Chinook Product Improvement Program

The Chinook Product Improvement Program (PE 0607137A) is an Army initiative focused on modernizing and enhancing the CH-47F Chinook helicopter fleet to maintain and expand heavy lift capabilities in support of Transformation in Contact (TiC) and Continuous Transformation objectives. The primary goal is to develop and qualify the CH-47F Block II configuration, which is the only platform capable of lifting key assets such as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), M777 howitzer, and medium girder bridge at operationally relevant distances. The program is managed by the CH-47 Modernization Product Management Office and includes upgrades to existing CH-47F aircraft and procurement of common hardware shared with the MH-47G variant.

A central objective of the CH-47F Block II program is to increase the helicopter's maximum gross weight, thereby restoring and expanding payload capacity lost to mission equipment growth. This upgrade aims to reduce operating and support costs, improve operational reach, and enhance overall field capability. Key technical improvements include a strengthened airframe, upgraded rotor, fuel, and electrical systems, as well as advanced avionics such as the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS). The program also incorporates software updates and provisions for future upgrades to ensure adaptability to evolving mission requirements.

The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, initiated in 2017, has produced production-representative test articles to support a production decision. This phase involves contractor and government-led ground and flight qualification testing, including assessments of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3), operational assessments, and Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFTE) of aircraft subsystems. Completion of system-level testing is required for operational assessment and material release, which are prerequisites for fielding the upgraded aircraft.

Testing and Evaluation efforts are focused on validating design improvements across critical subsystems such as the airframe, fuel system, avionics, drive train, and rotor. FY 2025 activities include Safety of Flight (SOF) testing for Aviation Survivability Equipment (ASE) and Aviation Mission Systems and Architecture (AMSA), as well as E3 testing and handling qualities assessments. By FY 2026, the program aims to finalize all system-level qualification testing, resolve technical challenges, and complete validation and verification of the production aircraft configuration, including the integration of Modification Work Orders (MWOs) for enhanced navigation, survivability, and avionics.

The System Support component provides design, engineering, fabrication, and integrated logistics support to address technical challenges identified during the EMD phase. This includes updating publications, supporting test modifications, implementing corrective hardware and software actions, and delivering documentation required for airworthiness approval and material release. These activities are essential to ensure the production aircraft meets operational availability targets and reduces maintenance costs.

In FY 2024, the program received several Congressional Adds to accelerate specific improvements, including enhancements for Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM), CH-47 qualification activities, and engine enhancements. These targeted investments support the goal of increasing the platform's performance, reliability, and operational lifespan, while addressing emerging technical and operational requirements.