UH-72 Lakota

Mission

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

Description

The UH-72 Lakota is a light utility helicopter operated primarily by the U.S. Army.  It is built by the Airbus Helicopter division of Airbus North America and is a military version of the commercial EC145. The Navy version is utilized by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School to train students in rotary wing flying characteristics and test procedures. The UH-72 incorporates many of the latest rotary aircraft features, including advanced integrated avionics and a rigid rotor system.  The UH-72 program's objective is to develop and train the test pilots of the future in order to perform acquisition and developmental testing of Naval 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:  Airbus

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Projected Inventory: 5

TH-67 Creek

Mission

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

Description

The TH-67 Creek is a light utility helicopter initially developed from the Bell 206 Jet Ranger by the U.S. Army as a training aircraft.  It is utilized by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School as a rotary wing training aircraft, demonstrating flying characteristics and test procedures.  The TH-67 is representative of early tilt rotor helicopter designs.

Specifications

Primary Function: Training helicopter for U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Date Deployed: 1993.
Propulsion: (1) Rolls-Royce (Allison) Model 250-C20J (317 HP).
Length: 39 feet, 8 inches (12.11 meters).
Rotor Diameter: 33 feet, 4 inches (10.16 meters).
Height: 9 feet, 4 inches (2.83 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 3,200 lbs.
Airspeed: Max. 130 knots (150 mph).
Ceiling: 20,000 feet (6,096 meters).
Range: 374 nm.
Crew: Two.
Prime Contractor:  Bell Helicopter Textron

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Projected Inventory: 4