Airbus reveals updated Lakota configuration for US Army

Airbus Helicopters has revealed an upgraded version of the UH-72A Lakota training and support platform for the US Army and National Guard.

The UH-72B, pictured, will feature a number of enhancements over the UH-72A Lakota. Most notable is the replacement of the conventional tail rotor with a more efficient Fenestron. (Airbus Helicopters)

The new version of the UH-72A that was first launched in 2005 is designated the UH-72B and features several enhancements including, most notably, a Fenestron in place of a conventional tail rotor.

Revealed in late August at the 2020 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) virtual tradeshow, the UH-72B is essentially a US Army version of the latest civilian model H145 helicopter. “The [US] Army is leveraging the benefits of a commercial off the shelf (COTS) programme by receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money into the development of those capabilities,” Airbus said.

As noted by Airbus, specific enhancements for the UH-72B over the UH-72A include a more efficient Fenestron tail rotor, more powerful engines, enhanced controls, and the Airbus Helionix avionics suite.