The US Air Force has a new helicopter that will combat any threat to America’s nuclear weapons.
Nicknamed the “Grey Wolf,” it flies faster, higher and farther than the iconic UH-1N Huey helicopter it is replacing.
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The US Air Force this week received its first next-generation military helicopter, the MH-139A Gray Wolf, to patrol US nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
It will be stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and will deploy in groups on nuclear security missions.
“This aircraft will directly support the U.S. Air Force’s ongoing modernization efforts,” said Azeem Khan, MH-139 executive director and program manager, on Aug. 5.
“Delivering this asset to the MH-139A fleet is critical to the future of national security as the Gray Wolf will play a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad for decades to come.”
The three ends of America’s nuclear triad They include land-based ICBMs and air-launched cruise missiles maintained by the Air Force, as well as maritime weapons that are the domain of the Navy.
The triad, together with designated forces, provides 24/7 deterrence to prevent catastrophic actions by U.S. adversaries.
America’s ICBM force has remained on continuous alert, 24 hours a day, since 1959.
It’s hard to overstate how much blood, sweat and tears it took to get this helicopter into our United States Air Force.
Brig. General Andrew Gebara
The new helicopters will provide security and support to 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 deterrent capabilities, ensuring that the U.S. nuclear arsenal remains secure and ready to respond to any threat,” it said. Air Force Technology on Tuesday.
He was officially named five years ago, at an official event.
POWER PACK
“The Boeing MH-139A pays homage to the gray wolf, an extremely adaptable species known for its power and endurance, which contributes to its ability to travel great distances,” Boeing said in a statement revealing its nickname in 2019.
At the naming ceremony – before the aircraft was ready for service – General Timothy Ray, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), also explained the link to the wolf.
“This strikes fear into the hearts of many. Its range is absolutely inherent to the ICBM fields we have,” he told Air Force.
“While they hunt as a pack, they attack as one, bringing the strength 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. General Andrew Gebara at the same activation ceremony, reported Task and Objective in 2019.
“It’s hard to overstate how much blood, sweat and tears it took to get this helicopter into our United States Air Force defending this detachment.”
LETHAL WEAPONS
And the helicopter has an impressive list of features, which have been improved over the past few years – despite the Covid pandemic causing delays in testing.
The twin-engine, dual-pilot helicopter is 54.63 feet long, has two externally mounted M240 machine guns and a state-of-the-art avionics (electronic) system, it said Air Force Technology.
More about the MH-139A “Grey Wolf”
Here’s what we know about the helicopter…
The US Air Force has unveiled its first new Gray Wolf nuclear protection helicopter that will “hunt as a pack, attack as one and strike fear into the hearts of enemies.”
- Military helicopter will patrol silos housing US nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles
- It will replace the iconic UH-1N Huey, which first entered US service in 1970 to help with search and rescue missions.
- Can fly faster, higher, further and with more weight than the old Huey
- Features include two externally mounted M240 machine guns and state-of-the-art avionics (electronics) system
- Can fly three hours, or 225 nautical miles, without refueling
- Twin-engine, dual-pilot helicopter
- The main rotor system is equipped with five blades
- Improved flight capability in adverse weather conditions
- Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboshaft engines
- Cruising speed of 135 knots and maximum speed of 167 kt
- Spacious cabin with capacity for up to 15 people
- Forward-looking infrared camera system
The low-noise aircraft also has enhanced safety features, including cockpit and cockpit shielding, and self-sealing, crash-resistant fuel cells.
Due to its enormous task, the Gray Wolf has a missile approach warning system, along with a countermeasure system, which offers self-protection against missile attacks and other aerial 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. Sliding tactical windows make it easy to use mounted machine guns without obstructing the cabin’s side doors.”
REPLACES HUEY
It can fly three hours, or 225 nautical miles, without refueling and has a cruising speed of 135 knots.
During some of its final tests in May, General Robert J. Skinnerdirector of the Defense Information Systems Agency, shared dramatic photos of a landing amid a cloud of red dust at Eglin Air Force Base.
“Let’s get dirty…” he joked Facebook.
“The MH-139A will replace the Air Force’s 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 operational agencies.”
VIP TRIPS
There are 13 Gray Wolf helicopters in the first batch, ordered as part of an initial production contract, awarded in 2023.
The MH-139A’s multiple missions include providing VIP transportation, transporting US government personnel to various bases.
Other mission capabilities include civil search and rescue and airlift support.
Gray Wolf will also bolster the Air Force’s five major operating commands and agencies: AFGSC, Air Force District of Washington, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Pacific Air Forces.
The turnkey project – a joint venture between Boeing and Leonardo Aerospace – was contracted to Boeing at a cost of US$2.38 billion for up to 84 aircraft.
Leonardo manufactures the base model of the helicopter at the company’s Northeast Philadelphia facility, while Boeing equips it with military-grade technology.
GOOD FOR ALLIES
“This aircraft is well positioned to become an important
active in the defense and security of the United States,” said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters USA.
“I hope this particular program is a harbinger of very successful stories to come, not just for our command, but for the good of the nation and for the good of our allies and partners,” said General Ray.
The helicopters are expected to serve the U.S. Air Force for more than 30 years.
The Gray Wolf will gradually replace the UH-1N Huey aircraft – the Bell UH-1 series were the most widely used and well-known helicopters during the Vietnam War.
The Air Force said the MH-139A could travel 50 percent faster and farther than the old Huey, with a larger cabin and the ability to lift an additional 5,000 pounds.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
