113-635: The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft . Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army 's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972. The Army designated the prototype as the YUH-60A and selected the Black Hawk as the winner of the program in 1976, after
226-680: A Foreign Military Sale in September 2010. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ordered 16 S-70B-2s which were delivered in 1988 and 1989. In December 2017, the S-70B-2s were retired from service. The S-70B-2 served extensively in the Middle East, embarked on the Adelaide -class and the Anzac -class frigates . 11 S-70B-2 were sold to Skyline Aviation Group. Under Project AIR 9000 Phase 8,
339-459: A modular design (reduced maintenance footprint); run-dry gearboxes ; ballistically tolerant , redundant subsystems (hydraulic, electrical and flight controls ); crashworthy crew ( armored ) and troop seats; dual-stage oleo main landing gear ; ballistically tolerant, crashworthy main structure; quieter, more robust main and tail rotor systems; and a ballistically tolerant , crashworthy fuel system . Four prototypes were constructed, with
452-676: A 10-year agreement with the US Navy to support the MH-60R. The Department of Defence in the 2020 Force Structure Plan reported it planned to expand and rationalise the RAN's MRH-90 Taipan fleet used for support and logistics. In October 2021, the US approved a Foreign Military Sale to Australia of 12 MH-60Rs. In May 2022, the Australian government announced that it would purchase 12 MH-60Rs to replace
565-564: A UH-60 during the March 2024 western Russia incursion , claiming it was a "troop transport" carrying 20 troops into combat. However, it was revealed to be a Mil Mi-8 instead. The UH-60 entered service with the U.S. Army's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division in June 1979. The U.S. military first used the UH-60 in combat during the invasion of Grenada in 1983, and again in
678-474: A choice of fuselage -mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (.50 caliber or 12.7 mm) for self-defense. The standard aircrew is one pilot, one co-pilot, one tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one acoustic sensor operator (ASO). The SH-60F was operated by the U.S. Navy's Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, until they were redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and transitioned to
791-402: A crucial role in military operations by providing defensive capabilities in scenarios of evacuation and cargo transportation, as well as offensive roles in fire support and surveillance. Their ability to adapt to different mission requirements contribute significantly to the success of military objectives . Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk )
904-785: A fly-off competition with the Boeing Vertol YUH-61 . Named after the Native American war leader Black Hawk , the UH-60A entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979, to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Army's tactical transport helicopter. This was followed by the fielding of electronic warfare and special operations variants of the Black Hawk. Improved UH-60L and UH-60M utility variants have also been developed. Modified versions have also been developed for
1017-455: A goal to order approximately 32 helicopters. In February 2015, the U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of nine UH-60Ms with associated equipment and support to Slovakia and sent it to Congress for its approval. In April 2015, Slovakia's government approved the procurement of nine UH-60Ms along with training and support. In September 2015, Slovakia ordered four UH-60Ms. The first two UH-60Ms were delivered in June 2017;
1130-483: A long, low profile shape to meet the Army's requirement for transporting aboard a C-130 Hercules , with some disassembly. It can carry 11 troops with equipment, lift 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg) of cargo internally or 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg) of cargo (for UH-60L/M) externally by sling. The Black Hawk helicopter series can perform a wide array of missions, including the tactical transport of troops, electronic warfare, and aeromedical evacuation. A VIP version known as
1243-483: A magnetic anomaly detector. Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the 'Romeo' are redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons. In 1997, the Navy decided to replace its venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. In 1998, the Navy awarded a production contract to Sikorsky for
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#17327653068981356-698: A mid-life technology insertion project is replaced by APS-153 Multi-Mode Radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) capability. Both radars were developed by Telephonics , a more advanced AN/AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency sonar (ALFS) jointly developed by Raytheon & Thales , an ARC-210 voice radio by Rockwell Collins , an advanced airborne fleet data link SRQ-4 Hawklink with radio terminal set ARQ-59 radio terminal, both by L3Harris , and LN-100G dual-embedded global positioning system and inertial navigation system by Northrop Grumman Litton division. Beginning in 2020, CAE's MAD-XR were fielded on MH-60Rs, providing it with
1469-664: A militarized gunship version of the UH-60, with stub wings, locally known as Arpía (English: Harpy ). The Colombian Army became the first worldwide operator of the S-70i with Terrain Awareness and Warning Capability (HTAWS) after taking delivery of the first two units on 13 August 2013. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) received 10 surplus UH-60A Black Hawks from the United States in August 1994. Named Yanshuf (English: Owl ) by
1582-674: A secondary search and rescue capability. Advances in sensor and avionic technology lead to the LAMPS Mk II suite being developed by the Naval Air Development Center. In 1974, the Navy conducted a competition to develop the Lamps MK III concept, which would integrate both the aircraft and shipboard systems. The Navy selected IBM Federal Systems as the Prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III concept. Since
1695-630: A single cabin-door-mounted M60D / M240 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun, or GAU-16 .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun. A standard crew for a SH-60B is one pilot, one ATO/Co-Pilot (Airborne Tactical Officer), and an enlisted aviation warfare systems operator (sensor operator). The U.S. Navy operated the SH-60B in Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, Light (HSL) squadrons. All HSL squadrons were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons, and transitioned to
