USSOCOM Awards Boeing $877.7M Delivery Order for MH-47G Helicopters

Boeing secured a firm-fixed-price delivery order valued at $877.7 million from the U.S. Special Operations Command for the procurement of MH-47G rotary wing aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, with completion expected by November 2030, the Department of Defense said Thursday.

USSOCOM, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, serves as the contracting activity.

How Does Boeing Support Special Operations Aviation Needs?

The new order adds to ongoing U.S. military investments in the MH-47G fleet. 

In March, the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command awarded Boeing a $240 million contract to remanufacture five MH-47G Block II Chinook aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. 

What Capabilities Does the Chinook’s Heavy-Lift Offer?

The MH-47G is the special operation variant of the CH-47 Chinook multi-role, heavy-lift helicopter. 

It is used for transporting troops, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, fuel and supplies, as well as civil and humanitarian relief operations. The aircraft is built for long-range, low-level flight in day, night and adverse weather conditions. 

The MH-47G is equipped with a machine-framed fuselage with long-range fuel tanks, an extendable refueling probe and advanced cargo-handling features. Its rear ramp enables rapid loading of personnel and vehicles, while special operations equipment such as a fast rope insertion extraction system, a special patrol insertion and extraction system, rescue hoists and personnel location systems can be integrated as required.

The cockpit features a fully digital layout with multi-function displays, an integrated digital common avionics architecture system, and a forward-looking infrared and multi-mode radar to support low-visibility and high-risk missions. 

It is armed with M134 electrically operated mini guns and M240 machine guns, supported by defensive systems such as missile warning sensors, countermeasures and laser detection.