Boeing Delivers First MH-139A Grey Wolf to US Air Force
Boeing officially delivered the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter to the US Air Force on August 5, 2024. This delivery is part of a 2023 low-rate initial production contract for 13 helicopters, destined for Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
“This aircraft will directly support ongoing US Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is crucial to the future of national security, as the Grey Wolf will play a vital role in the US nuclear triad for decades to come.”
In 2024, Boeing received an additional order for seven MH-139As from the US Air Force. With six research, development, test, and evaluation aircraft already delivered, Boeing’s current contract includes a total of 26 aircraft.
The MH-139A offers a 50% increase in speed and range and a 5,000-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight compared to its predecessor. This allows it to perform a variety of missions with increased efficiency. Additionally, its lower operating costs, increased reliability, and improved maintainability provide the US Air Force with greater flexibility and enhanced capability.
The MH-139A program is a collaboration between Boeing and Leonardo. Leonardo manufactures the base helicopter at its facility in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing handles the procurement and installation of military equipment and provides post-delivery support.
The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf is a twin-engine helicopter used by the US 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.
On September 24, 2018, the USAF awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract to replace the UH-1N, following the cancellation of the previous program, the Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). This new helicopter is intended to upgrade security patrols for nuclear missile fields and transport senior officials. The Grey Wolf marked the first major Air Force Global Strike Command acquisition in ten years.
The US Air Force then awarded Boeing a $285 million contract to build the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to replace the aging fleet of Bell UH-1N Hueys, used to protect America’s land-based nuclear ballistic missiles.
The delivery of the first MH-139A is thus a continuation of these contracts signed with the US Air Force, and more Boeing helicopters are likely to follow in the coming months. Stay tuned for further developments.