlier Chinook variants to include the modifications necessary for special operations use. These include larger fuel tanks, an in-flight refueling probe, a variety of special operations sensors and electronic warfare gear, and a digital flight control system.

An initial order of eight new-build MH-47Gs was completed in 2015. The Block II MH-47Gs will include the Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade (ACRB), which provides greater lift. Expected to be delivered in 2020, these first four helicopters represent a Block II production run expected to run into the late 2020s.