USAF selects AW139-based MH-139 to replace its Huey helicopters
Above:
Boeing will provide its MH-139 helicopter and related support to the US Air Force to replace the fleet of UH-1N 'Huey' helicopters used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases.
Photo: Fred Troilo, Boeing
The programme – awarded earlier this week – is valued at $2.4 billion for up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment. With initial operational capability expected by 2021, the aircraft will take over the role of protecting the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases and the transportation of U.S. government and security forces.
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo said: “We are extremely proud of this outstanding result. Major customers continue to rely on Leonardo to meet the most stringent requirements like the critical mission of protecting missile bases and transporting government personnel and special forces. This selection is also testament to Leonardo as a strong, reliable partner and long established contributor to the US industry.”
The MH-139 leverages the Leonardo AW139 baseline, a modern, non-developmental, multi-mission helicopter that is in service worldwide and has already demonstrated its capabilities in protecting critical infrastructures and transporting military and government representatives in various nations.
Gian Piero Cutillo, MD Leonardo Helicopters, said: “Today’s announcement is a strong recognition of the world-class quality and competitiveness of our product to meet the most demanding needs of leading customers.”
The MH-139 is the right-sized aircraft for the mission, exceeds the USAF’s speed, payload, range, armament and survivability requirements for protecting ICBM bases and is ideal for VIP transport. The type features modern design and the best level of affordability with a savings of $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle costs over the life of the fleet. The AW139 is assembled at the Leonardo northeast Philadelphia plant, with additional components to be integrated into the military MH-139 at the Boeing Philadelphia facility in Ridley Township, Pa.
William Hunt, CEO, AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, said: “We are happy that the US Air Force has selected our team to deliver a new fleet of Philadelphia-built MH-139s. Our Air Force deserves the best tools; this is the right helicopter for their mission. The more than $125M investment made by Leonardo in the Philadelphia facility demonstrates that we are fully prepared to execute in support of this contract. We look forward to working with Boeing on this programme and we’re committed to deliver according to expectations of the prime contractor, the US Government and taxpayers.”
David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift, said: “We’re grateful for the Air Force’s confidence in our MH-139 team.
“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.”
“We’re proud to provide the US Air Force with solutions across the entire services ecosystem,” said Ed Dolanski, president of US Government Services, Boeing Global Services. “With the AW139 platform’s more than two million flight hours and established supply chain, we look forward to applying our expertise to drive cost savings while supporting mission readiness.”