1808-429: A squadron assigned to the carrier John C. Stennis . The primary missions of the MH-60R are anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. According to Lockheed Martin , "secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay." HSL squadrons in the US have been incrementally transitioning to
1921-675: A unit cost of $ 10.2 million. The UH-60 Black Hawk is in service with 35 different countries as of 2024. Australia bought early model UH-60 in the 1980s, and is buying a fleet of newer versions ones in the 2020s: Australia ordered fourteen S-70A-9 Black Hawks in 1986 and an additional twenty-five Black Hawks in 1987. The first US-produced Black Hawk was delivered in 1987 to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). de Havilland Australia produced thirty-eight Black Hawks under license from Sikorsky in Australia delivering
2034-483: A video showing them operating at least two UH-60s painted in Ukrainian colors. The helicopters appeared to have minimal modifications, namely the addition of two M240 7.62 mm machine guns for defensive purposes. It was confirmed that at least one of these was purchased by a third party, Ace Aeronautics, following a Czech crowdfunding effort that raised US$ 6 million. On 17 March 2024, Russia claimed to have shot down
2147-799: Is a multi-purpose helicopter capable of pursuing a wide array of tasks. They have proven useful in both civilian and military operations, with versatility being their defining trait. Helicopters play a crucial role in various aspects of civilian safety. Police and fire rescue aircraft demonstrate exceptional versatility across a broad spectrum of task. Common applications for civilian utility include traffic surveillance, medical evacuations , news coverage, and search and rescue missions. Recently, usage has been extended to air evacuations , air and water pollution control, emergency cargo transportation (including blood, organs, and special equipment), and as helitankers in aerial firefighting . Traditionally, helicopters with three placed reciprocating engines , such as
2260-783: Is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships. The U.S. Navy acquired H-60 helicopters under the model designations SH-60B , SH-60F , HH-60H , MH-60R , and MH-60S . Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate , destroyer , cruiser , fast combat support ship , expeditionary transfer dock , amphibious assault ship , littoral combat ship or aircraft carrier ,
2373-603: Is equipped with advanced avionics and electronics for increased survivability and capability, such as the Global Positioning System . The UH-60 can be equipped with stub wings at the top of the fuselage to carry fuel tanks or various armaments. The initial stub wing system is called External Stores Support System (ESSS). It has two pylons on each wing to carry two 230 US gal (870 L) and two 450 US gal (1,700 L) tanks in total. The four fuel tanks and associated lines and valves form
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#17327653068982486-531: Is formed the INAS 334 Naval Squadron and will be under the command of Captain M Abhishek Ram. The MH-60Rs have been integrated with the Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant . The new helicopters can be used for rescue operations, especially in night search and rescue missions, as they have night vision goggles and forward-looking infrared facilities. They participated in the Exercise Milan -2024 held by
2599-571: Is its official DoD name. A standard crew for the MH-60S is one pilot, one copilot and two tactical aircrewmen, depending on the mission. With the retirement of the Sea Knight, the squadron designation of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) was retired from the Navy. Operating MH-60S squadrons were re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC). The MH-60S was to be used for mine clearing from littoral combat ships , but testing found it lacks
2712-464: Is planning to acquire over 500 anti-submarine sonobuoys for the MH-60 fleet. On 6 October 2024, DSCA further cleared the possible sale of 53 aircraft-launched MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds for its MH-60R fleet and associated equipment and support, including “in-country torpedo training”. Spain ordered 12 S-70B Seahawks for its Navy . Spain requested six refurbished SH-60Fs through
2825-909: Is the UH-60M. In the late 1960s, the United States Army began forming requirements for a helicopter to replace the UH-1 Iroquois , and designated the program as the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS). The Army also initiated the development of a new, common turbine engine for its helicopters that would become the General Electric T700 . Based on experience in Vietnam, the Army required significant performance, survivability and reliability improvements from both UTTAS and
2938-493: Is to deploy with the AQS-20A Mine Detection System and an Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) for identifying submerged objects in coastal waters. It is the first US Navy helicopter to field a glass cockpit , relaying flight information via four digital monitors. The primary means of defense is door-mounted machine guns such as the M60D, M240D, or GAU-17/A. A "batwing" Armed Helo Kit based on
3051-588: The 47G Series and the Hughes 300C were the primary choices for civilian use. However, the preference has been shifted towards turbine engines . The FH-100 and the Bell 206A JetRanger are examples of turbine engine helicopters which have proven to be more effective in operational scenarios. The arising issue with civilian use helicopters is the price tag of the turbine engine helicopters. With initial cost being around $ 100,000, difficulties are posed when budgeting for
3164-651: The Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Black Hawks also saw action in the Balkans and Haiti in the 1990s. U.S. Army UH-60s and other helicopters conducted many air assaults and other support missions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The UH-60 has continued to serve in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq . Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine (OAM) uses the UH-60 in its operations specifically along
3277-870: The Brazilian Army peacekeeping forces. It received six UH-60Ls configured for special forces, and search and rescue uses in 2008. It ordered ten more UH-60Ls in 2009; deliveries began in March 2011. In July 2024, the MoD authorized the purchase of 12 additional UH-60Ms, in a US$ 451 million plan. In December 1983, examples of the Aerospatiale AS-332 Super Puma , Bell 214ST SuperTransport and Sikorsky S-70A-5 (N3124B) were airlifted to Lhasa for testing. These demonstrations included take-offs and landings at altitudes to 17,000 feet (5,200 m) and en route operations to 24,000 feet (7,300 m). At
