The US Army has awarded a contract to EADS North American Defense to provide 45 UH-72A light utility helicopters and associated medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) equipment.

Under the $247.2m contract, EADS will also provide 30 MEDEVAC mission equipment packages, 30 MEDEVAC B-kits, 30 hoist B-kits and four personnel mission equipment packages.

In addition, the company will supply 11 engine inlet barrier filters, 34 environmental control units and 45 airborne radio communication 231 devices.

EADS North America’s UH-72A Lakota is a twin-engine helicopter used for law enforcement, emergency medical transportation, search and rescue, offshore and utility operations, and corporate transport.

The helicopter, which weighs 7,903lb, can accommodate a crew of two pilots and six passengers and has a maximum air speed of 131 knots.

Work will be carried out in Columbus, Mississippi and is expected to be complete by June 2011.