MH-139A Grey Wolf to replace USAF UH-1Ns

[Forest Green]

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/initial-operational-testing-grey-wolf-helicopter-may-be-delayed/

 

[Kiltonge]

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/initial-operational-testing-grey-wolf-helicopter-may-be-delayed/

Given that the UH-1N didn't go through any of that testing prior to entering service they've really made a rod for their own back.

Is it certificated? Yes
Is it safer and more capable than the 50yo airframes currently flying the mission? Yes

Then get it into service and worry about KPIs later.

 

[aonestudio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1946219736183763328

View: https://x.com/BoeingDefense/status/1946219736183763328

https://onfirstup.com/boeing/BNN/ar...s-it-can-fly-its-mission?bypass_deeplink=true

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://aviationweek.com/defense/ai...9-could-keep-vip-mission-usaf-sets-fms-office(Subscription or registration may be required)

 

[Forest Green]

MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Flies First Convoy Mission​

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/mh-139-grey-wolf-helicopter-flies-first-convoy-mission/

 

[Titus]

8-1/2 years from Boeing-Leonardo getting the contract to first deployment. And I'm not blaming Leonardo here, it's an excellent aircraft. In fact I'm not blaming Boeing either--but good grief 8 and 1/2 years?
Great, now I sound like all the other curmudgeons on the thread. Can't we do anything (beyond B-21) snip-snip?

 

[Forest Green]

Grey Wolf helicopter notches first operational mission​

https://www.defensenews.com/news/yo...helicopter-notches-first-operational-mission/

 

[Forest Green]

MH-139 Reaches Initial Operational Capability​

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/mh-139-reaches-initial-operational-capability/

The Air Force’s new nuclear security helicopter, the MH-139A Grey Wolf, achieved initial operational capability in August—a significant milestone in the service’s effort to replace its Vietnam War-era UH-1N Hueys but years later than originally planned.

In an Aug. 31 release, Air Force Global Strike Command said it declared IOC for the Grey Wolf on Aug. 10. IOC occurs when a system can be fielded and maintained by some of its operational units. In the case of the MH-139, that’s the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.

 

[Scott Kenny]

About [expletives deleted] time...

 

[yasotay]

IOC occurs when a system can be fielded and maintained by some of its operational units.

"Some" could mean four dudes and tool kit.