The UH-72 Lakota is the military version of the light
civilian utility helicopter produced by Eurocopter. It is made
in the United States and used by the U.S. Army and Army National Guard.
Civilian Lakota helicopters are used as VIP, oil rig, and hospital
transports, by police departments, and for search and rescue. The
military version is an unarmed utility helicopter,
performing many of the same functions as its civilian versions.
The UH-72 Lakota fuselage is made from composites
which provide for low maintenance, strength and reduced weight.
Inside the all-glass cockpit are LCD displays monitoring all
helicopter functions. The crew have night vision goggles available.
Flight systems are dual-redundant for hydraulics, electrics, and auto
pilot. There is even dual redundancy of transmission lubrication.
The relatively spacious cabin of the helicopter can easily be converted from troop
transport to search and rescue medivac missions. In addition to
large sliding doors on each side of the helicopter, big clam shell
doors at the cabin rear facilitate loading and unloading.
The composite rotor blades of the UH-72 Lakota operate through a
hingeless system for low maintenance, quicker response, minimal noise and vibration.
Dual engines power the helicopter.
Flying the UH-72 Lakota is a pleasant experience. The
helicopter's main rotor turns counter clockwise, as with all U.S.
Army helicopters. European helicopters have their rotor turning in
the opposite direction. The hingeless rotor system is very smooth
with little vibration no matter the speed or attitude of the
helicopter, even while transitioning from low to high speeds and back
again. Control inputs result in virtually instantaneous response
while the helicopter's behavior is steady and easily controllable.
The twin engines of the UH-72 Lakota combined with its energy
management system provide more than adequate power and quick
acceleration. Hovering is easily accomplished. A noise reduction
system that matches torque and rotor speed to demand is unobtrusive
while performing perfectly.
The cockpit display screens are well lit, glare free, and readily visible
while providing all necessary engine and flight information. The
autopilot is easy to use and works well while navigating the
helicopter and in hold modes. IFR flight should be easily accomplished.
A total of 345 UH-72 Lakota helicopters were ordered by the U.S. Army of which over 180 have been delivered to date.
UH-72 Lakota by RC Aerodyne
RC Aerodyne has a UH-72 Lakota fuselage kit for sale. It is made from fiberglass and will fit 500 size mechanics.
