98-482: The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters ) UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine helicopter with a single, four-bladed main rotor. The UH-72 is a militarized version of the Eurocopter EC145 , built by American Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters, Inc. ), a division of Airbus Group, Inc. Several hundred UH-72 of various types have entered service by the 2020s since their introduction in 2006. Initially marketed as
196-565: A 5-bladed rotor and ducted fan tail rotor, and enhanced avionics and engines. The UH-72 is designed to take on a range of missions, from general support and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to personnel recovery and counter-narcotics operations. They are planned to replace the UH-1 and OH-58A/C, which are older light utility helicopters, and supplant other types in domestic use, primarily those in Army National Guard service. The UH-72
294-426: A cabin size piece. That’s where we’re being pointed to go and look and say, is this a future path for this aircraft? The UH-72B ULC will be able to carry up to 4,000 lb of Joint Modular Intermodal Containers and Naval Strike Missile containers, alongside other related cargo. The initial model entered service with a traditional tail rotor, 4-blade main rotor, twin engines and a clam shell rear access. The B-model uses
392-495: A larger cabin space than the older BK 117 C1 helicopter with internal space increased by 46 cm (18 in) in length and 13 cm (5 in) in width, increasing cabin volume by 1.0 m (35 cu ft) to 6.0 m (210 cu ft). Other improvements over the BK 117 include an increased maximum take-off weight and greater range, achieved partially by the adoption of composite rotor blades, which were derived from
490-553: A letter from the CEO of EADS North America, arguing that to refit and maintain the Hueys costs more than to acquire and operate UH-72As; the letter also urged prompt action as Army orders were almost complete and production was winding down. The USAF said it had insufficient funding for such a procurement and can risk using Hueys for a while. EADS North America stated that the UH-72A "will lower
588-436: A letter to Congress that UH-72 combat modifications were "presently unaffordable". Fleet-wide combat modifications would reportedly cost $ 780 million and add 774 lb (351 kg) of weight per helicopter; changes would include passive and active survivability systems, hardened engines and drivetrain, external lighting and communications upgrades. Since 2009 the U.S. Navy operates several UH-72A along with TH-67 Creek at
686-930: A major publicity event for the emerging type at the US Helicopter Association International Show in February 2000. Safety certification of the EC145 was awarded by the German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt and Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau in December 2000; and by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January 2002. Eurocopter and Kawasaki have an agreement to independently manufacture and market
784-536: A middle-tier acquisition, so they’ve conveyed to industry that they have five years from initial award to put something in the field. We’re trying to determine right now, what is our future? What is our pathway? The biggest opportunity that we see right now for the future is getting into uncrewed logistics for the Army or the Marine Corps. There’s a lot of interest in the platform, just from a value [proposition] piece,
882-628: A teaming agreement for the 645. Three AAS-72X demonstrators were built and began flight testing in late 2010. In September 2012, EADS began voluntary flight demonstrations of both an AAS-72X and an EC145 T2, reportedly meeting with performance requirements. Two versions were offered: the AAS-72X, an armed version of the UH-72; and the AAS-72X+, an armed militarized version of the EC-145T2 . In late 2013,
980-501: A temporary order denying the US government's challenge of AgustaWestland's action until the Army issued a final justification and approval (J&A) to sole-source the procurement. The Army contended that the UH-72A came under the 2006 LUH contract, and so did not require a new J&A, effectively nullifying the challenge. The court sided with AgustaWestland, rejected the Army's J&A, and halted UH-72 procurement for training after finding that
1078-546: A total of 20 such helicopters for emergency medical service operations. In April 2015, Airbus Group Australia Pacific delivered its first H145, previously designated as the EC145 T2. In June 2015, it was announced that Saudi Arabia intended to purchase 23 H145s worth $ 500 million. In November 2015, it was reported that the H145 had attained an average availability rate of 94%. On 25 September 2019 an Airbus H145 landed on
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#17327902801131176-507: A training helicopter and there were cheaper options available to buy. It also showed that most instructor pilots disapproved of the UH-72, deeming it "too much aircraft for the mission", and unsuitable as an initial entry trainer. The UH-72 has also been criticized as unable to teach touchdown auto-rotations , among other maneuvers. The German Army had stopped using EC-135s for their initial trainer after Airbus advised them of it not being suitable for initial training. The US Navy also rejected
