MIDEP receives demo of the Army's Light Utility Helicopter

THREE-STAR PREVIEW – Lt. Gen. William Phillips (right), Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, Technology received a UH-72A Security and Support Mission Equipment Package capability demonstration from the North Carolina Army National Guard and the Light Utility Helicopter Product Office on Jan. 26 at the D.C. Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility. Phillips operated the highly sophisticated S&S MEP from the pilot seat and the rear mission console gaining an appreciation for the capabilities of the powerful system that includes: a turreted L-3 Wescam MX-15i electro-optical/infrared sensor and laser pointer; EuroAvionics EuroNav V RN6 moving map system and two SkyQuest 10 inch and a 15 inch touch-screen displays; a video management system, SkyQuest VRDV-4010 digital video recorder and; plus additional avionics and Sierra Nevada Tactilink Eagle data downlink system; 30-million-candlepower Luminator LS16 searchlight that is slaved to the MX-15i; Goodrich 44301 series rescue hoist all utilized by the Army National Guard S&S Battalions in support of Homeland Security, Counter Drug, Disaster Relief, and Border missions. The LUH Product Office is scheduled to field a total 100 S&S MEP aircraft to 38 National Guard sites by the end of FY 16. To date, 10 aircraft have been fielded to seven states. (Photo by Maj. Jay Maher)