Boeing passed an important milestone in the ACRB (Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade) Program, which was launched to increase the carrying capabilities of CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which have become the legend of battlefield.

In the statement made by the company, it was announced that the first flight of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter equipped with ACRB was carried out on January 16. The new rotor blades provided 771 kilograms of additional lifting force to the platform. Flight was performed with Block 2 model helicopter. In previous reports, Boeing stated that ACRBs are aimed to provide 680 kilograms of additional lifting power to CH-47s at an altitude of 4,000 feet and 35 degrees Celsius.

The ACRB process, which started in parallel with Block 2 Program, aims to restore the lost payload capacity of the Chinook over the years by integrating different mission components. The new generation composite blades are more efficient than its predecessors thanks to its asymmetrical blade aerofoils and advanced geometries.