Boeing has landed a significant $877.7-million Pentagon contract to supply an undisclosed number of MH-47G special operations helicopters to US Special Operations Command. As part of the agreement, the company will conduct major production and integration work at its Ridley Park facility in Pennsylvania. The program is scheduled to run until November 2030, reinforcing Boeing’s role as a key supplier of advanced military rotorcraft.
The latest award expands on a $240-million contract issued in March, which covered five MH-47G airframes slated for delivery beginning in 2027. With the new order included, USSOCOM’s broader acquisition plan now encompasses 51 aircraft, underscoring the growing demand for upgraded platforms capable of performing mission-critical operations in complex environments.
Designed for long-range, heavy-lift special operations, the MH-47G is an enhanced variant of the CH-47 Chinook, tailored for covert and high-intensity missions. It features state-of-the-art avionics, aerial refueling capability, improved navigation, and modular payload options. The helicopter operates with a five-member crew and is capable of carrying up to 30 personnel or nearly 10,000 pounds of equipment internally or externally.
The aircraft spans 90 feet in length with a 60-foot rotor diameter and is driven by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines. These engines enable a top speed of 170 knots, a flight range of 500 nautical miles, and operational performance up to 20,000 feet in altitude. For combat scenarios, the MH-47G can be equipped with 7.62mm machine guns, laser threat detectors, electronic countermeasures, and spectral flare systems, ensuring robust defense against airborne and ground threats.
