Leonardo, the first military helicopters delivered to the US Air Force with Boeing
Leonardo and Boeing deliver the first 4 MH-139A helicopters to USAF. The military aircraft will be used for the protection of ICBM bases on American territory
Leonardo and Boeing delivered the first four MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters to the US Air Force.
This was announced in a press release from the defense and aerospace group led by Alessandro Profumo. With the delivery of the aircraft, the US Air Force can thus begin the replacement of the obsolete UH-1N.
In 2018, the Air Force (USAF) selected the MH-139 helicopter, based on Leonardo's AW139 and offered by Boeing as prime contractor, to replace the UH-1N “Huey” fleet. Specifically, Boeing had been awarded a contract worth $ 2.4 billion for up to 80 helicopters, training systems and other support equipment.
“We are thrilled with the acceptance of the first four MH-139As by the US Air Force,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US. “This helicopter is well positioned to become an important asset for US defense and security. I would like to thank in particular the integrated teams of Leonardo and Boeing for the tireless work and ingenuity shown and which made this result possible ”.
After the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certification and USAF acceptance, the way opens for the testing of the helicopter's military utility capabilities.
All the details.
THE DUTIES OF THE MH-139 HELICOPTERS
The helicopters are intended to protect ICBM bases and to transport government and special forces personnel, with the first helicopters expected to enter service starting in 2021.
Based on Leonardo's highly successful AW139 'dual-use' helicopter, the Gray Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft designed to protect ICBMs and carry US government personnel and security forces.
As Leonardo recalls, the AW139 is "the most important helicopter program in the world since its certification in 2004 and the best-selling model in its category, with orders for over 1250 aircraft from more than 290 operators in over 80 countries for all types. of mission. With the latest avionics upgrade called Phase 8, the AW139 offers even more exceptional capability, technology and safety to meet the stringent requirements of operators who must perform various missions in challenging conditions with maximum effectiveness. "
COMPLETION OF THE FAA CERTIFICATION
The start of deliveries of the first MH-139s follows the completion of additional certification activities by the FAA – Federal Aviation Administration, necessary for the formal aircraft acceptance procedure. Boeing and the US Air Force will now proceed to conduct further development and initial operational testing to support the program.
THE ROLE OF LEONARDO AND BOEING IN THE PROGRAM
Deliveries are expected until 2031 at the rate of 8-10 helicopters per year.
In particular, Leonardo produces the helicopter at its facility in north-east Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for the procurement and installation of military equipment and aircraft support after delivery.
"The Gray Wolf is a modern and versatile helicopter, offering greater range, speed and range than the UH-1N it is replacing," said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager for Boeing operations. in the vertical flight sector. “I am proud of our team which, together with our partner Leonardo, has enabled us to achieve this goal, a first fundamental step in the long series of deliveries planned for the Gray Wolfs”.
This is a machine translation from Italian language of a post published on Start Magazine at the URL https://www.startmag.it/smartcity/leonardo-consegnati-con-boeing-i-primi-elicotteri-militari-allaeronautica-usa/ on Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:59:01 +0000.