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Feature story The UH-72A Lakota in service: “A great machine”

April 9, 2008

The UH-72A displayed at Maryland's National Harbor for the AAAA annual convention is assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where it supports the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center.

The UH-72A Lakota is receiving high marks from U.S. Army pilots who are flying the new Light Utility Helicopter in operational service.

One of the 24 Lakotas delivered by EADS North America through the first quarter of 2008 was flown to National Harbor, Maryland, where it was exhibited at the Army Aviation Association of America’s (AAAA) annual convention.  

This aircraft is assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana, where it supports the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) – the U.S. Army's premier training center for light infantry and special operations units.  Pilots who brought the UH-72A to National Harbor said Fort Polk’s Lakota’s are assigned a variety of duties, including transportation for distinguished visitors and medical airlift when necessary. 

“We really love flying the Lakota – it’s a great machine, and it does just what the pilot wants it to do,” one of the Army aviators said.  “Additionally, the UH-72A’s cockpit is fantastic – once you’ve been in the Lakota, all of the other helicopters seem way behind in terms of technology.”

Up to 345 UH-72As will be acquired by the Army for homeland security operations, medical evacuation, passenger/logistics transportation and drug interdiction missions.

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