Boeing is progressing towards the initial low-rate production of the MH-139A Grey Wolf after successfully concluding the program’s Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) stage, and has delivered the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force last month.
“Delivering all RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force permits them to maintain essential operational evaluation, and allows Boeing to concentrate on manufacturing the inaugural production aircraft,” stated Azeem Khan, director of the MH-139 program. “The Grey Wolf will enhance critical national security capabilities for the Air Force. This marks a pivotal moment in advancing the aircraft into active service.”
Boeing aims to deliver the first low-rate production aircraft to its client in 2024. So far, the Air Force has contracted Boeing for the production of the first 13, with the initial aircraft already in the final assembly stage. Ultimately, Boeing is set to supply up to 80 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the Air Force.
“With the last test aircraft now delivered, we are entering an exhilarating production phase. With the MH-139, the United States Air Force is acquiring a swifter and more proficient aircraft, marking the beginning of a new service era for this mission,” remarked Robert Beyer, Senior Program Manager at Leonardo Helicopters US. “Leonardo takes immense pride in this aircraft, and we eagerly anticipate the ongoing collaboration with Boeing and the USAF as we continue to deliver more Grey Wolf helicopters.”
MH-139A helicopters will succeed the UH-1N Huey and are designated to safeguard intercontinental ballistic missiles throughout the U.S. and transport VIPs and security personnel.