1274-538: Is a twin-engine light utility helicopter developed and manufactured by Airbus Helicopters . Originally designated as the BK 117 , the H145 is based upon the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 C1 , which became a part of the combined Eurocopter line-up in 1992 with the merger of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm 's helicopter division of Daimler-Benz into Eurocopter. The helicopter was initially named EC145; an updated version, EC145 T2,
1372-400: Is being procured as a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product, which simplifies logistics support of the fleet. EADS NA has teamed with Sikorsky to provide Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the UH-72, through its Helicopter Support, Inc. (HSI)/Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance. (SAM) subsidiaries. The basic UH-72A is simply a commercial EC145 helicopter that has a US Army color scheme and
1470-431: Is designed for quick rearrangement based upon current demands. The cabin can be accessed either through sliding doors in either side of the aircraft or via large clamshell doors at the rear of the cabin; in combination with the high mounted tail boom, the clamshell doors are designed to provide safe clearance for loading and unloading activities even while the rotors are turning. In an EMS / casualty evacuation arrangement,
1568-561: Is fitted with an AN/ARC-231 radio. Other than utility transport, the Lakota can be configured for medical evacuation, VIP transport, security and support, and opposing forces training. It is described as the best military aircraft in the inventory for domestic operations, used by the Army National Guard for state support, disaster relief, and homeland defense and by non-deployed active units for MEDEVAC and training. Compared to
1666-734: Is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus . It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries, holding 48% of the worldwide market share as of 2020. Its head office is located at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane , France , near Marseille . The main facilities of Airbus Helicopters are at its headquarters in Marignane, France, and in Donauwörth , Germany, with additional production plants in Spain , Brazil , Canada , Australia , Romania ,
1764-584: The Air Mobility Command 's 89th Airlift Wing . Advantages over the UH-1N include 30 percent more speed, range, and loiter time, enhanced reliability and crashworthiness , night vision compatibility, modern avionics, and being cheaper to operate. In August 2013, the USAF said it planned to sustain the UH-1N for six to ten more years. In September 2013, acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning received
1862-618: The Bell TH-67 Creek at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker , Alabama. Some active Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks would be transferred to Army Reserve and Army National Guard units for homeland defense and disaster response missions. The proposals aim to retire older helicopters to substantially reduce costs while retaining crucial capabilities. With the prospect of most UH-72s being repurposed as training helicopters,
1960-678: The Bo105 . Today, Airbus Helicopters has four main plants in Europe ( Marignane and La Courneuve in France, and Donauwörth and Kassel in Germany), plus 32 subsidiaries and participants around the world, including those in Fort Erie Canada , Brisbane , Australia, Albacete , Spain and Grand Prairie , USA. Since approximately 2006, Eurocopter has been involved in the planning for
2058-535: The EC145 OPV , including unmanned flights, began in 2013. The system, designed to plug into the EC145's existing avionics, is capable of autonomous operation or alternatively being controlled by human operators either via the cockpit or from a ground control station. The technology, which is reported to be compatible with a number of Eurocopter's range of helicopters, is intended for both civil and military applications. In an emergency situation, such as systems failure,
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#17327902801132156-541: The Gendarmerie reportedly stated that the EC145 has a per aircraft availability rate of roughly 90 percent. Out of a total of 32 EC145s delivered to the Sécurité Civile , three had been lost in accidents by June 2009. In October 2010, an agreement to establish a joint venture between Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering , Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering , was formally signed; the joint venture created
2254-582: The German Army to be used for special operations ( KSK ) designated EC645 T2 . The EC645 T2 is armed with weapon mounts, fitted with electronic countermeasures system, ballistic protection, electro-optical system, fast rope system, cargo hooks and hoists. In October 2014, Thailand placed an order for 5 EC645 T2s for the Royal Thai Navy . On 27 November 2014, the maiden flight of the EC645 T2
2352-878: The Police of Serbia . In November 2018, Serbia changed the distribution of the H145Ms; the Police to receive an additional H145M and the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence to receive one less H145M with three equipped with HForce. In November 2017, Airbus completed the first test fire of the HForce modular weapon system. HForce will enable the H145M hardpoints to be armed with the M3P .50-caliber machine gun, M621 20mm automatic cannon and FZ231 70mm rocket launcher and will equip
