BIG BAD WOLF Air Force unveils new “Grey Wolf” nuke-guarding chopper that will “hunt as a pack and strike fear in enemy hearts”
THE U.S. Air Force has a beast of a new chopper that will fight off any threat to the America's nukes.
Dubbed the “Grey Wolf”, it flies faster, higher and further than the iconic UH-1N Huey helicopter it’s replacing.
The U.S. Air Force has this week taken delivery of its first state-of-the-art military helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, to patrol America’s nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
It will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, and deployed in packs on nuclear security missions.
“This aircraft will directly support ongoing U.S. Air Force modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager, on August 5.
“Delivering this asset for the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Grey Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
The three prongs of America's nuclear triad include the land-based ICBM and air-launched cruise missiles maintained by the Air Force, as well as the sea-based weapons that are the domain of the Navy.
The triad, along with assigned forces, provides 24/7 deterrence to prevent catastrophic actions from US adversaries.
America's ICBM force has remained on a continuous, around-the-clock alert since 1959.
It is hard to overstate just how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into getting this helicopter into our United States Air Force.
The new helicopters will provide security and support for the nation’s ICBM fields, which span Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska.The MH-139A will "contribute to the Air Force’s efforts to sustain its nuclear deterrence capabilities, ensuring that America’s nuclear arsenal remains secure and ready to respond to any threat," reported Airforce Technology on Tuesday.
It was officially named five years ago, at an official event.
POWER PACK
“The Boeing MH-139A pays homage to the grey wolf, an extremely adaptable species known for its power and endurance, which contributes to its ability to roam large distances,” Boeing said in a statement revealing its moniker in 2019.
At the naming ceremony - before the aircraft was ready for service - Gen. Timothy Ray, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) commander, also explained the wolf link.
“It strikes fear in the hearts of many. Its range is absolutely inherent to the ICBM fields we have," he told the Air Force.
“As they hunt as a pack, they attack as one, they bring the force of many.
“That’s exactly how you need to approach the nuclear security mission.”
“I’m here to tell you, this is a big deal,” added AFGSC A5/8 director Brig. Gen. Andrew Gebara at the same activation ceremony, reported Task And Purpose in 2019.
“It is hard to overstate just how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into getting this helicopter into our United States Air Force standing up this detachment.”
LETHAL WEAPONS
And the chopper has an impressive list of features, which have been fine-tuned over the past few years - despite the Covid pandemic causing delays in testing.
The dual-piloted, twin-engine helicopter is 54.63 feet long, has two externally mounted M240 machine guns, and a state-of-the-art avionics (electronic) system, said Airforce Technology.
More on the MH-139A "Grey Wolf"
Here's what we know about the helicopter...
The U.S. Air Force has unveiled its first new Grey Wolf nuke-guarding chopper that will “hunt as a pack, attack as one and strike fear in enemy hearts.”
- Military helicopter will patrol silos housing the USA’s nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles
- Will replace the iconic UH-1N Huey, which first entered service in the U.S. in 1970 to help in search and rescue missions
- Can fly faster, higher, further, and with more weight than the aging Huey
- Features include two externally mounted M240 machine guns, and state-of-the-art avionics (electronic) system
- Can fly three hours, or 225 nautical miles, without refueling
- Dual-piloted, twin-engine helicopter
- Main rotor system is equipped with five blades
- Enhanced flight ability in poor weather conditions
- Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboshaft engines
- Cruising speed of 135 knots and a maximum speed of 167 kt
- Spacious cabin offers seating for up to 15 people
- Forward-looking infrared camera system
The low-noise aircraft also has enhanced safety features including cockpit and cabin armour, plus self-sealing crashworthy fuel cells.
Because of its huge task, the Grey Wolf has a missile approach warning system, along with a countermeasure system, offering self-protection against missile attacks and other airborne munitions.
It can carry nine combat-equipped troops and security response equipment.
"It has world-class military and commercial systems integration capabilities," Airforce Tech added.
"The spacious cabin offers seating for up to 15 people. The slide-down tactical windows facilitate the use of mounted machine guns without obstructing side cabin doors."
REPLACES HUEY
It can fly three hours, or 225 nautical miles, without refueling, and has a cruise speed of 135 knots.
During some of its final testing in May, General Robert J. Skinner, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, shared dramatic pics of one landing amid a cloud of red dust at the Eglin Air Force Base.
"Let's get dirty…." he joked on Facebook.
"The MH-139A will replace the Air Force fleet of UH-1N aircraft, increasing capabilities in speed, range, endurance, payload, and survivability.
"The Air Force will acquire up to 80 helicopters, training devices, and associated support equipment.
"The aircraft will provide vertical airlift and support to four major commands and other operating agencies."
VIP TRIPS
There are 13 Grey Wolf choppers in the first batch which was ordered as part of an initial production contract, awarded in 2023.
The MH-139A's multiple missions include providing VIP transport, carrying U.S. government officials to various bases.
Other mission capabilities include civil search and rescue, and airlift support.
The Grey Wolf will also bolster the five Air Force major commands and operating agencies: the AFGSC, Air Force District of Washington, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Pacific Air Forces.
The off-the-shelf project - a joint venture between Boeing and Leonardo Aerospace - was contracted through Boeing at a cost of $2.38 billion for up to 84 aircraft.
Leonardo makes the helicopter’s baseline model at the firm's northeast Philadelphia site, while Boeing equips it with military-grade tech.
GOOD FOR ALLIES
"This aircraft is well-positioned to become an important
asset in the defense and security of the United States," said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S.
"I hope this particular program is a harbinger of very successful stories to follow not just for our command but for the good of the nation and for the good of our allies and partners,” said Gen. Ray.
The choppers are expected to serve the U.S. Air Force for more than 30 years.The Grey Wolf will gradually replace the UH-1N Huey aircraft - the Bell UH-1 series were the most widely used and known helicopters used during the Vietnam War.
The Air Force said the MH-139A could cruise 50 percent faster and further than the aging Huey, with a larger cabin and the ability to lift an additional 5,000 lbs.
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