The delivery of the first MH-139A “Grey Wolf” series aircraft represents an important milestone in the modernization of the US Air Force’s helicopter fleet, which serves to protect the nuclear weapons arsenal.
On August 5, 2024, Boeing delivered the first production MH-139 Gray Wolf helicopter to the U.S. Air Force. The helicopter, which will be based at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron, is part of a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) order for 13 helicopters that will be commissioned in 2023.
The MH-139 was selected as a new platform to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Thanks to its advanced systems and features, the MH-139 represents a full replacement for the oldest helicopters such as the UH-1N, which has been in service for almost fifty years.
“This aircraft is the first production aircraft under contract and officially marks the start of small-volume deliveries and paves the way for the Air Force to make a decision on full-scale production in the future,” Boeing said. “Delivering this asset to the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security, as the Grey Wolf will play a critical role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract for seven more MH-139As in 2024. After six helicopters have already been delivered as part of the research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) phase, Boeing currently has a total of 26 aircraft under contract. The first operational MH-139A, which was initially used as a test and evaluation helicopter, arrived at Malmstrom AFB in March 2024, marking the start of its use in operational units.
The first production #MH139 Helicopter has joined to @USAirForce Fleet!
This Grey Wolf will be stationed in @MalmstromAFB to protect intercontinental missiles, transport personnel and support search and rescue operations. The MH-139 improves performance and reduces maintenance costs compared to its predecessor… pic.twitter.com/9ydVxMPHLh
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) 5 August 2024
The MH-139A Grey Wolf
The MH-139A “Grey Wolf”, named after the wild species that lives in the northern United States, is a multi-role, twin-engine, dual-pilot helicopter produced in a joint venture between Boeing and Leonardo. The Grey Wolf variant is based on the highly successful Leonardo AW-139, of which over 1,000 are currently in service worldwide, and has been specially adapted for military use.
Assembly begins at Leonardo’s factory in Philadelphia, after which the helicopters are taken to Boeing’s Ridely Park facility for militarization. This process includes the integration of military communications, navigation, identification friend or foe (IFF) systems, and survivability improvements.
The MH-139A is designed to carry nine soldiers in combat gear and can be equipped with two manned M240 weapons if required. The helicopter can fly for three hours and reaches a cruising speed of 135 knots and a maximum speed of 167 knots. The Grey Wolf offers pilots the ability to operate in demanding environments and allows both manual and manual flight thanks to its advanced flight control system.
The MH-139A will primarily serve two major commands: Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in support of nuclear security missions and Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) to provide emergency response and airlift in the National Capital Region. In addition, units equipped with the MH-139A will perform secondary missions for multiple commands, including search and rescue (SAR) missions under the National Search and Rescue Plan and defense support to civil authorities.
The pilot training process
The role of the 908th Airlift Wing, based at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, has changed significantly. Previously, the squadron operated as a C-130H unit, providing tactical airlift support. However, due to a strategic reallocation of roles, the 908th Airlift Wing now has a new mission: providing specialized training for pilots operating the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters.
The primary focus of this new mission is to train pilots tasked with supporting and securing the United States’ intercontinental ballistic missile bases. These are critical components of the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities, and the MH-139A helicopters play a critical role in ensuring their safety and operational effectiveness.
The 908th Airlift Wing received its first assigned MH-139A helicopter on April 3, 2024. Prior to its assignment to the Wing, this particular helicopter was used for test and evaluation purposes. The transition to the MH-139A marks a new chapter for the 908th Airlift Wing as it assumes the important responsibility of training pilots on this advanced rotary-wing platform and ensuring they are well prepared to protect the nation’s strategic assets.
A Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf completes its last civil flight before being delivered to the 550th HS at Malmstrom AFB
Reg. No.: N259JR/22-1009
Route: RAP-BIL-GFA
Date: July 31, 2024 pic.twitter.com/H6OUPbIlkv— Billings Spotter (@BIL_spotter) July 31, 2024
Project restructuring and delays
The U.S. Air Force originally planned to acquire 84 MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters to replace the 63 UH-1N helicopters used to protect intercontinental ballistic missile sites and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. However, this plan was revised with a smaller number of aircraft and further reduced to a total of 36 MH-139As produced, as specified in the fiscal year 2025 plan. Exact procurement numbers remain unclear, reflecting the evolving nature of the program.
The MH-139A program faced several delays, primarily due to the certification process required to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. These delays occurred after military subsystems were installed on the already certified base model AW-139, requiring additional certification efforts that took longer than expected due to technical issues and some deficiencies.
After overcoming these challenges, the MH-139A received a series of Supplemental Type Certifications (STCs) that gave it the necessary FAA certifications. These certifications ensured that the helicopter could safely integrate military-specific modifications into existing civil aviation standards, paving the way for military flight clearance in 2022 and the start of developmental testing.