Next for Chinook: Smarter controls, plug-and-play tech

Boeing is advancing the CH-47F Block II Chinook with investments in autonomy, a digital backbone and modular open systems architecture to make the helicopter more compatible, durable and easier to operate.

Why it matters: Customers around the globe want a heavy-lift solution that reduces pilot workload, improves situational awareness, and is ready to accept new technology and plug-and-play components without replacing whole systems — helping crews perform safely and adapt to evolving mission needs.

The path forward:

• Improved Digital Automated Flight Control Software to reduce pilot workload and enhance handling.
• Active Parallel Actuator System ― a hardware and software system that works like lane assist for a vehicle, boosting situational awareness and safer maneuvering at the aircraft’s limits.
• Digital backbone ― a shared network of data and tools that connects design, production and operations, so smarter electrical controls can reliably collect and route data to main processors for easier upgrades.
• Open systems architecture clears the way for rapid integration of plug-and-play components and technologies like Launched Effects ― autonomous drones the aircraft can deploy, command and control to identify threats and share data, rerouting as needed ― improving mission effectiveness for the Chinook and partner aircraft.

The big picture: Together these changes, and the integration of an additional suite of sensors, set the stage for layered autonomy that could allow forces the flexibility to tailor crew size to the mission.