Boeing reports that three MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft for the US Air Force have performed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) flights in January, demonstrating their capabilities during simulated emergency response scenarios.
This is the first set of tests to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions—key to confirming the MH-139 can seamlessly replace the UH-1N Huey without any lapse in capability.
What the customer said: “The MH-139 Grey Wolf fundamentally changes how we support nuclear security,” said Col. Philip Bryant, 582nd HG commander. “It can carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times as fast and has a considerably longer loiter time than the UH-1N, which greatly strengthens our mission to protect the missile fields. Our Airmen are adapting quickly to this new platform. The MH-139 provides a game-changing advantage for our nuclear security forces, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the UH-1N to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.”
Driving the news: “Our team has worked hard to deliver aircraft and provide the support services needed to ensure the Air Force has all it needs to conduct IOT&E testing,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 programme director. “We’re thrilled to see the aircraft perform in an operational environment and look forward to it achieving initial operational capability (IOC) later this year.”
