Army orders more UH-72 Lakotas

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HERNDON, Va., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- An additional 34 UH-72 Lakota helicopters have been ordered from EADS North America by the U.S. Army.

The order, which comes through the exercise of an option to an existing contract, is worth $181.8 million and brings the number of Lakotas ordered to 312.

EADS North America said delivery of the aircraft under the new order begin next September and that 24 of the aircraft will feature the Security and Support Battalion mission equipment package, which includes a moving map, EO/IR sensor, digital video recording capability, digital and analog downlink and a searchlight.

The MEP-equipped Lakotas are used by the Army National Guard along the southwestern border of the United States.

"This latest contract award is a reflection of EADS North America's commitment to on-time, on-cost performance with the Lakota, a proven, flexible aircraft that is flying every day to meet the Army's mission," said Sean O'Keefe, EADS North America chairman and chief executive officer.

"We're proud of delivering on our promises. In today's fiscal environment, the Army needs and deserves programs that meet their cost and schedule commitments."