I lived in Great Falls for several years, working as a HEMS paramedic. I IMMEDIATELY recognized that landscape! Enjoy, Airmen! Thank you for your dedication!
Same. I was a gunner on MH-53's from 92-95, and it was riding in a log truck with the jake-brake stuck in the 'on' position while going over speed bumps. Totally miss it now, though.
Image stabilization is the one thing GoPros do very well. I have a GoPro video of me flying an R22 and it looks just as smooth as this video does. I guess most in this comment section know that an R22 is not exactly an AW139 😅
Wow... the sound of the Huey's rotors are iconic and a signal that help is on the way and that you are not forgotten, forsaken and abandoned! IT meant that someone cared enough to risk their neck for you. That sound will be missed.
If you've been downrange of anything Augusta-Westland churned out in the past couple decades you can tell when they're coming also. The MH-139A is a license built variant of the AW-139, produced under contract by Boeing. AW-139s are commonly used for Air Ambulances and SAR organisations. My house is along one of the flight paths for the local air ambulance company and I hear them going overhead daily. The BERP tips of the main rotor blades produce a very distinct noise signature.
@@williameldridge1234 No they have not.. lol Not even close. In fact the US Marine Corp flies the newest and latest version, the Venom. Huey units are also used by the US Navy in some places, and of course the US Air Force. Not sure about Army though.
Thongs 550th! I got this out of some fellas from Klamath Falls. So you might know. Memorial Day fly by. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and thank them. I haven't posted it I'll leave a link.
Nice Chopper and Some beautiful scenery there but why couldnt the USAF just use the MH-60? It Just seems silly getting a totally new and different type of chopper when there are numerous different variants of the tried and tested Blackhawk used throughout all branches of the US Military!
Watched one fly over the 120th while in Great Falls earlier this month. Definitely interesting to see something besides a Blackhawk or Lakota flying around.
i live in in great falls. cool to see town from the air. im an operator at cochrane dam too so its really cool to see from the air while we are spilling. and you guys flew right over the dirt bike trails i ride too ha ha. thanks for the sweet video!
well, being from the "old days" and hearing "hueys" in my sleep, congrats on new airframes. They appear to be a good replacement to conduct your business with. I do wonder why the choice was not uh60s? God bless stay safe
I always hope they are kept save in all their life calls for. One pray they always return to their families. I used to see the pilot at the Key West VA clinic when i had to go.
@@gulfflier4700The Navy does not have Warrant Officer pilots. The Marines had two when I was at Whiting Field 35 years ago. They had originally been enlisted pilots.
@@timb3499 I stood a retirement ceremony For a USN CWO (3 or 4) that was a former aviator for a SAR helo squadron based outta NAS Lemoore in '12 or '13 🤷
Why is it that we are the only country so into likes on social media and not protecting our military secrets. Such instruments, operation and operators.
1. Why couldn’t they just use the UH-60 that’s already in the system? This program is a classic example of the inefficient, over complicated, wasteful government procurement process.
This is the U.S. Air Force. The Grey Wolf is replacing the HH-1N. Also, they already have a version of the UH-60, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. It's getting replaced by newer HH-60W Jolly Green II
1. We all know govt and especially military is about wasting money and getting new toys. I mean they change the uniforms every five mins now. One could argue why?? When the old ones were just fine too. That’s a HUGE COLOSSAL waste of millions in itself. And all the branches constantly do it now. They’ve changed the PT test now. Same thing. And we could go on and on. 2. 60’s are getting outdated and even the army is replacing them now. 3. Everyone wants the newest coolest gadgets. Its human nature always has always will be. Same as police departments waste millions trying to buy MRAPS and Humvees and other bs which is way overkill for a local neighborhood.
Yeah, you know that I know that but what makes sense to us doesn't make sense to them and it's away they get more money or right off for certain reasons if you know what I Mean
60’s are getting older but Even the army is trying to replace them now. Seems all the branches are downsizing and trying to go towards smaller aircraft all across the board. They shrunk the C-130, they shrunk the osprey, now they want to replace the hawk. 🤷🏻♂️.
