MH-139A Grey Wolf

The MH-139A Grey Wolf is a dual-piloted, twin-engine medium-lift utility helicopter based on the proven Leonardo AW139 commercial platform. Prime contractor Boeing has integrated mission-specific military capabilities, including advanced communication, navigation, and self-protection systems to deliver a multi-generational leap in capability for national defense.

Missions
The MH-139A Grey Wolf provides rapid vertical airlift to protect the nation's land-based nuclear deterrent and transport government officials and security forces. Its primary missions include:

  • Emergency security response and convoy escort in support of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields
  • Contingency response, continuity of operations, and distinguished visitor (DV)/executive airlift in the National Capital Region
  • Secondary mission support, including search and rescue (SAR), tactical response force transport, medical evacuation, and aircrew survival training

Features
The MH-139A Grey Wolf is built to survive in austere, high-threat environments while reducing aircrew fatigue:

  • Cockpit Avionics: Features a state-of-the-art open-architecture digital glass cockpit, weather radar, a radar altimeter, and a highly automated four-axis autopilot capable of auto-hover and single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR) operation
  • Self-Protection & Survivability: Modified with military-grade ballistic protection in the cockpit and cabin, crashworthy self-sealing fuel tanks, and defensive suites (such as missile warning systems and chaff/flare dispensers)
  • Signature Reduction: Engines are enclosed in turbine burst containment boxes and use specialized directed exhaust to reduce the aircraft's infrared (IR) heat signature
  • Cabin Flexibility: Boasts the largest cabin in its class, offering 30% more cabin capacity than the UH-1N Huey
  • It can accommodate up to 15 passengers (depending on fuel and atmospheric conditions) or up to four medical litters alongside five medical personnel
  • AFGSC-configured aircraft can be optionally armed with cabin-mounted 7.62 mm M240 machine guns

Background
The MH-139A program was initiated on September 24, 2018, when the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.4 billion contract to replace the aging, Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey fleet.

The replacement was driven by the critical need to eliminate significant capability gaps in speed, range, payload capacity, and self-protection.

The fleet is systematically distributed to secure three primary missile complexes across the American Midwest under Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC):

  • 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming (12 planned aircraft)
  • 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana (11 planned aircraft)
  • 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, North Dakota (11 planned aircraft)

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Medium-lift utility, nuclear security response, and executive transport
Prime Contractor: The Boeing Company
Airframe Manufacturer: Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland)
Power Plant: Two FADEC-controlled Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines
Maximum Gross Weight: 15,523 pounds (7,040 kilograms)
Range: 410 nautical miles (approx. 470 statute miles / 890 km)
Service Ceiling: 20,000 feet (6,096 meters)
Maximum Speed: 167 knots (approx. 193 mph)
Maximum Cruise Speed: 146 knots (approx. 168 mph)
Length: 54 feet, 8 inches (16.7 meters)
Height: 16 feet, 4 inches (5.0 meters)
Diameter of Main Rotor: 45 feet, 3 inches (13.8 meters)
Standard Crew: Two pilots and two flight engineer (mission dependent)

(Current as of May 2026)