2450-587: The Royal Thai Army 's acquisition of six UH-72A helicopters from 2013 to 2015. On 28 March 2014, the Thai Army awarded a $ 34 million contract to Airbus Helicopter for six UH-72As, fitted with a mission equipment package including the AN/ARC-231 airborne radio terminal; deliveries were to begin by April 2015. By November 2015, the six helicopters had been delivered. On 29 September 2014, Congress
2548-699: The UH-145 variant of the EC 145 for the program. On 30 June 2006, the U.S. Army announced that the UH-145 as the winner of the $ 3 billion LUH contract. In August, the UH-145 was officially designated UH-72A by the Department of Defense . The award was confirmed in October 2006 following protests from losing bidders. Despite a four-month delay due to the protests, the first UH-72 was delivered on time in December, when
2646-552: The UH-145 , the helicopter was selected as the winner of the United States Army 's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program on 30 June 2006. In October 2006, American Eurocopter was awarded a production contract for 345 aircraft to replace the aging Bell UH-1H/V Iroquois and Bell OH-58A/C Kiowa helicopters in the US Army and Army National Guard fleets. The UH-72 performs non-combat logistics and support missions within
2744-784: The UH-60V production. A scale model of the helicopter was displayed at the Sea Air Space maritime exposition in April 2024. Airbus US Space & Defense Business Development manager Carl Forsling stated that the UH-72B ULC could be fielded as early as the late 2020s as an affordable and low-risk option for the USMC. In April 2024, Craig Dupuy, Airbus' senior director of business development and strategy at Grand Prairie, stated: We’re pretty close to knowing if we’ll be on contract or not; It’s
2842-618: The United Kingdom and the United States . The company, originally named Eurocopter, was rebranded Airbus Helicopters on 2 January 2014. Airbus Helicopters was formed in 1992 as Eurocopter S.A. , through the merger of the helicopter divisions of Aérospatiale and DASA . The company's heritage traces back to Blériot and Lioré et Olivier in France and to Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf in Germany. Aérospatiale held 33% of
2940-628: The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and United States Army . Its proposal to the USMC addresses aerial logistics needs in the Pacific relating to Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Its proposal to the Army addresses the need for a VTOL logistics aircraft for contested airspace, which came alongside the recent Army cancellation of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and ending of
3038-642: The United States Military Academy received two UH-72As, replacing two UH-1H helicopters for VIP transport to and from the academy. The helicopters also support the cadet parachute team and cadet training missions. The US Naval Test Pilot School received the first of five UH-72As in September 2009. The UH-72A replaced the TH-6B Cayuse as the prime training aircraft for the test pilot school's helicopter curriculum. By March 2010,
Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota - Misplaced Pages Continue
3136-463: The A and B models. The U.S. Army's LHX program began in the early 1980s, proposing two helicopter designs with a high percentage of commonality of dynamic components. One was a light utility version ("LHX-U") for assault and tactical movement of troops and supplies, the other was a light scout/attack version ("LHX-SCAT") to complement the growing development of the AH-64 Apache . As the program
3234-723: The AAS program was terminated. In May 2012, the UH-72A was submitted in the US Air Force 's Common Vertical Life Support Platform (CVLSP) program for a UH-1N Twin Huey replacement. As with the US Army, the UH-72A can operate in permissive environments, such as ICBM site support and security under the Air Force Global Strike Command and personnel transport in the National Capital Region by
3332-800: The Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) brand for corporate variants with two product lines for the H145 assigned the marketing name ACH145: the ACH145 Line, formerly the Stylence, and the ACH145 Editions product line, which retained the Mercedes-Benz Style name. The French Sécurité Civile (Civil Guard), French Gendarmerie and the Landespolizei (State Police) of Hesse , Germany became
3430-559: The Airbus site listed nearly 1700 of this family produced, including the early BK 117. As of August 2024 the EC145 has been involved in 67 incidents with 49 fatalities. Data from Eurocopter EC145 technical data, EC 145 specs General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Airbus Helicopters Airbus Helicopters SAS (formerly Eurocopter S.A. , trading as Eurocopter Group )
3528-405: The Army had exaggerated the costs and time needed to acquire a training helicopter. The initial acquisition process was found negligent as it effectively tied the UH-72 to Airbus for its serviceable life. The court ordered the Army to either conduct a procurement for new training helicopters or stop buying UH-72 trainers. The Army appealed the decision. The lawsuit was overturned on appeal in favor of
3626-440: The Army requested funds to buy 100 more Lakotas to add to the training fleet. The FY2015 budget covered 55 helicopters, and the funds from FY2016 were to be used to complete the purchase. On 4 September 2014, the Army issued a notice of intention to buy up to 155 UH-72s for training "on an other than full and open competitive basis". AgustaWestland launched a judicial bid to have the acquisition declared unlawful, claiming that
