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Boeing wins $2.4 billion Air Force copter contract with Philly-made MH-139

As many as 84 of the Boeing MH-139 helicopters, a militarized version of the commercial AW139 manufactured by Leonardo subsidiary AgustaWestland in Northeast Philadelphia, will replace decades-old UH-1 Hueys.

The MH-139 Helicopter built by Leonardo Helicopters at the Northeast Airport will replace the old Hueys that are guarding missles and other special uses.
The MH-139 Helicopter built by Leonardo Helicopters at the Northeast Airport will replace the old Hueys that are guarding missles and other special uses.Read moreMICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer

Boeing Co. beat rivals Lockheed Martin Corp. and closely held Sierra Nevada Corp. in a contest valued at as much as $2.38 billion for new helicopters to guard intercontinental ballistic missile sites, the Pentagon said Monday.

As many as 84 of the Boeing MH-139 helicopters, a militarized version of the commercial AW139 manufactured by Leonardo subsidiary AgustaWestland in Northeast Philadelphia, will replace decades-old UH-1 Hueys protecting nuclear bases in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Delivery of the first operational helicopter is expected in fiscal 2021.

>>Read more: Air Force fight: Is Northeast Philadelphia airship 'the right solution'?

Boeing received a $375 million fixed-price contract for the first four aircraft. The full value of the contract would be reached if options are exercised for 80 more helicopters by September 2031 as well as sustainment, training devices, and associated support equipment.

The Government Accountability Office in May rejected a protest filed by Lockheed's Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. against terms of the Air Force's request for proposals to build the new class of helicopters.

"Strong competition drove down costs for the program, resulting in $1.7 billion in savings to the taxpayer," Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said in a statement. The service's original cost estimate was $4.1 billion.