Contact: Josh Holly, 202.226.3988
Hunter Encourages Army to Buy Blackhawks Instead of Lakota Light Utility Helicopters
Washington, D.C. --- In a letter to the Secretary of the Army, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today encouraged the Army to purchase Blackhawk helicopters instead of Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) that are ill-equipped for firefighting missions. Hunter is the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee.
“In the wake of the California fires, I have examined the available aerial assets that could be used to fight future forest fires. As you know, CH-53 and CH-46 helicopters owned by the Navy and Marine Corps were effectively utilized with 300-plus gallon water ‘buckets’ to hit hillside blazes during the recent fires,” stated Rep. Hunter.
“Conspicuous by its absence in the firefight was the complement of UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters that are stationed in California. Unfortunately, the Lakota is unable to handle the 300-gallon ‘buckets’ which the other helicopters utilize,” Hunter continued.
In his letter, Rep. Hunter highlighted the Lakota’s Operational Test and Evaluation Report, which stated that the helicopter “is not operationally suitable due to excessive heat in the aircraft cockpit and cabin from the sun, heat generated by aircraft avionics, and inadequate ventilation.
"The report also stated that the Lakota is “not effective for use in hot environments or for medical evacuation of two litter patients requiring critical medical care.
“Mr. Secretary, in my view we would be well advised to terminate the planned buy of 322 Lakota helicopters and purchase additional Blackhawk helicopters instead. Blackhawks are large and reliable with robust firefighting and medevac capabilities, and have a logistics establishment that is well proven,” concluded Rep. Hunter."
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