Military alters helicopter strategy, intends to transform some HH-60W models
Air Force Revises MH-139 and HH-60W Helicopter Procurement Plans
The Air Force has made significant changes to its helicopter procurement plans, with the MH-139 Grey Wolf and HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters set to play expanded roles in the coming years.
Initially, the Air Force had planned to buy 84 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters, but this number has been reduced to 42. The reduced buy means the MH-139 will be used primarily for nuclear patrol missions, leaving the executive airlift mission uncovered [1]. However, the Air Force's MH-139A Program of Record is being increased to 56 aircraft, although the timeline for acquiring these additional aircraft is not yet clear [1][3].
The increased MH-139 procurement may positively impact nuclear patrol missions by increasing the fleet size. However, the impact on VIP transportation in the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.) is currently unclear, though Boeing is hopeful that the MH-139 could maintain that mission if procurement numbers rise [1][3].
Meanwhile, the Air Force has decided to modify HH-60W helicopters for VIP transportation in Washington, D.C., a role previously reserved for the MH-139. Pulling 26 HH-60s from the backup inventory would leave 74 to accomplish the core mission of search and rescue, which is close to the curtailed program of record [1]. The modified "Whiskeys" will replace aging UH-1 Hueys currently operating out of Joint Base Andrews, Md. [2].
The Air Force had originally planned to buy 113 HH-60Ws, but this was later reduced to 85 in the 2023 budget plan. Congress has added funds for an additional 10 HH-60Ws in 2024 and 4 more in 2025, bringing the total production aircraft to 89 [2].
The decision to modify HH-60Ws suggests these helicopters will be repurposed away from their intended combat search and rescue mission. The details of the modifications needed for senior leader and executive airlift are not specified, and it's unclear what modifications are needed to convert the HH-60W for these roles [2].
The Air Force's 2026 budget documents note plans to use supplemental and discretionary funds to modify 26 HH-60Ws for the Air Force District of Washington mission, but the specific modifications needed for senior leader and executive airlift are not specified [2]. The Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the recently passed reconciliation bill contains funding to replace the AFDW UH-1s, but the funds are "an enabler for the overall MH-139A-HH-60W plan" [4].
In conclusion, the Air Force has made changes to its helicopter procurement plans, with the MH-139 Grey Wolf and HH-60W Jolly Green II set to play expanded roles. The impact of these changes on nuclear patrol missions and VIP transportation in the National Capital Region is yet to be fully understood.
References: 1. Air Force Times 2. Defense News 3. Boeing 4. Air Force Magazine
- The Air Force's revised plans suggest a potential shift in roles for the space force, considering the adaptations made to HH-60W helicopters, which could now be used for VIP transportation in space, given that they were initially designed for air operations.
- The reduction in the number of MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters procured by the Air Force may impact the security of nuclear facilities, as the decreased fleet size could weaken airborne surveillance in the future.
- The increased MH-139A Program of Record by the Air Force could lead to more investments in advanced aircraft technology, as the additional aircraft might require new systems for better performance and security.
- As the Air Force modifies HH-60W helicopters for VIP transportation, there is an opportunity to explore the possibilities of integrating weapons systems, such as non-lethal crowd control devices, to ensure greater security during high-risk, executive airlift missions.
