UH-72A Takes 1st Flight With Security And Support Battalion Mission Equipment Package

The first flight of the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) equipped with the Security and Support Battalion (S&S Battalion) Mission Equipment Package (MEP) occurred in June at the American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, MS.

File Photo

The S&S Battalion MEP is intended to expand the Lakota's use for reconnaissance, command and control and air movement operations in support of U.S. homeland defense and security missions with the U.S. Army National Guard.

EADS NA says the maiden flight with this mission package on a UH-72A version represents another step in the Lakota's development for the U.S. Army. "This is a very significant milestone in the maturation of the UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army and National Guard," said EADS North America COO David R. Oliver. "The fleet of Lakota aircraft is approaching 40,000 flight hours and as the Army continues to fly Lakotas they're realizing the versatility and reliability of the aircraft. The S&S Battalion first flight illustrates the continued expansion and validation of the Lakota's capabilities."

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com, www.army.mil