Boeing delivered the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production helicopter to the U.S. Air Force (USAF). This aircraft, part of an Initial Low Rate Production order signed in 2023 for 13 helicopters, will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.
“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
In 2024, the USAF awarded Boeing the purchase of seven additional MH-139As. With six Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircrafts already delivered, Boeing currently has 26 Grey Woldf helicopters under contract.
With a 50 percent increase in speed and range and a 5,000-pound increase in maximum gross weight over its predecessor (the UH-1N), the MH-139A can perform multiple missions. Combined with lower operating costs, increased reliability and improved maintainability, this helicopter provides enhanced capability and greater flexibility to the U.S. Air Force.
MH-139A Gray Wolf, the new nuclear watchdog
The MH-139A team consists of Boeing as prime contractor and Leonardo as original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the baseline helicopter at its Northeast Philadelphia plant, while Boeing is responsible for procurement and installation of military equipment and post-delivery support of the aircraft.
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
- Convoy escort and protection (especially when nuclear warheads are being transported).
