Boeing has delivered the first MH-139A Grey Wolf production aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft, part of a Low Rate Initial Production order in 2023 for 13 helicopters, will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. In 2024, the U.S. Air Force awarded an additional seven MH-139As to Boeing. The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf is a twin-engine helicopter operated by the United States 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. With six Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft already delivered, Boeing currently has 26 aircraft on contract.
“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
The MH-139A Grey Wolf features military and commercial system integration capabilities that play a crucial role in the Grey Wolf program. With a 50% increase in speed and range and a 5,000 pound-lb. increase in max gross weight compared it is predecessor, the MH-139A can execute multiple mission sets. Combined with lower operating costs, increased reliability and improved maintainability, the aircraft provides improved capability and greater flexibility for the U.S. Air Force. The MH-139A team consists of Boeing as the prime contractor and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the baseline helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf features an integrated training system based on existing AW139 operational flight trainers. It is includes sustainment tools ensure seamless USG interfaces. A global Commercial/DoD support system ensures efficient parts procurement. The unique design enables maintainers to conduct all aircraft maintenance at the operational level. The helicopter is propelled by two FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboshaft engines housed in separate engine turbine burst containment boxes, each with independent inputs to the main gearbox. The engines’ infrared signature has been decreased by lowering airflow and using a directed exhaust, reducing plume impingement on the tail fuselage.