3390-631: The MH-53E Sea Dragon , allowing smaller ships that the MH-53E cannot operate from, to be used in the role. The ALMDS beams a laser into the water to pick up reflections from things it bounces off of, then uses that data to produce a video image for ground personnel to determine if the object is a mine. The MH-60S will utilize the BAE Systems Archerfish remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to seek out and destroy naval mines from
3503-603: The Philippine Air Force the largest user of S-70i Blackhawk Helicopters globally. In January 2019, Poland ordered four S-70i Black Hawks with four delivered to the Polish Special Forces in December of that same year. Another four S-70i helicopters are on order with two scheduled for delivery in 2023 and two in 2024. In July 2023, Poland launched a procurement tender for S-70i Black Hawks with
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk - Misplaced Pages Continue
3616-570: The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF / TUDB) ordered twelve S-70i helicopters, which are similar to the UH-60M; four aircraft had been received by December 2013. In June 2012, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress that Qatar requested the purchase of twelve UH-60Ms, engines, and associated equipment. The Royal Brunei Air Force had earlier bought four UH-60, but these were later sold to Malaysia. In May 2014, Croatian Defence Minister Ante Kotromanović announced
3729-787: The Royal Danish Air Force . The U.S. government decided to reallocate three MH-60Rs originally destined for the U.S. Navy to the Norwegian Coast Guard, with an estimated delivery in the summer of 2025. Norway will procure six MH-60Rs, with the remaining three delivered by 2027. Norway is considering procuring additional helicopters for the Anti Submarine warfare role for the Royal Norwegian Navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate , pending review into how to best satisfy
3842-803: The Royal Saudi Navy . In 2016, Malaysia considered purchasing new helicopters for its Royal Malaysian Navy , with the MH-60R Seahawk, AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat , or the Airbus Helicopters H225M under evaluation for the role. In April 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency received U.S. State Department approval and notified Congress of a possible sale to Mexican Navy of eight MH-60Rs, spare engines, and associated systems. In July 2018, Mexico's president planned to cancel
3955-1033: The Slovak Air Force had received all nine UH-60Ms by January 2020. These are to replace its old Soviet Mil Mi-17s . In 2020, the Slovak minister of defense announced Slovakia's interest in buying two more UH-60Ms. Slovak Training Academy (European Air Services / Heli Company) from Košice , a private company, operates some older UH-60As & Bs for pilot training, aerial fire fighting and sky crane operations. Sweden requested 15 UH-60M helicopters by Foreign Military Sale in September 2010. The UH-60Ms were ordered in May 2011, and deliveries began in January 2012. In March 2013, Swedish ISAF forces began using Black Hawks in Afghanistan for MEDEVAC purposes. The UH-60Ms have been fully operational since 2017. Sweden designates it
4068-733: The U.S. Navy , Air Force , and Coast Guard . In addition to U.S. Army use, the UH-60 family has been exported to several nations. Black Hawks have served in combat during conflicts in Grenada , Panama , Iraq , Somalia , Ukraine , the Balkans , Afghanistan , and other areas in the Middle East . Major variants include the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk used for naval purposes, Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk for combat search and rescue, with other upgrades for various export, VIP, and special operation variants. The latest utility variant
4181-511: The invasion of Panama in 1989. During the Gulf War in 1991, the UH-60 participated in the largest air assault mission in U.S. Army history with over 300 helicopters involved. Two UH-60s (89-26214 and 78–23015) were shot down, both on 27 February 1991, while performing Combat Search and Rescue of other downed aircrews, an F-16C pilot and the crew of a MEDEVAC UH-1H that were shot down earlier that day. In 1993, Black Hawks featured prominently in
4294-680: The 1988 Olympics, there was no such thing as a glass cockpit with an LCD monitor. Currently, the majority of South Korea's UH-60s belong to the Army, including more than 30 units operated by the Special Operations Aviation Corps. Taiwan (Republic of China) operated S-70C-1/1A after the Republic of China Air Force received ten S-70C-1A and four S-70C-1 Bluehawk helicopters in June 1986 for Search and Rescue. Four more S-70C-6s were received in April 1998. The ROC Navy received
4407-627: The 2010s and 2020s, with the last B model leaving U.S. Navy service in 2015, after over three decades, then the F and H models followed in 2016. These were replaced by the upgraded MH-60R and S models. In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy began looking for a new helicopter to replace the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite . The SH-2 Seasprite was used by the Navy as its platform for the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark I avionics suite for maritime warfare and
4520-440: The 2030s. The SH-60B Seahawk completed its last active-duty deployment for the U.S. Navy in late April 2015 after a seven-month deployment aboard USS Gary . After 32 years and over 3.6 million hours of service, the SH-60B was formally retired from U.S. Navy service during a ceremony on 11 May 2015 at Naval Air Station North Island . In late November 2015 USS Theodore Roosevelt returned from its deployment, ending
4633-556: The Aircraft Survival Equipment (ASE) package including the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer , AVR-2 Laser Detectors, APR-39(V)2 Radar Detectors, AAR-47 Missile Launch Detectors and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispensers. Engine exhaust deflectors provide infrared thermal reduction, reducing the threat of heat-seeking missiles. The HH-60H can carry up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on an extended wing using
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk - Misplaced Pages Continue
4746-478: The Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 2.75 inch rockets, or larger guns. The MH-60S can be equipped with a nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret to be used in conjunction with Hellfire missiles. It carries the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer. The MH-60S is unofficially known as the "Knighthawk", referring to the preceding Sea Knight, though "Seahawk"
