News
MH-139 to replace U.S. Air Force UH-1N Huey fleet
September 27, 2018 By Helicopters Staff
Boeing will provide its MH-139 helicopter and related support to the U.S. Air Force to replace the more than 40-year-old UH-1N Huey helicopters, which are used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases.
The MH-139 leverages the Leonardo AW139 baseline The program awarded today is valued at US$2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment.
“We’re grateful for the Air Force’s confidence in our MH-139 team,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “The MH-139 exceeds mission requirements, it’s also ideal for VIP transport, and it offers the Air Force up to $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle cost savings.”
The MH-139 derives from the Leonardo AW139, which is used by more than 270 governments, militaries and companies worldwide. Leonardo will assemble the helicopters at its northeast Philadelphia plant, with Boeing integrating military-specific components at its facility south of that city.
The contract also includes operations, maintenance, training systems and support equipment for the MH-139 aircraft.
“With the AW139 platform’s more than 2 million flight hours and established supply chain, we look forward to applying our expertise to drive cost savings while supporting mission readiness,” said Ed Dolanski, president of U.S. Government Services, Boeing Global Services.
