The US Army has placed a $115.4 million award with Airbus Helicopters for as many as 12 UH-72B Lakota light utility helicopters, expanding its fleet of the platform.The contract includes more than aircraft procurement. It also covers specialized cockpit doors, air-conditioning equipment, engine inlet protection, and programme-management activities, taking the total value of the contract to about $140.71 million.Production and associated work will be carried out at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, with the programme scheduled to continue through December 2030.The Lakota was developed as a modern light utility helicopter to replace older platforms used in domestic support roles. Based on the EC145, the UH-72 entered the Army inventory following its selection for the Light Utility Helicopter programme in 2006.The latest UH-72B variant brings several improvements, including upgraded rotor systems, Safran Arriel 2E engines, and the Helionix integrated avionics suite.With a maximum speed of about 145 knots and a range of roughly 370 nautical miles, the aircraft can transport up to nine people or a substantial payload. It can operate at altitudes approaching 18,000 feet.Airbus is also investigating autonomous applications for the Lakota, including an unmanned version being developed for Marine Corps logistics missions.