So, are these still test flights, or are these aircraft now officially in service with the USAF? Thank you for the video. Absolutely great shots of this bird and it's crews!
@clutchtucker I was just curious, I was a flight engineer on the HH60G, I'm sure the HH60W has more power and can carry more payload I was hoping someone with experience flying these would be able to elaborate more on the performance aspects of this new helicopter.
I trained the first Pilots and SMEs coming over to the NETC back in 2019/2019. Bunch of very smart and capable individuals (although not Naval Aviators). There's a lot to be said about the Armed forces procurement process but suffice to say that they got the most capable airframe and then let the prime contractor (Boeing) fuck up the FAA certification at least twice, causing delays to the process. Not sure how much of a piece of skin Boeing is going to get, but a normal configured '139 runs about 12 to 15 mils.
Never been in. A Chopper that did t shake rattle and roll .. ch53s and old Huey’s .. and hydraulic spitting 46s !!! You know old junk lol 😜 That’s looks pretty nice 👍🏽
What BuNo is this one? I was part of building the first few of these, in Philly. I worked assembly stage 0 through 3. As I recall the first 3-5 aircraft were all different from each other. My main "speciality" tasking was installing the fuel system (blatters, piping, manifolds, etc) and the fire suppression equipment (bottles, piping and fire walls).
How do you like working at the plant if you don’t mind me asking? Former Navy H-60 mechanic here that’s in A&P school now. Looking to work for Leonardo after I graduate
@0doylerules I loved it!! I was only there for 3 years. When we got the Boeing contract to build the first few MH139s, it was during the pandemic. Boeing was in crap because the 737Max crashes just happened, and they were very, very critical over the state of our facility. There were some management changes and talk of unionizing. I found myself on the wrong side of the swing, and the rest is history. I left in the Spring/Summer of '21 I enjoyed my time there, mostly. I was one of 3 mechs that installed the fuel systems. Being reliable and being stage 0-3 also meant I'd get some other tasking, like freelancing on the 109 line and helping get the 609 prototype 3 up and going. The first two were built in Italy. One was lost during testing, killing the pilot. #3 was the first built here in the States. The two main techs responsible for the powerplant install needed another guy to help for a few days, as there was no actual procedure (at the time) for engine & pod installation. I had time & interest, and was friends with the tech on the 609, so they asked if I wanted to help for a few days. I run it by the boss, and he said okay. So I along with these other two techs, were the first people in the US to install engines on an AW609, and they wrote the first procedure! On to the Bad: management SUCKED! BAD!! If you're good at politicing and don't mind a little brown stain on your nose, you'll do just fine! If you are over at AIM currently, just know that I feel your pain. Just keep in mind that you will never have to watch another power-point EVER, after graduation! Nore will you have to listen to Kevin tell you that the J34 turbojet was used in helicopters or Scott to fill your ears about his Triumph TR! Good luck. 👍🏻
Italy is buying F35's at a little over 100 million per unit. When selling equipment to an partner the US has always bought some of their equipment in kind ....the T45 Goshawk from Britain, the Daulphin from France,etc. For every F35 the US gets about 3 MH 139. IJS ..
Aw139 the most popular helicopter used in aeromedical & SAR in Australia, even a couple used in policing. Incidentally the Australian army use for memory about 6 with a couple more on order as a interim helicopter until more new UH-60M arrive.
I think the one on his right is the one on his OCP uniform. The one on his left, together with the USAF tape is sewn onto the survival vest. It does look a bit odd.
I like the Velcro thing on the guy's helmet that says "That Guy". If it's a girl, would it say "That Girl" (which was the name of a 1960s TV series staring Marlo Thomas)
@clutchtucker Not drunk, ex military with a lot of real world time in helicopters. I can see how this might be a charged full of energy vid for civilian viewers. For me not so much.
You guy should be flying the Pavehawk-. (Rotor) head to head, my 34 year old Pave can still kick the crap out of that "utility" helo that GSC is bragging is so great.
What an absolute waste of money and resources. The UH-1 still had another 20+ years of availability and upgrades that would have accomplished the same requirements, saved money, and logistics. Some congressmen or senators stock portfolio just went up
That’s just not true at all. This is cheaper to maintain, parts are easily available, safer, can be outfitted with better technology, can fly further. It’s a good upgrade.
