Boeing has announced a significant contract valued at $877.7 million to supply an undisclosed number of MH-47G helicopters to the U.S. Special Operations Command. This order marks another milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to support U.S. military operations.
The primary manufacturing activities for this contract will take place at Boeing’s facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. The completion of this project is expected by November 2030, ensuring that the U.S. Special Operations forces receive advanced aerial support as part of their strategic operations.
This new contract follows a previous award of $240 million in March, which was designated for the acquisition of five additional MH-47G aircraft. Deliveries for these helicopters are anticipated to begin in 2027. With this latest contract, the total number of helicopters acquired under the broader program has reached 51, reflecting the increasing reliance on advanced rotorcraft for critical missions.
The MH-47G is specifically designed for heavy-lift capabilities and is suitable for long-range missions such as troop insertion, extraction, and resupply in challenging and hostile environments. Leveraging the robust CH-47 Chinook airframe, the MH-47G incorporates advanced technologies that include state-of-the-art avionics, in-flight refueling capabilities, improved navigation systems, and modular payload options to accommodate specialized equipment as needed.
In terms of specifications, the MH-47G is operated by a crew of five and can carry up to 30 personnel or approximately 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) of internal and external cargo. The helicopter has a length of 90 feet (27 meters) and a rotor diameter of 60 feet (18 meters), making it a formidable presence in the sky.
To enhance its combat effectiveness, the MH-47G can be armed with 7.62-millimeter machine guns, laser warning systems, electronic countermeasures, and spectral flares, providing a comprehensive suite of defensive and offensive operations capabilities.
Powered by twin Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, the helicopter achieves a top speed of 170 knots (196 miles/315 kilometers per hour), with a range of 500 nautical miles (575 miles/926 kilometers) and can operate efficiently at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters).
This contract underscores Boeing’s pivotal role in ensuring that U.S. Special Operations Command has access to cutting-edge aircraft that meet the demanding requirements of modern warfare.