3724-543: The Army, and Joe Red Cloud, a chief of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Lakota nation , accepted the first UH-72A in an official ceremony. The service estimated that delivery of the planned 345 aircraft would continue until 2017. The first production helicopters were sent to the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin , California for medical evacuation missions in January 2007. On 20 June 2007,
3822-407: The EC145 "the quietest helicopter in its class". The EC145 is fitted with an all-glass cockpit , consists of a Thales Avionics MEGHAS Flight Control Display System with active matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs); it can be piloted by either one or two pilots. A number of systems are independently redundant, including the autopilot system, hydraulic boost, transmission lubrication, and some of
3920-517: The EC145 OPV is programmed to enter into an automated hover-to-land procedure to safely land the aircraft. In March 2015, Airbus Helicopter's Chief Technical Officer Jean-Brice Dumont stated that there were no firm plans for the EC145 OPV to proceed to production, but investment in the project was continuing. In July 2014, Airbus Helicopter launched the EC145e , a lightened and lower cost version of
4018-513: The EC145 can carry up to two stretchered patients with three accompanying medical staff. The helicopter can be fitted with emergency floats, rescue hoist, search light, load hook and specialist equipment for other operational requirements. The EC145e, a utility variant, has a deliberately standardised interior for the purpose of minimising overall weight. A VIP variant the Stylence was launched in 2008 for corporate and private helicopter operators which has various aesthetic and technology changes from
Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota - Misplaced Pages Continue
4116-415: The EC145 did not offer the best value for money and that its "restricted flight maneuver envelope" impeded training. Airbus defended the Army's position, noting the EC145's prior selection, claiming AgustaWestland's cost figures were exaggerated and that it was already used for training. Bell Helicopter also criticized the decision but took no legal actions. On 14 October 2014, a Federal Claims Court issued
4214-515: The EC145 had been extended until at least 2025. In 2011, Eurocopter launched an upgraded EC145 model, designated EC145 T2 , unveiling the new type at Heli Expo 2011. The EC145 T2 is designed to significantly increase the aircraft's performance, featuring new Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, dual-digital Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), Eurocopter's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor design, and upgraded tail and main rotor gear boxes. Considerable differences and improvements were introduced to
4312-459: The EC145 is located at Donauwörth in Germany , which is Eurocopter's second-largest site after Marignane in France. In 2014, Airbus Helicopters announced that 50 EC145 T2s would be manufactured in 2015; the production is expected to eventually rise to 70 helicopters per year. Since 2011, Eurocopter has been developing an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) variant of the EC145. Test flights of
4410-509: The EC145 is reportedly 60% lower than that of the BK 117 C1. The new model was type-certificated as the BK 117 C2; in December 1997, it was selected by the French Defense and Civil Guard for air rescue mission, 31 EC145s were ordered to replace their fleet of ageing Aérospatiale Alouette III in a deal costing $ 170 million. The first EC145 completed its maiden flight at Donauwörth , Germany, on 12 June 1999; Eurocopter conducted
4508-564: The EC145e and operate as a reseller for the variant. In 2015, the EC145 was rebranded as the H145 by Airbus Helicopters. In March 2019, Airbus Helicopters announced that it was developing, in cooperation with Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki , an upgraded model of the H145. Chiefly amongst its new features were a new bearingless five-bladed main rotor that incorporates the Blue Edge rotor blade,
4606-456: The H145M as its new light utility helicopter. A government approval for an order for 15 aircraft is expected to be finalized on March 10, 2023, during a defence commission meeting. these will replace the 4 NH90-TTH and the last remaining Agusta A109BAi's in BAF service. By 2017, more than 1300 EC145s were in service around the world. In 2012 was reported as in use by 34 countries and around 100 customers. By 2023 this had risen to 1600. In 2024
4704-477: The H145M with a Wescam MX-15 electro-optical targeting system and Scorpion helmet mounted sight display. In December 2017, Airbus successfully launched FZ275 70mm semi-active laser guided rockets. In June 2018, an order was placed for 20 H145Ms by Hungary for the Hungarian Air Force equipped with HForce weapon system. All delivered by the end of 2021. First live firing exercise was held in September 2021 using 20 mm cannon pods. In July 2018, an order
4802-597: The Lakota entered service in Puerto Rico, Kwajalein Atoll , and the US Army's missile test range in Germany. On 20 December 2010, a UH-72A assigned to the Puerto Rico Army National Guard became the first UH-72A to experience a fatal accident. The aircraft crashed at sea off the coast of Puerto Rico and all six personnel aboard were killed. On 18 July 2012, the US Army's Aviation Flight Test Directorate received three UH-72As at Redstone Arsenal , Huntsville, Alabama ; they are used for general support and as chase aircraft to support aviation development testing. With this delivery,
