The U. S Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) on Thursday designated its new MH-139A helicopter “Grey Wolf” during a naming ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base’s Duke Field, Florida.
The “Grey Wolf” will replace the Air Force’s fleet of UH-1N twin-engine Hueys, according to an Air Force press release. The helicopters Air Force roll is as a security support for ICBM launch sites in Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf was unveiled and named during the ceremony at Duke Field, Fla., Dec. 19, 2019. (U.S Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of the AFGSC, compared the new helicopter to the animal of the same name.
“It strikes fear in the hearts of many,” Ray said. “Its range is absolutely inherent to the ICBM fields we have.”
“As they hunt as a pack, they attack as one, they bring the force of many,” Ray went on. “That’s exactly how you need to approach the nuclear security mission.”
Air Force Global Strike Command Gen. Timothy Ray announced the MH-139A Grey Wolf, to replace the UH-1N Huey. (Air Force Global Strike Command/Released)
The Gray Wolf was designed by Boeing and was the winning helicopter bid to replace the Huey, at a cost of $2.38 billion for up to 84 aircraft – a reported $1.7 billion below the contract budget. The new helicopter is the Air Force’s first commercial “off-the-shelf” as they selected an already existing design, the commercial AW139 helicopter, and will add military-unique modifications.
According to Boeing, the new helicopter can go 50 percent faster, 50 percent further range and carry 30 percent more payload than its Vietnam-era Huey predecessor. The helicopter also reportedly touts greater endurance and survivability.
“Grey Wolf” reflects how #MH139 aircraft will be deployed in packs to protect intercontinental ballistic missile bases for the @USAirForce. pic.twitter.com/GbrqKjfJO0
— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 19, 2019
The old Huey helicopters had been in service with the Air Force since 1970.
“When I think about the issue in front of us, about moving forward in nuclear deterrence, when I stare down a wave of acquisition for essentially everything we do, I hope this particular program is a harbinger of very successful stories to follow not just for our command but for the good of the nation and for the good of our allies and partners,” Ray said.
Beyond its roll providing security for ICBM sites, the Grey Wolf’s other mission capabilities include civil search and rescue, airlift support, National Capital Region missions, as well as survival school and test support. The helicopter will serve in five Air Force commands: AFGSC, Air Force District of Washington, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Pacific Air Forces.