4859-483: The Black Hawk have been studied as far back as the mid-1970s. In September 2012, Sikorsky was awarded a Combat Tempered Platform Demonstration (CTPD) contract to further improve the Black Hawk's durability and survivability. The company is to develop new technologies such as a zero-vibration system, adaptive flight control laws, advanced fire management, a more durable main rotor, full-spectrum crashworthiness, and damage-tolerant airframe; then they are to transition them to
4972-657: The CH-60S, after sea demonstrations with a converted UH-60. The variant first flew on 27 January 2000 and it began flight testing later that year. The CH-60S was redesignated MH-60S in February 2001 to reflect its planned multi-mission use. The MH-60S is based on the UH-60L and has many naval SH-60 features. Unlike all other Navy H-60s, the MH-60S is not based on the original S-70B/SH-60B platform, with its forward-mounted twin tail-gear and single starboard sliding cabin door. Instead,
5085-468: The Helicopter 16 (Hkp 16). In June 2024, Sweden ordered 12 more UH-60Ms from the US. The Republic of Korea Armed Forces is also an operator and has produced about 130 aircraft under license from Korean Air since the 1990s and domestically producing and introducing the UH-60 simulator. However, the cockpit is analog compared to the digital one in the United States, but since this business started after
5198-653: The IAF, the UH-60A began replacing Bell 212 utility helicopters. The IAF first used the UH-60s in combat during 1996 in southern Lebanon in Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hezbollah . The Mexican Air Force ordered its first two UH-60Ls in 1991 to transport special forces units, and another four in 1994. In July and August 2009, the Federal Police used UH-60s in attacks on drug traffickers. In August 2011,
5311-414: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In July 2021, the U.S. Navy handed over the first two MH-60Rs to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. In 2022, the Royal Norwegian Air Force considered the UH-60 as a replacement for the NHIndustries NH90 . In March 2023, Norway decided to procure MH-60R Sea Hawks for the Norwegian Coast Guard . Training is to start immediately in cooperation with
5424-418: The Iraqi theater supported special operations ground forces missions. A west coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, received the MH-60R aircraft in December 2005 and began training the first set of pilots. In 2007, the R-model successfully underwent final testing for incorporation into the fleet. In August 2008, the first 11 combat-ready Romeos arrived at HSM-71 ,
5537-453: The M299 launcher, and a variety of mountable guns including M60D, M240, GAU-16 and GAU-17/A machine guns. The HH-60H's standard crew is a pilot, a copilot, an enlisted crew chief, and two door gunners or one rescue swimmer. Originally operated by HCS-5 and HCS-4 (later HSC-84), these two special USNR squadrons were established with the primary mission of Naval Special Warfare and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Due to SOCOM budget issues,
5650-450: The MH-60 sale to cut government spending. In February 2011, India selected the S-70B over the NHIndustries NH90 for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters, for the Indian Navy to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet. India selected the Seahawk for procurement in November 2014. In June 2017, India's Ministry of Defence terminated the procurement program over a pricing issue. In August 2018, India's Defence Ministry approved
5763-431: The MH-60R and have nearly completed the transition. The first MH-60Rs in Japan arrived in October 2012. The recipient was HSM-51 , the Navy's forward–deployed LAMPS squadron, home based in Atsugi, Japan. The Warlords transitioned from the SH-60B throughout 2013, and shifted each detachment to the new aircraft as they returned from deployments. HSM-51 will have all MH-60R aircraft at the end of 2013. The Warlords are joined by
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#17327653068985876-631: The MH-60R between 2006 and 2015. The SH-60J is a version of the SH-60B for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with different avionics. The SH-60K is a modified version of the SH-60J. The SH-60J and SH-60K are built under license by Mitsubishi in Japan. After the SH-60B entered service, the Navy conducted a competition to replace the SH-3 Sea King . The competitors were Sikorsky, Kaman and IBM (avionics only). Sikorsky began development of this variant in March 1985. In January 1986, seven SH-60Fs were ordered including two prototypes (BuNos 163282/3). The first example flew on 19 March 1987. The SH-60F
5989-433: The MH-60R competed with the NHIndustries NH90 to replace the S-70B-2. In June 2011, the MH-60R was selected to replace the S-70B-2. 24 MH-60Rs were ordered to be equipped with the Mark 54 and the Hellfire with deliveries commencing in mid-2014. The US approved a Foreign Military Sale of 24 MH-60Rs in July 2010. The first MH-60R was delivered to the RAN in 2013 and the last was delivered in 2016. In 2018, Australia signed
6102-443: The MH-60Rs in February 2020. These helicopters are to aid in detecting and destroying enemy submarines prowling in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). On 16 July 2021, the U.S. Navy handed over the first two MH-60Rs to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island , San Diego . At least four were commissioned on 6 March 2024, in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at their planned home base of INS Garuda in Kochi . They
6215-420: The MH-60S. The last HS squadron completed its transition in 2016. The HH-60H was developed in conjunction with the US Coast Guard's HH-60J , beginning in September 1986 with a contract for the first five helicopters with Sikorsky as the prime contractor. The variant's first flight occurred on 17 August 1988. Deliveries of the HH-60H began in 1989. The variant earned initial operating capability in April 1990 and
6328-517: The MRH-90 fleet. The government placed the order in September 2022. The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) put the MH-60R on a short list for a requirement of around 12 new naval helicopters, together with the NH90/NFH, H-92, AW159 and AW101. The Request For Proposal was issued in September 2010. In November 2010, Denmark requested approval for a possible purchase of 12 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale. In November 2012, Denmark selected 9 MH-60Rs to replace its 7 aging Lynx helicopters. In October 2015,
