The US Army has awarded Airbus Helicopters a $115.4-million contract for the acquisition of up to 12 UH-72B Lakota light utility helicopters.
The contract also includes jettisonable cockpit doors, air-conditioning system integration, engine inlet barrier filters, and program management services. With this latest award, the total cumulative contract value has reached $140.71 million.
Work under the contract will be carried out at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with completion expected by December 31, 2030.
UH-72 Lakota
The Airbus UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine light utility helicopter developed to replace the UH-1H Iroquois and OH-58A/C Kiowa in domestic missions. Based on the Eurocopter EC145, the aircraft was selected for the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter program in June 2006 and is primarily operated by the Army National Guard.
Airbus has delivered 463 UH-72A helicopters to the US Army, Army National Guard, and previously to the US Navy.
Latest UH-72B Variant
The US Army introduced the upgraded UH-72B in August 2020 and received the first aircraft in September 2021 under an initial order for 18 helicopters for the Army National Guard.
The new variant incorporates a five-blade main rotor, a Fenestron enclosed tail rotor, more powerful Safran Arriel 2E engines, and Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite. Each engine produces 738 horsepower, enabling the helicopter to reach a maximum speed of 145 knots (167 mph/269 km/h) and achieve a range of 370 nautical miles (685 kilometers).
The Lakota can transport up to nine personnel or carry a payload of 3,953 pounds (1,793 kilograms), while operating at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet (5,486 meters).
Airbus is also developing an unmanned UH-72 Lakota prototype for the US Marine Corps under the Aerial Logistics Connector Rapid Prototyping Program. The prototype completed its first flight test in October 2024.
