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 commenced initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) of the MH-139 Grey Wolf, which is set to replace the aging UH-1N Huey helicopters used for nuclear security missions.
Recent tests at Malmstrom Air Force Base evaluated the MH-139's capabilities in convoy support and emergency response, including rapid deployment for simulated threats.
IOT&E is mandated by Congress to ensure the Grey Wolf can seamlessly assume the UH-1N's critical missions without any lapse in capability, enabling the eventual retirement of the older fleet.

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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.