MH-139A Grey Wolf to enter developmental testing, receives FAA Certification and Military Flight Release
Duke Field, Fla.Aug. 23,
2022 — In mid-August 2022, the U.S. Air Force accepted ownership of
four MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft – mere weeks after Boeing completed the
final FAA Supplemental Type Certification required for the MH-139A to achieve
its Military Flight Release.
These accomplishments allow the Air Force to conduct testing of critical
military capabilities of the MH-139A as the program progresses towards
Milestone C.
Prior to ownership, the aircraft went through rigorous acceptance test
conducted by Air Force Global Strike Command Detachment 7 and 413th Flight Test
Squadron pilots.
“Leonardo’s 139 helicopter has an impressive pedigree of performance in
multiple missions in the civil, public, and military domains,” said Lt. Col.
Josh Hallford, Chief, MH-139 Standardization and Evaluations MH-139 Test
Detachment 7. “The built-in system redundancies and physical performance
of the aircraft show great potential for improving on the myriad of missions
that have been covered by the venerable Huey for so long. We’re excited to get
it into test and find out what it can really do.”
The MH-139A Grey Wolf will replace the Air Force fleet of UH-1N aircraft,
offering a significant capability increase in speed, range, endurance, payload,
and survivability.
The Air Force will acquire 80 MH-139A helicopters, training devices, and
associated support equipment. The MH-139A will provide vertical airlift and
support to four Air Force Major Commands and other operating agencies including
Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force
Materiel Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and the Air Force District of
Washington (AFDW).
Air Force Global Strike Command is the lead command and operational capability
requirements sponsor.
Source US Air Force
Photo courtesy US Air Force