Britain ordered 14 of the helicopters to replace its oldest and most heavily used CH-47 Chinooks. The British aircraft have extra fuel tanks, enhanced self-defense systems and a probe for in-flight refueling.
The Block II has more engine power and can carry heavier loads. Boeing also made it easier to service on the ground, a change intended to cut operating costs and reduce downtime.
You’ve seen it in production, now see it fly.
The UK’s first H-47 Extended Range Chinook has taken to the Philadelphia skies for the first time with Active Parallel Actuator System (APAS), which works similar to lane assist for cars.
This is the first flight of APAS on an international operator.
— Boeing UK (@BoeingUK) November 13, 2026
Britain plans to keep the Chinook at the core of its military helicopter fleet. It ordered 23 Leonardo AW149 multirole helicopters this year to complement the Chinooks.
