Airbus Helicopters UH-72A Lakota

Ben 🇺🇸

22 Aug 2026 · © Ben Kinne

U.S. Army UH-72A Lakota in military configuration performing a low hover.

2 likes 0 comments

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More like this

Airbus Helicopters H135 (formerly EC135)

Airbus Helicopters H120 Colibri (formerly Eurocopter EC120B)

Airbus Helicopters H145 (formerly EC145)

Aircraft

Airline

U.S. Army

Manufacturer

Airbus Helicopters

Gear

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS 4.3-215.0 mm

Achievements

Heli Hero, Airbus Aficionado, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Silver

Score: 85.0

Great side-on capture of an Army Lakota with clear registration and dynamic rotor blur—background is unobtrusive and crisp.

Location

Main terminal

Griffiss International Airport · RME/KRME

43.2264, -75.4059

Open map

Griffiss International Airport RME

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

Primary light utility helicopter for the U.S. Army, derived from the civilian H145/EC145. Introduced in the late 2000s.

Fleet Rarity

Common in the U.S. Army and several police forces, but rare outside the U.S. military context.

Record Flights

Frequently used for medevac, homeland security, and light utility roles rather than for record-setting flights.

Safety & Events

Generally a safe record; involved in routine U.S. Army operations and training. Sometimes featured in disaster relief and National Guard missions.

Future Outlook

Expected to remain in service through 2030s as main U.S. Army National Guard light utility helicopter.

Specifications

2 × Safran Arriel 1E2 turboshaft

Engine

N/A (rotor diameter: 11.0 m)

Wingspan

13.63 m

Length

660 km

Range

246 km/h

Speed

Up to 9 passengers or 2 pilots cargo/medevac configuration

Capacity

3585 kg

MTOW

3.95 m

Height

Each engine: 738 shp (550 kW)

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 8 compliant (helicopter noise varies; generally 80-90 dB at close range)

Noise