US Air Force orders eight more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from Boeing

Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director, commented in a Boeing statement, “The MH-139A offers increased speed, range and payload capacity critical to supporting U.S. national security missions. We look forward to delivering these advanced aircraft to bases across the country.”

The Grey Wolf is based on the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 civilian airframe. Boeing modifies these helicopters with military systems to create a versatile multi-mission aircraft. Leonardo’s Philadelphia facility is set to produce up to 84 airframes for conversion by Boeing. Compared to the Huey, the Grey Wolf has a cruise speed 50% faster, 50% more range, a 30% larger cabin, and can lift 5,000 pounds more. The Air Force projects $1 billion in lifecycle savings due to the commercial availability of AW139 parts and maintenance services. The use of AW139s as training platforms also reduces costs and training time.

Globally, over 900 AW139 helicopters are operated by more than 270 government agencies, militaries, and private companies. Leonardo’s Philadelphia plant had delivered 260 helicopters by the time the model was selected for the Air Force in 2018. The first MH-139A for the USAF began testing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 2019 and completed its first flight with an active-duty crew in 2022.

The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) will primarily operate the MH-139A Grey Wolf. Its main mission is to support the land-based segment of the US nuclear triad by providing security and support for intercontinental ballistic missile silos across Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, and Nebraska. The outgoing UH-1N has served this role since 1970.

The Minuteman III currently serves as the standard ICBM for the Air Force, with the Sentinel ICBM expected to enter service in the coming years. AFGSC also oversees the nuclear-capable bomber fleet, including the Boeing B-52, Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, and the future B-21 Raider. The AFGSC is responsible for two-thirds of the US nuclear forces, while the Navy operates the remaining third through its ballistic missile submarines. The Grey Wolf is considered an essential asset for these deterrence operations.