6441-444: The Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein confirmed that Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is receiving S-70A Blackhawks from the Brunei government. These helicopters, believed to be four in total, were expected to be transferred to Malaysia by September with M134D miniguns added. The four Blackhawks were delivered to Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF / TUDB) in 1999. Utility helicopter A utility helicopter
6554-405: The Mexican Navy received three upgraded and navalized UH-60M. On 21 April 2014, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of 18 UH-60Ms to Mexico pending approval from Congress. In September 2014, Sikorsky received a $ 203.6 million (~$ 258 million in 2023) firm-fixed-price contract modification for the 18 UH-60s designated for the Mexican Air Force. 2 S-70-A5 VIP helicopters purchased 1983 and
6667-446: The Navy. On 24 August 2024, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a possible order worth $ 52.8 million for sonobuoys and related equipment. The deal includes the sale of 3 types of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys including AN/SSQ-53G/O , AN/SSQ-62F , and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys may be a part of the deal. The sonobuoys are to be integrated onboard MH-60R "Romeo" for ASW operations. The Indian Navy
6780-442: The PAF. On 10 December 2020, the PAF commissioned their first batch of six S-70i Blackhawks, with the remaining 10 to be delivered in 2021. In June 2021, the air service received a second batch of five helicopters. In November 2021, the third batch of five arrived. On 22 February 2022, DND and PZL Mielec formally signed the US$ 624 million contract for 32 additional S-70i Black Hawks, totalling to around 48 units ordered. This will make
6893-760: The S-model is a hybrid, featuring the main fuselage of the S-70A/UH-60, with large sliding doors on both sides of the cabin and a single aft-mounted tail wheel, and the folding tail pylon, engines, drivetrain and rotors of the S-70B/SH-60. It includes the integrated glass cockpit developed by Lockheed Martin for the MH-60R and shares some of the same avionics/weapons systems. It is deployed aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships , Maritime Sealift Command ships, and fast combat support ships . Its missions include vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special warfare support. The MH-60S
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#17327653068987006-663: The SH-2 was not large enough to carry the Navy's required equipment, a new airframe was required. In the mid-1970s, the Army evaluated the Sikorsky YUH-60 and Boeing Vertol YUH-61 for its Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition. The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification, to decrease costs from commonality as the new airframe to carry the Lamps MK III avionics. In April 1977, Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol submitted proposals for Navy versions of their Army UTTAS helicopters for review. The Navy also looked at helicopters being produced by Bell , Kaman , Westland and MBB , but these were too small for
7119-429: The SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. It carries a complex system of sensors, including a towed magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and air-launched sonobuoys . Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret. Munitions carried include the Mk 46 , Mk 50 , or Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo , AGM-114 Hellfire missile, and
7232-469: The SH-60B's automatic flight control system (AFCS) for better flight control with more powerful engines. Production of the L-model began in 1989. Development of the next improved variant, the UH-60M, was approved in 2001, to extend the service life of the UH-60 design into the 2020s. The UH-60M incorporates upgraded T700-GE-701D engines, improved rotor blades, and state-of-the-art electronic instrumentation, flight controls and aircraft navigation control. After
7345-423: The SH-60F to the MH-60S from 2005 to 2011 and were to be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC). As one of the two squadrons in the US Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support and combat search and rescue, the HCS-5 Firehawks squadron deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The squadron completed 900 combat air missions and over 1,700 combat flight hours. The majority of their flights in
7458-433: The Saberhawks of HSM-77. On 23 July 2013, Sikorsky delivered the 400th MH-60, an MH-60R, to the U.S. Navy. This included 166 MH-60R versions and 234 MH-60S versions. The MH-60S is in production until 2015 and will total a fleet of 275 aircraft, and the MH-60R is in production until 2017 and will total a fleet of 291 aircraft. The two models have flown 660,000 flight hours. Seahawk helicopters are to remain in Navy service into
7571-480: The Seahawk can handle anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), naval special warfare (NSW) insertion, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). When entering service, the SH-60 was too large to operate from some of the smaller vessels in service, so it served along with the Kaman SH-2F and SH-2G models until 2001. Early model Seahawks began to be retired in
7684-430: The South Korean government purchased 12 MH-60Rs. In July 2010 Tunisia requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale. But the change in government there in January 2011 may interfere with an order. In 2011, Qatar requested a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 6 MH-60R helicopters, engines and other associated equipment. In late June 2012, Qatar requested another 22 Seahawks, 12 fitted with
7797-427: The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Croatia for 8 UH-60M helicopters and related equipment and services for an estimated cost of $ 500 million. The U.S. government has provided $ 139.4 million in financial assistance for 51 percent of the funding, as a compensation for the Croatian donation of 14 Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine. The remaining sum is be provided by Croatia's Ministry of Defence in
7910-495: The U.S. DoD approved low-rate initial production of the new variant, manufacturing began in 2006, with the first of 22 new UH-60Ms delivered in July 2006. After an initial operational evaluation, the Army approved full-rate production and a five-year contract for 1,227 helicopters in December 2007. By March 2009, 100 UH-60M helicopters had been delivered to the Army. In November 2014, the US military ordered 102 aircraft of various H-60 types, worth $ 1.3 billion. Following their use in
