Boeing to produce helicopters in Philadelphia

The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Boeing a $285 million contract for aircraft, sustainment, and support services.

As part of the contract, Boeing will begin production on the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters in Philadelphia.

The aircraft will be produced at Leonardo’s plant in northeast Philadelphia. Leonardo is an original equipment manufacturer. Boeing will serve as the prime contractor responsible for military equipment procurement, installation, and post-delivery support.

The Boeing-Leonardo team will provide the Air Force with the AW-139 platform and integrate additional military capabilities into the MH-139A.

The MH-139A weighs 5,000 pounds max gross than other aircraft and has a 50 percent increase in speed and range, providing it with enhanced capabilities to accomplish missions quickly, quietly, and efficiently.

The aircraft is part of a mission to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles nationwide.

“Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades,” Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 program director, said. “We are working diligently to begin deliveries next year.”

Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.