The U.S. Army has awarded Airbus a contract worth 27.8 million dollars to upgrade the Mission Equipment Package (MEP) of the Security and Support Battalion of the Army National Guard.
Upgrades for Day and Night Operations
The MEP focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of the UH-72A Lakota. The upgrades include the integration of an advanced mobile map, cutting-edge digital interfaces, new monitors, and an air mission management system, optimizing the helicopter for both day and night operations.
Scott Tumpak, Vice President of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense Military Business Line, commented: «This award provides pilots with enhanced functionality and capability to address current missions, elevating the value of the Lakota in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for the National Guard.»
History of the UH-72A Lakota
The UH-72A Lakota is a multi-purpose military aircraft that has been fundamental to the operations of the U.S. Army since its introduction. Based on the civilian H145 model, the Lakota has offered versatility in missions ranging from logistics and medical transport to surveillance and reconnaissance.
Airbus delivered the first Lakota helicopter to the US Army in 2006, the same year the UH-72A was chosen through a competition as the new light utility helicopter of the Army, and since then has delivered over 480 units of this model which mainly serves as the initial rotary-wing training aircraft for the U.S. Army.
Specific Roles and Fleet Expansion
With the new MEP, the Lakota is expected to efficiently carry out National Guard missions, including domestic security, drug combat, and border security. The contract will upgrade up to 50 aircraft, with a current total of 107 UH-72A in the fleet.
The upgrades will be performed at the Airbus helicopter production facility in Columbus, Mississippi. Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, specializing in satellite solutions, laser communications, and wing and rotor equipment, will oversee the contract.
