MH-139 Grey Wolf Advances Into Initial Operational Testing, Evaluation

Helicopters are to take over nuclear security roles currently performed by UH-1N Hueys.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 04:31 PM ET

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Kimberly Johnson

An MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron performs an initial operational test and evaluation mission over Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, on January 28.[Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force has commenced initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) for the MH-139 Grey Wolf, set to replace the aging UH-1N Hueys in critical nuclear security missions.
Recent tests at Malmstrom Air Force Base evaluated the Grey Wolf's capabilities in convoy support and emergency response, including simulated launch facility recapture and recovery scenarios.
This congressional-mandated testing ensures the MH-139 can seamlessly perform all assigned missions before the UH-1N fleet is retired.

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The U.S. Air Force recently launched initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) of the MH-139 Grey Wolf, the helicopter set to replace the service’s aging fleet of Bell UH-1N Hueys that perform nuclear security missions.

During the week of January 27, three MH-139 flights operated by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, demonstrated its capabilities, the Air Force said. The squadron activated in 2023 and is responsible for Air Force Global Strike Command’s training and conversion to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.