First of 80 Aircraft Under $2.4 Billion 2018 Contract
Boeing has delivered four MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft to the USAF, the company announced on 25 August, as the service prepares to replace its fleet of UH-1N helicopters.
Based on the Leonardo AW139 commercial rotorcraft, the Grey Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft intended for ballistic missile protection, VIP and security forces transport. Boeing holds a $2.4 billion contract, inked in 2018, to provide 80 airframes with training 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,” commented Mark Cherry, VP/GM of Boeing Vertical Lift, also paying tribute to partner Leonardo who “helped us to achieve this milestone – a tremendous first step in a long line of Grey Wolf deliveries.”
The delivery milestone was enabled by FAA granting the appropriate supplemental type certificate, required to commence deliveries. With aircraft in hand, the Air Force will now proceed with Military Utility Testing as the program progresses toward Milestone C. Leonardo manufactures the aircraft in Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation, as well as post-delivery support.
