Leonardo and Boeing have delivered the first four MH139A multi role helicopters to the US Air Force (USAF). The delivery follows on from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing the last supplemental type certificate necessary to complete U.S. Department of Defence aircraft acceptance requirements. Boeing and the USAF will now continue with additional developmental and initial operational testing to support the aircraft.
The aircraft, based on the AW139 platform, form part of an order for up to 80 aircraft which together with training and support equipment was valued at USD 2.4 billion when it was announced just under four years ago. The aircraft which are intended to replace the service’s fleet of UH-1Ns, will be produced at Leonardo USA’s facility in Pennsylvania. “
We are thrilled that the first four MH-139As have been accepted by the U.S. Air Force” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “This aircraft is well-positioned to become an important asset in the defense and security of the United States. I especially want to thank the combined program teams at Leonardo and Boeing whose tireless work and ingenuity made this possible.”
