Kaman Composites Wichita has been awarded a contract by Boeing to manufacture the refueling boom assembly for the MH-47 program, the inflight refuelable version of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The boom assemblies will support MH-47 new-build production, as well as MH-47 Block II ReNew modifications.

"Kaman has a long-standing partnership with Boeing and we are pleased to continue that relationship with this new MH-47 Refueling Boom program," says Shawn Hawks, general manager, Kaman Composites Wichita. "Bringing the boom assembly work to Wichita is exciting for the community and our experienced workforce."

"The MH-47 program is one that we are very familiar with and we look forward to supporting Boeing once again on this well-established program," says Mark Withrow, vice president and general manager, U.S. composites. "The units will support both, production and spares requirements. The Wichita team is well prepared to deliver for this important customer."

As part of the integration of this program, Kaman Composites Wichita will expand its facility to accommodate the increased production scale that the assemblies will require. These improvements are currently underway in preparation for the start of the program in the second half of 2021.