Airbus wins US Army UH-72A Lakota upgrade contract
The US Army selected a version of the medium-sized, twin-engine H145, designated the UH-72A Lakota, in 2006 to meet requirements for a new Light Utility Helicopter. (Photo: Airbus)
The US Army has awarded Airbus a $27.8 million contract to modernise the Army National Guard Security & Support Battalion Mission Equipment Package (MEP).
These upgrades will allow the UH-72A Lakota medium-sized helicopter to conduct day and night operations by providing an advanced moving map, enhanced digital interfaces, new monitors, an airborne mission management system and other improvements.
‘This award provides pilots with significantly increased functionality and capability to carry out today’s demanding missions, further enhancing the Lakota’s value as an ISR asset for the National Guard,’ said Scott Tumpak, VP of the military line of business at Airbus US Space and Defense.
In 2006, the US Army selected a version of the medium-sized, twin-engine H145, designated the UH-72A Lakota, to meet its requirement for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace most remaining UH-1s and OH-58A/Cs in US Army and Army National Guard service.
Related Articles
US Army orders more UH-72A Lakotas
Farnborough 2022: Morocco orders H135 for primary training missions
Heli-One partners with Airbus for UK MoD's New Medium Helicopter programme
By early 2018, the army had received more than 400 UH-72As, the majority built at the company's Columbus, Mississippi, facility. In 2014, Thailand became the first export customer.
The UH-72A is available in multiple configurations and is a key component of the US Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative and the primary rotary-wing trainer for the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the US Army currently has nearly 500 Lakota helicopters in its inventory.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
UH-72A Light Utility (LUH) Helicopter
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Advanced Electronic Warfare prototype for Super Hornet passes design review]()
Advanced Electronic Warfare prototype for Super Hornet passes design review
The successful completion of this stage for the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype launches the next phase which includes government laboratory testing for compliance and to demonstrate system attributes.
-
![Raytheon receives $590 million for Growler jammer]()
Raytheon receives $590 million for Growler jammer
In January 2020, Raytheon was awarded a $403 million System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA) contract for the New Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) which is designed for use on Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.
-
![Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardians]()
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardians
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian will be used as part of the JMSDF’s long range maritime ISR patrol programme.
-
![Embraer to expand C-390 platform for ISR missions]()
Embraer to expand C-390 platform for ISR missions
The Brazilian manufacturer will work with the Brazilian Air Force to explore expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium.
-
![What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK]()
What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK
Analysts have said that making space for the country in the sixth-gen fighter aircraft initiative could give the UK a chance to ease the financial burden of the aircraft’s development.
