The U.S. Air Force recently launched initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) of the MH-139 Grey Wolf, the helicopter set to replace the service’s aging fleet of Bell UH-1N Hueys that perform nuclear security missions.
During the week of January 27, three MH-139 flights operated by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, demonstrated its capabilities, the Air Force said. The squadron activated in 2023 and is responsible for Air Force Global Strike Command’s training and conversion to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.
“One test evaluated the aircraft’s ability to support a convoy, assessing communication systems and general convoy support operations,” the service said in a statement Friday. “The other two tests focused on emergency response, specifically launch facility recapture and recovery—measuring response times from idle to airborne.”
As UH-1N replacements, the helicopters will perform missions, such as off-base nuclear weapons convoy surveillance and routine missile site support. The Air Force has operated the military variant of the Bell 212 since 1970.
As part of recent testing, the helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons.
“Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions, as well as to provide evidence confirming the MH-139 can seamlessly assume the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any lapse in capability,” the Air Force said. “Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) of 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 duty at Malmstrom.”