8023-438: The UH-60 during NATO deployments to Afghanistan and the Balkans. The UH-60 has also been used in counter-terror/internal security operations. The Black Hawk competed against the AgustaWestland AW149 in the Turkish General Use Helicopter Tender, to order up to 115 helicopters and produce many of them indigenously, with Turkish Aerospace Industries responsible for final integration and assembly. On 21 April 2011, Turkey announced
8136-510: The UH-60 for production in December 1976. Deliveries of the UH-60A to the Army began in October 1978 and the helicopter entered service in June 1979. After entering service, the helicopter was modified for new missions and roles, including mine laying and medical evacuation. An EH-60 variant was developed to conduct electronic warfare and special operations aviation developed the MH-60 variant to support its missions. Due to weight increases from
8249-566: The UH-60, launching the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program in 2019, with a new helicopter planned to enter service by 2030. Bell and a joint Sikorsky- Boeing team both entered competing designs. In December 2022 it was announced that the winning design was Bell’s tilt-rotor V-280 Valor , with the US Army awarding an initial contract to develop a prototype by 2025. This award does not guarantee
8362-527: The US Navy accepted two mission ready MH-60R helicopters for Denmark. In October 2018, Lockheed Martin was in the process of delivering the ninth and final MH-60R to Denmark. In July 2009, the Republic of Korea requested eight MH-60S helicopters, 16 GE T700-401C engines, and related sensor systems to be sold in a Foreign Military Sale . South Korea instead chose the AW159 in January 2013. In December 2020,
8475-509: The VH-60N is used to transport important government officials (e.g., Congress, Executive departments) with the helicopter's call sign of " Marine One " when transporting the President of the United States . In air assault operations, it can move a squad of 11 combat troops or reposition a 105 mm M119 howitzer with 30 rounds ammunition and a four-man crew in a single lift. The Black Hawk
8588-552: The addition of mission equipment and other changes, the Army ordered the improved UH-60L in 1987. The new model incorporated all of the modifications made to the UH-60A fleet as standard design features. The UH-60L also featured more power and lifting capability with upgraded T700-GE-701C engines and an improved gearbox, both from the SH-60B Seahawk . Its external lift capacity increased by 1,000 lb (450 kg) up to 9,000 lb (4,100 kg). The UH-60L also incorporated
8701-551: The air. Selected as a concept in 2003 by the Navy as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) program and developed since 2007, the Archerfish is dropped into the water from its launch cradle, where its human operator remotely guides it down towards the mine using a fiber optics communications cable that leads back up to the helicopter. Using sonar and low-light video, it locates
8814-468: The airdropped items would be damaged upon hitting the ground. Started in 2011, the ESBS sought to standardize the airdrop resupply method and keep up to 90 percent of supplies intact. The system includes a hands-free reusable linear brake and expendable speed line and a multipurpose cargo bag. When the bag is deployed, the brake applies friction to the rope, slowing it down enough to keep the bag oriented down on
8927-532: The armed helicopter modification kit and T700-401C engines with an option to purchase an additional six Seahawks and more engines. In 2011, Singapore bought six S-70Bs. In 2013, they ordered an additional two. In early 2015, Israel ordered eight ex-Navy SH-60Fs to support the expansion of the Israeli Navy surface fleet for ASW, ASuW and SAR roles. In 2015, Saudi Arabia requested the sale of ten MH-60R helicopters and associated equipment and support for
9040-506: The beginning of negotiations for the purchase of 15 used Black Hawks. In October 2018, the US via Ambassador Robert Kohorst announced donation of two UH-60M helicopters with associated equipment and crew training to Croatia's Ministry of Defence, to be delivered in 2020. In October 2019, the US State Dept approved the sale of two new UH-60M Blackhawks. In February 2022, the first two helicopters were delivered to Croatia. In January 2024,
9153-803: The end of this testing, the People's Liberation Army purchased 24 S-70C-2s, equipped with more powerful GE T700-701A engines for improved high-altitude performance. While designated as civil variants of the S-70 for export purposes, they are operated by the People's Liberation Army Aviation units. Colombia first received UH-60s from the United States in 1987. The Colombian National Police , Colombian Aerospace Force , and Colombian Army use UH-60s to transport troops and supplies to places which are difficult to access by land for counter-insurgency (COIN) operations against drug and guerrilla organizations, for search and rescue, and for medical evacuation. Colombia also operates
9266-505: The eventual adoption of the V-280, which would require further contracts. As an Army program, the outcome of FLRAA will not necessarily affect UH-60 variants in service with other branches of the U.S. military. The United Arab Emirates requested 14 UH-60M helicopters and associated equipment in September 2008, through Foreign Military Sale . It had received 20 UH-60Ls by November 2010. Bahrain ordered nine UH-60Ms in 2007. In December 2011,
9379-446: The external extended range fuel system (ERFS). U.S. Army UH-60s have had their ESSS modified into the crashworthy external fuel system (CEFS) configuration, replacing the older tanks with up to four total 200 US gal (760 L) crashworthy tanks along with self-sealing fuel lines. The ESSS can also carry 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) of armament such as rockets, missiles and gun pods. The ESSS entered service in 1986. However, it
9492-542: The first YUH-60A flying on 17 October 1974. Prior to the delivery of the prototypes to the US Army, a preliminary evaluation was conducted in November 1975 to ensure the aircraft could be operated safely during all testing. Three of the prototypes were delivered to the Army in March 1976, for evaluation against the rival Boeing-Vertol design, the YUH-61A , and one was kept by Sikorsky for internal research. The Army selected
9605-666: The first in 1988 and the last in 1991. In 1989, the RAAF's fleet of Black Hawks was transferred to the Australian Army . The Black Hawks saw operational service in Cambodia , Papua New Guinea , Indonesia , East Timor and Pakistan . In April 2009, the then- defence chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston , told the government not to deploy Black Hawks to Afghanistan as at the time they "lacked armor and self-defense systems", and despite an upgrade to address this underway, it
