The U.S. Air Force (USAF) awarded Boeing a contract worth $178 million to manufacture seven additional MH-139A «Grey Wolf» helicopters, along with maintenance and training services.
This order brings the total number of aircraft under contract to 26. The USAF plans to procure up to 84 MH-139A Grey Wolf from Boeing to replace its aging fleet of Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey helicopters.
“Building the Grey Wolf fleet and paving the way towards full rate production is a critical step in supporting the Air Force’s modernization priorities,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director. “Delivering on these commitments and getting more capability into the hands of our customers is important to their mission protecting vital national assets.”.
The award comes shortly after the first production helicopter made its initial flight in December 2023. With that aircraft currently undergoing additional testing and other aircraft in various stages of production, Boeing is on track to deliver the first LRIP aircraft to the Air Force this summer.
The new nuclear watchdog
The MH-139 is a multi-mission helicopter designed for patrol, search and rescue, and troop and cargo transport. Based on Leonardo Helicopters’ proven AW139 and fitted with Boeing-customized military equipment, the MH-139 incorporates advanced, state-of-the-art technology that enables operators to complete missions quickly, quietly, efficiently and safely.
The primary mission of the USAF’s new fleet of Grey Wolf helicopters will be to patrol and secure intercontinental nuclear missile bases. As these are in remote locations, and because of the particular type of mission, the MH-139A’s range and speed were determining factors in winning the competition. Other missions assigned so far to the UH-1Ns are:
- Search and Rescue at remote bases
- VIP
- Transport of key government VIPs to safety during crises
- Escort and protection of convoys (especially when nuclear warheads are being transported).
