USAF Deliveries Expected in 2024

The replacement for the UH-1N Huey helicopter has entered serial production, with the first of 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft in construction. The aircraft are the result of a $285 million USAF contract that include aircraft, sustainment, and support services. The first deliveries of Grey Wolves are expected to begin in 2024. The MH-139A is a quantitative increase over the outgoing UH-1N, boasting a 50% increase in speed and range, and a 5,000 lb increase in max gross weight. The design comes courtesy of Italian manufacturer Leonardo, who produces it at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing will take care of the militarization, installation, and post-delivery support issues for the aircraft.

Richard Nelm’s Celebrates Centennial with Ride in Stinson AT-19

A World War II vet got to go for a nostalgic ride aboard one of the Commemorative Air Force’s Stinson AT-19s, complete with a birthday celebration for his 100th. The ceremony included an Honor Guard flag ceremony and special guest speakers, with remarks by Nelms as he reminisced about his time with the 447th Bomb Group in Rattlesden, England. Nelms enlisted in 1942, and was assigned to serve as a bomber pilot with the 8th Air Force.

FMS Contract Sees Purchase of Specially Equipped C-208 EX

The Belize Ministry of National Defense & Border Security has purchased one of Textron's specially equipped, multi-mission Grand Caravan EX models through the Foreign Military Sale program. The sale is a shot in the arm for the multi use turboprop aircraft, offering an affordable, reliable platform for a range of security missions for the service. Unlike purely civilian Caravans, the Belize purchase will be equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor, operator mission console, tactical radios and data link capability.

Medium Helicopter Program Sees Addition of Boeing as Training Partner

Boeing has joined the UK's H175M Task Force, aiming to meet the New Medium Helicopter program requirement. Boeing will take up a position as a "training services partner", leaving other companies in the fold to take up manufacturing and development roles. Boeing Defence UK will provide aircrew, groundcrew, and maintenance training should the 'super-medium class' Airbus H175M be selected. The team hopes that the H175M is selected to replace the Airbus Puma HC2.

General Atomics Sees Continued Interest in MQ-9B

General Atomics snagged a new contract with the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) for 3 of their MQ-9B SkyGuardians. AFSOC now becomes the first US customer for the -9B model, an easy transition given its history operating the MQ-9A Reaper over the past 14 years. The new SkyGuardian will take up a "key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept," which expects the AFSOC to project air power from far beyond the horizon.