4900-442: The Lakota outside the US. In the 2020s the upgraded UH-72B model began to enter service, with number of upgrades including a fenestron tail rotor, more powerful engines, FADEC , and avionics. On 7 June 2013, Thailand requested the sale of six UH-72A Lakotas with associated equipment, training, and support for an estimated cost of $ 77 million. On 9 October 2013, the Thai government approved $ 55 million in funds to support
4998-421: The NTC's US Army Air Ambulance Detachment (USAAAD) became the first operational unit to field the Lakota. On 10 July 2007, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Flight Detachment at Fort Eustis , Virginia became the second US Army unit fielded with the UH-72A. A report published in August 2007 by the Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate (DOT&E) noted that although the Lakota "...is effective in
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#17327902801135096-515: The Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS); these replaced TH-6 Cayuse. In 2011, the Navy UH-72A were equipped with special avionics to support training for students. In December 2013, the US Army was considering retiring its OH-58 Kiowa fleet and transferring all Army National Guard and US Army Reserve AH-64 Apaches to the active Army to serve as scout helicopters. With this plan all 100 active Army UH-72s along with 104 Army National Guard UH-72s would be transferred to use as training helicopters, replacing
5194-407: The U.S. Army. The B model with 5-rotors (compared to 4) and other improvements was introduced in the 2020s and is the latest model entering service in 2021. Tests of an unmanned version were conducted. An armed scout version was entered in the U.S. Army's Armed Aerial Scout competition, though that program was cancelled in 2014 due to budget cuts. By 2022, over 460 aircraft had been produced including
5292-424: The UH-72 as a trainer for the same reason. By 2024, the US Army was looking at alternatives to the UH-72 as a trainer due to cost and complexity, only three years after it took over from the preceding TH-67 helicopter it replaced. The Armed Scout 645 (EC645) was a proposed armed UH-72 variant for the US Army's Armed Aerial Scout (AAS) program to replace the OH-58D. On 4 May 2009, EADS and Lockheed Martin announced
5390-407: The UH-72A allows for homeland security , counter-drug, and border patrol missions to be performed. This package includes an electro-optical/infrared sensor and laser pointer turret, moving map system and touch-screen displays, video management system, digital video recorded and datalink, searchlight, and rescue hoist from the MEDEVAC package. The upgraded UH-72B model, which harnessed improvements in
5488-405: The US Army in 2018, and the Army retired its last TH-67 trainer in 2021. The UH-72 has faced controversy as a trainer due to perceived problems with its use as an initial trainer. A study by the National Commission on the Future of the Army, a commission established by Congress to make recommendations on force structure of the Army to the president, concluded that the UH-72 was cost-prohibitive as
5586-482: The US for homeland security , disaster response missions, and medical evacuations. This allows the more expensive UH-60 and other types to be freed up for frontline service. The UH-72A is also used for helicopter pilot training. In the 2020s the upgraded UH-72B version with various upgrades and a distinct ducted tail rotor began to enter service. The helicopter is noted for its lower procurement and operating costs, and deliveries are noted as being on-budget and on-time to
5684-413: The United States Army, with all deliveries on time and on budget, coming from the Mississippi facility, that uniquely employs 40% veterans in workforce. In 2018, the 1–376th AVN BN was deployed to Germany with UH-72A Lakotas supporting MEDEVAC missions at Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr military bases. The Lakotas took over the mission from 214th Aviation Battalion Black Hawks; this is the first deployment of
5782-486: The baseline model in several ways, including an observer seat for the instructor, a " buzz number " on its side for easy identification, and a flight control system that allows it to communicate with Fort Rucker . As part of the Army's aviation restructure initiative, Fort Rucker's fleet of TH-67 training helicopters will be replaced with 187 UH-72s, comprising 106 purpose-built trainers and 81 existing versions that will be modified. By 2017, 400 UH-72A had been delivered to
5880-536: The baseline model to provide a higher level of passenger comfort. The Stylence features a luxury interior with a variety of seating configurations, leather seats, carbon fibre inserts, carpet, optional sliding wall in rear of the cabin and optional console with cold box. In 2011, Eurocopter launched the high-end Mercedes-Benz Style VIP variant developed in association with the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Division. The Mercedes-Benz Style features several seating configurations for between four and eight passengers with
5978-410: The cancelled Comanche, the US Army planned several programs, including three new aircraft. The Army Staff decided that these three aircraft, the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) , and the Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) (later renamed Joint Cargo Aircraft , or JCA), were to be existing, in-production commercial aircraft modified for Army service. The LUH program
