USAF orders seven more Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters

The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Boeing a USD 178 million (EUR 166 million) contract to produce seven MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters and provide sustainment and training support, the company announced on 29 April 2024.

The order brings the total number of MH-139As under contract to 26 and moves the programme closer to a full-rate production decision. Up to 84 MH-139As may ultimately be procured.

The first production MH-139A made its maiden flight in December 2023 and is currently undergoing trials, while other aircraft are in various stages of production, Boeing is on track to deliver the first low-rate initial production aircraft to the USAF this summer.

Derived from the proven Leonardo Helicopters AW139 and fitted with custom military equipment by Boeing, the MH-139 is a multi-mission helicopter designed for patrol, search and rescue (Sar), and troop and cargo transport.

The USAF selected the MH-139 in September 2018 to replace its fleet of UH-1N ‘Huey’ helicopters, which are used to protect US intercontinental ballistic missile bases as well as providing transport, SAR and medical evacuation capabilities.

“Building the Grey Wolf fleet and paving the way towards full-rate production is a critical step in supporting the air force’s modernisation priorities,” Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 programme director, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Delivering on these commitments and getting more capability into the hands of our customers is important to their mission protecting vital national assets.”