Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf close to replace USAF fleet of Bell UH-1Ns for security at ICBM sites.

Boeing has made significant progress in its initiative to supply a new helicopter for patrolling the United States' nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos. On November 20th, the aerospace manufacturer announced the successful delivery of the sixth and final test aircraft to the US Air Force (USAF) as part of the MH-139A Grey Wolf program. The delivery was completed in October, as reported by Boeing and echoed by Ryan Finnerty in Flight Global.

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The MH-139A’s primary mission is providing security for nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile sites throughout the USA (Picture source: Boeing)

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone in the Grey Wolf helicopter program, completing the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) phase. This accomplishment clears the path for Boeing to transition to the low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter. Azeem Khan, Boeing's MH-139 program director, emphasized the importance of delivering all RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force, enabling critical operational testing while Boeing focuses on constructing the first production aircraft.

The Grey Wolf is designed to replace the USAF's aging Bell UH-1N helicopters, responsible for securing ICBM sites across North America's interior. The recent delivery of the 6th test MH-139A demonstrates Boeing's commitment to meet program goals. Boeing anticipates starting deliveries of production MH-139As in 2024, following a $285 million contract secured in March 2023 to produce 13 helicopters for LRIP. Ultimately, the USAF plans to acquire 84 MH-139A aircraft.

The MH-139A is based on a modified Leonardo Helicopters AW139 civilian airframe, manufactured in Philadelphia by Leonardo. Boeing, as the prime contractor, adapts the helicopter for military use and delivers it to the USAF. Boeing claims that the MH-139A offers a 50% increase in speed and range compared to its predecessor, along with a 2,270 kg (5,000-pound) gross weight increase.

Notably, this helicopter operates in domestic airspace, requiring US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification. Obtaining this certification presented challenges, as some of the aircraft's military flight systems, including the identification with friend-or-foe transponder, had no prior FAA evaluation experience.