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#17327902801136076-410: The cockpit and aircraft subsystems, including the adoption of increasingly digital avionics and a fully modular approach to these systems; amongst the biggest changes is a sophisticated 4-axis autopilot. In April 2014, airworthiness certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for the EC145 T2 was received, FAA certification followed in October 2014. The primary manufacturing facility for
6174-412: The company: Some of the helicopters were renamed in 2015, resembling Airbus airplane naming. When the division changed its name from Eurocopter Group to Airbus Helicopters in 2014 the trade names of the products were changed (applied by 1 January 2016) to reflect this. Suffixes, as well as the differentiation for single or twin engines, were no longer to be used. Military versions were to be symbolized by
6272-413: The facility. By November 2015, a total of 20 rotorcraft had been produced at the Kazakhstan facility, 14 for the Ministry of Emergencies of Kazakhstan and 6 for the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan . In April 2012, Eurocopter announced that the 500th EC145 had been delivered. On 31 July 2014, the first EC145 T2, an updated variant, was delivered to its launch customer, DRF Luftrettung, who have ordered
6370-470: The first ever landing of a helicopter on Mount Everest (achieved by an AS350 B3 in 2005). As a result of the merger of Aérospatiale and DASA in 2000, which founded Airbus , Eurocopter, now rebranded Airbus Helicopters , became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus. The new aerospace corporation in 2000 also incorporated CASA of Spain, which itself had a history of helicopter-related activities dating back to Talleres Loring , including local assembly of
6468-414: The first operators of the EC145 upon receipt of the initial deliveries in April 2002. The Sécurité Civile procured the type as a replacement for its aging Aérospatiale Alouette III fleet, winning out against the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin . In November 2006, the Sécurité Civile were planning to make greater use of the EC145's IFR capabilities for operations within bad weather and at night time. In 2008,
6566-412: The helicopter have also been produced under various designations, such as H145M or UH-72 , and have been used for training, logistics, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, light attack, and troop-transport operations. Noted military users in terms of numbers include the United States which operates nearly 500 with National Guard, and Germany where it is used for SAR, Special Operations, and more. The EC145
6664-433: The introduction of the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor (on the Gazelle of 1968); the first helicopter certified for full flight in icing conditions (the AS332 Super Puma , in 1984); the first production helicopter with a Fly-by-wire control system (the NHIndustries NH90 , first flown in full FBW mode in 2003); the first helicopter to use a Fly-by-light primary control system (an EC135 testbed, first flown in 2003); and
6762-438: The mainstream civilian model, featured a number of changes such as a fenestron tail rotor (ducted fan), more powerful engines, FADEC , and enhanced avionics. The B model has a fully automated FADEC for engine control, which reduces the possibility of a hot start . The first aircraft was delivered to the US Army on 11 December 2006 in Columbus , Mississippi. On 12 December 2006, General Richard A. Cody , Vice Chief of Staff of
6860-483: The name Lakota was also formally announced for the type, following the service's tradition of giving Native American names to its helicopters. On 23 August 2007, the UH-72A received full-rate production (FRP) approval to produce an initially-planned fleet of 345 aircraft through 2017. The UH-72A is produced at Airbus Helicopters 's facility in Columbus, Mississippi . Initial production was assembly of kits received from Eurocopter Deutschland but full local production
6958-479: The new helicopter, originally designed as BK 117 C2, as being "90% a combination of these two aircraft [The EC135 and BK 117 C1]". However, there were significant areas of redesign, advantages held by the EC145 over its predecessor include possessing a greater range and payload capacity, a considerably increased and uninterrupted cabin area, reduced vibration and noise emissions, and measures to simplify maintenance and minimise operational costs. The noise signature of
7056-490: The onboard sensors. The EC145 T2 features additional and newer avionics systems, such as a full 4-axis autopilot and dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC); three large LCD primary displays were also introduced to control these systems. The type is fully capable of Category A operations; in November 2008, an EC145 performed the first medical transport flights under instrument flight rules (IFR) in Europe;
7154-604: The only EC145 manufacturer in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which possesses exclusive rights to supply the type to Mongolia , Uzbekistan , Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan , Belarus , and Azerbaijan . In November 2011, Kazakhstan took delivery of the first of an initial batch of six EC145 ordered. In September 2012, Eurocopter Kazakhstan received its first EC145 assembly kits at its newly established facility in Astana ; up to 10 EC145s per year are to be built at
