U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Malmstrom Air Force Base. Montana. — The U.S. Air Force 550th Helicopter Squadron begins MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter Initial Operational Tests and Evaluation (IOT&E).
IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. It’s a rigorous testing and evaluation process that assesses the system’s operational effectiveness, suitability and survivability in a realistic and operational environment.
Three MH-139 IOT&E flights took place during the week of January 27, 2025, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities.
One test evaluated the aircraft’s ability to support a convoy, assessing communication systems and general convoy support operations. The other two tests focused on emergency response, specifically launch facility recapture and recovery – measuring response times from idle to airborne. The helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons.
The Huey is a versatile light-lift utility helicopter designed to support a wide range of missions.
Its primary roles include transporting emergency security forces, providing security and surveillance for off-base nuclear weapons convoys, and conducting distinguished visitor airlifts. Beyond these core functions, the Huey is also used for disaster response, search and rescue, medical evacuations, airborne cable inspections, aircrew survival training support, aerial testing and routine transport to missile sites.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions, as well as to provide evidence confirming the MH-139 Grey Wolf can seamlessly assume the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any lapse in capability.
Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command of the aircraft’s performance. At that point, AFGSC can formally assign the nuclear security mission to the MH-139A, allowing the UH-1N Huey to be retired from duty at Malmstrom.
IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. It’s a rigorous testing and evaluation process that assesses the system’s operational effectiveness, suitability and survivability in a realistic and operational environment.
United States Air Force video by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Air Force Global Strike Command.
The exercise simulated a nuclear launch facility recapture and recovery mission, testing the Grey Wolf’s capability to insert and extract tactical response force Airmen while ensuring seamless air-to-ground communication. Concurrently, Defenders from the weapons and tactics department assessed the TRF teams’ performance.
The scenario unfolded with TRF and 550 HS alert forces receiving a simulated emergency notification from a launch facility. Upon arrival, Grey Wolf crews executed multiple flyovers to assess the situation before landing at a secure distance to deploy TRF teams.
The aircraft then returned to the air, providing overwatch as TRF teams engaged the simulated enemy. Utilizing their shoot, move and communication tactics, the teams neutralized the threat and successfully regained control of the launch facility.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers.
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
