U.S. Air Force Receives First Production MH-139A Helicopter At Malmstrom AFB | Aviation

The delivery of the first MH-139A “Grey Wolf” production aircraft marks a significant milestone in modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s helicopter fleet dedicated to the safeguard of the nuclear arsenal.

On Aug. 5, 2024, Boeing has delivered the first production MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter to the U.S. Air Force. The helicopter, which will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana,  and assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron, is part of a LRIP (Low-Rate Initial Production) order of 13 helicopters commissioned in 2023.

The MH-139 has been selected as the new platform to protect InterContinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) sites and to transport U.S. Government officials and Security Forces. Thanks to its advanced systems and functionalities, the MH-139 provides a valid substitution to the oldest legacy helicopters like the UH-1N which have been in service for nearly fifty years.

“This aircraft is the first production aircraft on contract and officially marks the start of low-rate production deliveries and paves the way for the Air Force to make a full-rate production decision in the future,” said Boeing. “Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf…