Boeing has secured another contract from the United States Air Force (USAF) to deliver four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, reinforcing the service’s push to modernize its rotary-wing fleet and replace legacy aircraft that have been in service for decades.
The latest award follows a $173 million contract signed in September for eight MH-139A helicopters, along with an earlier low-rate initial production deal covering 26 aircraft. With the new order, the total number of Grey Wolf helicopters contracted by the USAF now stands at 38. Of these, 21 aircraft have already been delivered and are being integrated into operational and training units.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf program is central to the Air Force’s effort to replace its aging UH-1N Huey helicopters, which have been operational since the 1970s. Compared to the UH-1N, the MH-139A offers significant performance improvements, including roughly 50 percent greater speed and range, as well as an additional payload capacity of around 5,000 pounds (2,300 kilograms). These upgrades are intended to enhance mission flexibility, survivability, and responsiveness across a wide range of operations.
“The quick succession of contracts demonstrates that the US Air Force is all in on bringing the MH-139A capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 program director. He added that Boeing’s team remains focused on delivering and sustaining the aircraft, with safety and quality as top priorities.
The Grey Wolf is a multi-mission helicopter based on the Leonardo AW139 commercial platform, which has been extensively adapted by Boeing for military requirements. It is designed to perform patrol, search and rescue, troop transport, and cargo missions. Operationally, the MH-139A will support nuclear security operations, emergency response, airlift, and convoy escort missions within the United States and at overseas locations. Aircraft already delivered have taken part in training activities, including exercises related to nuclear transport missions.
In terms of specifications, the MH-139A measures 54.8 feet (16.7 meters) in length and stands 16.4 feet (5 meters) high, with a 45.3-foot (13.8-meter) rotor system. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 15,432 pounds (7,000 kilograms), cruises at up to 146 knots, can reach a top speed of 167 knots, and has a maximum range of 410 nautical miles.
