MH-139 to Replace U.S. Air Force UH-1N Huey Fleet

Milestones:

Dec 2019

The U.S. Air Force announced the name for its new Boeing helicopter for security operations and VIP transport: the MH-139A Grey Wolf.

The Boeing MH-139A pays homage to the grey wolf, an extremely adaptable species known for its power and endurance, which contributes to its ability to roam large distances. The name falls in line with the geographical areas of the United States represented by Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force District of Washington. As a pack animal, the Grey Wolf represents the Air Force’s mission sets, which bring multiple aircraft to the fight.

The announcement was made at Duke Field near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. General Timothy Ray, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, revealed the name following a ceremonial flight around the base. Boeing Defense, Space, and Security President and CEO Leanne Caret also spoke at the event.

“The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf was chosen to serve and chosen to replace the iconic Huey fleet for the Air Force. We take this responsibility very seriously” said Andy Builta, vice president, Boeing Cargo & Utility Helicopters. “This platform provides a new level of safety, security and agility for the Air Force protect our most sensitive assets.”

The MH-139A Grey Wolf recently flew from Philadelphia to Duke Field near Eglin AFB to begin joint Boeing-USAF flight testing.

The aircraft leverages more than a decade of service, derived from the Leonardo Helicopters AW139, also built in Philadelphia.

Sept. 24, 2018 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide its MH-139 helicopter and related support to the U.S. Air Force to replace the more than 40-year-old UH-1N “Huey” helicopters used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases.

The program awarded today is valued at $2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment.

“We’re grateful for the Air Force’s confidence in our MH-139 team,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “The MH-139 exceeds mission requirements, it’s also ideal for VIP transport, and it offers the Air Force up to $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle cost savings.”

The MH-139 derives from the Leonardo AW139, which is used by more than 270 governments, militaries and companies worldwide. Leonardo will assemble the helicopters at its northeast Philadelphia plant, with Boeing integrating military-specific components at its facility south of that city.

The contract also includes operations, maintenance, training systems and support equipment for the MH-139 aircraft.

“We’re proud to provide the U.S. Air Force with solutions across the entire services ecosystem,” said Ed Dolanski, president of U.S. Government Services, Boeing Global Services. “With the AW139 platform’s more than 2 million flight hours and established supply chain, we look forward to applying our expertise to drive cost savings while supporting mission readiness.”

AW139 global helicopter fleet sets outstanding milestone of two million flight hours 

27 December 2017 10:55 

The AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter global fleet has reached an outstanding milestone of two million flight hours, across all operational scenarios on five continents, while performing a wide range of missions with commercial, government and military operators.

 

• Of the total, one million flight hours were achieved in the last three years, demonstrating impressive reliability, effectiveness, safety and supportability 
• The most successful helicopter programme in 15 years benefits from strong partnership between the Company and its customers, maintaining huge growth potential 
• Best-seller with orders for over 1000 units and nearly 900 aircraft in service to date  

The AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter global fleet has reached an outstanding milestone of two million flight hours, across all operational scenarios on five continents, while performing a wide range of missions with commercial, government and military operators. This accomplishment was reached just three years after the achievement of the first million showing impressive reliability, effectiveness, safety and supportability across a range of missions.  With the AW139 fleet leader having exceeded 12,000 hours on a single aircraft, nearly 900 units are today in service out of over 1000 on order by more than 300 customers in 80 countries worldwide. The global reach of the AW139, assembled in Philadelphia and Vergiate, has resulted in the type becoming a benchmark as the best-selling helicopter in its weight category and the most successful helicopter programme in the last 15 years. The type covers the widest range of applications with high flexibility including SAR, EMS, law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, firefighting, disaster relief, offshore transport, VIP/Corporate transport, utility and military duties. 

In 2017, Boeing submitted its bid for the U.S. Air Force to buy up to 84 MH-139 helicopters to replace its Huey fleet. Go inside the MH-139 and learn about its unique capabilities.

With unmatched systems integration, a state-of-the-art avionics system, and advanced flight deck functionality, the modern MH-139A provides unrivaled 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

Unique Capabilities

MH-139A’s lower operating costs, increased reliability & improved maintainability translate into more than $1B in savings for the Air Force across the aircraft’s life cycle. Boeing’s MH-139A meets or exceeds all U.S. Air Force requirements at the most affordable price by reducing the cost and manpower required to operate and maintain the aircraft.