Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift military utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift military utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army and has been used widely for troop transport, air assault, medical evacuation, and other missions. The helicopter entered service in the late 1970s and has been produced in multiple variants.
Development and entry into service
Sikorsky developed the Black Hawk from the S-70 design for the U.S. Army’s UTTAS competition, which it won in the early 1970s. The helicopter entered service in the late 1970s as the Army’s utility tactical transport helicopter.
Design and variants
The UH-60 is a twin-engine helicopter with a four-blade main rotor and is built for medium-lift utility work. Major variants include the UH-60A, UH-60L, and UH-60M, with later models adding improved payload and performance.
Operational roles
The Black Hawk is used in a wide range of missions, including troop movement, air assault, medical evacuation, cargo lift, command and control, and special operations support. It is also used by allied forces around the world.
Export and international use
Although the UH-60 designation is associated with the U.S. military, the aircraft and its family of variants have been widely operated internationally. Export aircraft may also be identified under the Sikorsky S-70 family name.
Key facts
- The UH-60 Black Hawk is a medium-lift, twin-engine military utility helicopter with a four-blade main rotor.
- It was developed for the U.S. Army’s UTTAS requirement and entered service in the late 1970s.
- Major variants include the UH-60A, UH-60L, and UH-60M.
- The helicopter is used for troop transport, air assault, medevac, command and control, and search and rescue.
- It has been exported and operated by many countries beyond the United States.
The Black Hawk is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a widely used NATO and allied military helicopter family that has appeared in international operations, procurement discussions, and defence reporting, though it is not a standard Canadian Armed Forces utility helicopter type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk?
When did the Black Hawk enter service?
What missions does the Black Hawk perform?
What is the Black Hawk’s rotor configuration?
What are some major variants?
Is the Black Hawk used outside the United States?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_UH-60_Black_HawkSupports: Basic description as a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift military utility helicopter.
- SKYbrary Aviation Safety — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/h60Supports: Aircraft type description as a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter.
- U.S. Army — https://www.army.mil/article/137588/uhhh_60_black_hawk_helicopterSupports: Mission roles, utility-tactical transport role, and variants.
- Lockheed Martin — https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopter.htmlSupports: UH-60M role, payload, and operational use.
- Sikorsky Archives — https://sikorskyarchives.com/home/sikorsky-product-history/helicopter-innovation-era/sikorsky-s-70a-uh-60m-black-hawk-family/Supports: Family lineage, twin-turboshaft design, and troop transport capability.
- Lockheed Martin — https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-black-hawk-helicopter.htmlSupports: Family-wide description and global use.