Army decision may pay big for AH

The US Army’s off-and-on again decision to purchase more UH-72 Lakota helicopters for pilot training from Airbus Helicopters (AH), built at its Columbus, Miss., plant may be a plus for the company on the both the American and world markets. The Army had planned to conclude its purchase of 340 Lakota UH-72s in 2015, but added back 100 of the rotary-wing aircraft to its FY-15 plans. Using the aircraft for pilot training may increases the possibility of additional sales in both the US and internationally, a company official said. The Lakota, a military version of Airbus’ commercial EC145, used for US Army pilot training; homeland security, drug interdiction, general support, logistics and medical evacuations. (Source: Defense News, 05/01/14)