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.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK company demonstrates crewed-uncrewed teaming]()
UK company demonstrates crewed-uncrewed teaming
QinetiQ's aerial target drone, the Banshee, was modified to be controlled by a piloted aircraft.
-
![Airbus could miss out as India’s air refueller saga drags on]()
Airbus could miss out as India’s air refueller saga drags on
Amid heightened demand for aerial refuelling capabilities in India, Airbus Defence faces a potential setback in securing defence contracts in the country due to escalating costs and concerns over trust.
-
![Poland and Netherlands approved for hundreds of air-to-ground missiles]()
Poland and Netherlands approved for hundreds of air-to-ground missiles
The AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) is a supersonic, medium-range, air-launched tactical missile compatible with US and allied strike aircraft.
-
![Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase]()
Anduril and GA-ASI propel forward in US Air Force CCA programme’s next phase
Anduril and GA-ASI have raced ahead in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, securing contracts with the US Air Force to build production representative flight test platforms.
-
![Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE]()
Another Saab GlobalEye lands in the UAE
The arrival of the latest GlobalEye marked the fourth AEW&C aircraft delivery to the UAE in just four years.
