United States, Oct. 21 -- The U.S. Army is advancing its heavy-lift modernization efforts by ordering nine Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinooks via two contract awards. The Lot 4 and 5 awards, valued at $461 million, increase the number of CH-47F Block II aircraft under contract to 18.The awards follow the Army's recent Rapid Fielding production decision. Boeing is working closely with the Army on a path forward for Lot 6.To date, Boeing has delivered six CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the Army, which are currently undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities.The CH-47F Block II features significant upgrades, including an improved drivetrain and airframe that increase the maximum gross weight by 4,000 ...