Air Force awards Boeing $2.38B helicopter contract

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for replacement helicopters.

The original cost estimate for the program was about $4.1 billion. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said that the $1.7 billion in savings was due to strong competition.

The first helicopter delivery is expected in fiscal year 2021.

The first portion of this contract is or four helicopters at approximately $375 million.  The new helicopters will be used by Airmen to protect the nation’s ballistic missiles bases.

“A safe, secure and effective nuclear enterprise is job one,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said. “It is imperative that we field a capable and effective helicopter to replace UH-1Ns providing security for our ICBMs and nuclear deterrence operations.”

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. Overall, Boeing will provide the Air Force with up to 84 helicopters over the course of the contract, along with maintenance, training, and support.

“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 helicopters meet the requirements of five Air Force major commands.

“We’re proud to provide the U.S. Air Force with solutions across the entire services ecosystem,” said Ed Dolanski, president of U.S. Government Services, Boeing Global Services. “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.”