Boeing's MH‑139A Grey Wolf: Elevating US Air Force capabilities

Boeing has finished building the first production model of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter for the US Air Force. These helicopters are set to play a vital role in the American air forces by being an integral part of the ballistic missile base protection system equipped with nuclear warheads.

Although the assembly of the first production model was completed at the end of December last year, the announcement was made only recently. Shortly after leaving the factory, the helicopter embarked on its first flight as part of its scheduled test phase. This helicopter will be delivered to the air forces following a contract signed in March 2023 for the supply of 13 early production models. The air force leadership has plans to purchase a total of 84 MH-139s.

Up to now, Boeing has manufactured six prototype units for use in research, development, and certification of the new helicopter, with the last of these delivered in November last year. The MH-139 stands out in the American armed forces due to its primary function of operating within domestic civil airspace.

As such, it was necessary to obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The process was extended since officials had no prior experience in evaluating some of the helicopter's strictly military features, such as the friend-or-foe identification system and self-defence measures. Boeing representatives anticipate that the certification process will be concluded shortly, paving the way for mass deliveries to the air forces later this year.

“We are keenly monitoring the progress of this initiative, and with this initial flight, we've hit another significant milestone. This propels us towards completing the testing phase and edges us closer to commencing MH-139 deliveries to the air force. This state-of-the-art helicopter boasts a cruising speed that is 50 percent faster and a range that is 50 percent greater than its predecessor, while also having the capability to carry a load of roughly 2,000 kg,” said Azeem Khan from Boeing.

The MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter emerged from the UH-1N Huey Replacement program, which sought to replace the ageing UH-1N Huey models used by the US Air Force for personnel transport, threat response, and rescue operations related to the protection of strategic Air Force assets.

In looking for a replacement, the US Air Force considered numerous possibilities, including buying existing helicopter models or developing a new one from the ground up. Eventually, the AW139 helicopter, crafted by the Italian firm Leonardo and tailored to meet the US Air Force's needs by Boeing, was selected. The new model was christened MH-139 Grey Wolf, outperforming the UH-60 Black Hawk in the tender process.

The MH-139A is the result of a partnership between Leonardo, who manufactures the helicopter, and Boeing, responsible for its militarization and maintenance support. Leonardo produces multi-purpose civil helicopters in Philadelphia, whereas Boeing takes charge of integrating military equipment and ensuring post-delivery support. By opting for the tried-and-tested AW139 helicopter augmented with Boeing's cutting-edge technology, the American air force significantly reduced the risks typically associated with new designs.

Typically not armed, the Grey Wolf is designed primarily as a transport and support helicopter rather than a combat vehicle. However, it can be armed with a variety of weapons for specific missions like convoy escorts or ground troop support. Depending on operational requirements, it may be equipped with machine guns or automatic grenade launchers, which are mounted on special brackets on the side doors.

The MH-139A, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turbine engines with an output of 2,378 horsepower, can achieve speeds of up to 304 km/h and has a range of roughly 900 km. It can transport 15 soldiers or carry up to 4,500 kg of cargo. Equipped with a multipurpose search-weather radar, the helicopter is also suited to flights in various weather conditions and comes with numerous safety features, including digital avionics, automatic flight control systems, and a collision warning system TCAS.

Designed for a wide range of operational missions, including transport, threat response, and rescue, the helicopter is fitted with various specialized systems that enable effective task execution. Its self-defence systems can detect and evade threats like anti-aircraft missiles. Security features include the AAR-47 missile warning system, radio signal jamming devices, the friend-or-foe device, and ALE-47 chaff and flare dispensers. Moreover, the MH-139 is armoured around the cockpit and passenger cabin.