Boeing eyes production after delivering final MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft to U.S. Air Force

Boeing expects to provide its first low rate production aircraft of the MH-139A Grey Wolf sometime next year, following delivery of its sixth and final test craft to the U.S. Air Force last month.

With its research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) phase completed, the company can now focus on transitioning to low rate initial production. Currently, it has a contract to build the first 13 Grey Wolf helicopters, but the company said that ultimately it will provide up to 80, as replacements for the UH-1N Huey.

“Delivering all of the RDT&E aircraft to the Air Force enables them to continue critical operational testing and allows Boeing to focus on building the first production aircraft,” Azeem Khan, MH-139 program director, said. “The Grey Wolf will provide crucial national security capability improvements to the Air Force. This is an important step in getting the aircraft into service.”

The new helicopter will have several roles, including work with intercontinental ballistic missiles and transporting VIP and security personnel across the country. The craft reportedly provides higher speeds and altitudes, as well as increased carrying capacity compared to its forebears.