European-designed twin-engine light utility helicopter, introduced in the early 21st century, utilized by the United States military for non-combat logistics, medical evacuation, and pilot training. Key figures: top speed 268 km/h, range 685 km, service ceiling 4,018 m, max takeoff weight 3,585 kg, built 463. In service with 1 air force as of 2026 — United States (483).
| Crew | 1–2 |
| Length | 13.0 m (42.7 ft) |
| Wingspan | 11 m (36.1 ft) |
| Height | 3.5 m (11.3 ft) |
| Wing area | 95.0 m² (1022.4 sqft) |
| Empty weight | 1,792 kg (3,951 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 3,585 kg (7,904 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 550 kW each |
| Maximum speed | 268 km/h (167 mph) |
| Operational range | 685 km (426 mi) |
| Service ceiling | 4,018 m (13,182 ft) |
| Climb rate | 8.13 m/s (26.7 ft/s) |
United States
×12
Contract for up to 12 UH-72B Lakota worth 115.4 million dollars; work at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, through December 2030.
Ordered
United States
Crashed in a field near Opp, Alabama during a Fort Rucker training sortie; instructor pilot and two students hospitalised in stable condition.
Crash
The Airbus Helicopters UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine light utility helicopter based on the civilian Eurocopter EC145. It was developed to fulfill the United States Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) requirement, initiated in 2004 following the cancellation of the RAH-66 Comanche program. In June 2006, the Army selected the EADS North America UH-145 proposal, designating it the UH-72A. American Eurocopter was awarded an initial contract for 345 aircraft to replace Bell UH-1H/V Iroquois and Bell OH-58A/C Kiowa helicopters. First delivery occurred in December 2006, and full-rate production was approved in August 2007, with assembly taking place in Columbus, Mississippi. By 2022, over 460 UH-72A and B models had been produced.
The UH-72A features a single four-bladed main rotor, a traditional tail rotor, and clamshell rear access doors. Power is provided by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, each producing 738 shp. The aircraft has a fully integrated computerized cockpit and is equipped with an AN/ARC-231 radio. Its payload capacity is 3,953 lb (1,793 kg). For domestic security and patrol missions, the helicopter can be equipped with the Security & Support Mission Equipment Package (S&S MEP), which includes an electro-optical/infrared sensor, laser pointer turret, moving map system, searchlight, and a rescue hoist. The upgraded UH-72B features a five-bladed main rotor, a Fenestron ducted tail rotor, more powerful engines with automated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), and the Helionix avionics suite.
The UH-72 is unarmed in its standard utility configurations. Proposed armed variants, such as the AAS-72X developed for the cancelled Armed Aerial Scout program, featured two external hardpoints and turret-mounted optical sensors.
The U.S. Army and Army National Guard operate the UH-72 for non-combat logistics, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), homeland security, disaster response, and pilot training, freeing Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks for combat deployments. The U.S. Navy also operates the UH-72A at the Naval Test Pilot School. While not cleared for combat zone deployments, the UH-72 made its first overseas deployment in 2018 when the 1-376th Aviation Battalion deployed to Germany to perform MEDEVAC duties at Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr. Thailand is the sole export customer, receiving six UH-72As for the Royal Thai Army between 2014 and 2015.
The Army picked M1 Support Services and the Robinson R66 for its Flight School Next contract on August 13, ending the UH-72 Lakota's role in initial pilot training — then awarded Airbus $115.4 million for up to 12 more Lakotas the following day.
