MH-139A Grey Wolf

The Boeing MH-139A is a modern, capable, affordable helicopter ready to serve the U.S. Air Force.

Boeing’s MH-139A Grey Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter – based on the proven commercial AW139 helicopter – designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Produced in the United States, the MH-139A provides an off-the-shelf, readily available solution combining performance, operational flexibility and safety.

Capitalizing on a global supply network with a fleet of more than 250 customers, 900 aircraft and two million flight hours, the Boeing MH-139A will deliver unrivalled affordability, supportability and reliability for substantial life cycle savings.

The Future of Missile Security & Airlift Missions

With unmatched systems integration, a state-of-the-art avionics system, and advanced flight deck functionality, the modern MH-139A provides unrivalled operational flexibility and performance that will serve the U.S. Air Force for decades to come. Key benefits of the aircraft include:

Cruises 50% faster, flies 50% farther, has a 30% larger cabin, and can lift 5,000 more pounds than the legacy platform while introducing full autopilot capability to reduce pilot workload

State-of-the-art avionics system with advanced flight deck functionality and improved situational awareness resulting in reduced crew workload

Right-sized aircraft for maximum operational efficiency and lower operating & support costs

An off-the-shelf, readily available solution that leverages repurposed technologies from proven Boeing Rotorcraft programs to guarantee performance, flexibility & safety

MH-139A's lower operating costs, increased reliability & improved maintainability translate into more than $1B in savings for the Air Force across the aircraft’s life cycle. Boeing’s MH-139A meets or exceeds all U.S. Air Force requirements at the most affordable price by reducing the cost and manpower required to operate and maintain the aircraft.

Designed for maintainability utilizing the advantages of condition-based maintenance, MH-139A delivers higher availability, better maintainability and assured mission reliability. This is accomplished through:

• World-class military and commercial systems integration capabilities

• An integrated training system based on existing AW139 operational flight trainers

• Automated sustainment tools to allow seamless USG interfaces

• Worldwide Commercial / DoD support system & parts procurement

• A unique design that enables maintainers to accomplish all aircraft maintenance at the operational level

• Low 1.34 to 1 commercial maintenance man-hours per flight hour

• Installed a base of more than 1,000 aircraft for guaranteed long-term support

The Boeing aircraft will replace the Bell UH-1N Huey currently tasked with protecting the ICBMs. The multi-mission Grey Wolf represents the future of rotorcraft support for missile security — providing unmatched capabilities for the Air Force, including enhanced speed, range and survivability.

While the MH-139 is one of the newer modernization platforms, the Minuteman ICBMs it will be tasked with patrolling have been on alert for more than half a century. Few systems have stood the test of time like the Minuteman, which still stretches its legs several times per year on average via routine tests that are designed to demonstrate the continued fitness and readiness of the nation’s ICBM force while promoting peace through shows of strength.

“Boeing is a foundational partner in our nation’s mission of strategic deterrence and our systems have provided the underpinning for U.S. security for decades,” Cindy Gruensfelder, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile and Weapon Systems and Huntsville site senior executive. “The new partnership between the Grey Wolf and Minuteman programs underscores the lasting quality of our products and the continued innovation taking place across our company.”

The Grey Wolf will frequently stretch its legs, too — the aircraft will patrol an area spanning five states. Boeing’s vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift, Mark Cherry, is confident that the aircraft is more than up to the task.

“The MH-139 provides unrivaled capabilities to the Air Force,” Cherry said. “The fact that it will be protecting another Boeing-made system illustrates the breadth of our expertise and commitment to delivering the best solutions for the nation.”

Specifically, key benefits and advantages of the Grey Wolf include:

1. A 50% increase in cruising speed and range, 30% larger cabin and an additional 5,000 pounds of lift capability than its predecessor

2. State-of-the-art avionics with full autopilot mode, advanced flight deck functionality and improved situational awareness for reduced crew workload

3. Right-sized aircraft for maximum operational efficiency

4. Lower operating and support costs

5. Proven technologies from Boeing rotorcraft for maximum performance, flexibility and safety

And so, a new chapter will soon be written in the long history of Boeing’s support of the nation’s highest priority defense mission. Boeing is committed to supporting the readiness and continued modernization of U.S. strategic deterrence capabilities today and continued innovation to meet emerging threats and future challenges tomorrow.

The Boeing MH-139A pays homage to the grey wolf, an extremely adaptable species known for its power and endurance, which contributes to its ability to roam large distances. The name falls in line with the geographical areas of the United States represented by Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force District of Washington. As a pack animal, the Grey Wolf represents the Air Force’s mission sets, which bring multiple aircraft to the fight.

The Grey Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft — based on the proven commercial AW139 — designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Boeing was awarded a $2.4 billion contract in September 2018 for helicopters, training systems and associated support equipment.

“The Grey Wolf is a modern, versatile aircraft offering greater range, speed and endurance than the UH-1N Huey it replaces,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift. “I am proud of our team who, along with our partner Leonardo, helped us to achieve this milestone — a tremendous first step in a long line of Grey Wolf deliveries.”

Leonardo produces the helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing Vertical Lift, headquartered in Ridley Park, is responsible for the military equipment procurement and installation, and post-delivery support of the aircraft.