US Army Signs For Five More Helicopters

The US Army awarded EADS North America a contract for five additional UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) January 15, 2009, bringing the total number of aircraft on contract to 128.

Production of the UH-72A is underway at the American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, MS, supplying the Army and Army National Guard with between 3-4 multi-role helicopters a month. The Lakota is used in missions that range from homeland security and medical evacuation to drug interdiction, support and logistics operations.

More than 54 UH-72As have been delivered by EADS North America. The company notes all have been provided on time or ahead of schedule in one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the US Army's history.

"EADS North America remains committed to excellence in program management and execution for the UH-72A, which has received high marks from the US Army," said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "We understand the Lakota's importance to the Army's helicopter fleet modernization, and our top priority continues to be providing America's warfighters with the very best equipment to accomplish their important mission."

More than 8,000 flight hours have been logged by the Army's UH-72A fleet to date, and the Lakota is now in service at bases and facilities across the nation, including the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) in Fort Indiantown Gap, PA; Fort Eustis, VA; Fort Polk, LA; Fort Irwin, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Morrisville, NC; Pineville, LA; Tupelo, MS; and the US Military Academy at West Point, NY.

In addition to the 128 Lakotas ordered to fulfill Army and National Guard missions, five Light Utility Helicopters have been ordered by the US Navy for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, MD. The Army expects to acquire a total of 345 Lakotas through 2016.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com