A/C, Cabin Space Seen As Potential Problems
The US Army's selection of a slightly-modified Eurocopter EC-145
to fulfill its Light Utility Helicopter requirement has drawn fire
from weapons testers at the Pentagon... who say the aircraft has
several discrepancies, some of which may not be so easy to fix.
The Fort Worth (TX) Star-Telegram reports a new report by the
director of operational test and evaluation says the helo "is not
operationally suitable" for hot environments, due to inadequate
cabin air-conditioning that could lead to crew discomfort, and
avionics problems.
Testers at Fort Irwin, CA found the UH-72A Lakota variant of the
popular commercial helicopter 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 says 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.
Eurocopter LUH Program Manager Randy Hutcherson told the
Star-Telegram the Lakota meets the Army's specific requirements
under the original LUH bid. As for the issues discovered by testers
in California, discussions are underway on how to solve those
problems.
"We're working with the Army ... to address the capability of
the air conditioning in this aircraft," said Hutcherson. As for
cabin space, Hutcherson says the Army never specified a need
to transport two patients at once -- something civil air ambulances
aren't required to do.
As ANN reported, the Lakota
entered operational service with the National Training Center Air
Ambulance Detachment at Ft. Irwin in June. The Army plans to
eventually purchase 322 of the helicopters, for use by Army and
National Guard units for light transport and medical-evacuation
missions.
In addition to replacing older Hueys and Kiowas, the Army hopes
widespread use of Lakotas stateside will free up Sikorsky UH-60
Black Hawks for use in combat zones overseas.
Army officials did not return a call by the Fort Worth newspaper
seeking comment. In the past, military officials stated the Lakota
provided the most capability for the price, over competitors from
Bell Helicopter, MD Helicopters and Italy's AgustaWestland.