Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first UH-72B Lakota helicopter to the US Army National Guard at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. This delivery is the first of 18 UH-72B Lakota helicopters currently on order to the National Guard's critical missions.
“With the addition of the UH-72B Lakota to our fleet, the US Army increases its ability to save lives, protect communities and provide disaster relief when it is needed most,” said Colonel Calvin Lane, US Army project manager for utility helicopters. “The Lakota helicopter has been an Army staple for over 15 years, and we look forward to benefiting from the latest technologies and performances that the newest 72B variant will provide, without additional research and development costs to the Army.”
The UH-72B is the latest version of the proven off-the-shelf aircraft that has been the Army's Light Utility Helicopter since the first Lakota procurement contract in 2006. The Army is enjoying the benefits of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft. ) receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money in the development of these capabilities.
Building on the highly successful H145, the UH-72B incorporates technologies that enhance safety and flight performance, including the five-blade main rotor, Fenestron tail rotor, Safran Arriel 2E engines and the Helionix-designed avionics suite. by Airbus. The Helionix suite includes an advanced four-axis dual-duplex autopilot to provide flight envelope and over-threshold protection, automated takeoff and fully coupled approaches to hover.
"Our teams in Mississippi, many of whom are US Army and National Guard veterans, are proud to build and deliver the first of this newest variant of the Lakota in of the Army's essential missions protecting and serving our country," said Scott Tumpak, vice president in charge of Airbus' US military helicopter programs. “We thank the Army for the trust it has placed in Airbus for more than 15 years as we continue to build the Lakota legacy for the military women and men who depend on it.”
With nearly 10 different configurations available, the Lakota offers proven performance, outstanding operational reliability and unrivaled versatility for a wide spectrum of military missions. Airbus Helicopters builds the Lakota at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which employs a workforce of approximately 250 employees, 40% of whom are US veterans.
