Says LUH Achieved All Key Milestones, Despite Some Issues
EADS North America tells ANN its UH-72A Lakota program has
completed a highly successful year, delivering on-time or ahead
deliveries of 16 operationally-ready Light Utility Helicopters for
deployment with US Army units across the country.
During the past 12 months, the LUH program has achieved all of
the Light Utility Helicopter Program’s targeted milestones --
including full-rate production authorization from the Army, the
issuance of FAA production certification authority for US-built
UH-72As, and the Lakota’s service introduction with Army
units.
"EADS North America has clearly demonstrated its ability to
manage and execute large-scale programs that are vital to the
defense and protection of the United States," said EADS North
America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "We are pleased the
UH-72A has become a benchmark for well-managed military aircraft
acquisitions. Our entire program team is dedicated to meeting --
and exceeding -- the Army’s requirements for this newest
member of its rotary-wing fleet."
The Army took delivery of its first UH-72A Lakota in November
2006. Current production rates are two helicopters per month and is
scheduled to increase to three Lakotas monthly in the first quarter
of 2008.
There have been some issues with the deployment, however, not
mentioned in the EADS release. As ANN reported in August,
the Pentagon said its weapons testers found numerous discrepancies
in the design and execution of the Lakota, which is based off the
commercial EC-145.
Aircraft evaluators at Fort Irwin, CA found the Lakota couldn't
haul the required loads on hot days, or at high-altitudes. The
cabin is also too small, and not configured to allow enough room
for a medical attendant and two patients on stretchers. They also
determined the Lakota's air conditioning system would cause crew
members, passengers, and patients to become extremely
uncomfortable... and, could lead to problems with the aircraft's
electronic cockpit, due to poor ventilation.
Despite the flaws, however, it appears the Lakota still comes
out a winner. The Pentagon ruled the aircraft "is effective in the
performance of light utility missions," adding it proved reliable
in testing, and easy to maintain. And compared to the operational
costs of current UH-1H Hueys and OH-58 Kiowas now in service, the
UH-72A is a bargain.
EADS states UH-72As deployed thus far have averaged over 90
percent Full Mission Capability rate. Up to 345 UH-72As will be
acquired by the Army for homeland security operations, medical
evacuation, passenger/logistics transportation and drug
interdiction missions.