News

2023-04-01

MH-139A Grey Wolf: Designed to Protect

Boeing’s MH-139A Grey Wolf is a militarised version of Leonardo Helicopters’ commercial AW139. It’s a dual-piloted, twin-engine, multi-mission helicopter, designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces.

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) named the MH-139A helicopter, the “Grey Wolf” during a naming ceremony on Dec. 19, 2019. The name Grey Wolf is derived from the wild species that roams the northern tier of North America, which also encompasses the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile bases in AFGSC.

The acquisition was contracted through Boeing during a full and open competition at a cost of US$2.38 billion for up to 84 aircraft — US$1.7 billion under budget. Outside, the helicopter has a rear intake engine that can ward off heat seeking missiles, flare dispensers and large windows. Inside, there’s increased carrying capacity, a glass cockpit with advanced avionics, and a four-axis digital autopilot with auto-hover. Produced in the United States, the MH-139A provides an off-the-shelf, readily available solution combining performance, operational flexibility and safety.

Key Design Features

Even though MH-139 Grey Wolf is based on the commercial AW139 helicopter, the MH-139 has been modified extensively to meet the specific requirements of the United States Air Force (USAF).

Here are some of the key design features of MH-139:

Fuselage: The MH-139 features a spacious, unobstructed cabin that can accommodate up to 15 passengers or various mission equipment configurations. The helicopter has a length of 16.7 metres (54.8 feet) and a height of 4.98 metres (16.3 feet).

Rotor System: The helicopter is equipped with a five-bladed main rotor system that provides high lift capacity, low vibration, and a smooth ride. The rotor system is mounted on top of the helicopter’s fuselage, providing excellent visibility for the crew.

Tail Rotor: The MH-139 features a four-bladed tail rotor that provides excellent yaw control and stability. The tail rotor is mounted on the left side of the helicopter’s tail boom.

Landing Gear: The helicopter has a retractable landing gear system that consists of two main landing gear units and a nose landing gear unit. The landing gear can be retracted to reduce drag and improve the helicopter’s speed and range.

Engines: The MH-139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, each providing a maximum power output of 1,700 horsepower. The engines are mounted above the fuselage, providing easy access for maintenance.

MH-139 Grey Wolf cruises 50 per cent faster, flies 50 per cent farther, has a 30 per cent larger cabin than UH-1N Huey helicopter, and can lift 5,000 more pounds than the legacy platform, while introducing full autopilot capability to reduce pilot workload.

All-glass Cockpit

The MH-139 features a modern, all-glass cockpit with four 8x10 inch multi-function displays that provide the crew with real-time information on the helicopter’s performance, navigation, and mission systems.

The helicopter is fitted with a digital flight control system, which provides the crew with precise control over the helicopter’s flight characteristics. The digital avionics also include integrated mission systems, which provide the crew with real-time information on the helicopter’s mission status.

Advanced Communication Systems

The MH-139 is equipped with advanced communication systems, including Very high frequency (VHF) and Ultra high frequency (UHF) radios, a secure communication system, and a satellite communication system, allowing the crew to communicate with ground personnel and other aircraft.

The helicopter has a weather radar system that provides real-time information on weather conditions, including precipitation, turbulence, and icing, allowing the crew to adjust the flight path as needed.

The MH-139 is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system that provides accurate position information and enables the helicopter to navigate in all types of weather conditions.

Range of Armaments

Grey Wolf can also be equipped with a range of armaments to provide it with defensive and offensive capabilities. Here are some details about the armament options available for the MH-139:

Machine Guns: The MH-139 can be equipped with two M240 7.62mm machine guns mounted on both sides of the helicopter. These weapons can be operated by the crew or by an onboard gunner and can be used for suppressing enemy fire or engaging ground targets.

Rockets: The MH-139 can be armed with 2.75-inch unguided rockets, which can be fired from pods mounted on the helicopter’s external hardpoints. These rockets can be used for engaging enemy ground targets, such as vehicles, buildings, and personnel.

Missiles: The MH-139 can be equipped with air-to-ground missiles, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire or the BGM-71 TOW. These missiles are designed for precision strikes against enemy targets, including armoured vehicles and fortified positions.

It’s important to note that the armament options available for the MH-139 may vary depending on the specific mission requirements and the level of threat faced by the helicopter.

Advanced Protection

The MH-139 is also equipped with a suite of defensive systems that includes a radar warning receiver, a missile approach warning system, and a chaff and flare dispensing system, which help to detect and deflect incoming threats.

Overall, the MH-139 provides the crew with advanced capabilities that are essential for military missions. The digital avionics and integrated mission systems provide the crew with real-time information, allowing them to operate the helicopter safely in a wide range of environments and conditions. The avionics system with advanced flight deck functionality and improved situational awareness results in reduced crew workload.

ICBM Protection

While the MH-139 is one of the newer modernisation platforms, the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) it will be tasked with patrolling have been on alert for more than half a century. Few systems have stood the test of time like the Minuteman, which still stretches its legs several times per year on average via routine tests that are designed to demonstrate the continued fitness and readiness of the nation’s ICBM force.

The Grey Wolf will frequently stretch its legs, too — the aircraft will patrol an area spanning five states.

The Air Force will procure up to 84 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment from Boeing. The Grey Wolf will provide vertical airlift and support the requirements of five Air Force major commands and operating agencies: Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force District of Washington, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Pacific Air Forces. Global strike is the lead command and operational capability requirements sponsor.

As the MH-139A is based on the commercial AW139, there is a wide availability of rotorcraft parts and previously established support systems. This redundancy leads to overall lower operating costs and increased reliability and maintainability, resulting in more than $1 billion in Air Force savings across the life of the helicopter. Additionally, the flight training transition is eased due to previously existing AW139 flight trainers.

Initial Production

On March 3, the USAF reached a positive Milestone C decision, which commences the start to low-rate initial production for the MH-139 Grey Wolf. Subsequently, Boeing and Leonardo have announced production on the first 13 Grey Wolf helicopters, following the award of a US$285 million U.S. Air Force contract for aircraft, sustainment and support services.

The initiation of low-rate production will yield the first operational aircraft set to replace the USAF’s current fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters.

With a 50 per cent increase in speed and range, and an increase of 5,000 pounds max gross weight, the aircraft can execute the USAF’s mission of protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“This decision is a major step towards entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades,” said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 programme director.

“My teammates at Leonardo, together with our partners at Boeing, are eager to continue our partnership and are fully committed to ensuring the fleet’s success,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S..

The strength of the MH-139A lies in the collaborative efforts of Leonardo as original equipment manufacturer, and Boeing, as prime contractor responsible for militarisation and support. Leonardo produces a multirole civil-certified helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation, as well as post-delivery support of the aircraft .

Reference Text/Photo:
www.boeing.com
www.leonardo.com

Comments () Views (10939 ) Print

Send To Friend