Helis, March 20, 2024 - In September 2018, the U.S. Air Force selected the Boeing MH-139A to replace its fleet of Bell UH-1N Twin Huey aircraft. The expectation then was to eventually procure a fleet of at least 84 new airframes.
The replacement aircraft will provide vertical airlift and support the requirements for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), and Air Education and Training Command (AETC). AFGSC is the Air Force lead command and operational capability requirements sponsor. This program is part of the Air Force's nuclear enterprise reform initiatives.
The primary role of AFGSC helicopters is to support forces responsible for guarding ICBM facilities.
The basic AW139 airframes are being built by Leonardo in Philadelphia and outfitted as MH-139A for their mission by prime contractor Boeing.
However in the fiscal year (FY) 2025 USAF Justification Book, it is announced procurement for 42 MH-139A helicopters, training devices, and associated support equipment throughout FY 2029.
The new helicopters were allocated to F.E. Warren, Malmstrom, and Minot Air Force Bases to replace the UH-1N which according the document have significant capability gaps in speed, range, endurance, payload capacity, and aircraft self-protection.
Among the reasons cited by authorities, a spokesperson for the United States Air Force stated that the decision to reduce the number of aircraft is “…due to fiscal pressures and considering the remaining service life of the UH-1N Huey.” However, previously disclosed documents raised concerns about the final product.
In financial terms, the reduction in aircraft orders by the USAF translates to a reduction in the budget from USD 2.550 to USD 1.420 billion. This adjustment also affects the unit cost of the MH-139A, which increases from USD 34.47 to USD 39.37 million.
The replacement aircraft will provide vertical airlift and support the requirements for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), and Air Education and Training Command (AETC). AFGSC is the Air Force lead command and operational capability requirements sponsor. This program is part of the Air Force's nuclear enterprise reform initiatives.
The primary role of AFGSC helicopters is to support forces responsible for guarding ICBM facilities.
The basic AW139 airframes are being built by Leonardo in Philadelphia and outfitted as MH-139A for their mission by prime contractor Boeing.
However in the fiscal year (FY) 2025 USAF Justification Book, it is announced procurement for 42 MH-139A helicopters, training devices, and associated support equipment throughout FY 2029.
The new helicopters were allocated to F.E. Warren, Malmstrom, and Minot Air Force Bases to replace the UH-1N which according the document have significant capability gaps in speed, range, endurance, payload capacity, and aircraft self-protection.
Among the reasons cited by authorities, a spokesperson for the United States Air Force stated that the decision to reduce the number of aircraft is “…due to fiscal pressures and considering the remaining service life of the UH-1N Huey.” However, previously disclosed documents raised concerns about the final product.
In financial terms, the reduction in aircraft orders by the USAF translates to a reduction in the budget from USD 2.550 to USD 1.420 billion. This adjustment also affects the unit cost of the MH-139A, which increases from USD 34.47 to USD 39.37 million.
See also |
MH-139A Grey Wolf in
US Air Force USAF Selects MH-139 to Replace UH-1N Fleet
