New helicopter completes 1st test, evaluation flight
Submitted Photo An MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron prepares to land at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, after an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission. IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Submitted Photo Two UH-1N Huey helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron and an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron fly back to Malmstrom AFB on Jan. 28, after an MH-139 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission. Both squadrons are at Malmstrom AFB. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Submitted Photo An MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron prepares to land at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, after an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission. IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Submitted Photo Two UH-1N Huey helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron and an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron fly back to Malmstrom AFB on Jan. 28, after an MH-139 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission. Both squadrons are at Malmstrom AFB. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
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F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. - The 582nd Helicopter Group at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Montana, achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on Jan. 28.
Minot AFB, Malmstrom AFB and F.E. Warren AFB are scheduled to receive the MH-139 Grey Wolf to replace the UH-1N Huey.
The Jan. 28 flight, conducted by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, tested the aircraft's ability to support intercontinental ballistic missile convoy operations, a crucial mission for securing the nation's strategic deterrence forces.
"This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the MH-139 is ready for full operational capability," said Lt. Col. Douglas Lincoln, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center IOT&E test director. "This was the first of 37 planned flight events, and our objective was to integrate the MH-139 into convoy security operations while testing communication networks between air and ground forces."
The MH-139 Grey Wolf brings enhanced speed, payload capacity and endurance, far surpassing the UH-1N Huey, which has been in service since the Vietnam era. As Twentieth Air Force transitions to the MH-139, the increased capabilities will streamline nuclear security operations and improve response times for Tactical Response Force teams.
"The MH-139 Grey Wolf fundamentally changes how we support nuclear security," said Col. Philip Bryant, 582nd Helicopter Group commander. "It can carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times as fast and has a considerably longer loiter time than the UH-1N, which greatly strengthens our mission to protect the missile fields."
During this first test event, the aircraft flew alongside a 341st Missile Wing convoy, validating mission effectiveness and operational suitability. The aircrew assessed the MH-139's ability to insert and extract tactical response teams while maintaining seamless communication with ground forces.
IOT&E is scheduled to continue through June. The 550th Helicopter Squadron will be performing tests at all three missile wings and at multiple ranges to fully analyze the MH-139's performance for all its operational missions.
"Our airmen are adapting quickly to this new platform," said Bryant. "The MH-139 provides a game-changing advantage for our nuclear security forces, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the UH-1N to the MH-139 Grey Wolf."
New helicopter test plans
Initial Operational Test and Evaluation of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter is scheduled to continue through June.
The 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, will be performing tests at all three missile wings - Minot AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and Malmstrom AFB, and at multiple ranges to fully analyze the MH-139's performance for all its operational missions.