EADS wins Lakota contract
EADS North America has been awarded a contract to deliver 39 UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the US Army. The aircraft will be produced in the Army’s Security and Support (S&S) Battalion configuration. The contract is worth $212.7 million.
According to the company, the Lakotas equipped with the S&S Battalion Mission Equipment Package (MEP) will be operated by Army National Guard units across the country. Lakota helicopters in the S&S Battalion configuration enable Army National Guard units to support state and local law enforcement and federal homeland security agencies in responding to natural disasters, law enforcement and border security operations.
The S&S MEP contains a centerline electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) sensor, a 30 million candle power search light, analog/digital video downlink, rear observer’s console with a 15-inch display, an enhanced tactical communications suite, an onboard digital video recorder, 10.4-inch auxiliary displays for the pilot and co-pilot, and a video management system. The S&S Battalion MEP, integrated by American Eurocopter, will expand the capabilities of the Army’s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters, and reflects the platform’s adaptability for an increasing number of missions.
The current total programme of record calls for 345 UH-72A Lakotas to be delivered to the Army and Army National Guard through 2015, as well as five aircraft already delivered to the US Navy.
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