MH-139 Grey Wolf Reaches Initial Operational Capability
The Boeing-built helicopter is nearly 50% faster than the Huey and can carry twice as many troops, Air Force officials said.
- On August 10, the U.S. Air Force reached initial operational capability with the MH-139A Grey Wolf, beginning replacement of aging UH-1N Hueys patrolling nuclear missile facilities.
- Overseen by the 20th Air Force, the new aircraft supports missile field security across 33,600 square miles, replacing Vietnam-era platforms with enhanced defensive systems and speed to protect the Minuteman III ICBM.
- The 582nd Helicopter Group spearheaded conversion training and testing, enabling the 40th Helicopter Squadron to conduct operational convoy escorts over 100 miles without refueling, fulfilling survivability requirements.
- While designed for security missions, the MH-139 is no longer expected to transport VIP passengers; instead, the Air Force will utilize the Lockheed Martin-made HH-60W Jolly Green II at Joint Base Andrews.
- As the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III to the LGM-35A Sentinel, the new helicopters are slated to support this security shift while performing search and rescue and medical evacuation tasks.
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MH-139 Reaches Initial Operational Capability
The Air Force’s new nuclear security helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, achieved initial operational capability this month—a significant milestone in the service’s effort to replace its Vietnam War-era UH-1N Hueys but years later than originally planned. The post MH-139 Reaches Initial Operational Capability appeared first on Air & Space Forces Magazine.
MH-139 deemed operational for nuclear security mission
Boeing’s MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter has achieved initial operational capability and can begin patrolling the Air Force’s nuclear missile silos as the service’s Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys are gradually replaced, Air Force Global Strike Command announced yesterday. The chopper, which officially received the designation on Aug. 10, has been tip-toeing toward IOC for years after missing its original 2021 projection. Still, this new milestone is over a…
Military Times
Air Force TimesMH-139 Grey Wolf reaches initial operational capability
The Air Force declared the MH-139 Grey Wolf operational, as the service moves to replace aging UH-1N Hueys.
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