USAF selects base for Grey Wolf training unit
Fleet of MH-139A helicopters will protect ICBM bases
Maxwell Air Force Base will host the MH-139A Grey Wolf Formal Training Unit (FTU), the USAF announced on 20 November.
The Grey Wolf multi-mission helicopter is being procured by the USAF under its $2.4 billion UH-1N Huey Replacement Program. Up to 84 helicopters, training devices and associated support equipment are being acquired from prime contractor Boeing, although the design of the helicopter is based on the Leonardo AW139.
It will be used by the FTU to train pilots for the role of protecting ICBM bases in the Midwest US, as well as for transporting US government officials and security forces.
The first aircraft was handed over in December 2019. Operational flight tests began in February 2020 and IOC is expected by 2021, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Leonardo is assembling the MH-139A aircraft while Boeing integrates military-specific components. Work will be completed in 2031 if all options are exercised.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MH-139 (UH-1N Huey Replacement)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Military Training & Simulation Special Report
-
![Joint Israeli Navy-NATO exercise to develop maritime medical procedures]()
Joint Israeli Navy-NATO exercise to develop maritime medical procedures
The latest casevac capacity-building demonstration is the most complex to date, following previous exercises in 2018 and 2019.
-
![Elbit supports Romanian trainer aircraft]()
Elbit supports Romanian trainer aircraft
IAR-99 fleet to receive new avionics from Israeli company
-
![RNZAF orders P-8 training systems]()
RNZAF orders P-8 training systems
The RNZAF has ordered a range of equipment for its P-8A Poseidon fleet under the FMS process, with deliveries scheduled for January 2024.
-
![Project Anywhere creates cloud-based simulation database]()
Project Anywhere creates cloud-based simulation database
Epic Games led a team comprising Microsoft, Cesium and NVIDIA to demonstrate cloud-based simulation. Known as Project Anywhere, the demonstration occurred during vIITSEC.
-
![SPEAR is put to use in Checkered Flag as Cubic claims first customer]()
SPEAR is put to use in Checkered Flag as Cubic claims first customer
Cubic has sold SPEAR to an unnamed US ally, having assisted the USAF in transitioning from the legacy ICADS system.
-
![USN picks support for Tomahawk weapon control system]()
USN picks support for Tomahawk weapon control system
Contract supports NSWC training activities related to Tomahawk