By the time they upgraded the UH1, it would nearly be the cost of a new aircraft. Besides, parts for MH139 are abundant and commercially off the shelf whereas the UH1 not so much.
Wrong. They are less effective. A UH-1Z does not have capabilities comparable to those of these new helicopters. The differences in the sensor suite alone make this aircraft much more capable. The MH-139 goes 20 knots faster and has 400-500 more nm of range. The A-10 is also not a suitable aircraft to operate in a peer-to-peer conflict, as previously mentioned by the USAF, much to the chagrin of John McCain. So, you have yet to learn what you're talking about.
That is a Maxillofacial face shield (MFS). Common use in the US military Heli crews for several years now with the introduction of the HGU-56/P Ballistic Helmet.
@@paulc1173most or all of the crew in the back near the doors were wearing them, because they were flying with the doors open and the pilots weren’t. They’re not really for ballistic protection. From the product page: The Gentex Maxillofacial Shield (MFS) safeguards the wearer’s lower face from rotor wash, flying debris, and windblast during helicopter operations. An optional upgrade to Gentex's HGU-56/P or HGU-84/P Rotary Wing Helmets, the MFS can also be easily fitted to the Gentex HGU-55/P Rotary Wing Helmet for airlift operations. The protective shield attaches to the helmet with a complete installation kit, weighs less than five ounces, and offers an interface between shield and visor that reduces wind on the face. The shield also offers ballistic fragmentation protection up to 550 feet per second (fps). An upgrade kit contains the face shield, helmet side hardware, shield side hardware, and instructions for installation. This requires drilling two small holes in the helmet shell. Both kits are available in a subdued matte black finish that can be easily custom painted, and are compatible with Mike Lites™. Additionally, a standard wire boom microphone or Gentex Flex Boom Microphone can be positioned behind the MFS, which significantly enhances communications clarity by reducing wind noise across the microphone(s). The HGU-56/P MFS comes standard with dual side release latches that provide for positive lock and ambidextrous quick release of the shield, and is available in one size that fits all. The MFS HGU-84/P version attaches to the helmet with adjustable straps and snaps, and comes in two sizes (Medium/Large or X Large/X Large Wide).
I lived in Great Falls for several years, working as a HEMS paramedic. I IMMEDIATELY recognized that landscape! Enjoy, Airmen! Thank you for your dedication!
Amazing how smooth the interior is. I flew the Sea King back in the 80s and 90s. Shook like an old washing machine.
Same. I was a gunner on MH-53's from 92-95, and it was riding in a log truck with the jake-brake stuck in the 'on' position while going over speed bumps.
Totally miss it now, though.
The Navy wasn't good about taming the vibes.
they are incredible machines, the 139s are probably even more comfortable since they are based on the Leonardo AW139
The cameras being used have built in shake reduction
Image stabilization is the one thing GoPros do very well. I have a GoPro video of me flying an R22 and it looks just as smooth as this video does. I guess most in this comment section know that an R22 is not exactly an AW139 😅
Flew the fields in the 80s. Crash landed once, survived once. Good times-
Do you remember the tail number?
Them: “how big do you want your collective and cyclic heads to be?”
Pilots: “yes”
The military industrial complex does put out some nice toys.
Ewwww. The MH-139 is a Boeing licensed-copy of the Agusta-Westland AW 139.
You couldn't PAY me to ride in a Boeing helicopter.
@@nercksrule Sissy
@@nercksrulethat's not entirely true. It's Leonardo that assembly the AW-139 in Pennsylvania, Boing makes the necessary customisation for the USAF.
@Tradiejoe284 people are just ignorant.
You can't beat the smell and sound of a brand new helicopter while looking at all that beautiful scenery every day
Dam I that sound was annoying to me lol high pitch screech and rattle to me 🤷♂️
Wow... the sound of the Huey's rotors are iconic and a signal that help is on the way and that you are not forgotten, forsaken and abandoned! IT meant that someone cared enough to risk their neck for you. That sound will be missed.
Huey's have been fazed out for such a long time... I doubt many current service members have ever even seen one.
