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Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf

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MH-139A Grey Wolf
An MH-139A Grey Wolf lands at Duke Field, Florida.
Role Medium lift helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
Leonardo
First flight 2019
Introduction 2020
Status In 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.

Development

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On 24 September 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract to replace the aging UH-1N helicopter fleet, with the goal of enhancing security patrols of nuclear missile fields and transporting senior officials.[1] This was the first major acquisition for the Air Force Global Strike Command in its 10-year history, following the cancellation of the previous Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP).[2][3] As part of this initiative, Boeing was awarded a $285-million contract to build the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, to guard America's nuclear ballistic missiles.[4][5]

The MH-139A Grey Wolf is to be used for security patrols, search and rescue missions, and personnel and cargo transport.[6] The Air Force's first intention was to purchase 84 helicopters for security and transportation across extensive ICBM fields, and senior leader and executive airlift in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), also known as the National Capital Region. It is also to be used in aircrew survival training.[7]

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 36 MH-139s.[8] 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 for the MH-139 because the helicopters are to be required to operate extensively within US domestic airspace.[9]

Design

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The MH-139A Grey Wolf features military and commercial system integration capabilities that play a crucial role in the Grey Wolf program.[10] It features an integrated training system based on existing AW139 operational flight trainers. Its 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.[11]

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 upon the tail fuselage.[12]

Operational history

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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.

In March 2024, the first field-ready MH-139 Grey Wolf arrived at Montana’s Malmstrom Air Force Base.[13] The 341st Missile Wing captured footage of Malmstrom's first Grey Wolf arriving at the base.[14] The 908th Airlift Wing introduced the MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter at Maxwell Air Force Base on 31 May 2024.[15] On September 1, 2023, the Pentagon issued a Selected Acquisition Report outlining plans to reintroduce 14 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters into the Air Force's program, bringing the total to at least 56 aircraft. This reverses a previous decision to cut the buy to 42 helicopters in the 2025 fiscal year, helping avoid a critical cost breach under Nunn-McCurdy.[16][17]

Operators

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 United States
Pilots from the 96th Test Wing complete preflight checks in the MH-139 Grey Wolf at Eglin AFB, August 2022.

See also

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Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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  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. ^ Gregg, Aaron (2018-10-03). "Boeing wins $2.4 billion Air Force helicopter contract in major upset to Lockheed Martin". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  4. ^ Pawlyk, Oriana (2023-04-27). "More Than a Decade Later, the Air Force Finally Picks a Huey Replacement". Military.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. ^ Vandenbosch. "Boeing Delivers First MH-139A Grey Wolf to US Air Force". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  6. ^ "Boeing Awarded Contract for Seven Additional MH-139A Helicopters". MediaRoom. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  7. ^ Hadley, Greg (2024-03-15). "USAF Slashes Plans for MH-139 Helicopter Fleet Size, Locations". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "MH-139A Grey Wolf". boeing.com. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  11. ^ "MH-139A Grey Wolf Multi-Mission Helicopter, US". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  12. ^ "MH-139A Grey Wolf Multi-Mission Helicopter, US". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  13. ^ Cohen, Rachel (2024-03-15). "Air Force's first Grey Wolf patrol helicopter arrives at Malmstrom". Air Force Times. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  14. ^ "Malmstrom celebrates arrival of its first Grey Wolf helicopter". Malmstrom Air Force Base. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  15. ^ Welsh, Mickey. "The MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter shown by 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base". Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  16. ^ Marrow, Michael (2024-09-03). "Air Force to add back over a dozen MH-139 helos in FY26, averting 'critical' cost breach". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  17. ^ Marrow, Michael (2024-09-04). "Air Force To Add Back Over a Dozen MH-139 Helos in FY26 | RealClearDefense". www.realcleardefense.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  18. ^ "Grey Wolf gets dirty in austere landing tests (photos)". Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. 2024-04-08. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "Malmstrom celebrates arrival of its first Grey Wolf helicopter". 20th Air Force. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
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