Selected September 2018, the Leonardo/Boeing MH-139 replaced the UH-1N Twin Huey.
The MH-139A is the first service-unique helicopter acquired by the U.S. Air Force and the first aircraft ever acquired by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC, former SAC).
In December 19, 2019 was the official reception at Duke Field, FL where it was unveiled the name MH-139A Grey Wolf. The Grey Wolf will undergo a final development phase there in order to allow a low-rate initial production decision by September 2021.
Malmstrom AFB 40th HS was planned to be the first operational unit to receive the new helicopters in 2021/2022 followed by F.E. Warren and Minot. Andrews AFB will be the fourth operational unit, in this case for VIP mission around Washington, DC.
The 908th Wing at Maxwell AFB will become the training unit for the MH-139. Since January 23, 2023, 908th maintainers have spent a minimum of 30 days each watching first-hand; learning tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices, on how to effectively maintain AW139s from the Chevron Corp in Picayune, Mississippi.
In March 2023, USAF authorized the first 13 production aircraft.
The MH-139A is the first service-unique helicopter acquired by the U.S. Air Force and the first aircraft ever acquired by Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC, former SAC).
In December 19, 2019 was the official reception at Duke Field, FL where it was unveiled the name MH-139A Grey Wolf. The Grey Wolf will undergo a final development phase there in order to allow a low-rate initial production decision by September 2021.
Malmstrom AFB 40th HS was planned to be the first operational unit to receive the new helicopters in 2021/2022 followed by F.E. Warren and Minot. Andrews AFB will be the fourth operational unit, in this case for VIP mission around Washington, DC.
The 908th Wing at Maxwell AFB will become the training unit for the MH-139. Since January 23, 2023, 908th maintainers have spent a minimum of 30 days each watching first-hand; learning tactics, techniques, procedures, and best practices, on how to effectively maintain AW139s from the Chevron Corp in Picayune, Mississippi.
In March 2023, USAF authorized the first 13 production aircraft.
The USAF announced an Initial Low Rate Production contract for 13 MH-139 in March 2023, with an expectation of eventually procuring a fleet of 84 airframes. The basic AW139 airframes are being built by Leonardo in Philadelphia and fitted out as MH-139A for their mission, by prime contractor Boeing.
Units |
Years | Units | Base |
---|---|---|
2024- | 40th HS | Malmstrom AFB |
2024- | 550th Helicopter Squadron | Malmstrom AFB |
2020- | 413 FLTS | Eglin AFB Duke Field |
List of Aircraft |
C/N | Mod | Built | ID In this Org | In other Org | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
41801 | 2019 | 18-1001 N675SH Landing
15:23 CDT | N675SH: AgustaWestland, PA Jan19, to be USAF 18-1001
Dec19 pict... Take off 14:20 EDT | ||
41802 | 2019 | 18-1002 USAF;
Jan20 413 FLTS | N676SH: AgustaWestland, PA Jun19 | ||
41803 | 2019 | 18-1003 N677SH 413 FLTS | N677SH: AgustaWestland, PA Jun19 300th AW139 assembled in Philadelphia, pictured | ||
41804 | 2019 | 18-1004 USAF;
Jan20 413 FLTS | N679SH: AgustaWestland, PA Jun19 | ||
41805 | 2020 | 18-1005 USAF SDTA-1 for 413th FLTS Det.7 | N397SH: AgustaWestland, PA Sep20 | ||
41806 | 2020 | 18-1006 USAF SDTA-2 413th FLTS Det.7 | N806SH: AgustaWestland, PA Sep20 pictured on display at Barksdale AFB for the Barksdale ... |