@@williameldridge1234 But the sound.. It's iconic! No other aircraft has quite the same sound. Unique. Distinctive.
If you've been downrange of anything Augusta-Westland churned out in the past couple decades you can tell when they're coming also. The MH-139A is a license built variant of the AW-139, produced under contract by Boeing. AW-139s are commonly used for Air Ambulances and SAR organisations. My house is along one of the flight paths for the local air ambulance company and I hear them going overhead daily. The BERP tips of the main rotor blades produce a very distinct noise signature.
@@williameldridge1234 No they have not.. lol Not even close. In fact the US Marine Corp flies the newest and latest version, the Venom. Huey units are also used by the US Navy in some places, and of course the US Air Force. Not sure about Army though.
Blackhawks also have a distinctive sound. I know because I was CasEvac'd myself in one.
Strong Airwolf vibes. I could almost hear the theme music as you were tac- flying over the ridgeline.
A "That Guy" emblem is the best for an Engineer / Crew Chief.
Those storm trooper helmets are fire.
Thongs 550th! I got this out of some fellas from Klamath Falls. So you might know. Memorial Day fly by. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and thank them. I haven't posted it I'll leave a link.
Real life Air Wolf. Nice
Nice Chopper and Some beautiful scenery there but why couldnt the USAF just use the MH-60?
It Just seems silly getting a totally new and different type of chopper when there are numerous different variants of the tried and tested Blackhawk used throughout all branches of the US Military!
Thank You 550 for the Needed job you do.
About damn time. Hey, there's my house!
Watched one fly over the 120th while in Great Falls earlier this month. Definitely interesting to see something besides a Blackhawk or Lakota flying around.
That take off process would sure slow down a Christmas blockbuster if The Rock had to jump into it and be somewhere in 20 seconds.
i live in in great falls. cool to see town from the air. im an operator at cochrane dam too so its really cool to see from the air while we are spilling. and you guys flew right over the dirt bike trails i ride too ha ha. thanks for the sweet video!
Thanks for uploading this. I miss GF. It's neat seeing things I remember from when I was younger.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent that they got this great choice from training & working with the Irish Air Corps.
thats a fancy back up camera you got there
Wonderful!
0:58 ! Holy crap! its Stringfellow Hawke! How you doin Ariwolf! :)
was the FLIR stowed in 12:23?, it looked like it was looking at the landing gear
Beautiful bird. Thank you airmen for your service. 🇺🇸🇮🇱
Thanks for the ride-along guys. This old Veteran thanks you for your valuable service!
Just curious is any of the electronics you show classified?
Beautiful Cockpit, looks like smooth machine.
well, being from the "old days" and hearing "hueys" in my sleep, congrats on new airframes. They appear to be a good replacement to conduct your business with. I do wonder why the choice was not uh60s? God bless stay safe
Burying the lead, Big Dawg...let's talk about that full-face helmet!! 🔥 🔥🔥
Warmest hugs at the Cantina though. Cheers Brody!
I always hope they are kept save in all their life calls for. One pray they always return to their families. I used to see the pilot at the Key West VA clinic when i had to go.
As a Kid I remember a TV show called "Grey Wolf". I became a Helicopter Pilot because of it.
Thats a good looking aircraft!
Thanks.
Crazy how smooth it is, not a hint of vibration, not even in the intercom leads hanging down.
slick gear.
This looks like a possible Coast Guard replacement for the Dolphins? Larger cargo room and just as fast/quite
@4:56 Flashback to the feeling of going outside the wire in Iraq.
How was your day sweetheart? “Oh brutal, just brutal”.
3:39 That's gotta be the coolest helmet ever.....then he had to go ruin the effect with the snail mail ring binder. 3:43
Looks perfect for a warrant officer to fly.
How so?
@@ChopperChad because “helicopter”
@@gulfflier4700 I’m confused at which part of my comment is now invalidated.
@@gulfflier4700The Navy does not have Warrant Officer pilots. The Marines had two when I was at Whiting Field 35 years ago. They had originally been enlisted pilots.