9718-646: The first of ten S-70C(M)-1s in July 1990. 11 S-70C(M)-2s were received beginning April 2000. In January 2010, the US announced approval for a Foreign Military Sale of 60 UH-60Ms to Taiwan with 30 designated for the Army, 15 for the National Airborne Service Corps (including the one that crashed off Orchid Island in 2018) and 15 for the Air Force Rescue Group (including the one that crashed 2 January 2020). Turkey has operated
9831-633: The helicopter. Improvements to the Black Hawk are to continue until the Future Vertical Lift program is ready to replace it. In December 2014, the 101st Airborne Division began testing new resupply equipment called the Enhanced Speed Bag System (ESBS). Soldiers in the field requiring quick resupply have depended on speed bags filled with items airdropped from a UH-60. However, all systems were ad hoc with bags not made to keep objects secure from impacts, so up to half of
9944-743: The last active-duty operational deployment of both the SH-60F and HH-60H. The models are to be transferred to other squadrons or placed in storage. In February 2011, India selected the S-70B over the NHIndustries NH90 for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters for the Indian Navy to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet. India selected the Seahawk for procurement in November 2014. In June 2017, India's Ministry of Defence terminated
10057-567: The mine, and is then instructed to shoot a shaped charge explosive to detonate it. In April 2016, BAE was awarded a contract to build and deliver the ROVs. The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41 . The helicopter entered service in 1984, and began its first deployment in 1985. The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island. SH-60F squadrons planned to shift from
10170-452: The mission. In early 1978, the Navy selected Sikorsky's S-70B design, which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk". IBM was the prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III with Sikorsky as the airframe manufacturer. The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A. The main changes were corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage oleo main landing gear, removal of the left side door, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting
10283-576: The necessary modifications. Such modifications include night vision capabilities , infrared , and radar . In military terms, a utility helicopter is an aircraft designed to transport troops, but is versatile in performing various combat roles. These tasks include command and control , logistics, casualty evacuation, and fire support . The defining characteristics of these helicopters are lightweight frames capable of quick maneuvers , and space, for transporting troops and cargo. Common types of cargo include ammunition, weapons, and food. These aircraft play
10396-512: The new powerplant. The Army released its UTTAS request for proposals (RFP) in January 1972. The RFP also included air transport requirements. Transport within the C-130 limited the UTTAS cabin height and length. The UTTAS requirements for improved reliability , survivability and lower life-cycle costs resulted in features such as dual-engines with improved hot and high altitude performance, and
10509-655: The operation to kill Osama bin Laden in May 2011, it emerged that the 160th SOAR used a secret version of the UH-60 modified with low-observable technology which enabled it to evade Pakistani radar. Analysis of the tail section, the only remaining part of the aircraft which crashed during the operation, revealed extra blades on the tail rotor and other noise reduction measures, making the craft much quieter than conventional UH-60s. The aircraft appeared to include features like special high-tech materials, harsh angles, and flat surfaces found only in stealth jets. Low observable versions of
10622-536: The other being HSM-60 equipped with the MH-60R. In Iraq, HH-60Hs were used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for MEDEVAC purposes and special operations missions. The MH-60R "Romeo" was originally known as "LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade" when development began in 1993 with Lockheed Martin, formerly IBM/Loral. Two SH-60Bs were converted by Sikorsky, the first of which made its maiden flight on 22 December 1999. Designated YSH-60R, they were delivered to NAS Patuxent River in 2001 for flight testing. The production variant
10735-509: The padded base, a honeycomb and foam kit inside to dissipate energy. The ESBS better protects helicopter-dropped supplies, and allows the Black Hawk to fly higher above the ground, 100 ft (30 m) up from 10 feet, while travelling 20 knots (23 mph; 37 km/h), limiting exposure to ground fire. Each bag can weigh 125–200 lb (57–91 kg) and up to six can be deployed at once, dropping at 40–50 feet per second (12–15 m/s). Since supplies can be delivered more accurately and
10848-522: The power to safely tow the detection equipment. In August 2014, the U.S. Navy forward deployed the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the U.S. 5th Fleet . The ALMDS is a sensor system designed to detect, classify, and localize floating and near-surface moored mines in littoral zones, straits, and choke points. The system is operated from an MH-60S, which gives it a countermine role traditionally handled by
10961-547: The procurement program over a pricing issue. Then in August 2018, India's Defence Ministry approved the purchase of 24 MH-60R helicopters. In April 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved sale of 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters to India for US$ 2.6 bn and notified Congress of the proposed sale. India signed a ₹ 15,157 crore (equivalent to ₹ 180 billion or US$ 2.1 billion in 2023) contract for
11074-579: The purchase of 24 MH-60R helicopters. In April 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a sale of 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters to India for US$ 2.6 bn and notified Congress of the proposed sale. India signed a $ 2.13 billion (~$ 2.47 billion in 2023) (Rs 15,157 Crores) contract for the MH-60Rs in February 2020. These helicopters are to aid in detecting and destroying enemy submarines prowling in
11187-613: The retirement of 20 Black Hawks until 2021 to enable the Army to develop a special operations role capable MRH-90. On 10 December 2021, the S-70A-9 Black Hawks were retired from service. On the same day, amid issues with the performance of the MRH-90s the government announced that they would be replaced by UH-60M Black Hawks. In January 2023, the Army announced the acquisition of 40 UH-60Ms with deliveries commencing in 2023. Brazil received four UH-60L helicopters in 1997, for
