MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters will protect US nuclear mines

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to provide additional protection for nuclear weapons mines. Boeing will help with this.

Here's What We Know

The US manufacturer has been awarded a $285m contract to build 13 MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters. They will replace the Bell UH-1N Huey, which is now engaged in providing protection for mines that house US intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Under the new $285m contract, Boeing is the prime contractor. Italian company Leonardo will supply the equipment and provide its production facilities in Pennsylvania.

The MH-139A Gray Wolf will be based on the Boeing AW139 commercial helicopter. The company believes that by using proven components and a proven design, it will be able to reduce production costs and operating expenses. The U.S. Air Force is expected to save $1 billion over the life of the helicopter.

The UH-1N Huey has a top speed of 240km/h and a range of 460km. The MH-139A Gray Wolf will be 1.5 times faster, increasing range by 50% and maximum payload weight by 2.3 tonnes. The main purpose of the helicopter will be patrolling of the territory and transportation of personnel in military bases, where there are mines with nuclear weapons.

Source: Boeing