Description
Computer made/mounted on velcro 4.0 inch-100mm
AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND TEST DETACHMENT 7
The Air Force Global Strike Command Detachment 7 is stationed at Duke Field, FL, to support testing and evaluation of the MH-139A helicopter.
The MH-139A is the first service-unique helicopter acquired by the USAF and the first aircraft ever acquired by AFGSC. It will replace the Vietnam-era UH-1N “Hueys” which have capability gaps in the areas of speed, range, endurance, payload and survivability in support of the command’s intercontinental ballistic missile missions.
The helicopters will provide security and support for the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile fields which span Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska, all with increased range, speed and payload. Other multiple missions include civil search and rescue capabilities; airlift support; National Capital Region missions; survival school and test support.
The detachment will work in conjunction with Air Force Materiel Command’s 413th Flight Test Squadron, which is the Air Force’s only dedicated rotary test unit. Detachment 7 brings vital aircrew manning to the test effort and is comprised of pilots and special mission aviators.
The unit resides temporarily in hangar facilities on Duke Field, but will eventually move to Malmstrom AFB, MT, to perform additional testing and evaluation of the aircraft.
Detachment 7 will manage four helicopters. The helicopters were acquired from Boeing through a full and open competition at a cost of $2.38 billion for up to 84 aircraft. It is the command’s first commercial “off-the-shelf” purchase, adding military-unique modifications.
The MH-139 helicopters will provide vertical airlift and support the requirements of five Air Force major commands and operating agencies: Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force District of Washington, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Pacific Air Forces. AFGSC is the Air Force lead command and operational capability requirements sponsor.