Says LUH Achieved All Key Milestones, Despite Some Issues

EADS North America tells ANN its UH-72A Lakota program has completed a highly successful year, delivering on-time or ahead deliveries of 16 operationally-ready Light Utility Helicopters for deployment with US Army units across the country.

During the past 12 months, the LUH program has achieved all of the Light Utility Helicopter Program’s targeted milestones -- including full-rate production authorization from the Army, the issuance of FAA production certification authority for US-built UH-72As, and the Lakota’s service introduction with Army units.

"EADS North America has clearly demonstrated its ability to manage and execute large-scale programs that are vital to the defense and protection of the United States," said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "We are pleased the UH-72A has become a benchmark for well-managed military aircraft acquisitions. Our entire program team is dedicated to meeting -- and exceeding -- the Army’s requirements for this newest member of its rotary-wing fleet."

The Army took delivery of its first UH-72A Lakota in November 2006. Current production rates are two helicopters per month and is scheduled to increase to three Lakotas monthly in the first quarter of 2008.

There have been some issues with the deployment, however, not mentioned in the EADS release. As ANN reported in August, the Pentagon said its weapons testers found numerous discrepancies in the design and execution of the Lakota, which is based off the commercial EC-145.

Aircraft evaluators at Fort Irwin, CA found the Lakota 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 ruled 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.

EADS states UH-72As deployed thus far have averaged over 90 percent Full Mission Capability rate. Up to 345 UH-72As will be acquired by the Army for homeland security operations, medical evacuation, passenger/logistics transportation and drug interdiction missions.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com, www.uh-72a.com