@@timb3499 I stood a retirement ceremony For a USN CWO (3 or 4) that was a former aviator for a SAR helo squadron based outta NAS Lemoore in '12 or '13 🤷
Why is it that we are the only country so into likes on social media and not protecting our military secrets. Such instruments, operation and operators.
JARED SOUNDS SO COOL.
TAKE CARE OF THOSE MAINTENANCE GUYS 🙏
Is that Darth Vader?
Looks smooth!
Lift off something I will never forget. I photographed my flight. I didnt have them developed util 50 years after, walmart put them on a CD for me.
What does the "MH" stand for in MH-139A? Military Helicopter?
1. Why couldn’t they just use the UH-60 that’s already in the system? This program is a classic example of the inefficient, over complicated, wasteful government procurement process.
This is the U.S. Air Force. The Grey Wolf is replacing the HH-1N. Also, they already have a version of the UH-60, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. It's getting replaced by newer HH-60W Jolly Green II
@@skywarp1 I know it’s USAF. That’s why I said that. They already have the 60 series of helicopters in their system so why not just use them?
1. We all know govt and especially military is about wasting money and getting new toys. I mean they change the uniforms every five mins now. One could argue why?? When the old ones were just fine too. That’s a HUGE COLOSSAL waste of millions in itself. And all the branches constantly do it now. They’ve changed the PT test now. Same thing. And we could go on and on.
2. 60’s are getting outdated and even the army is replacing them now.
3. Everyone wants the newest coolest gadgets. Its human nature always has always will be. Same as police departments waste millions trying to buy MRAPS and Humvees and other bs which is way overkill for a local neighborhood.
Yeah, you know that I know that but what makes sense to us doesn't make sense to them and it's away they get more money or right off for certain reasons if you know what I Mean
Their pilots with black hawk qualifications were not being nabbed by industry fast enough.
Cool helo however a ridiculous procurement process and waste of money when an UH-60 could have done just fine.
That’s the Air Force for you. Gotta use something different than something in common use by the Army,Navy, Marines, Coast Guard.
@@irvan36mm And yet the USAF do use the H60 airframe, HH-60G Pave Hawk and HH-60W Jolly Green II
60’s are getting older but Even the army is trying to replace them now. Seems all the branches are downsizing and trying to go towards smaller aircraft all across the board. They shrunk the C-130, they shrunk the osprey, now they want to replace the hawk. 🤷🏻♂️.
At least it's American made.
The USCG has been using a French aircraft for over 40 years now, fighting for logical support the entire time.
Definitely. Plus, if they wanted something smaller than the 60 yet modern, they could have opted for the UH-72B coming online with the Army now.
So, are these still test flights, or are these aircraft now officially in service with the USAF? Thank you for the video. Absolutely great shots of this bird and it's crews!
it's in service now.
Interesting stuff, thank you MME.
Your welcome Rick. Thanks for watching.
LAFD are pretty happy with their 139s, I'm sure the USAF will be fine with theirs too.
Maryland State Police has 10 for Medevac SAR Law ect.
Is that Malmstrom ?
I've been a passenger on a variety of military helicopters. The seat the pilot is in actually looks comfortable!
How does this compare to the Air Force's new HH60W Jolly Green II as far as power and performance?
@clutchtucker I was just curious, I was a flight engineer on the HH60G, I'm sure the HH60W has more power and can carry more payload I was hoping someone with experience flying these would be able to elaborate more on the performance aspects of this new helicopter.
y'all doingALL the hangar checks at the same time?
I trained the first Pilots and SMEs coming over to the NETC back in 2019/2019. Bunch of very smart and capable individuals (although not Naval Aviators).
There's a lot to be said about the Armed forces procurement process but suffice to say that they got the most capable airframe and then let the prime contractor (Boeing) fuck up the FAA certification at least twice, causing delays to the process.
Not sure how much of a piece of skin Boeing is going to get, but a normal configured '139 runs about 12 to 15 mils.
What is the name of those flash lights that they have on their helmets?
whats the capability of that predator looking full face helmet?
It protects your eyes and ears while providing an insulated space for the microphone to reduce background noise being transmitted on the radio.
BEST VIDEO EVER!!!!!!
That helo is a definite upgrade from the UH-1N.
