In the middle of August 2022, the U.S. Air Force took possession of four MH-139A Grey Wolf test helicopters – just weeks following Boeing’s completion of the final FAA Supplemental Type Certification necessary for the MH-139A to secure its Military Flight Release.
These milestones enable the Air Force to perform evaluations of essential military functionalities of the MH-139A as the initiative advances towards Milestone C.
Before ownership, the helicopters underwent extensive acceptance testing executed by Air Force Global Strike Command Detachment 7 and 413th Flight Test Squadron aviators.
“Leonardo’s 139 helicopter boasts an impressive track record in various missions across the civil, public, and military sectors,” remarked Lt. Col. Josh Hallford, Chief of MH-139 Standardization and Evaluations at MH-139 Test Detachment 7. “The integrated system redundancies and operational performance of the aircraft indicate remarkable potential for enhancing the diverse range of missions previously managed by the esteemed Huey for many years. We are eager to commence testing and discover its true capabilities.”
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is set to supplant the Air Force’s fleet of UH-1N helicopters, delivering a notable enhancement in speed, range, endurance, payload, and survivability.
The Air Force plans to procure 80 MH-139A helicopters, training systems, and related support apparatus. The MH-139A will offer vertical airlift and assistance to four Air Force Major Commands and additional operating agencies, which include Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW).
Air Force Global Strike Command serves as the principal command and operational capability requirements sponsor.
