Boeing has received an $877.7-million contract to manufacture an unspecified number of MH-47G special operations helicopters for the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The newly awarded deal reinforces the Pentagon’s long-term investment in heavy-lift rotorcraft used for covert and high-risk missions worldwide. Work will be carried out at Boeing’s facility in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, with deliveries expected to conclude by November 2030.
This award comes shortly after the company secured a $240-million contract in March to build five additional MH-47G units. That batch is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027, increasing the total aircraft planned under the overarching program to 51 helicopters. The continued procurement highlights USSOCOM’s efforts to modernize and strengthen its airborne special mission capabilities.
The MH-47G, built on the proven CH-47 Chinook airframe, is purpose-designed for long-range infiltration, extraction, and resupply missions in hostile and denied environments. The helicopter incorporates advanced avionics, precision navigation, aerial refueling capability, and modular configurations to support specialized equipment. It typically carries a crew of five operators and can transport up to 30 troops or nearly 10,000 pounds of internal or external cargo.
Measuring 90 feet in length with a 60-foot rotor diameter, the MH-47G is powered by dual Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines. The aircraft delivers a maximum speed of 170 knots, a range of 500 nautical miles, and can operate at altitudes up to 20,000 feet. For combat operations, it is equipped with 7.62mm machine guns, laser warning systems, electronic countermeasures, and spectral flares, enabling survivability during high-threat missions.