11300-649: The selection of Sikorsky's T-70. In the course of the coup d'état attempt in Turkey on 15 July 2016, eight Turkish military personnel of various ranks landed in Greece 's northeastern city of Alexandroupolis on board a Black Hawk helicopter and claimed political asylum in Greece. The helicopter was returned to Turkey shortly thereafter. In February 2023, Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) published
11413-413: The southwest border. The Black Hawk has been used by OAM to interdict illegal entry into the U.S. Additionally, OAM regularly uses the UH-60 in search and rescue operations. Highly modified H-60s were employed during the U.S. Special Operations mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden during Operation Neptune Spear on 1 May 2011. One such MH-60 helicopter crash-landed during the operation and
11526-510: The squadrons were deactivated in 2006 and 2016 respectively. The HH-60H was also operated by Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, with a standard dispersal of six F-models and two or three H-models, before the transition of HS squadrons to HSC squadrons equipped with the MH-60S, the last of which completed its transition in 2016. The only squadron equipped with the HH-60H as of 2016 is HSC-85 , one of only two remaining USNR helicopter squadrons,
11639-403: The system can be automatically released on its own, the ESBS can enable autonomous resupply from unmanned helicopters. The UH-60 features four-blade main and tail rotors, and is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. The main rotor is fully articulated and has elastomeric bearings in the rotor head. The tail rotor is canted and features a rigid crossbeam. The helicopter has
11752-400: The tail landing gear 13 feet (3.96 m) forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. Other changes included larger fuel cells, an electric blade folding system, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, and adding a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher on the left side. An emergency flotation system was originally installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear. It
11865-520: The three-year budget period from 2025 to 2027. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance was signed in March 2024. Delivery of all 8 Black Hawks is expected in 2028. Tunisia requested 12 armed UH-60M helicopters in July 2014 through Foreign Military Sale. In August 2014, the U.S. ambassador stated that the U.S. "will soon make available" the UH-60Ms to Tunisia. The sale of 8 helicopters was approved and helicopters were delivered 2017 and 2018. In January 2015,
11978-432: Was based on the SH-60B airframe, but with upgraded SH-3H avionics. The SH-60F primarily served as the carrier battle group's primary antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. The helicopter hunted submarines with its AQS-13 F dipping sonar , and carried a 6-tube sonobuoy launcher. The SH-60F is unofficially named "Oceanhawk". The SH-60F can carry Mk 46 , Mk 50 , or Mk 54 torpedoes for its offensive weapons, and it has
12091-489: Was delivered in 1984, this Blackhawk served the 250th PAW for more than 3 decades as a Presidential VVIP transport helicopter. Only 1 remains in service with the 505th Search and Rescue Group. In March 2019, the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) signed a contract worth US$ 241.4 million (~$ 284 million in 2023) with Lockheed Martin 's Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec for 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawks to
12204-422: Was deployed to Desert Storm with HCS-4 and HCS-5 in 1991. The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is Seahawk , though it has been called "Rescue Hawk". Based on the SH-60F, the HH-60H is the primary combat search and rescue (CSAR), naval special warfare (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) helicopter. It carries various defensive and offensive sensors. These include a FLIR turret with laser designator, and
12317-685: Was destroyed by the team before it departed in the other MH-60 and a backup MH-47 Chinook with bin Laden's remains. Two MH-47s were used for the mission to refuel the two MH-60s and as backups. News media reported that the Pakistani government granted the Chinese military access to the wreckage of the crashed 'stealth' UH-60 variant in Abbottabad; Pakistan and China denied the reports, and the U.S. government has not confirmed Chinese access. The U.S. Army has signalled its intent to eventually replace
12430-534: Was found that the four fuel tanks obstruct the field of fire for the door guns; thus, the external tank system (ETS), carrying two fuel tanks on the stub wings, was developed. The unit cost of the H-60 models varies due to differences in specifications, equipment and quantities. For example, the unit cost of the Army's UH-60L Black Hawk is $ 5.9 million while the Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk has
12543-470: Was found to be impractical and possibly impeded emergency egress, and was removed. Five YSH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III prototypes were ordered. The first YSH-60B flight occurred on 12 December 1979. The first production SH-60B made its first flight on 11 February 1983. The SH-60B entered operational service in 1984, with its first operational deployment in 1985. The SH-60B is deployed primarily aboard frigates , destroyers , and cruisers . The primary missions of
12656-655: Was more practical to use allies' helicopters. In 2004, the government selected the Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH-90) Taipan, a variant of the NHIndustries NH90 , to replace the Black Hawk even though the Department of Defence had recommended the S‐70M Black Hawk. In January 2014, the Army began retiring the fleet of 34 Black Hawks from service (five had been lost in accidents) and had planned for this to be completed by June 2018. The Chief of Army delayed
12769-925: Was redesignated MH-60R to match its multi-mission capability. The MH-60R was deployed by the US Navy in 2006. The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Its avionics includes dual controls and instead of the complex array of dials and gauges in Bravo and Foxtrot aircraft, 4 fully integrated 8" x 10" night vision goggle -compatible and sunlight-readable color multi-function displays , all part of glass cockpit produced by Owego Helo Systems division of Lockheed Martin . Onboard sensors include: AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System by ATK, Raytheon AAS-44 electro-optical system that integrates FLIR and laser rangefinder , ALE-39 decoy dispenser and ALQ-144 infrared jammer by BAE Systems , ALQ-210 electronic support measures system by Lockheed Martin, APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator, which during
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