JRTC VISMOD: UH-72 Lakota American Light Utility Helicopter

The UH-72A Lakota is the U.S. Army's new light utility helicopter. Based on the commercial EC145, it is designed for homeland security, medical evacuation, passenger/logistics transportation and drug interdiction missions within the U.S. Many of the helicopters are being assigned to the National Guard, replacing older air-frames and freeing up larger helicopters for other duties, which has included deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. Modular kits, such as MEDEVAC and external hoists, enable the Lakota helicopter to make a quick transition to different missions. The UH-72 is easily configurable for a variety of missions. The large main cabin is equipped with a sliding side door and rear clam-shell door to maximize access and space. It can carry up to eight passengers. Two stretchers can be carried for medical evacuation missions. The Lakota is equipped with twin engines turning a hinge-less rotor system with advanced composite rotor blades, which limit vibration and noise. The main and tail rotors are set high to enable loading through side and rear doors even when the blades are turning. For safety, the hydraulic and electrical systems are redundant. The helicopter is equipped with night-vision-goggle-compatible cockpit systems, and a vehicle and engine management display (VEMD) helps crew-members integrate and synthesize flight and vehicle information, reducing pilot workload. The Lakota also has a built-in air-to-ground communications system so pilots may talk directly to first responders, including police, firefighters and ambulance crews during rescue and disaster-relief operations. The Army also considered an armed version of the helicopter for reconnaissance, although that mission was for a while expected to go to the ARH-70A armed reconnaissance helicopter. However, in October 2008, the U.S. Army terminated the ARH program. Military Periscope, May 2013