Overview
Capable, Reliable and Affordable
 The UH-72A Lakota fulfills all of the U.S. Army's requirements for speed, range, endurance and performance for the Light Utility Helicopter mission. |
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 A modern glass cockpit increases situational awareness for the UH-72A crew and reduces pilot workload. |
 The UH-72A's large cockpit and cabin windows provide excellent visibility through all quadrants. |
The UH-72A Lakota is the best-value solution for the U.S. Army's new multi-mission Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) requirement.
Selected in June 2006, it combines operational capability, reliability, and affordability – while fulfilling all of the Army's requirements for LUH speed, range, endurance, and overall performance. As an in-production helicopter with FAA IFR certification, the UH-72A meets the Army's commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) acquisition strategy for LUH.
UH-72A deliveries began in December 2006, with 24 Lakotas received by the U.S. Army on time, or ahead of schedule through April 2008. The twin-engine aircraft is produced at the Columbus, Mississippi facility of American Eurocopter — an EADS North America business unit. U.S. Army program requirements are for up to 345 UH-72As, with a potential life-cycle value of over $2 billion.
It is a version of the technologically-advanced and operationally-proven EC145 multi-mission helicopter, which is used worldwide for law enforcement, emergency medical transportation, search and rescue, offshore and utility operations, and corporate transport. It leverages the latest in modern and proven technology to deliver superior performance, outstanding operational reliability, excellent maintainability and safety.
The UH-72A's unobstructed main cabin is easily re-configurable to maximize mission flexibility, and the helicopter's sliding side and rear clamshell doors optimize access and effective space utilization. Seating capacity is for up to nine passengers, and two stretchers can be installed for medevac missions.
Incorporation of proven and new COTS technologies, combined with the UH-72A's operational capabilities result in an aircraft that is exceptionally easy and affordable to operate and maintain. Extensive use of new, lightweight manufacturing materials and extensive system modularity simplifies maintenance, reducing lifetime ownership costs and logistics requirements