Wed, Oct 06, 2010
UH-72A Aircraft To Be Equipped For Security And Support
Battalion Missions
The U.S. Army has awarded a $67 million contract to EADS
North America for the supply of Mission Equipment Packages (MEP) on
UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters to be operated by Army
National Guard Security and Support Battalions (S&S
Battalions). This contract award is the first phase of a total
contract value estimated to be approximately $152 million.
UH-72 Lakota File Photo
Built at the company’s American Eurocopter facility in
Columbus, MS, these system improvements will be outfitted on
UH-72As deployed throughout the United States where the Army
National Guard Lakota aircraft are stationed. The packages expand
the Lakota’s use in reconnaissance, border protection,
command and control and air movement operations that support U.S.
homeland defense and security missions.
“This contract underscores EADS North America’s
ability to integrate complex mission systems that meet our
warfighters’ needs,” said EADS North America Chairman
Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “It also marks a new milestone in the
evolution of the UH-72A, as this capable helicopter is given
increasingly diverse operational duties with the U.S. Army.
Supporting the S&S mission is further evidence of our industry
team’s commitment to delivering state-of-the art products
that enable the Army to meet today’s demanding
missions.”
File Photo
The UH-72A S&S Battalion configuration includes a forward
centerline-mounted camera system with electro-optical and infrared
sensors and laser pointer, a 30 million candlepower searchlight,
operator console, cockpit and cabin touch-screen displays with
moving map, a video management system, a digital video recorder and
data downlink system, plus an external hoist and additional
avionics and communications equipment.
Deliveries of UH-72As with the S&S Battalion Mission
Equipment Package are scheduled to begin in 2011. The contract
announced today covers EADS North America’s supply of an
initial 36 MEPs, with the U.S. Army expected to ultimately acquire
systems to outfit a total of 99 Lakota helicopters.
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