A/C, Cabin Space Seen As Potential Problems

The US Army's selection of a slightly-modified Eurocopter EC-145 to fulfill its Light Utility Helicopter requirement has drawn fire from weapons testers at the Pentagon... who say the aircraft has several discrepancies, some of which may not be so easy to fix.

The Fort Worth (TX) Star-Telegram reports a new report by the director of operational test and evaluation says the helo "is not operationally suitable" for hot environments, due to inadequate cabin air-conditioning that could lead to crew discomfort, and avionics problems.

Testers at Fort Irwin, CA found the UH-72A Lakota variant of the popular commercial helicopter couldn't haul the required loads on hot days, or at high-altitudes. The cabin is also too small, and not configured to allow enough room for a medical attendant and two patients on stretchers.

They also determined the Lakota's air conditioning system would cause crew members, passengers, and patients to become extremely uncomfortable... and, could lead to problems with the aircraft's electronic cockpit, due to poor ventilation.

Despite the flaws, however, it appears the Lakota still comes out a winner. The Pentagon says the aircraft "is effective in the performance of light utility missions," adding it proved reliable in testing, and easy to maintain. And compared to the operational costs of current UH-1H Hueys and OH-58 Kiowas now in service, the UH-72A is a bargain.

Eurocopter LUH Program Manager Randy Hutcherson told the Star-Telegram the Lakota meets the Army's specific requirements under the original LUH bid. As for the issues discovered by testers in California, discussions are underway on how to solve those problems.

"We're working with the Army ... to address the capability of the air conditioning in this aircraft," said Hutcherson. As for cabin space, Hutcherson says the Army never specified a need to transport two patients at once -- something civil air ambulances aren't required to do.

As ANN reported, the Lakota entered operational service with the National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment at Ft. Irwin in June. The Army plans to eventually purchase 322 of the helicopters, for use by Army and National Guard units for light transport and medical-evacuation missions.

In addition to replacing older Hueys and Kiowas, the Army hopes widespread use of Lakotas stateside will free up Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks for use in combat zones overseas.

Army officials did not return a call by the Fort Worth newspaper seeking comment. In the past, military officials stated the Lakota provided the most capability for the price, over competitors from Bell Helicopter, MD Helicopters and Italy's AgustaWestland.

FMI:  www.eads.com, www.uh-72a.com