Multi-purpose helicopter MH-139A. "Grey wolf" to Command global beats

19 Dec Command global strikes US air force (Air Force Global Strike Command – AFGSC) in the framework of the opening ceremony was attended first production helicopter MH-139A. This machine would pass military tests, then begin a full delivery serial equipment. The new helicopters will be used for security of objects of strategic nuclear forces.

Helicopter to replace

AFGSC is responsible for the operation of strategic missile silo-based. For the protection of such objects using different tools, including a patrol helicopter. Currently, the main example of this kind is the Bell UH-1N Huey, but it is long outdated and needs a modern replacement.

At the end of 2016, AFGSC has launched a competition to select a new sample of aircraft. One of the participants of the program was the Boeing company is proposing the draft MH-139 – a modified version of Leonardo helicopter (Agusta Westland) AW139 European development.



In September 2018, the company "Boeing" with his project won the competition and received a contract for the supply of equipment. The main competitive advantage of MH-139 was the lower cost of construction and operation. Under the terms of the contract, the supply of 84 helicopters, maintenance and training of personnel will cost taxpayers $ 2.4 billion. Competing projects require funding at the level of 3.5-4 billion.

First examples

On December 19 at the air force base Duke field (Florida PCs) held a handover ceremony of the first helicopter, built on last year's contract. AFGSC got this machine and handed it to the 413-th test squadron.

The New technique has the official designation of the MH-139A and the name of the Grey Wolf ("Grey wolf"). Curiously, the helicopter for the air force retained the original factory designation and distracting from the previously used "through" the numbering of the army. The name "Grey wolf" is chosen because of the characteristic features of this animal – strength, stamina and ability to adapt to different conditions. So, it is expected that there will be a new helicopter. "The wolf pack", consisting of MH-139A, will perform long patrols looking for the enemy threatening rocket mines.


While 413 squadron will experience only one helicopter of the new type. In January and February will give her three more cars. This grouping technique will be military trials for about a year, then start a full delivery serial equipment for the development of the line parts.

Future series

New delivery technology in large quantities will begin in the 2021 fiscal year. Before the late twenties is expected to buy 80 helicopters – including equipment for testing the total number will reach 84 units. Also ordered the necessary equipment, services, maintenance and training of pilots.

Helicopters MH-139A will be built at the factory, Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland company) in Philadelphia, where there is already a line for the Assembly of AW139 machines. Unfinished and incomplete helicopters will transmit at Boeing (formerly Boeing Vertol) there in Philadelphia. The purpose of this organization will be the installation of a variety of equipment, distinguishing the "Gray wolf" from the base AW139.


The Main objective of the new helicopters will be patrolling for the protection of land objects AFGSC. For this, most of the MH-139A will be deployed at air bases close to missile systems. It is expected the emergence of such technology on the ground States of Montana, North Dakota and Maryland. Helicopters will appear as part of several training squadrons to other bases.

Existing helicopters UH-1N, if necessary, used as a transport for members of the military and political leadership of the country. Probably MH-139A will receive this role.

According to the technical requirements of the competition, the new helicopters should have a service life of at least 30 years. Annual flying hours – minimum 480 hours on the machine. Delivery of new equipment will gradually decommission and write off obsolete UH-1N, which was built in the seventies.

Advantages of "the Wolf"

Take into service helicopter Boeing / Leonardo MH-139A will replace obsolete equipment and to undertake its tasks. The performance of the required work will be much easier and cheaper with a substantial increase in efficiency.


The basis of the draft MH-139A is a well-known and well-established platform in the form of multi-purpose helicopter AW139. This machine is made from the beginning of the two thousandth's, and so far customers have transferred about a thousand copies. The helicopter shows a fairly high technical and operational characteristics. Depending on the needs of the customer, it can carry a variety of equipment and even weapons.

A Joint project of "Boeing" and "Leonardo" provides for the processing of basic helicopter under the requirements of AFGSC. First of all, it concerns the instrumentation for basic tasks. At the same time some of the characteristics of the helicopter shall remain unchanged. Due to this, allegedly, managed to provide maximum commonality with other equipment and to simplify operations, and provide a complete solution for combat and transport tasks.

MH-139A exceeds the helicopters the UH-1N for a number of flight characteristics, making it easier to perform patrols.For the AGS for a block of optical-electronic equipment and other devices. Possible installation of other equipment. A spacious cabin, which can accommodate up to 15 people or the goods concerned. There are several points for weaponry.


In such a configuration, the helicopter can monitor the areas around missile bases and look for violators. When detected, it is possible to drop capture. Like its predecessors, the new helicopters Grey Wolf will also be used as a study and as a transport for dignitaries.

An Optimistic future

The Latest developments are of great importance to Command the global impacts of the U.S. air force. Modern multi-purpose helicopter MH-139A allows to solve the serious problem of obsolescence of equipment and cash to provide normal service land components of the strategic nuclear forces for decades to come.

Position areas of missile parts need different remedies, including in an aircraft for patrols and transport of the fighters. At the moment, these tasks are of particular importance for the defense of the United States, are solved by the obsolete helicopters. In 2021 they will be replaced by modern designs with higher performance and features. The new "Gray wolves" to replace the "Huey" and to take their place in the next 30 years.

However, while on combat duty helicopters MH-139A remains a matter for the future. The first helicopter of this type, transferred to AFGSC on the days intended for military trials. Soon to be joined by three helicopters. With a full service new equipment will begin only after more than a year, and the full re-equipment of squadrons will take several more years. However, the process of modernization has already started, and the air force, there are no more reasons for serious pessimism.