NEWTOWN, Conn. - U.S. House appropriators are recommending an increase of $135.1 million for the Army's aircraft procurement account to purchase an additional 21 UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters in FY14. The service had an original goal of 346 aircraft, including buying 31 in FY14 and the final 10 in FY15, but the end goal was reduced to 315 due to budget constraints. Lawmakers noted that the program has consistently achieved cost, schedule, and performance goals. Furthermore, the Lakotas free up Black Hawks that used to conduct the same utility missions in non-combat scenarios, helping to offset the Army's Black Hawk shortfall.
The recommendation matches that of the House Armed Services committee. That panel said that the Army's smaller fleet size would still meet the requirements of the Army National Guard, but expressed concern over the impact ending production early would have on the industrial base in terms of in-service support. The committee also encouraged the Army to assess the feasibility of transferring additional UH-72A rotorcraft from the Active Component to the National Guard if additional Guard requirements are validated.
The markups provide a total of $231.3 million for the 31 aircraft.
Source: Forecast International - International Military Markets
Associated URL:
http://www.forecastinternational.com
Author: S. McDougall, North America Analyst
