UH-72B Lakota

[chopper2004]

Airbus Helicopters introduces new Bravo model ...and deliveries expected next year.

https://www.airbus.com/us/en/newsroo...2B-Lakota.html



cheers

[MikeNYC]

What’s the reasoning behind not basing the UH-72B on the new 5-blade 145? Had the -B been in development for so long, it’s too late to make that shift?

[HeliHenri]

Originally Posted by MikeNYC

What’s the reasoning behind not basing the UH-72B on the new 5-blade 145?

The price ?
.

[Less Hair]

Is this meant to indicate that the US forces finally accept the fenestron? Not sure about this.

[HeliHenri]

Really ?!

The USCG branch of the United States Armed Forces use the fenestron for 35 years now !
.

[Less Hair]

True but until now the US Army strictly opposed it - on the 145. The Coast Guard might take it this way but the Army as well?

[HeliHenri]

Originally Posted by Less Hair

True but until now the US Army strictly opposed it - on the 145.

Can you provide references to this odd statement?

In 2012, Eurocopter offered to the US Army the AAS-72X+ (145 with fenestron) for the AAS program before this program was ended.

[Less Hair]

Does the US Army operate a single Lakota with fenestron?

[chopper2004]

Airbus Helicopters Inc delivered the first UH-72B five blade Lakota to the United States Army National Guard.

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/pres...nal-Guard.html

[Kulwin Park]

The machine looks very ruggered !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bellicose]

Rugged or buggered???

[Bellicose]

Anyone else noticed that the bolts on the PCL's are neither tight nor locked?

[casper64]

Originally Posted by Bellicose

Anyone else noticed that the bolts on the PCL's are neither tight nor locked?

ehh… no? Where?

[Thud_and_Blunder]

ehh… no? Where?

Not qualified on type, but the 'green' PCR bolts certainly don't look to be in the secure configuration I've seen on other aircraft

[gipsymagpie]

Originally Posted by Thud_and_Blunder

Not qualified on type, but the 'green' PCR bolts certainly don't look to be in the secure configuration I've seen on other aircraft

You are right, they do look weirdly loose. Now I look closer I have seen similar looseness in a photo of DRF D3. Our mod kits are still in the boxes so cannot compare to ours