On the 5th of August, Boeing delivered the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf to the United States Air Force (USAF), which will be used for the security of ballistic missile installations. This is the first unit in a series of thirteen included in a low-rate initial production order signed in 2023, with its base at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.
Regarding this, Azeem Khan, executive director and program manager for the MH-139, stated: “This aircraft will directly support the ongoing modernization efforts of the U.S. Air Force (…) The delivery of this asset to the MH-139A fleet is critical for the future of national security, as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
It is worth noting that the total MH-139A helicopter fleet currently ordered by the U.S. amounts to 26 units, following a significant reduction in the number of units to be acquired in March (more than half of the fleet) and a rebound in April with a new order for seven additional aircraft for $178 million. According to Boeing’s official statement, the USAF already has six Grey Wolf helicopters delivered in their research, development, and testing versions.
It should be remembered that the future MH-139 helicopter fleet will replace the UH-1N Hueys that currently guard U.S. missile installations. Despite their age, these helicopters are in very good condition due to the investments made in their maintenance, which raised doubts about acquiring a new fleet and, consequently, the indecision regarding the number to be purchased.
Finally, in terms of technical characteristics, the Grey Wolf helicopters offer a speed and range increase of up to 50% compared to their predecessor. According to the manufacturer, Boeing, the main contractor along with Leonardo, the system can carry weights up to 5,000 pounds more and also offers considerable reductions in operational and maintenance costs. Additionally, it features a roomier cockpit for the pilots (approximately 30% larger), complemented by an improved autopilot system to facilitate their work.
*Image credits: Boeing
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