Seeking to advance the integration of its new MH-139A helicopters, the U.S. Air Force announced that, since January 28, it has deployed two of these aircraft from the 550th Helicopter Squadron on a one-week Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) mission to assess their performance in a realistic operational environment. These helicopters are set to replace the UH-1N Huey in the defense of ballistic missile installations, where the latter has been in service for over half a century.
According to the official report from the U.S. Air Force, the MH-139As involved in the exercise operated alongside two UH-1N Hueys from the 40th Helicopter Squadron, conducting up to three different flights to test their capabilities. Specifically, one flight evaluated the new helicopter’s ability to support a ground vehicle convoy, while the other two focused on testing its response speed in emergency scenarios, particularly in operations to secure an installation in the event of an enemy attack.
As stated in the official release: “The helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force and weapons on board. Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure that the aircraft can successfully perform assigned missions, as well as provide evidence confirming that the MH-139 can seamlessly take over the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any capability gaps. Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command about the aircraft’s performance. At that point, AFGSC can formally assign the nuclear security mission to the MH-139, allowing the UH-1N Huey to be retired from service.”
It is also important to note that the acquisition and testing of the new MH-139A helicopters coincide with the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to replace its Cold War-era Minuteman III ballistic missiles. The new LGM-35A Sentinel systems, part of the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, will take their place. This transition is significant, as the institution has invested over $140 billion in the project, with part of that funding allocated to modernizing launch bases—including silos, wiring, software, and other infrastructure—which will be protected by the Leonardo-manufactured helicopters.
Finally, regarding the current status of the MH-139A fleet ordered by the U.S. Air Force, the sixth production unit was received in January. Notably, this is the first aircraft to arrive at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, home to the 341st Missile Wing. Once all deliveries are completed, the service is expected to operate a total of 26 MH-139A helicopters, representing nearly half of the originally planned acquisitions.
Image credits: U.S. Air Force
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