MH-139A Grey Wolf.

Technical Data

• Design

  MH-139A Grey Wolf is a twin-engine, medium-lift military utility helicopter derived from the Leonardo AW139 and adapted by Boeing for U.S. Air Force requirements. The aircraft uses a five-blade main rotor, retractable tricycle landing gear and a spacious, reconfigurable cabin suitable for security-force transport, passenger movement, medical evacuation, search and rescue and other support missions. Its military configuration incorporates ballistic protection for the cockpit and cabin, crashworthy self-sealing fuel tanks, redundant flight-critical systems and structural features intended to improve survivability in demanding operating environments. MH-139A Grey Wolf also benefits from the AW139's mature commercial design, providing comparatively high speed, range and maintainability while reducing development and sustainment risk. The cabin can be reconfigured for different mission equipment and personnel loads, while the airframe is optimized for rapid-response operations associated with U.S. Air Force nuclear-security and utility missions.

• Armament

  MH-139A Grey Wolf can be equipped with defensive armament for security and force-protection missions. U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command aircraft are configured to employ cabin-mounted M240 7.62×51 mm machine guns, generally installed at side firing positions to provide suppressive and defensive fire during convoy escort, tactical-response-force transport and other security operations. MH-139A Grey Wolf does not use permanently fixed offensive armament as part of its standard configuration. Weapon installation is mission-dependent, allowing the helicopter to retain flexibility for transport, medical, search-and-rescue, executive-support and other non-combat roles when machine guns are not required.

• Avionics and Onboard Equipment

  MH-139A Grey Wolf features a modern digital glass cockpit with integrated flight and navigation displays designed to reduce crew workload and improve situational awareness. Its avionics include advanced navigation systems, weather radar, radar altimeter, military communications equipment and a highly automated four-axis autopilot with auto-hover capability, supporting operations in demanding weather and mission conditions. MH-139A Grey Wolf also incorporates military survivability equipment, including missile-warning sensors and chaff-and-flare countermeasure dispensers. The aircraft's mission systems include encrypted communications and other U.S. Air Force-specific equipment integrated by Boeing, while its open-architecture approach facilitates future upgrades and mission-system enhancements.

• Engine

  MH-139A Grey Wolf is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines controlled by Full Authority Digital Engine Control systems. The twin-engine arrangement provides redundancy and supports the aircraft's relatively high cruise speed, payload capacity and operating range compared with the UH-1N helicopters it replaces. MH-139A Grey Wolf uses independently driven engine inputs to the main transmission and incorporates exhaust arrangements designed to reduce infrared signature. The PT6C-67C powerplants support a maximum speed of approximately 167 knots and a maximum cruise speed of about 146 knots, with the aircraft capable of missions extending to roughly 410 nautical miles under Boeing's published performance figures.