Throughout last year, aircrew members from the 6th General Support Aviation Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division have flown the new CH-47F Block II Chinook.

The CH-47F Block II, currently in development with United States Army Program Executive Office Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the latest advancement to the Army’s rotary wing heavy lift capability.

In April 2024, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade conducted Special User Evaluation (SUE) #1, the first Soldier-led assessment of the Block II helicopter. The Soldiers provided extensive feedback, and Project Manager (PM) Cargo quickly responded, implementing changes and preparing for SUE #2.

Aircrew members requested the ability to conduct aerial gunnery tables from rear cabin windows, Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) training, and additional sling load iterations to familiarize themselves with the increase lifting capacity of the Block II.

PM Cargo quickly answered the Soldiers’ request to train these new capabilities and in November 2024, the second SUE took place at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Throughout SUE #2, the PM Cargo, Army Capability Manager – Lift, and Army Test Evaluation offices captured critical feedback on the effectiveness and suitability of the CH-47F Block II aircraft during aerial gunnery and FRIES testing.

“The CH-47 Block II provides combatant commanders with a significant increase in operational reliability and capability, enhancing their effectiveness across the battlefield” said Maj. Jake Bitonel, Assistant Program Manager CH-47F Modernization.

“Cargo Helicopter Project Management Office’s (CHPMO) next major acquisition milestone for the CH-47F Block II [will take place] in 2025,” said Bitonel. “Based on the Army’s decision, CHPMO will use the next 2 years to complete all necessary requirements to ensure the platform meets the needs of Army Aviation prior to fielding the aircraft.”