Looks like executive transport… but they all have entertainment systems…
I was in the Air Force 1962 to 66. Nothing important like these men though.
You served...that's all that matters.
What are Nuclear feilds
Some people have a lot more fun than me
I haven't seen these flying around Great Falls much
Never been in. A Chopper that did t shake rattle and roll .. ch53s and old Huey’s .. and hydraulic spitting 46s !!! You know old junk lol 😜
That’s looks pretty nice 👍🏽
Must have been in some greasy MFs ?? lol
I got to fly as a passager over Newfoundland in the old Huskie 1964.
Insert: "Working in the Missile Field" song by "J.H". 🙂
What BuNo is this one? I was part of building the first few of these, in Philly. I worked assembly stage 0 through 3. As I recall the first 3-5 aircraft were all different from each other. My main "speciality" tasking was installing the fuel system (blatters, piping, manifolds, etc) and the fire suppression equipment (bottles, piping and fire walls).
How do you like working at the plant if you don’t mind me asking? Former Navy H-60 mechanic here that’s in A&P school now. Looking to work for Leonardo after I graduate
@0doylerules I loved it!! I was only there for 3 years. When we got the Boeing contract to build the first few MH139s, it was during the pandemic. Boeing was in crap because the 737Max crashes just happened, and they were very, very critical over the state of our facility. There were some management changes and talk of unionizing. I found myself on the wrong side of the swing, and the rest is history. I left in the Spring/Summer of '21
I enjoyed my time there, mostly.
I was one of 3 mechs that installed the fuel systems. Being reliable and being stage 0-3 also meant I'd get some other tasking, like freelancing on the 109 line and helping get the 609 prototype 3 up and going. The first two were built in Italy. One was lost during testing, killing the pilot. #3 was the first built here in the States. The two main techs responsible for the powerplant install needed another guy to help for a few days, as there was no actual procedure (at the time) for engine & pod installation.
I had time & interest, and was friends with the tech on the 609, so they asked if I wanted to help for a few days. I run it by the boss, and he said okay. So I along with these other two techs, were the first people in the US to install engines on an AW609, and they wrote the first procedure!
On to the Bad: management
SUCKED! BAD!! If you're good at politicing and don't mind a little brown stain on your nose, you'll do just fine!
If you are over at AIM currently, just know that I feel your pain. Just keep in mind that you will never have to watch another power-point EVER, after graduation! Nore will you have to listen to Kevin tell you that the J34 turbojet was used in helicopters or Scott to fill your ears about his Triumph TR!
Good luck. 👍🏻
@@TheAmishSasquatch I appreciate the response.
Nice…looks fun as hell! 🤙 Is “That Guy” the crew chief or a check airman?
I thought he was a stormtrooper on loan from the Empire.
These seem like a worthy successor to the Twin Huey
JAFO has it pretty good in there!
Sweet!
It’s all about who greases who’s hands
Major overkill.
👍👍👍
Anyone else spot the Bigfoot running up the hill at the 13.42 time stamp?
Made me look.
Sounds like a four blade.. duel or single turbine? I’m guessing two..
What, are you watching a movie on the ECAM ?
Italy is buying F35's at a little over 100 million per unit. When selling equipment to an partner the US has always bought some of their equipment in kind ....the T45 Goshawk from Britain, the Daulphin from France,etc. For every F35 the US gets about 3 MH 139. IJS ..
Does it meet the Global Strike ORD?
still sounds like a Huey. Where's the crew chief/door gunner?
Aw139 the most popular helicopter used in aeromedical & SAR in Australia, even a couple used in policing. Incidentally the Australian army use for memory about 6 with a couple more on order as a interim helicopter until more new UH-60M arrive.
It says it's a Boeing/Leonardo helicopter but looks like an AgustaWestland design.
What is going on with two last name tapes?
I think the one on his right is the one on his OCP uniform. The one on his left, together with the USAF tape is sewn onto the survival vest. It does look a bit odd.
Why is that guy using cameras in the cockpit?
