Boeing launches MH-139 into USAF helicopter competition

Orlando, Florida – Boeing has unveiled its MH-139 helicopter in the competition to replace the U.S. Air Force’s [Bell Helicopter] UH-1N Huey fleet, which currently protects intercontinental ballistic missiles and transports U.S. government and security forces.

Boeing’s response to the Air Force, revealed at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium, is based on the Leonardo Helicopters AW139 multi-mission helicopter.

“This Northeast Philadelphia-built aircraft is sized to meet U.S. Air Force requirements and offers more than $1 billion in acquisition and lifecycle expense savings over 30 years when compared to competitor aircraft,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift.

The U.S. Air Force UH-1N Replacement Program plans to replace the current Huey fleet – which entered service in the 1970s – with up to 84 new helicopters.

“The Huey replacement is of vital importance to the Air Force, and the MH-139 is the right solution for those missions,” said Judy Fedder, director of Global Sales & Marketing, Boeing Integrated Logistics, and a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general. “The fact that the AW139 is being built today on an active production line will speed it to meet the time-critical demand following the competition.”

Almost 900 AW139s are in service with more than 250 governments, militaries, and companies across the world. More than 250 of the helicopters have been assembled and delivered from Philadelphia.

Source: Boeing Defense, Space & Security