Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf

Last updated
MH-139A Grey Wolf
MH-139-Grey-Wolf 96th Test Wing Public Affairs.jpg
The MH-139A Grey Wolf lands at Duke Field, Florida.
RoleMedium lift helicopter
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Boeing
Leonardo
First flight2019
Introduction2020
StatusIn service, in production
Primary user United States Air Force
Developed from AgustaWestland AW139

The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf is a twin-engine helicopter operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) for security and support missions. Developed by Boeing, the Grey Wolf is a variant of the Leonardo AW139, an Italian-built multi-role helicopter.

Contents

Development

On 24 September 2018, the USAF awarded Boeing the $2.4 billion UH-1N replacement contract, following the cancellation of the previous Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). [1] It is meant to upgrade security patrols for nuclear missile fields and transport of senior officials. The Grey Wolf was the first major acquisition for the Air Force Global Strike Command in its 10-year history. [2]

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a US$285-million contract to build the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to replace the venerable Bell UH-1N Huey multi-role helicopter fleet that guards America's land-based nuclear ballistic missiles.

The MH-139A Grey Wolf will be used for security patrols, search and rescue missions, and personnel and cargo transport. [3] The Air Force's first intention was to purchase 84 helicopters for security and transportation across extensive ICBM fields, senior leader and executive airlift in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), also known as the National Capital Region. It will also see use in aircrew survival training. [4] The precise quantity of the MH-139 fleet remains unknown. Initially, the requirement was for up to 84 helicopters, which was then reduced to 80, then 74. The most recent Fiscal Year 2025 budget suggests a further reduction, to a fleet of just 36 MH-139s. [5] The Grey Wolf program has faced numerous setbacks and delays, including difficulty with attaining Federal Aviation Administration type certification. Typically, FAA certification is not required for US military aircraft, but it is in the case of the MH-139 because the helicopters will be required to operate extensively within US domestic airspace. [6]

Design

The MH-139A Grey Wolf features military and commercial system integration capabilities that play a crucial role in the Grey Wolf program. [7] It features an integrated training system based on existing AW139 operational flight trainers. It is includes sustainment tools ensure seamless USG interfaces. A global Commercial/DoD support system ensures efficient parts procurement. The unique design enables maintainers to conduct all aircraft maintenance at the operational level. The helicopter is propelled by two FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboshaft engines housed in separate engine turbine burst containment boxes, each with independent inputs to the main gearbox. The engines' infrared signature has been decreased by lowering airflow and using a directed exhaust, reducing plume impingement on the tail fuselage. [8]

Operational history

The MH-139A Grey Wolf takes its first combined test flight on February 11, 2020, at Eglin Air Force Base. MH-139A Grey Wolf.jpg
The MH-139A Grey Wolf takes its first combined test flight on February 11, 2020, at Eglin Air Force Base.
The Grey Wolf was unveiled and named during the ceremony at Duke Field, Florida. Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf.jpg
The Grey Wolf was unveiled and named during the ceremony at Duke Field, Florida.

The first field-ready MH-139 Grey Wolf arrived at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base. [9] The 341st Missile Wing captured footage of Malmstrom's first Grey Wolf arriving at the base on 5 March 2024. [10] The 908th Airlift Wing introduced the MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter at Maxwell Air Force Base on 31 May 2024. [11]

Operators

Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Pilots from the 96th Test Wing complete preflight checks in the MH-139 Grey Wolf at Eglin AFB, August 2022. Grey Wolf first flight 2022.webp
Pilots from the 96th Test Wing complete preflight checks in the MH-139 Grey Wolf at Eglin AFB, August 2022.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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References

  1. ↑ "MH-139 Grey Wolf Archives". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  2. ↑ "Air Force names newest helicopter 'Grey Wolf'". Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR. 2019-12-19. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  3. ↑ "Boeing Awarded Contract for Seven Additional MH-139A Helicopters". MediaRoom. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  4. ↑ Hadley, Greg (2024-03-15). "USAF Slashes Plans for MH-139 Helicopter Fleet Size, Locations". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  5. ↑ D'Urso, Stefano (2024-05-02). "Amid Uncertainty, U.S. Air Force Orders Additional MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopters". The Aviationist. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  6. ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (2024-03-13). "Air Force Wants To Slash MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Purchases In Half". The War Zone. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  7. ↑ "MH-139A Grey Wolf". boeing.com. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  8. ↑ "MH-139A Grey Wolf Multi-Mission Helicopter, US". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  9. ↑ Cohen, Rachel (2024-03-15). "Air Force's first Grey Wolf patrol helicopter arrives at Malmstrom". Air Force Times. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  10. ↑ "Malmstrom celebrates arrival of its first Grey Wolf helicopter". Malmstrom Air Force Base. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  11. ↑ Welsh, Mickey. "The MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter shown by 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base". Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  12. ↑ "Grey Wolf gets dirty in austere landing tests (photos)". Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  13. ↑ "908th Airlift Wing receives their first MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter since becoming first". Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR. 2024-04-03. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  14. ↑ "Malmstrom celebrates arrival of its first Grey Wolf helicopter". 20th Air Force. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
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