Boeing continues to transition towards low-rate initial production of the MH-139A Grey Wolf after completing the program’s Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) phase, delivering the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force last month.
“Delivering all of the RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force enables them to continue critical operational testing and allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director. “The Grey Wolf will provide crucial national security capability improvements to the Air Force. This is an important step in getting the aircraft into service.”
Boeing expects to provide the first low-rate production aircraft to the customer in 2024. To date, the Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract to build the first 13, with the first aircraft already in final assembly. Ultimately, Boeing will provide up to 80 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the Air Force.
“With the final test aircraft delivered, we’re headed into an exciting production phase. With the MH-139, the United States Air Force is getting a faster and more capable aircraft to bring them into a new era of service for this mission,” said Robert Beyer, MH-139 Senior Program Manager, Leonardo Helicopters US. “Leonardo is incredibly proud of this aircraft, and we look forward to the continued partnership with Boeing and the USAF as we deliver additional Grey Wolf helicopters.”
MH-139A aircraft will replace the UH-1N Huey and are tasked with protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the U.S. and transporting VIP and security personnel.
Boeing’s MH-139A Grey Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter – based on the proven commercial AW139 helicopter – designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Produced in the United States, the MH-139A provides an off-the-shelf, readily available solution combining performance, operational flexibility and safety.
Capitalizing on a global supply network with a fleet of more than 250 customers, 900 aircraft and two million flight hours, the Boeing MH-139A will deliver unrivalled affordability, supportability and reliability for substantial life cycle savings.
With unmatched systems integration, a state-of-the-art avionics system, and advanced flight deck functionality, the modern MH-139A provides unrivalled operational flexibility and performance that will serve the U.S. Air Force for decades to come. Key benefits of the aircraft include:
Cruises 50% faster, fly 50% farther, has a 30% larger cabin, and can lift 5,000 more pounds than the legacy platform, while introducing full autopilot capability to reduce pilot workload
State-of-the-art avionics system with advanced flight deck functionality and improved situational awareness resulting in reduced crew workload
Right-sized aircraft for maximum operational efficiency and lower operating & support costs
An off-the-shelf, readily available solution that leverages repurposed technologies from proven Boeing Rotorcraft programs to guarantee performance, flexibility & safety
The MH-139A's lower operating costs, increased reliability & improved maintainability translate into more than $1B in savings for the Air Force across the aircraft’s life cycle. Boeing’s MH-139A meets or exceeds all U.S. Air Force requirements at the most affordable price by reducing the cost and manpower required to operate and maintain the aircraft.
Designed for maintainability utilizing the advantages of condition-based maintenance, MH-139A delivers higher availability, better maintainability and assured mission reliability.
This is accomplished through:
World-class military and commercial systems integration capabilities
An integrated training system based on existing AW139 operational flight trainers
Automated sustainment tools to allow seamless USG interfaces
Worldwide Commercial / DoD support system & parts procurement
A unique design that enables maintainers to accomplish all aircraft maintenance at the operational level
Low 1.34 to 1 commercial maintenance man-hours per flight hour
Installed a base of more than 1,000 aircraft for guaranteed long-term support