7252-472: The option of up to three multipurpose cabinets via switchable rail-mountings, three trim and upholstery levels with wooden panelling, advanced in-flight entertainment system and adjustable ambient lighting. The seats can be removed to create space for luggage with anchoring options on the floor and walls. The Mercedes-Benz Style also features external changes including a reshaped forward section and modified landing skids. In 2017, Airbus Helicopters launched
7350-530: The performance of light utility missions," it was prone to overheating during operations in the desert conditions of Fort Irwin when not equipped with air conditioning systems. In response, vents were added in the doors to increase cabin air flow; air conditioning has been installed on some Medical and VIP versions, as well as added air conditioning units for crew comfort. The Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) located at Fort Polk , Louisiana received their first aircraft on 7 September 2007. On 16 January 2009,
7448-585: The previous UH-1 Huey used in those roles, the twin-engine Lakota flies faster at 145 kn (269 km/h; 167 mph) versus 124 kn (230 km/h; 143 mph), has an external hoist system, and has a fully integrated computerized cockpit. The Huey has an advantage in the MEDEVAC role, being able to carry three patients compared to the Lakota's two-patient load, but an average evacuation typically deals with two or fewer patients. The Security & Support Mission Equipment Package (S&S MEP) equipped on
7546-431: The proposed pan-European Future Transport Helicopter project. As of 2014, more than 12,000 Airbus Helicopters were in service with over 3,000 customers in around 150 countries. Eurocopter became Airbus Helicopter at the start of 2014. Eurocopter sold 422 helicopters in 2013 and delivered 497 helicopters that year. In 2014, AH built a concrete cylinder for testing helicopters before first flight. In December 2022, it
7644-560: The risk to the U.S. Air Force nuclear enterprise, and will save taxpayers the considerable cost of future recapitalization." Reportedly, buying UH-72As would cost as much as upgrading 62 Hueys, but long-term operating costs would be much lower. In April 2024, Airbus unveiled the UH-72B Unmanned Logistics Connector, an unmanned version of the UH-72B. It is being proposed as an uncrewed logistics platform for
7742-414: The rotorcraft, while working collaboratively on development and upgrades. Eurocopter has a 60% production workshare, which includes the main and tail rotors, intermediate and tail gearboxes , control systems, cockpit and tail structure, and landing gear; Kawasaki has a 40% workshare, comprising the fuselage structure, main transmission, electrical and fuel systems. Kawasaki uses the designation BK 117 C2 for
7840-557: The service has received over 200 UH-72As. On 22 September 2012, the Oregon Army National Guard 's Detachment 1, C Company, 1–112 Aviation, received the first of four UH-72A helicopters during a roll-out ceremony at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon . On 25 March 2015, Airbus completed assembly of the first UH-72A made specifically for training for the US Army. The training configuration of the Lakota differs from
7938-423: The smaller EC135. The EC145 has a hingeless rotor system with a monolithic titanium hub; the helicopter was originally powered by a pair of Turboméca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, later aircraft are powered by the upgraded Turboméca Arriel 2E engine. A key feature of the rotorcraft is the variable rotorspeed and torque matching system (VARTOMS), derived from the BK 117, which Eurocopter has attributed as making
8036-511: The standard EC145, achieved by the removal of some avionics for autopilot and single-pilot IFR functions. Intended as a basic model for tasks such as aerial firefighting and utility work, it has been also viewed as a replacement for aging MBB Bo 105 rotorcraft. In April 2015, the EASA issued its certification for the EC145e. In 2015, Metro Aviation entered into an arrangement with Airbus Helicopters to offer various mission-specific customisations for
8134-539: The summit of Aconcagua , highest mountain in Southern Hemisphere at 6962 metres (22,840 ft), crewed by Airbus experimental test pilot Alexander Neuhaus and flight test engineer Antoine van Gent. This is a record for a twin-engined helicopter. In 2006, the UH-145 , a military variant of the EC145, was selected for the United States Army 's Light Utility Helicopter Program, beating three other helicopters. The deal, valued at $ 3 billion, involved
8232-611: The supply and servicing of 345 helicopters, with options for additional aircraft. The variant was designated UH-72 Lakota by the US Department of Defense; the first UH-72A was delivered to the US Army in December 2006. In August 2007, the FAA authorised the commencement of production of both UH-72A and civil EC145 rotorcraft at American Eurocopter' s facility in Columbus, Mississippi . In July 2013, Germany purchased 15 EC145s for
8330-402: The testing of which had commenced in April 2018. Furthermore, such changes are able to be retrofitted to existing H145s. The upgrade reportedly increases payload capacity by 150 kg (330 lb) and will be able to be retrofitted to existing H145s. EASA certification is expected in the first quarter of 2020. Over 1600 of the H145 family had been produced by June 2023. The EC145 features
