hueycrew Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Just came across this. Any backstory? https://www.boeing.com/defense/mh-139/index.page Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HeavyArty Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Interesting. I wasn't even tracking that the USAF was looking to replace their UH-1Ns. "The Air Force picks a winner for its Huey replacement helicopter contract": https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2018/09/24/the-air-force-picks-a-winner-for-its-huey-replacement-helicopter-contract/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Da SWO Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1922761/eglin-pilots-receive-ratings-for-new-helicopter/ 1st crew members just got certified. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
huey_crew_chief Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 Looks like a pretty cool and capable aircraft. I hate to see the Huey go, but its about time I guess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 It's a helicopter that is in widespread use around the globe. With a bit of luck, we might now get a 1/72 kit of the 139. LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 US has been trying to get a AgustaWestland bird for awhile it seems (VH-71). Didn’t read the specs for what the AF needed but from a DOD bean counting POV a UH-1Y, H-60 family or UH-72 would fit the bill and bring in another supply chain need but hey it’s only money who cares. A kit wouldn’t be a bad idea, I can hear the current crowd crying for 1/35 scale already. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ollie T-Y Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 9 hours ago, Tank said: crying for 1/35 scale already. Amen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 12 hours ago, Tank said: A kit wouldn’t be a bad idea, I can hear the current crowd crying for 1/35 scale already. A general support helo that will never be deployed in combat (similar to the Army's Lakota) is way down my list of wants. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clinstone Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 14 hours ago, Tank said: US has been trying to get a AgustaWestland bird for awhile it seems (VH-71). Didn’t read the specs for what the AF needed but from a DOD bean counting POV a UH-1Y, H-60 family or UH-72 would fit the bill and bring in another supply chain need but hey it’s only money who cares. The H-1Y and UH-72 did not meet requirements for payload or range. The H-60 lost to the 139 because Boeing's bid was close to $5 billion cheaper. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mike_45 Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 I would build one in 48th or 35th. Its a good looking bird and my father was a missilier and flew in those uh-1s so would be neat to build the replacement for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 3 hours ago, Clinstone said: The H-1Y and UH-72 did not meet requirements for payload or range. The H-60 lost to the 139 because Boeing's bid was close to $5 billion cheaper. Thanks for the info. Like I said I didn’t read the details. Hope the AF is happy with the bird. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hawkwrench Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Considering Boeing's crap going on with the 737max, maybe their bid was lower because they are cheapening up everything to the point that the quality of the product is getting worse and safety is being compromised. I work in a manufacturing setting, and I can tell you first hand that: 1) Cheaper isn't always better 2) Cheapening things up in order to make more money is the mindset now! Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 (edited) 11 hours ago, hawkwrench said: Considering Boeing's crap going on with the 737max, maybe their bid was lower because they are cheapening up everything to the point that the quality of the product is getting worse and safety is being compromised. I work in a manufacturing setting, and I can tell you first hand that: 1) Cheaper isn't always better 2) Cheapening things up in order to make more money is the mindset now! Tim BA submitted surprisingly low bids for this program, the AF's new trainer and the Navy's carrier based UAV. Seems to be a new strategy with them to win the work at all costs and either change order your way to profitability or make up for the losses on the long-term O&M support contracts. Edited August 10, 2019 by 11bee Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantomdriver Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 (edited) rather like printers and inkjet cartridges………….. Edited August 10, 2019 by phantomdriver Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clinstone Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Most of the development work has already been completed by Leonardo after their work for the HH-139. The fist aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the Air Force in early FY20, only a year after the contract was awarded. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeejeeZ Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 On 8/9/2019 at 1:31 AM, Loach Driver said: It's a helicopter that is in widespread use around the globe. With a bit of luck, we might now get a 1/72 kit of the 139. LD. Ditto!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeejeeZ Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 On 8/9/2019 at 2:59 PM, 11bee said: A general support helo that will never be deployed in combat (similar to the Army's Lakota) is way down my list of wants. I understand 11bee, but you would definitely enjoy the countless possibilities for civil liveries, now wouldn't you?!? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 2 hours ago, GeejeeZ said: I understand 11bee, but you would definitely enjoy the countless possibilities for civil liveries, now wouldn't you?!? Lol.... I like my helos in grungy CARC! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeejeeZ Posted August 13, 2019 Share Posted August 13, 2019 25 minutes ago, 11bee said: Lol.... I like my helos in grungy CARC! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Tapsell Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Another military option (if a kit ever appears) - Irish Air Corps AW 139 Wolfhound John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 A little bit better bait....guns. Pic from the web. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Tapsell Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Nice image - got the winch as well which isn't on the one I photographed. Night shoots give you the opportunity to be a little artistic 😀 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tank Posted August 14, 2019 Share Posted August 14, 2019 Surprised Italeri hasn’t done a 1/72 kit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted August 15, 2019 Share Posted August 15, 2019 Hopefully, licencing isn't an issue when it comes to Italeri or anyone else kitting this helicopter. LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeejeeZ Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 On 8/15/2019 at 12:58 AM, Tank said: Surprised Italeri hasn’t done a 1/72 kit. Guess you're right: Italeri would be the only mainstream manufacturer that could kit this in some Italian military livery. Man, I could use tons of them: countless possibilities for offshore and EMS liveries. I am not too positive though: mainstream kit makers seem to be in a 'helicopter kits are poor sellers- mode' and chicken out of these subjects more and more... On BritModeller I read that Whirly Bits from UK had actually thought about an AW139 release but was still too afraid that Italeri or Revell would release one eventually. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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