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MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter

MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter

Manufacturer: Boeing Defense
Category: Military Helicopters
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Advanced Avionics Glass cockpit with digital flight controls
High Maneuverability Agile handling for low-altitude operations
Multi-role Capability Security, transport, medevac, and support
Superior Survivability Ballistic protection and crashworthy design

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	MH-139A Grey Wolf
Type / Role	Military Utility / Transport
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing Defense, Leonardo
Introduced / Service Entry	2023
Operational Status	Active
Operators	United States Air Force

2. Performance

Maximum Speed (Road)	306 km/h
Cruise Speed	280 km/h
Range	1,250 km (Ferry Range)
Endurance	3.5 hours
Service Ceiling	6,100 m
Rate of Climb	10.9 m/s

3. Dimensions & Weight

Length	16.6 m
Height	4.98 m
Rotor Diameter	13.8 m
Empty Weight	3,900 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	6,800 kg

4. Armament & Payload

Primary Armament	Crew-served machine guns
Secondary Armament	Optional defensive weapons
Hardpoints / Weapon Stations	Door mounts
Payload Capacity	2,300 kg
Countermeasures	Flares, ballistic protection

5. Avionics & Systems

Radar Name	Weather radar
Targeting System	EO/IR sensors
Navigation System	GPS, INS, digital flight control
Communication System	Secure UHF/VHF radios
Defensive Systems	Missile warning, countermeasures

6. Powerplant

Engines	2 × Turboshaft
Engine Model	Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C
Power Output	1,679 shp each
Fuel Capacity	1,100 L

7. Crew & Capacity

Crew	2
Passenger Capacity	Up to 15
Cabin Configuration	Troop or c
Cargo Load (Internal/External)	2,300 kg

8. Operational Capabilities

Mission Types	Missile security, transport, medevac
Night Operation Capability	Yes
All-weather Operation	Yes
Combat Proven	No

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Payload Capacity 9 / 10
Technology 9 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10

PROS

Faster and longer range than UH-1N Huey
Modern avionics and digital cockpit
Lower operating costs than legacy platforms
Strong reliability from commercial AW139 design
Optimized for U.S. homeland missions

CONS

Limited armament compared to combat helicopters
Not designed for high-threat combat zones
Smaller payload than medium-lift helicopters
Program delays during early development
Primarily focused on domestic operations

MH-139A Grey Wolf Military Utility Helicopter

The MH-139A Grey Wolf is the U.S. Air Force’s newest light utility helicopter, designed to replace the aging UH-1N Huey fleet. Built for speed, reliability, and modern mission demands, the Grey Wolf plays a critical role in protecting America’s intercontinental ballistic missile fields and supporting homeland security operations. It combines a proven commercial airframe with military-specific systems, giving the Air Force a cost-effective yet highly capable platform for domestic defense missions.

Manufacturer

The MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter is manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space and Security, based on the Leonardo AW139 commercial helicopter. Leonardo produces the airframe, while Boeing leads military integration, mission systems, and sustainment. The helicopter is assembled in the United States, supporting domestic defense industrial capacity.

Speed and Range

The Grey Wolf offers significantly improved performance over its predecessor. It has a maximum speed of around 306 km/h and a ferry range exceeding 1,200 km with auxiliary fuel tanks. This allows faster response times for missile security, medical evacuation, and contingency operations across wide geographic areas.

Cost / Price

The MH-139A program emphasizes affordability. Unit cost estimates range from 12 to 15 million USD per aircraft, depending on configuration and support packages. Its use of a commercial-derived platform helps reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs for the U.S. Air Force.

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