Boeing will begin production on the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, following the award of a $285 million US Air Force contract for aircraft, sustainment and support services.
“Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 program director. “We are working diligently to begin deliveries next year.”
The MH-139A’s enhanced capabilities allow it to accomplish missions more quickly, quietly and efficiently. With a 50% increase in speed and range, and an increase of 5,000 pounds max gross weight, the aircraft can execute the U.S. Air Force’s mission of protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the country.
The MH-139A team consists of Boeing, as the prime contractor, and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft. By offering a proven AW-139 platform and integrating additional military capabilities into the MH-139A, the Boeing-Leonardo team provides the U.S. Air Force with the most capable product for the mission.
"My teammates at Leonardo, together with Boeing, are eager to continue our partnership and ensure the success of the MH-139A program,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US.
Boeing’s MH-139A Grey Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter – based on the proven commercial AW139 helicopter – designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Produced in the United States, the MH-139A provides an off-the-shelf, readily available solution combining performance, operational flexibility and safety.
Capitalizing on a global supply network with a fleet of more than 250 customers, 900 aircraft and two million flight hours, the Boeing MH-139A will deliver unrivalled affordability, supportability and reliability for substantial life cycle savings.
With unmatched systems integration, a state-of-the-art avionics system, and advanced flight deck functionality, the modern MH-139A provides unrivalled operational flexibility and performance that will serve the U.S. Air Force for decades to come. Key benefits of the aircraft include:
Cruises 50% faster, flies 50% farther, has a 30% larger cabin, and can lift 5,000 more pounds than the legacy platform, while introducing full autopilot capability to reduce pilot workload.
State-of-the-art avionics system with advanced flight deck functionality and improved situational awareness resulting in reduced crew workload
Right-sized aircraft for maximum operational efficiency and lower operating & support costs
An off-the-shelf, readily available solution that leverages repurposed technologies from proven Boeing Rotorcraft programs to guarantee performance, flexibility & safety
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