Boeing has completed the RDT&E phase for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter program, also delivering the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force in October 2023, for critical operational testing.
Boeing has achieved a significant milestone in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter program by completing the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) phase. The company delivered the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force in October 2023, allowing the Air Force to proceed with critical operational testing. The MH-139A, set to replace the UH-1N Huey, will play a crucial role in protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the U.S. and in transporting VIP and security personnel.
Boeing has successfully concluded the RDT&E phase for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter program by delivering the sixth and final test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. This paves the way for the Air Force to proceed with critical operational testing. Boeing is now transitioning towards low-rate initial production of the MH-139A Grey Wolf. The completion of the RDT&E phase allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft. The first low-rate production aircraft is expected to be delivered to the customer in 2024.
Azeem Khan, MH-139 Program Director, Boeing said, “Delivering all of the RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force enables them to continue critical operational testing and allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft. The Grey Wolf will provide crucial national security capability improvements to the Air Force. This is an important step in getting the aircraft into service.”
Boeing has received a contract to build the first 13 MH-139A helicopters, with the first aircraft currently in final assembly. The company is set to provide up to 80 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to the U.S. Air Force. This new helicopter is anticipated to bring improved national security capabilities.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is designed to offer enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessor. The helicopter will have a critical role in national security, particularly in protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles and in the transportation of VIP and security personnel.
Robert Beyer, MH-139 Senior Program Manager, Leonardo Helicopters US:“With the final test aircraft delivered, we’re headed into an exciting production phase. With the MH-139, the United States Air Force is getting a faster and more capable aircraft to bring them into a new era of service for this mission. Leonardo is incredibly proud of this aircraft, and we look forward to the continued partnership with Boeing and the USAF as we deliver additional Grey Wolf helicopters.”
Leonardo Helicopters US, a key partner in the MH-139 program, expressed pride in the aircraft and looks forward to the continued partnership with Boeing and the U.S. Air Force. The collaboration aims to deliver additional Grey Wolf helicopters and bring the Air Force into a new era of service for this mission.
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Boeing’s completion of the RDT&E phase for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter signifies progress toward transitioning to low-rate initial production and delivering enhanced capabilities to the U.S. Air Force. The helicopter is poised to play a vital role in national security and mission-critical operations.
