The MH-139A, which shares approximately 95% of its design
with the Leonardo AW139 commercial helicopter, currently undergoes 1200-hour
and four-year inspections at the organizational level conducted by government
personnel. The Air Force aims to determine whether private-sector partners have
the specialized resources needed to manage these intensive maintenance
requirements more efficiently.
The RFI specifies that the Air Force is not requesting
formal proposals at this time, nor is it committing to a future contract or
procurement. This initiative is strictly for planning and information-gathering
purposes.
Core Requirements for Potential Partners: The Air
Force is seeking organizations that can demonstrate comprehensive capabilities
aligned with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. Key areas of
interest include:
- Technical
Infrastructure: Facilities equipped with appropriate
environmental controls and specialized tooling required for the
AW139/MH-139A platform.
- Data
Access and Authority: Demonstrated ability to access and utilize
proprietary OEM technical data, engineering manuals, and diagnostic
software.
- Workforce
Expertise: A requirement for technicians holding FAA Airframe and
Powerplant (A&P) certifications, backed by at least five years of
specific experience with the airframe and training verified by the OEM.
- Operational
Capacity: The ability to perform complex tasks, including the
removal and installation of major components like main rotor heads and
gearboxes, supported by an efficient supply chain for parts and
consumables.
Submission Guidelines: Interested organizations are
invited to submit a capability statement detailing their business status,
facility capabilities, and past performance.
By engaging with the private sector, the Air Force seeks to
assess the marketplace’s ability to sustain the operational readiness of the
Grey Wolf fleet—a critical asset for protecting intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM) fields and supporting other military missions.
First Misson
Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the
40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile convoy Jan. 8, marking an important
milestone in the modernization of Air Force Global Strike Command’s
nuclear security operations.
The MH-139s shepherded a column of missile maintenance and armored security
vehicles to and from a launch facility located more than 100 miles east
of Malmstrom Air Force Base without needing to refuel during the
six-hour movement, demonstrating the superior capabilities of AFGSC’s newest
helicopter.
Boeing delivered the first MH-139A to the United States Air
Force on Dec. 19, 2019, at Duke Field, Fla. Malmstrom AFB then hosted a
welcome ceremony for the MH-139A on March 9, 2024.
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