The US Air Force (USAF) has chosen the MH-139 helicopter, based on Leonardo's AW139 and offered by Boeing as prime contractor, for the replacement of the UH-1N "Huey" fleet. The program has a value of approximately 2,4 billion dollars and includes up to 84 helicopters, training systems and related equipment for logistical support. The helicopters will be used to protect the bases of intercontinental ballistic missiles and to transport government personnel and US special forces, with the entry into service of the first helicopters expected from the 2021.
Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo's Managing Director, said: "This extraordinary result is a source of great pride for us. Customers of primary importance continue to rely on Leonardo, because it is capable of responding to their most demanding requirements. And this is also confirmed for carrying out critical missions, such as the protection of sensitive areas or for the transport of government personnel and special operations. The choice of the MH-139 also recognizes in Leonardo a strong, reliable partner able to ensure a solid and constant industrial contribution in the USA where we have different production activities".
Leonardo's AW139, at the heart of the MH-139, is a market leader and a modern, proven, multi-role product already in service in various countries with proven ability to protect critical infrastructures and transport military and government personnel.
Gian Piero Cutillo, head of the helicopters division, said: "The choice made by the US Air Force is a strong recognition of the quality and competitiveness of our product, a point of reference for the world market, to meet all the operational requirements of even the most demanding customers".
The MH-139 has exceeded the American airforce's expectations in terms of speed, load, range, armament and survival capability. This model features a modern design and allows savings for 1 billion dollars in terms of acquisition and operating costs over its entire life cycle. The helicopter is assembled at the Leonardo plant in the northeast area of Philadelphia, while additional components will be integrated by Boeing in its Ridley Township plant, also in Pennsylvania.
William Hunt, Head of the Leonardo plant in Philadelphia, commented: "We are pleased that the US Air Force has chosen the offer presented through this partnership that will lead to the supply of the new MH-139 built here in Philadelphia. Our air force deserves the best equipment and the MH-139 is the right helicopter for these missions. We are ready to work with Boeing and are committed to meeting its expectations, those of the Government and American taxpayers. Leonardo has made investments for over 120 million dollars in this plant and we are therefore ready to execute the contract".
