The US Army's CH-47 Chinook has been a vital part of military aviation for more than 50 years and will remain so for decades more with upgrades to meet the warfighter's ever-evolving needs.

The heavy-lift transport helicopter has been indispensable to the US Army since its introduction in 1962.

Known for its tandem-rotor design and versatility in combat and support missions, the Chinook is currently used by the United States and 20 other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

The Chinook first gained prominence during the Vietnam War, providing essential troop and supply transport under difficult conditions.

Over the decades, it has evolved to meet changing battlefield requirements, maintaining its status as the primary heavy-lift transport helicopter for the US Army.

Previous models were upgraded in the 1980s and 1990s to the CH-47D. This model included features such as composite rotor blades, an improved electrical system, modularized hydraulics and more powerful engines.

The upgrades enabled the CH-47D to lift up to 19,500 lbs (8,850 kg) -- almost double its original capacity.

A modern workhorse

Today, the CH-47F continues the Chinook legacy as the ultimate heavy-lift helicopter with upgraded state-of-the-art technology.

The CH-47F has an empty weight of 24,578 lbs (11,150 kg) and a maximum gross weight of 50,000 lbs (22,700 kg). With a maximum cruise speed of 160 knots, it is capable of long-distance flights, making it essential for fast and efficient troop deployment and logistics in various theaters of operation.

The helicopter's versatility extends from combat zones to disaster relief efforts, thanks to its superior lifting capacity and high-speed capabilities.

The US Army plans to keep the CH-47F in service well into the 2060s with the Block II and future Block III upgrades.

The first CH-47F Block II was delivered in June 2024, and is the first of up to 465 Block I Chinooks that will be upgraded to the Block II configuration.

The Block II aircraft include the addition of a redesigned fuel system known as the Lightweight Fuel System, which improves fuel efficiency while reducing weight. The Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade offers increased lift, while the new Digital Automatic Flight Control System provides pilots with better handling and situational awareness in high-stress environments.

The Block II also incorporates an updated drive train system and new ballistic protection to enhance survivability.

Additionally, an improved avionics package, known as the Common Avionics Architecture System, modernizes the helicopter's digital systems, ensuring greater integration with other aircraft and command networks.

These advancements allow the CH-47F Block II to handle heavier loads at higher altitudes, increasing its operational flexibility.