Boeing has delivered to the US Air Force (USAF) the first MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter produced under the company’s initial low-rate production contract.
Malmstrom AFB in Montana received the aircraft – a modified version of Leonardo’s AW139 developed to perform security at US nuclear-missile sites.
The newly delivered MH-139A is not the first of the type delivered to the USAF by Boeing, but rather the first delivery of an MH-139A produced under the programme’s low-rate initial production phase.
Boeing previously delivered six MH-139As, for use as test aircraft, to the USAF’s Air Force Global Strike Command under the programme’s research, test and development phase. The Strike Command delivered the first of those to an operational unit – also Malmstrom – in March.
“This aircraft is the first production aircraft on contract and officially marks the start of low-rate production deliveries and paves the way for the Air Force to make [a] full-rate production decision in the future,” Boeing says of the delivery.
The US manufacturer has landed orders for 26 MH-139As, including the six test aircraft and others under low-rate initial production contracts.
The USAF is acquiring MH-139As to replace the Bell UH-1Ns it currently uses for security missions at bases housing Minuteman III nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles. The service operates 64 UH-1Ns, according to FlightGlobal’s World Air Forces directory.
Leonardo produces MH-139As in Philadelphia for Boeing, the programme’s prime contract. Boeing modifies the helicopters with military equipment before delivering them to the USAF.
