IRIA News

Boeing has delivered the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter to the U.S. Air Force. This advanced helicopter is set to be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where it will be utilized by airmen to patrol the extensive Minuteman III nuclear missile fields surrounding the base.

The MH-139A Grey Wolf is a militarized version of the AW139 commercial helicopter developed by the Italian aerospace firm Leonardo. It is designed to replace the aging fleet of Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys currently used by the Air Force for security patrols at nuclear missile bases. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s capabilities.

“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 executive director and program manager, in a statement. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”

Boeing had previously delivered six test units of MH-139s to the Air Force, concluding the research, development, test, and evaluation phase, and transitioning the program into production.

In spring 2023, the Air Force awarded Boeing and Leonardo a $285 million low-rate initial production contract to build the first 13 Grey Wolf helicopters. Subsequently, another contract for seven additional MH-139s was awarded, bringing the total number of helicopters on contract to 26.

However, the Air Force has since significantly reduced its planned purchase of the Grey Wolf helicopters, leading to cost overrun issues. Initially, the Air Force intended to procure 80 Grey Wolf helicopters to patrol nuclear missile fields, transport senior officials in the Washington area, and conduct various other missions.

Due to budget constraints, the Air Force has cut its planned Grey Wolf purchase nearly in half, now expecting to buy 42 helicopters. The service also plans to retain some older Hueys at various bases, including the Air Force District of Washington, Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington state, Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, and Duke Field in Florida.

The reduction in the planned purchase has had financial repercussions. With fewer helicopters to be bought, the unit cost of each MH-139 has increased, triggering a cost overrun process known as a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach. This breach necessitates a review that could potentially lead to the program’s cancellation unless the Pentagon can certify to Congress that the program is essential to national security and that there are no cheaper alternatives available.

The Pentagon must also demonstrate that the program is a higher priority than other initiatives, which could be cut to fund the Grey Wolf if the new cost estimates are deemed reasonable and if the management structure can control further cost growth.

In April, following the announcement of the Nunn-McCurdy breach, the Air Force suggested that the issue could be resolved if Congress allocated funds to add more MH-139s back into the budget.

To produce the MH-139, Leonardo initially manufactured the base helicopter at its facility in northeast Philadelphia. Boeing then modifies these aircraft by installing the necessary military equipment. Boeing reported in January that it had completed the first production Grey Wolf in December 2023, which was undergoing flight testing at Leonardo’s Philadelphia facility.

The delivery of the first production MH-139A Grey Wolf marks a critical step in enhancing the Air Force’s capabilities, ensuring the security and efficiency of its operations, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s nuclear arsenal. As the program progresses, its future hinges on the ability of the Air Force and Pentagon to navigate the financial challenges posed by the reduced purchase numbers and secure the necessary support from Congress.