Gee....surprise...surprise...surprise!

The USAF could not buy the Bell or Sikorsky aircraft that would have fit the mission perfectly......and have all of the benefits of commonality AND a proven record each.

Yet again Boeing seems to “break” something that was acceptable on legacy aircraft.

Sounds all too strangely familiar for a Leonardo aircraft. The issues mentioned sound exactly the same as those on a larger member of the family.

LZ

It’s beyond comprehension that they can’t fit a serviceable winch to an AW189.
The Italians seem to be providing product support, that makes the French look good. An incredible feat.

Having some experience working procurements with the USAF, its not a big surprise that they ordered the most expensive item on the menu. These things happen with big DoD budgets and taxpayer money.

The AW139 is a wonderful aircraft and pilots love it, but it has never had a great reputation for parts availability or ease of maintenance. I believe the State Department operated some on contract in Afghanistan, I suppose they have some stories.

Good luck boys. Sometimes stone hammer simple is a better solution but time marches on.

Surely not 'shot off' while in flight. So does that mean a full set of 4 serviceable blades wasn't available so two opposing blades and associated links were removed? I guess at same RRPM, if collective pitch is roughly doubled the remaining 2 blades could generate the same lift as 4... but I would love to see any photos of an OH-6 doing that!

Civvy conversion.......
 

While DOT&E found that military flight testing has been close to plan, the report said “persistent problems in acquiring technical data and some aircraft components from the contractor are delaying execution of some portions.” Meanwhile, tests conducted so far indicate problems the agency says that “represent a risk to MH-139 meeting operational effectiveness requirements.”
Air and Space Forces - deficiencies MH139

They don't even have to embody Defensive Aids Suites for heavens sake.
Now that would be 'fun'..............

Final assembly
 

The first USAF Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf is entering final assembly

https://onfirstup.com/boeing/BNN/art..._deeplink=true

https://assets.socialchorus.com/prod...e32b12310.jpeg

https://assets.socialchorus.com/prod...2051f5cb2.jpeg





cheers

Where is the Weather Radar going? or did they decided that isn't required on a military helicoper?

If the project gets binned, will they be sold to the RAF as a Puma replacement?

deliveries
 

Malstrom gearing up for deliveries

https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5Q&oe=65BFFEEC

https://scontent-lhr6-2.xx.fbcdn.net...rg&oe=65BEAB6F



https://www.airforcetimes.com/air/20...mpaign=air-dnr

deliveries later this year

cheers

MTOW of 14330 lbs - that's 6500kg. These machines not upgraded to 7000 kg ?

I mean, it does say "more than"... (but it also says "vastly comparable to" so....)

Most of the words in that "advertisement" make no sense at all...

I am wondering what "vastly comparable" means. And as for "absolutely inherent"...

Resisting the urge to contact 341MWPA and offer my services as editor/proofreader...

At least they don’t say “irregardless”!

J-F-C, Is that an example of Gen-z level composition and grammar or AI?

Chopper2004, PLEASE tell me you made up those images and words as a joke. If so, you did a fine job!
If not, I'm astounded -- flabbergasted -- at the kindergarten level of the text. It looks like an ad for a kids' Lego model version of the MH-139.

And I can't even bring myself to comment on "vastly comparable" and "absolutely inherent".

On the other hand, perhaps some 8 year old readers will be surprised and enlightened to learn that infrared radiation typically originates from a heat source.

Someone I talked to on my course stated they would more than likely operate above the 7000Kg level. These guys were the test pilots for the program