US Air Force Orders Additional MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters
The US Air Force has ordered four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters from Boeing, marking the first full-rate production award for the aircraft.
This milestone comes after the MH-139A program achieved initial operational capability in August. The latest contract brings the total number of MH-139As under contract to 42, following previous orders.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter is being deployed for several missions, including escorting security and maintenance convoys to intercontinental ballistic missile facilities, emergency response, disaster response, and medical evacuation. It can fly about 50 percent faster and farther than the Huey and carry 5,000 pounds more cargo.
Boeing has already delivered 27 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters to date, according to its latest announcement. Boeing's VP and general manager of Vertical Lift Programs for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Kathleen Jolivette, said, 'This milestone validates key readiness levels for Grey Wolf and supports the service’s fielding plans to secure vital national assets across the country’s strategic missile fields.'