NAVAIR

H-72 Lakota

Mission

USN – Training helicopter for U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

Description

The H-72 Lakota is based on the U.S. Army light utility helicopter that entered service in 2006.  It is built by the American Eurocopter division of EADS North America. The H-72 is a military version of the commercial Eurocopter EC145. The Navy version will be utilized by the United States Naval Test Pilot School to train students in rotary wing flying characteristics. The H-72 Program's objective is to develop and train the test pilots of the future in order to perform acquisition testing of the Navy’s future aircraft to meet the operational needs of today’s and future war fighters.

Specifications

Primary Function: Training helicopter for U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Date Deployed: 2009.
Propulsion: (2) Turbomecca Arriel 1E2 turboshafts, 738 shaft horse power each (551 kilograms).
Length: 42 feet, 7 inches (13.03 meters).
Rotor Diameter: 36.1 feet.
Height: 11 feet, 9 inches (3.45 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 7,903 lbs.
Airspeed: Max. 145 knots (167 mph).
Ceiling: 18,000 feet (5,791 meters).
Range: 370 nm (426 miles, 685 km).
Crew: Two.
Prime Contractor:  EADS North America

Program Status

Production Phase: In production
Projected Inventory: 5