Boeing delivers advanced Chinook to U.S. Army

The U.S. Army has received its first CH-47F Chinook helicopter from Boeing with a new cargo-on-off-loading system.

The Army had ordered more than 100 Multiyear II configured Chinooks last year under a $4 billion deal with Boeing.

"This delivery demonstrates Boeing's ongoing commitment to our customers," said Steve Parker, vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager. "Experienced teams worked together to deliver the advanced, multi-mission capability of this aircraft to meet the Army's needs today and well into the future."

The new cargo-on-off-loading system allows for rapid re-configuration of the helicopter floor for cargo missions. The variant also includes what Boeing calls the Cargo Platform Heath Environment system, which provides real-time monitoring of the helicopter to reduce maintenance actions and thus overall life-cycle cost of the aircraft.

Under the 2013 contract, the Army is to receive 155 of the helicopters through 2019. It also has the option to procure an additional 60 aircraft under the contract.

Australia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have also contracted for the new variant, the company said.