Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota

The utility helicopter built for U.S. Army support missions.

Overview

Eurocopter France ICAO: UH72 2006–Present $5.9 million (2012)

The Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota is a U.S. Army variant of the EC145. Introduced in the late 2000s, it supports training and domestic missions. The aircraft is designed for reliability and cost efficiency.

Live Fleet Activity (UH72)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Turbomeca Arriel IE2
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 738 shp · 550 kW
Avionics
Sagem Avionics, Thales centralised vehicle and engine management display (VEMD)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
10
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 8 in  ·  1.72 m
Cabin height
4 ft 2 in  ·  1.27 m
Cabin length
11 ft 4 in  ·  3.45 m
Exterior length
42 ft 9 in  ·  13.03 m
Tail height
11 ft 4 in  ·  3.45 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 8 in  ·  1.73 m
Wing span
36 ft 1 in  ·  11.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
7,900 lb  ·  3,600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,950 lb  ·  1,800 kg
Fuel capacity
230 gal · 900 L · 700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
145 kt  ·  167 mph  ·  269 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
370 nm  ·  430 mi  ·  690 km
Fuel burn
1.62 nm/gal  ·  0.79 km/L
Ceiling
18,000 ft  ·  5,500 m
Rate of climb
1,600 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Eurocopter-Kawasaki UH-72A Lakota

Live fleet activity details

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Operational Context

Eurocopter UH-72A Lakota — military utility helicopter

The UH-72A first flew in 2006 and entered service in 2007. It is based on the civil EC145 platform with military-specific equipment. The helicopter supports training, medical evacuation, and homeland security roles.

Two turboshaft engines producing approximately 740 shaft horsepower each power the Lakota. Cruise speed approaches 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 7,900 pounds (3,583 kg).

The UH-72A has become a core component of U.S. Army aviation training. Its use in non-combat roles supports cost-effective fleet management. Production has continued for several years.

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