Leonardo Helicopter Division wins MH139

[chopper2004]

Here is the official release from Leonardo

U.S. Air Force sceglie l?elicottero MH-139, basato sul bestseller AW139 di Leonardo, per la protezione delle basi missilistiche e il trasporto di personale governativo e forze speciali - DETTAGLIO - Leonardo - Aerospace, Defence and Security (http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/vh-1n)

congrats to both Leonardo and Boeing..

Heli Expo 2011 in Orlando, here are my photos of then 139 demonstrator ofer USAD, kitted out as HH139 for then CVLSP competition.Said airfame ended up as National Security Demonstrator...

cheers

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/31031042508_2421db13fa_b.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1906/44904092261_2ca612748f_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/44904092541_2868cd8945_b.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/44904092541_2868cd8945_b.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1942/43991914315_27a2048a58_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1923/44904092311_523ddc6569_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1907/44904091801_71ef82844e_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1939/31031042068_e5c0da7e8d_b.jpg

[chevvron]

I suppose we'll now see the objections and whinging from US companies like we did when the US Coastguard decided to buy the Aerospatiale Dauphin.

[melmothtw]

If we do Boeing can't have cause to complain. It used the 'un-American' card when it protested KC-X going to Airbus.

[TBM-Legend]

Well I guess the RAF could sell their Chinooks and restart the Belvedere line keeping it all British...

[SASless]

There is a companion Thread at Rotorheads about this purchase by the USAF.

I posted this earlier this morning (my time).


How effective is AW/Leonardo at controlling costs on such Contracts/Programs?

Did they not have problems with the Sikorsky S-70 effort they had where they were to build and sell Licensed Blackhawks?

I do not recall that being a stellar success.

Then there is the 101 program and its cost over time.

Did not the RAF and Canadians have to cough up shed loads of money as a result of the pricing and cost over-runs or am I misunderstanding what transpired?

They were unsuccessful in the US Presidential VIP Helicopter bid as well.

The USAF sure doesn't have an admirable ability to deliver aircraft programs on time and within budget do they?

Does the 139 still have CG issues in certain configurations?

[VX275]

Well I guess the RAF could sell their Chinooks and restart the Belvedere line keeping it all British..
No, what Leonardo Westland need to do is dust off their 1960's design studies for the military versions of their 130 seater Tilt Rotor. (think C-130 crossed with V-22) The Europrop TP400 engine needs another design to hang on other than the A400M.

[TBM-Legend]

The Fairey Rotodyne perhaps...

[Copter Appreciator00]

What Color will the USAF MH-139 be? Will it be aircraft gray, like the TH-1H Bell 205 variant, as well as the HH-60s? Or will it be like the HH-1N, green and light grey camo? I think some -60s are green/grey as well. Any ideas?

[chopper2004]

Welcome MH-139 Grey Wolf the latest USAF helo.

https://twitter.com/afglobalstrike/status/1207715232421949440?s=21


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1230x625/26f41f9d_a1ba_495a_9521_b85c3e93970a_cb1299c5dc96eb9b9d3345b 6f5ab0f78c6206d75.jpeg

[chopper2004]

Maxwell AFB in Alabama is selected to host the mee Leonardo MH-139 Grey Wolf Formal Training Unit (FTU).

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2423445/maxwell-afb-selected-as-location-for-mh-139-ftu/

cheers

[chopper2004]

First four delivered


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/807a6a55_d3c8_4f77_8414_a35b0fa7db11_0f7cea2355781475b4517ac a59fe6cb4579c3c4a.jpeg


https://www.leonardo.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/25-08-2022-leonardo-and-boeing-deliver-first-four-mh-139a-helicopters-to-us-air-force

[Just a spotter]

A team from the Irish Air Corps is with the 20th Air Force at FE Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming sharing their experience of operating the AW139.

From The Journal.ie, 28th Aug 2022

https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-air-corps-us-air-force-visit-grey-wolf-5850550-Aug2022/

JAS

[NutLoose]

Is that the fuel cap high up behind the door? if so that wants changing.

[megan]

Is that the fuel cap high up behind the door? if so that wants changingWhy?......

[Declan275]

A team from the Irish Air Corps is with the 20th Air Force at FE Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming sharing their experience of operating the AW139.

From The Journal.ie, 28th Aug 2022

https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-air-corps-us-air-force-visit-grey-wolf-5850550-Aug2022/

JAS

Nothing like reading the comments section of the journal.ie to brighten up your day. Well done to the group who travelled over. All three are guys on top of their brief.