The Army has awarded the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. (EADS) North America a $67 million contract for the supply of Mission Equipment Packages (MEP) on UH- 72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters to be operated by Army National Guard Security and Support Battalions (S&S Battalions).
This contract award is the first phase of a total contract value estimated to be approximately $152 million.
Built at the EADS American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss., these system improvements will be outfitted on UH-72As deployed throughout the United States where the Army National Guard Lakota aircraft are stationed.
The packages expand the Lakota’s use in reconnaissance, border protection, command and control and air movement operations that support U.S. homeland defense and security missions, the company said in a statement.
“This contract underscores EADS North America’s ability to integrate complex mission systems that meet our warfighters’ needs,” said EADS North America Chairman Ralph Crosby. “It also marks a new milestone in the evolution of the UH-72A, as this capable helicopter is given increasingly diverse operational duties with the U.S. Army. Supporting the S&S mission is further evidence of our industry team’s commitment to delivering state-of-the art products that enable the Army to meet today’s demanding missions.”
Deliveries of UH-72As with the S&S Battalion Mission Equipment Package are scheduled to begin in 2011.
Under the contract, EADS will supply an initial 36 MEPs, with the Army expected to ultimately acquire systems to outfit a total of 99 Lakota helicopters.
The UH-72A S&S Battalion configuration includes a forward centerline-mounted camera system with electro-optical and infrared sensors and laser pointer, a 30 million candlepower searchlight, operator console, cockpit and cabin touch-screen displays with moving map, a video management system, a digital video recorder and data downlink system, plus an external hoist and additional avionics and communications equipment.
Located throughout the United States, Army National Guard S&S Battalions provide a dispersed, readily available, light aviation capability for military missions and operations in support of civil authorities. The units currently operate aging Vietnam-era rotary-wing aircraft, which will be replaced by the UH-72A.
The Army plans to acquire a total of 345 UH-72 through 2015, which includes the versions outfitted for operation by the S&S Battalions. To date, EADS North America has delivered a total of 134 UH-72As, all delivered on time and within budget.