VIVAERO

Japan Orders 17 New Boeing CH-47JA Helicopters

The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has awarded Boeing a contract for 17 CH-47JA Block II helicopters, the company announced 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.

“This contract 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 significantly modernize and enhance Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities, improving the aircraft’s stability, safety and efficiency.”

The Block II Chinook incorporates improvements such as extended range, an advanced digital cockpit, a reinforced fuselage, improved fuel tanks and more.

Boeing has also developed an open avionics architecture that enables the aircraft to be upgraded quickly and cost-effectively.

In addition to Japan, the Block II Chinook is in service in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

The Chinook Block II extended range aircraft is the next generation of multi-mission heavy-lift helicopters. The aircraft features an advanced digital cockpit, reinforced airframe, improved fuel tanks and other enhancements that allow for increased performance and compatibility with the growing global fleet of upgraded Chinooks. Adoption of the aircraft’s modern design and avionics architecture enables future technology upgrades and the ability to further expand operational capabilities.

Japan joins the United States, United Kingdom and Germany as the fourth global customer for this advanced configuration, ensuring that the JSDF will remain at the forefront of heavy-lift aviation for many years to come.

Boeing Information