The U.S. Air Force announced on Sept. 24 its awarding of the first tranche of a $2.38 billion contract to Boeing Company. The contract involved the replacements of the more than 40-year-old UH-1N "Huey" helicopters that were deployed to guard U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile bases since the Vietnam War era.
The contract comprises supplies of 84 Boeing MH-139 helicopters, training equipment, maintenance, and other related support apparatus. The first operation helicopter is expected to be delivered in Fiscal Year 2021.
MH-139 helicopters are designed based on the capabilities of the Leonardo AW139, Boeing explained in a statement. The unit was used by over 270 governments and militaries across the world.
For the contract at hand, Leonardo, an Italian aerospace, defense, and security company headquartered in Rome, will assemble the helicopters at its northeast Philadelphia plant. Boeing will later integrate its military-specific components at its facility located within the city.
In a separate statement, the Air Force said that the original service cost was estimated at about $4.1 billion. Due to the strong competition among the bids from different companies, the cost was decreased to $2.38 billion which is $1.7 billion in savings to the taxpayers.
The first trance awarded on Monday was $375 million. This shall see the first four helicopters in development for the months to come. The issued budget is also expected to cover other technology that will be integrated into the aircraft.
Heather Wilson, secretary of the Air Force, said the new helicopters will provide Airmen with securing and defending capabilities to safeguard the nation's intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Air Force also plans to use the helicopter for crew training and operational support airlift when no deployed in the battlefield, Wilson added. The fleet is also expected to serve five Air Force major commands with the speed, range, and endurance needed for combat operations.
General David Goldfein, Air Force chief of staff, highlighted that the new Boeing MH-139 helicopters are intended to provide security for America's ICBMs and nuclear deterrence operations.
David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift department, said the company is grateful for Air Force's confidence on its MH-139 as the ideal replacement for its aging Huey helicopters. The executive added that MH-139 may not only serve the Air Force during combat operations but it can also provide secure VIP transport for U.S. officials.
In March, a group of senators called on Wilson to expedite the acquisition of the replacement helicopters. The six senators asserted that it will be of equal importance to accelerate the acquisition of helicopters that will protect the ICBM fields since the country has been upgrading its nuclear arsenal in light of the perceived global threats.
