Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf

History of the Boeing MH-139 Grey Wolf

The MH-139, a modification of the AW139 helicopter by Boeing, is vying to replace the U.S. Air Force's aging UH-1N "Twin Huey" helicopters. With its roots in the successful Italian AW139 series, the MH-139 promises a robust and reliable platform. It aims to address the need for a modern, long-term solution to replace the Vietnam-era Twin Hueys, which have been in service since 1970. Boeing's proposal benefits from the AW139's proven track record, with over 800 units produced since 2003, and the convenience of local production in Philadelphia, where the helicopter is already being manufactured.

The MH-139 boasts advanced features, including a modern cockpit with digital displays and excellent visibility, ensuring optimal situational awareness for crew members. Its spacious cabin, equipped with a large sliding door, can be configured for various missions, whether transporting passengers or cargo. Additionally, the helicopter offers flexibility with optional weapon mounts, strategically placed to facilitate passenger boarding and disembarkation.

Furthermore, the MH-139 incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and reduce noise. Its five-blade rotor system ensures high performance while minimizing sound output, crucial for both military and civilian operations. With separate engine compartments for easy access and maintenance, the MH-139 presents itself as a competitive contender in the Twin Huey replacement program, challenging Lockheed's Sikorsky UH-60U bid.

Boeing MH-139 Gray Wolf Specs

Base

Year of Service: 2021

Origins: United States

Status: Active

Crew: 2

Production: 80+

Manufacturer: Leonardo Italy - Italy/Boeing - USA

Operators: United States

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS): Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special mission: MEDEVAC: Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements using specialized shipboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capacity.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR): Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Transportation: General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

VIP Service: Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR): Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Special Forces: Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 54.6 feet (16.65 m)

Width/span: 45.3 feet (13.80 m)

Height: 16.4 feet (5.00 m)

Cured weight: 8,157 lbs (3,700 kg)

MTOW: 14,330 lbs (6,500 kg)

Performance

Installed: Estimate: 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, each producing 1,750 hp, driving a five-blade main rotor and a four-blade tail rotor.

Maximum speed: 202 km/h (325 km/h | 175 knots)

Maximum: 20,341 feet (6,200 m | 4 km)

Area: 808 km (1,300 km | 2,408 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 2,300 ft/min (701 m/min)