Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf
Boeing · United States · first flew 2019 · helicopter
The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf is a military variant of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter selected by the US Air Force to replace the elderly Bell UH-1N Huey in the intercontinental ballistic missile field security and VIP transport roles. It offers substantially greater speed, range, and payload than its predecessor.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.65 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine utility helicopter derived from Leonardo AW139
- USAF livery replacing aging UH-1N Hueys in missile-field security role
- Long-range fuel tanks and advanced avionics for nuclear-site patrol
A large, twin-engine helicopter with a distinctive oval-section fuselage, retractable tricycle undercarriage, and five-blade main rotor; USAF grey finish and Air Force markings distinguish it from civilian AW139s.
Specifications
- The Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf has a length of 16.65 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.8 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The US Air Force launched a competition in 2018 to replace its UH-1N fleet, selecting the Boeing/Leonardo team's AW139-based proposal in 2018 over the Sikorsky offering. Initial flight testing began in 2019, and the programme entered low-rate initial production. Deliveries to Air Force Global Strike Command began in the early 2020s for operations over remote missile sites in the American West.
Variants
The MH-139A is the primary USAF variant; the TH-139A is a dedicated training version with an adapted cockpit for crew qualification.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the United States Air Force, primarily with Air Force Global Strike Command at F.E. Warren, Malmstrom, and Minot Air Force Bases.
Related aircraft
- Boeing MQ-25 Stingray
- Boeing 777X-9
- Boeing 737 MAX 10
- Boeing 737 MAX 9
- Sikorsky SB-1 Defiant
- Ka-62
- Subaru UH-2
- HAL Light Observation Helicopter
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.