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.