Sat, Jun 13, 2009
New Configuration Means Greater Flexibility
EADS North America and its
subsidiary, American Eurocopter, have selected the industry team
that will provide components and sub-systems for the UH-72A Lakota
Light Utility Helicopter Security and Support (S&S) mission
equipment package (MEP).
The UH-72A in the S&S configuration will provide Army
National Guard units the flexibility to respond to a wide variety
of Homeland Security, Homeland Defense and civil law enforcement
support missions. The mission equipment package consists of an
electro-optical infrared sensor, data communications suite, moving
map display, cabin and cockpit screens, a digital video recorder
and a searchlight.
Companies selected to provide key components and sub-systems for
the S&S mission equipment package are:
- LCX Systems; Sarasota, Fla.
- Sierra Nevada Corporation; Sparks, Nev.
- Ranger Rotorcraft Group; Fort Worth, Texas
- MARK IV Luminator; Plano, Texas
- L-3 Communications; New York, N.Y.
The Army plans to equip 200 National Guard Lakota’s with
the S&S mission equipment package. “This is a significant
step for the Lakota industry team as we continue to meet the
evolving operational requirements of the UH-72A and our Army
customer,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America
chairman and CEO. “The addition of these five experienced
aerospace companies further strengthens our proven industry team
that is delivering helicopters to the Army on schedule and on
budget.
To date, 128 Lakotas have been ordered by the Army, with the
military service planning to acquire a total of 345 UH-72As through
2016. In addition, five Light Utility Helicopters have been ordered
by the U.S. Navy for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School
at Patuxent River, Md. Currently EADS North America has delivered
69 UH-72A Lakotas, all on or ahead of schedule.
Lakotas carry six passengers and a crew of two pilots in the
standard configuration, while two litters and seats for two support
personnel are available in the MEDEVAC configuration. The UH-72A
also has been certified by the U.S. Army for the free-fall
deployment of paratroopers, using the rotary-wing aircraft’s
large side-fuselage sliding doors. S&S-configured Lakotas will
be employed in Army National Guard Reconnaissance and Interdiction
detachment (RAID) missions.
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