Looks like Malmstrom AFB
Ah lawd BALLOONS incoming
I like the Velcro thing on the guy's helmet that says "That Guy". If it's a girl, would it say "That Girl" (which was the name of a 1960s TV series staring Marlo Thomas)
This video, took the adverb boring, and meticulously distilled and condensed that word into it's absolutely pure molecular essence.
@clutchtucker Not drunk, ex military with a lot of real world time in helicopters. I can see how this might be a charged full of energy vid for civilian viewers. For me not so much.
hahahaahahaa i loved the vid, but also could see your pov haha
You guy should be flying the Pavehawk-. (Rotor) head to head, my 34 year old Pave can still kick the crap out of that "utility" helo that GSC is bragging is so great.
What an absolute waste of money and resources. The UH-1 still had another 20+ years of availability and upgrades that would have accomplished the same requirements, saved money, and logistics. Some congressmen or senators stock portfolio just went up
Not really. You have to look at the maintenance suppliers and their inventories keep Vietnam era UH-1 flying.
Um.no. parts were hard to find.
That completely sums up the military industrial complex. Look up all the money thats unaccounted for by them. And noone has an answer....
That’s just not true at all. This is cheaper to maintain, parts are easily available, safer, can be outfitted with better technology, can fly further. It’s a good upgrade.
By the time they upgraded the UH1, it would nearly be the cost of a new aircraft. Besides, parts for MH139 are abundant and commercially off the shelf whereas the UH1 not so much.
Just like the A10 Hueys are cheaper,more effective and CAN change battle, spend more..get less.
Wrong. They are less effective. A UH-1Z does not have capabilities comparable to those of these new helicopters. The differences in the sensor suite alone make this aircraft much more capable. The MH-139 goes 20 knots faster and has 400-500 more nm of range. The A-10 is also not a suitable aircraft to operate in a peer-to-peer conflict, as previously mentioned by the USAF, much to the chagrin of John McCain. So, you have yet to learn what you're talking about.
This is the 21st century gramps. The a10 is practically a liability now
Are you drunk or something. How does this correlate to a ground attack aircraft?
@@andresmenon3743No such thing as Z model Huey..
@@265justy Sorry I meant Y. Got mixed up with the Ah-1z
Those Chinese nationals coming across the southern border probably already have all the intel they need.
But look at the cool glass cockpit! 😂
Personally always prefer to fly helicopters with larger gear or high skids.
A huey with 30x the switches to keep track of.
What’s up with the back seater face mask?
That is a Maxillofacial face shield (MFS). Common use in the US military Heli crews for several years now with the introduction of the HGU-56/P Ballistic Helmet.
@@guyintenn Yeah, I'd sure go ballistic if I had to ear that thing.
@@guyintenn yea I’ve seen it in adverse environments like AFGHANISTAN, but in the nearly no threat US? None of the other crew were wearing that….
@@paulc1173most or all of the crew in the back near the doors were wearing them, because they were flying with the doors open and the pilots weren’t. They’re not really for ballistic protection. From the product page:
The Gentex Maxillofacial Shield (MFS) safeguards the wearer’s lower face from rotor wash, flying debris, and windblast during helicopter operations. An optional upgrade to Gentex's HGU-56/P or HGU-84/P Rotary Wing Helmets, the MFS can also be easily fitted to the Gentex HGU-55/P Rotary Wing Helmet for airlift operations. The protective shield attaches to the helmet with a complete installation kit, weighs less than five ounces, and offers an interface between shield and visor that reduces wind on the face. The shield also offers ballistic fragmentation protection up to 550 feet per second (fps). An upgrade kit contains the face shield, helmet side hardware, shield side hardware, and instructions for installation. This requires drilling two small holes in the helmet shell. Both kits are available in a subdued matte black finish that can be easily custom painted, and are compatible with Mike Lites™. Additionally, a standard wire boom microphone or Gentex Flex Boom Microphone can be positioned behind the MFS, which significantly enhances communications clarity by reducing wind noise across the microphone(s). The HGU-56/P MFS comes standard with dual side release latches that provide for positive lock and ambidextrous quick release of the shield, and is available in one size that fits all. The MFS HGU-84/P version attaches to the helmet with adjustable straps and snaps, and comes in two sizes (Medium/Large or X Large/X Large Wide).