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Army receives first production-line configured training helo

A UH-72A Lakota, specifically manufactured by Airbus Helicopters Inc. in a trainer configuration, has been delivered to the U.S. Army.

By Richard Tomkins
The UH-72 Lakota, used by the U.S. Army for training and other missions. U.S. Army photo
The UH-72 Lakota, used by the U.S. Army for training and other missions. U.S. Army photo

HERNDON, Va., March 27 (UPI) -- A UH-72A Lakota helicopter specifically configured during manufacture by Airbus Group as an initial entry trainer aircraft has been delivered to the U.S. Army.

The aircraft will join seven Lakotas at Fort Rucker in Alabama that had been modified previously to the training configuration, and which will become part of a Lakota initial entry trainer fleet of 187 new configuration and modified aircraft.

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The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered 411 Lakotas from Airbus, with 400 for service with the Army. Airbus said that with the latest delivery, 332 completed aircraft have been delivered by Airbus Helicopters Inc.'s production facility in Columbus, Miss.

"For a program to succeed in the current budget environment, affordability and reliable program performance must accompany mission flexibility," said Allan McArtor, Airbus Group chairman and chief executive officer. "Since awarding the contract in 2006, the Army has managed this program unfailingly on cost and on schedule, and we're proud to see that record continue as we deliver the latest configuration of this versatile, multi-mission aircraft."

"We're making the necessary important investments to ensure a successful transition of the Lakota into training operations at Fort Rucker," said Marc Paganini, president and chief executive of Airbus Helicopters Inc. "We're honored that future Army aviators will begin their flying careers at the controls of the Lakota."

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The UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine aircraft with a maximum speed of 167 miles per hour and a range of 426 miles. It is used as a scout aircraft and as a trainer, and is also suitable as a transport/cargo helicopter, for search and rescue missions and border security.

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