The MH-139 is based on the Leonardo AW139 and is modified with mission-specific equipment, systems, and armament by prime contractor Boeing. Features include an open-architecture glass cockpit, weather radar, enhanced ground proximity warning, radar altimeter, engine IR signature reduction, and military UHF/SATCOMS. The helicopter also features defensive systems such as chaff/flares and missile warning, cockpit and cabin ballistic protection, and crashworthy, self-sealing fuel tanks. AFGSC aircraft will be optionally armed with cabin-mounted 7.62 mm M240 machine guns.
USAF awarded Boeing the $2.4 billion UH-1N replacement contract on Sept. 24, 2018, following cancellation of the earlier Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). Requirements were driven by the MH-139’s primary ICBM-field security and support role but targeted to eventually replace UH-1Ns in the DV lift and aircrew survival training roles as well.
Since the commercial AW139 is a mature system, USAF streamlined developmental testing to focus on mission requirements. Poor performance in crosswind, degraded visual conditions, and austere operations conditions delayed full flight certification to 2022. Most flight-limiting deficiencies were corrected during developmental testing in 2024, though hover limits due to engine debris injection hampered initial operational testing, completed in June 2025.
Grey Wolf proved 50 percent faster, longer-ranged, and capable of carrying more security forces responders than the legacy UH-1N, though USAF is working to fix remaining issues with the intercom and machine-gun mounts.
The service cut the planned 84-helicopter buy to 56 aircraft due to budget constraints, eliminating the MH-139’s secondary DV airlift role to focus on nuclear missile-field security and crew training. FY26 requests two aircraft with a total of eight slated for delivery this FY. The first production aircraft was delivered to Malmstrom on Aug. 5, 2024, and a decision to ramp up to full-rate production of 15 helicopters annually is expected this year. Two helicopters from Malmstrom’s 40th Helicopter Squadron flew the first operational ICBM convoy support mission on Jan. 8, 2026.
MH-139 Grey Wolf Technical Data
Contractors: Boeing (prime contractor); Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) (airframe); Honeywell (avionics).
First Flight: 2019.
Delivered: August 2022-present; (USAF/contractor-operated test aircraft delivered Dec. 19, 2019).
IOC: 2026 (planned).
Production: 56 (planned).
Inventory: 17.
Operator: AFGSC, AFRC.
Aircraft Location: Malmstrom AFB, Mont.; Maxwell AFB, Ala. Planned: F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; Minot AFB, N.D.
Active Variant: •MH-139A. Military version of the AgustaWestland AW139 for utility support and light lift.
Dimensions: Rotor diameter 45.2 ft, length 54.7 ft, height 16.3 ft.
Weight: Max gross 14,110 lb.
Power Plant: Two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft, each 1,100 shp.
Performance: Speed 167 mph, range 890 miles.
Ceiling: 20,000 ft.
Armament: Two M240 7.62 mm machine guns (mission dependent).
Accommodation: Two pilots, flight engineer.
Load: 15 passengers (depending on fuel, equipment, and atmospheric conditions) or up to four litters and five medical personnel.