Airbus Helicopters has secured a $115.4-million contract from the US Army to supply as many as 12 UH-72B Lakota light utility helicopters.
Beyond the aircraft procurement, the agreement covers jettisonable cockpit doors, installation of air-conditioning systems, engine inlet barrier filters, and program management. The new award increases the overall cumulative contract value to $140.71 million.
Contract activities will take place at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and are scheduled for completion by the end of December 2030.
The UH-72 Lakota Program
The UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine utility helicopter designed for domestic operations and intended to replace the aging UH-1H Iroquois and OH-58A/C Kiowa fleets. Derived from the Eurocopter EC145, the platform was selected by the US Army in 2006 for its Light Utility Helicopter program and is mainly operated by Army National Guard units.
To date, Airbus has delivered 463 UH-72A helicopters to the US Army and Army National Guard, while the aircraft was also operated by the US Navy for a period.
Enhanced UH-72B Capabilities
The US Army revealed the modernized UH-72B variant in August 2020 and took delivery of its first aircraft in September 2021 as part of an 18-helicopter procurement for the Army National Guard.
Compared with earlier versions, the UH-72B features a five-blade main rotor, a Fenestron-shrouded tail rotor, upgraded Safran Arriel 2E engines, and Airbus’ Helionix avionics system. Its two engines each generate 738 horsepower, supporting a top speed of 145 knots (167 mph/269 km/h) and an operational range of 370 nautical miles (685 kilometers).
The helicopter can accommodate up to nine personnel or carry a maximum payload of 3,953 pounds (1,793 kilograms) and operate at elevations reaching 18,000 feet (5,486 meters).
Meanwhile, Airbus is advancing an unmanned version of the UH-72 Lakota for the US Marine Corps through the Aerial Logistics Connector Rapid Prototyping Program, with the prototype completing its maiden flight test in October 2024.
