New CA National Guard Helicopter Will Support Local Authorities

Authorities across the state have a new, $5.5 million tool at their disposal for search and rescue, anti-drug and other operations: the 's UH-72 Lakota helicopter, showcased Thursday at Mather Airfield.

"It's almost like going from the stone age to the space age," California National Guard pilot and Stockton Police officer Daniel Lowry said.

The Guard's eight UH-72 helicopters, manufactured by Eurocopter, will be stationed in Stockton and available for operations around the state.

They could be used for medical evacuation, search and rescue, looking for marijuana growers or other operations. Officials touted features like autopilot, infrared cameras that can stream video to a location 30 miles away, a powerful searchlight and other benefits.

"At 6,000 feet [above the ground] we can supposedly read a license plate," California National Guard Capt. John Allen said.

Members of the media, law enforcement officers and representatives from elected officials were taken on a short demonstration flight over Rosemont, a small community in Sacramento, and the surrounding area.