New Configuration Means Greater Flexibility

EADS North America and its subsidiary, American Eurocopter, have selected the industry team that will provide components and sub-systems for the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter Security and Support (S&S) mission equipment package (MEP).

The UH-72A in the S&S configuration will provide Army National Guard units the flexibility to respond to a wide variety of Homeland Security, Homeland Defense and civil law enforcement support missions. The mission equipment package consists of an electro-optical infrared sensor, data communications suite, moving map display, cabin and cockpit screens, a digital video recorder and a searchlight.

Companies selected to provide key components and sub-systems for the S&S mission equipment package are:

• LCX Systems; Sarasota, Fla.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation; Sparks, Nev.
• Ranger Rotorcraft Group; Fort Worth, Texas
• MARK IV Luminator; Plano, Texas
• L-3 Communications; New York, N.Y.

The Army plans to equip 200 National Guard Lakota’s with the S&S mission equipment package. “This is a significant step for the Lakota industry team as we continue to meet the evolving operational requirements of the UH-72A and our Army customer,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America chairman and CEO. “The addition of these five experienced aerospace companies further strengthens our proven industry team that is delivering helicopters to the Army on schedule and on budget.

To date, 128 Lakotas have been ordered by the Army, with the military service planning to acquire a total of 345 UH-72As through 2016. In addition, five Light Utility Helicopters have been ordered by the U.S. Navy for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Md. Currently EADS North America has delivered 69 UH-72A Lakotas, all on or ahead of schedule.

Lakotas carry six passengers and a crew of two pilots in the standard configuration, while two litters and seats for two support personnel are available in the MEDEVAC configuration. The UH-72A also has been certified by the U.S. Army for the free-fall deployment of paratroopers, using the rotary-wing aircraft’s large side-fuselage sliding doors. S&S-configured Lakotas will be employed in Army National Guard Reconnaissance and Interdiction detachment (RAID) missions.

FMI: www.UH-72A.com