MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Boeing delivers 4 test helicopters to U.S. Air Force to help replace aging fleet

Aug 26, 2022, 1:21 PM

(Fred Troilo/Boeing)...

(Fred Troilo/Boeing)

(Fred Troilo/Boeing)

Boeing has delivered four of its MH-139A Grey Wolf test helicopters to the U.S. Air Force as the service replaces its aging UH-1N helicopters, the aerospace company announced Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration has certified the Grey Wolf to start military utility testing.

Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7

The aircraft will protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and support other Air Force commands, according to a news release.

Boeing was awarded a $2.4 billion contract in September 2018 for 80 helicopters, training systems and other support equipment.

“The Grey Wolf is a modern, versatile aircraft offering greater range, speed and endurance than the UH-1N Huey it replaces,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “I am proud of our team who, along with our partner Leonardo, helped us to achieve this milestone – a tremendous first step in a long line of Grey Wolf deliveries.”

Leonardo is the company that builds the helicopters in northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Boeing handles military equipment procurement and installation, and offers post-delivery support of the helicopters.

In this YouTube video from 2017, Boeing describes some of the capabilities and features of the aircraft.



MyNorthwest News

Pinehurst Station light rail...

Chris Sullivan

Sound Transit to open new light rail station 5 years ahead of schedule

Sound Transit isn't known for being on time or on budget with its light rail projects, but it's about to open a new station way ahead of schedule.

23 minutes ago

seattle street takeover shooting...

Frank Lenzi

Seattle street takeover shooting: Police identify everyone involved

Seattle police have identified everyone involved in a September 6 shooting connected to an illegal street takeover that left one person dead and three others wounded near 3rd Avenue and Clay Street.

7 hours ago

rainier beach shooting...

Frank Lenzi

Seattle’s Rainier Beach shooting leaves man wounded

A shooting in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood Wednesday evening left a man wounded, and the suspected shooter has not been caught, police said.

8 hours ago

gluten free...

MyNorthwest Staff

Gluten-free brand recalls flour, bread, and pizza mixes

A gluten-free brand is recalling multiple mixes due to potential undeclared wheat gluten.

11 hours ago

Lummi Island Ferry...

Brooke Griffin, KIRO 7 News

Whatcom County receives $25 million grant to replace Lummi Island Ferry

The Lummi Island ferry is next in line for a major upgrade!

11 hours ago

Unlicensed animal rescue Puyallup...

Frank Lenzi

15 dogs, 2 cats removed from unlicensed animal rescue in Puyallup

Authorities removed 15 dogs and two cats from what they described as "deplorable conditions" at an unlicensed animal rescue at a Puyallup home on Tuesday.

12 hours ago

Boeing delivers 4 test helicopters to U.S. Air Force to help replace aging fleet