8428-521: The type and sells/produces the aircraft in the Asian market; Eurocopter sells the type globally under the EC145 designation. In November 2004, with the termination of production of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ' MH2000 , the BK 117 C2 became the only civil helicopter in production in Japan. In August 2010, it was announced that the partnership between Eurocopter and Kawasaki on the development and production of
8526-430: The type is able to fly entirely under GPS navigation from takeoff to final approach when required. The EC145 is also the first civil helicopter to be fitted with night vision -compatible cockpit instrumentation and lighting straight off the production line. Typical cabin arrangements allows for eight passengers in a club seating configuration, or nine passengers in a high density seating configuration, passenger seating
8624-486: The world's helicopter market share prior to the merger and DASA, 8%; Eurocopter's ownership was therefore split 70%–30% between the two parent companies to reflect their respective weight in the new entity. Eurocopter and its predecessor companies have established a wide range of helicopter firsts, including the first production turboshaft -powered helicopter (the Aérospatiale Alouette II of 1955);
8722-402: Was a joint development between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, subsequently Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the basis of their successful prior jointly produced BK 117 C1 . Rather than pursuing an entirely clean sheet design, the forward cockpit and modern avionics of Eurocopter's EC 135 were adopted in combination with the proven BK 117's rear section; Flight International described
8820-540: Was announced Airbus Helicopters has acquired the Kassel-Calden -headquartered gearbox and component supplier, ZF Luftfahrttechnik from ZF Friedrichshafen for an undisclosed amount. The business will be rebranded as Airbus Helicopters Technik. In May 2024, Airbus Helicopters signed a MoU with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to finance civil helicopter purchases in India. Historical emblems of
8918-697: Was delivered to the Army in May 2014. In May 2013, Congress questioned why the UH-72 had not been considered for the armed scout role. The Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno stated that the UH-72A was developed for domestic operations and is not considered to be operationally deployable to combat zones. The UH-72 is employed by the US Army National Guard in a utility role in the US, releasing UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to deploy overseas. On 21 June 2013, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall stated in
9016-577: Was developed, the light utility version was dropped and focus was placed on the light attack reconnaissance version, which eventually became the RAH-66 Comanche . In 2004, the U.S. Department of Defense and the US Army made the decision to terminate the RAH-66 program. As part of the termination, the Army retained the future years' funding intended for the Comanche. To replace the capability of
9114-531: Was initiated in early 2004, with an initial requirement for 322 helicopters to conduct homeland security , administrative, logistic, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and support of the army test and training centers missions. The LUH contract was released in July 2005. At least five proposals were received, including the Bell 210 and Bell 412 , MD Explorer , and AgustaWestland AW139 . EADS North America (EADS NA) marketed
9212-435: Was notified of a Thailand request for the sale of another nine UH-72s, related equipment, and support. [REDACTED] Thailand Data from UH-72 specifications, Eurocopter EC 145 data General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Eurocopter EC145 The Airbus Helicopters H145 (formerly Eurocopter EC145 )
9310-599: Was performed at Donauwörth , Germany. On 15 May 2015, the H145M , previously designated as EC645 T2, received EASA airworthiness certification. The first two H145Ms were received by Germany and assigned to the Air Force in December 2015. In December 2016, Serbia placed an order for 9 H145Ms with 6 for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence , four of the six to be equipped with the HForce weapon system, and 3 for
9408-677: Was placed by Luxembourg for 2 H145Ms for the Luxembourg Army that will be dual role for use by the Luxembourg Police . In August 2021, the German Air Force deployed two H145Ms to Hamid Karzai International Airport to assist in evacuation operations in the aftermath of the fall of Kabul . On 24 February 2023, Belgian newspaper, De Morgen, has noted that the Belgian Air Component has selected
9506-475: Was reached in 2009. In December 2009, the service ordered 45 more UH-72As. The 100th Lakota was delivered in March 2010, and the 250th was delivered in April 2013. That month, the U.S. Army opted to halt procurement after 2014 due to budget cuts; at that point, a total of 312 Lakotas were on order by the service. In January 2014, Congress gave the Army $ 171 million to procure 20 additional UH-72As. The 300th UH-72
9604-501: Was renamed H145 in 2015. The helicopter was significantly updated in the 2020s with first a fenestron replacing the traditional tail rotor, followed later by a 5-blade main rotor head. The H145 is a twin-engine aircraft and can carry up to nine passengers along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for passenger transport, corporate transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue , parapublic and utility roles. Military variants of
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