“Gray Wolf” is getting ready to enter service: the US Army will start receiving new helicopters (video)

On Jan 31, 2024 15:13 74

The Air Force wants a new and modern platform to replace its outdated UH-1N Huey helicopters.

The Boeing Defense Corporation plans to start delivering the first MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters to the U.S. Air Force. This was reported by Defense News.

Boeing completed the construction of the first production Gray Wolf helicopter at the end of December. The aircraft is currently undergoing flight tests at Leonardo’s plant. In parallel, the process of passing certification tests of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues.

The US Air Force plans to purchase up to 80 Gray Wolf helicopters to replace the UH-1N Huey. The helicopters will be used to patrol nuclear missile ranges and to transport senior military leaders. The military ordered the first small series of 13 helicopters.

The Grey Wolf is a paramilitary version of the AW139 Leonardo commercial helicopter. Difficulties in integrating military systems with commercial helicopter design and delays in the FAA certification process have slowed the MH-139 program.

“We are committed to advancing this program and have reached another important milestone with the first production aircraft. This achievement paves the way for us to complete outstanding testing and move closer to a critical helicopter for the U.S. Air Force,” said Azim Khan, Boeing MH-139 program director.

The Gray Wolf’s advantage over the Huey is its range, speed, and payload. According to Boeing, the new platform will fly 50% faster, 50% more distance, and 5000 pounds more payload.

As a reminder, on November 23, Boeing wrote about the readiness for serial production of the MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopter.

On November 3, it became known that Boeing expects to deliver the third and fourth F-15EX Strike Eagle II fighters to the US Air Force.

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air force army Gray Wolf helicopter military technologies the USA