Utility Helicopter
Airbus UH-72 Lakota
The Airbus UH-72 Lakota is a light utility helicopter built by Airbus Helicopters in Columbus, Mississippi, in service with the US Army since 2006. A militarised EC145, it handles medevac, training and border security rather than combat missions.
United States|Airbus Helicopters (American Eurocopter)Overview
The UH-72 Lakota is a militarised version of the Airbus (Eurocopter) EC145, later called the H145. It was chosen in June 2006 under the US Army’s Light Utility Helicopter programme, and the first aircraft was handed over in December 2006. American Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters Inc., builds it at Columbus, Mississippi, under Buy American rules. The UH-72A has two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines of 738 shp each, a top speed near 259 km/h and a range of about 685 km, and carries two crew plus eight passengers or two stretchers.
More than 480 Lakotas have been delivered to the Army, the National Guard, the Navy training fleet (as the TH-72) and other users. The UH-72B, based on the H145 D3 with a five-blade rotor and more power, has been fielded since about 2020. The Lakota relieves combat helicopters of home-front tasks such as disaster response and border security and replaced UH-1 and OH-58 aircraft in some roles. Thailand received UH-72As in 2012–13, and unit cost has been about 6–8 million USD.
Key Specifications
Variants
The UH-72A is the original Lakota, powered by two Arriel 1E2 engines and built for the US Army and National Guard.
The UH-72B is the upgraded model based on the H145 D3, with a five-blade rotor and more power, fielded from about 2020.
The UH-72A with the Mission Equipment Package adds sensors and surveillance gear for security and border missions.
Operators
United States
ThailandFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a UH-72 Lakota cost?
A UH-72 Lakota costs about 6–8 million USD per aircraft, based on US Army figures over time. Costs vary with the model and the equipment fitted.
How fast is the UH-72 Lakota?
The UH-72A Lakota has a maximum speed of about 259 km/h and a range of roughly 685 km. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines of 738 shp each.
What is the UH-72 Lakota used for?
The UH-72 Lakota is used for medevac, VIP transport, security, border missions and pilot training. The US Army designed it for non-combat tasks, freeing combat helicopters for frontline duties.
Is the UH-72 Lakota the same as the EC145?
Yes, largely. The UH-72 Lakota is a militarised Airbus EC145 (H145), built in the United States at Columbus, Mississippi, although the airframe design is German.
Which countries use the UH-72 Lakota?
The UH-72 Lakota serves mainly with the US Army, the Army National Guard and the US Navy’s training fleet. Thailand is the main foreign user, receiving UH-72As for its Royal Thai Army in 2012–13.
UH-72 Lakota vs UH-60 Black Hawk: what is the difference?
The UH-72 Lakota is a light, non-combat helicopter carrying eight passengers, while the UH-60 Black Hawk is a larger, armed combat transport. The Lakota was bought to relieve Black Hawks of support and training tasks.
