The UH-72A attracted a steady flow of U.S. Army aviators, maintenance personnel and other visitors, many of whom saw the service’s new Light Utility Helicopter for the first time. All six UH-72As delivered to date by EADS North America have been received by the Army ahead of schedule, with production ramping up to two aircraft per month in September.

EADS North America’s UH-72A display underscored the Lakota’s ease of maintenance, including the straightforward access to its two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines – which produce 738 shp. each. Also visible in this photo are the helicopter’s rear clamshell doors, which optimize access to the cabin, facilitating loading/unloading, and providing highly effective utilization of interior space.

The UH-72A’s side-mounted personnel hoist is attached to a litter for its display at the Army Aviation Association of America convention. The Lakota’s large sliding side doors also are evident in the picture. Army requirements call for the acquisition of up to 322 UH-72As in a 10-year. Assembly and production of the UH-72A is performed in Columbus, Mississippi at the facilities of American Eurocopter, an EADS North America business unit. The Columbus plant is expanding with new buildings for the Lakota’s assembly hall, flight line and paint shop, along with support areas for the UH-72A’s production, flight test and delivery.

Crew workload is reduced with the UH-72A’s advanced glass cockpit with its Vehicle and Engine Management Display (VEMD).  The cockpit is IFR certified and night vision goggle compatible.