European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. (EADS) recently revealed the latest version of its Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ (AAS- 72X+).
On the first day of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) here, to the swelling sound of music and rotor blades, EADS pulled back the curtains and unveiled the 72X+ amid clouds of smoke.
The armed derivative of the Army UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter builds on the three AAS technical demonstrator aircraft already developed, tested and flown using the company’s own funds, and those of its industry partners.
David Haynes, vice president of Rotorcraft Programs for EADS North America said for the past seven years the company has been building and delivering the Lakota, with more than 210 of them built in the United States.
“All were delivered 100 percent on time and on budget…not an easy feat,” Haines said.
The 72X+ “offers a proven, low risk, highly capable and highly affordable” AAS solution, Haines said.
Gary Bishop, vice president and program manager of the AAS program for EADS North America said while the program is aimed at the Army’s pending AAS program, it also has applications for other customers, similar to the EC-645.
However, due to the competitive nature of the market, Bishop declined to discuss other interested customers.
The 72X+ “simply offers more, more performance, range, and payload all at a reasonable cost,” he said. Haines said the company is very prepared for what comes next as the Army addresses its AAS requirements.