EADS North America has handed over the 250th UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter (LUH) under contract to the US Army for operation by the Oklahoma National Guard.
The helicopter represents the latest of 54 Lakotas that have been delivered with the security and support (S&S) battalion mission equipment package (MEP), which broadens its capabilities for missions ranging from disaster response to border security operations across the country.
UH-72A product manager army lieutenant colonel David Cheney said UH-72A Lakota helicopter programme is proceeding according to the original schedule, within budget and is better serving troops in the battlefield.
"The success of this aircraft and programme is a testament to EADS North America’s team’s determination to provide the best support for the army and homeland security missions," Cheney said.
EADS North America chairman and CEO Sean O’Keefe added: "In today’s budget environment, the Pentagon needs programmes that deliver what’s been promised, and we’re proud to have worked with the army to field this capability unfailingly on schedule and on cost."
See Also:
Equipped with a moving map, EO/IR sensor and digital video recording capability, digital and analogue downlink, and a searchlight, the MEP Lakotas are operated by the US Army National Guard for border security and drug interdiction missions along the US south-west border.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataManufactured at the company’s American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Mississippi, the twin-engine Lakota helicopters are used for medical evacuations, search-and-rescue, homeland security, VIP transport, disaster response and relief, combat flight training and pilot sustainment training.
As well as replacing the army’s ageing OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft, Lakotas are expected to simultaneously enable UH-60 Black Hawks to participate in combat missions.
A total of 345 UH-72As are expected to be acquired by the army under a defence acquisition category (ACAT) I programme, which is scheduled to continue until 2016.
Image: A US Army National Guard’s UH-72A Lakota helicopter stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania, US. Photo: courtesy of US Army Pfc Coltin Heller.