The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile, four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Designed as part of the U.S. Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program in the early 1970s, the UH-60 has since become one of the most iconic and widely used military helicopters in the world.
Origins and Development
In response to lessons learned from the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army issued a requirement for a more capable successor to the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey). Sikorsky submitted the S-70 prototype in 1972, which was later designated the YUH-60A. After a fly-off against the Boeing Vertol YUH-61A, Sikorsky’s design was selected in 1976 for full-scale production.
The Black Hawk entered service in 1979, named after the famous Sauk Native American war leader. The UH-60A was built to improve survivability, performance in high/hot conditions, and maintainability, incorporating features like ballistic-tolerant subsystems, crash-resistant fuel tanks, and modular design for easier maintenance.
Variants and Upgrades
Following its introduction, the UH-60 has evolved through several key variants:
- UH-60L: Introduced in 1989, featuring upgraded T700-GE-701C engines and enhanced lift capability.
- UH-60M: The latest standard variant with digital avionics, improved rotor blades, and T700-GE-701D engines to extend operational life into the 2020s.
Special mission versions have also been developed:
- MH-60 for special operations.
- EH-60 for electronic warfare.
- VIP and executive variants, including the VH-60N, which serves as “Marine One” when transporting the U.S. President.
Notably, a stealth-modified UH-60 variant was used during the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, revealing a previously unknown low-observable version featuring reduced radar and noise signatures.
Tactical Capabilities and Design
The UH-60 is powered by two General Electric T700 engines and features a fully articulated rotor system with elastomeric bearings. Its low-profile fuselage allows internal transport aboard C-130 aircraft.
The Black Hawk can carry:
- 11 fully equipped troops.
- 2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) of internal cargo.
- Up to 9,000 lbs (4,100 kg) of external payload.
Mission flexibility is enhanced by systems like the External Stores Support System (ESSS), allowing carriage of extended-range fuel tanks, rockets, missiles, and gun pods. An updated crashworthy external fuel system (CEFS) later replaced original fuel tanks with self-sealing, impact-resistant versions.
The UH-60 also supports systems like the Enhanced Speed Bag System (ESBS), a high-altitude supply drop kit with improved cargo survivability and autonomous release features, aiding aerial resupply and special operations.
Global Use and Operational History
As of 2024, the UH-60 Black Hawk is in service with over 35 nations and has seen combat in nearly every major U.S. military operation since Grenada in 1983, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and the Balkans.
Select International Operators:
- Australia: Replacing its earlier S-70A-9 fleet with 40 UH-60M helicopters due to ongoing MRH-90 performance issues.
- Brazil: Operates multiple UH-60L variants for special forces and SAR missions.
- China: Acquired 24 S-70C-2 variants adapted for high-altitude operations.
- Colombia: Uses UH-60s extensively in counter-narcotics and COIN operations.
- Israel: Employs UH-60A variants under the name “Yanshuf” (Owl) for utility and medevac roles.
- Mexico: Operates various UH-60L and UH-60M models across air force, navy, and police services.
- Philippines: Ordered 48 S-70i helicopters, becoming the world’s largest S-70i operator.
- Poland & Slovakia: Both NATO allies are modernizing their fleets with S-70i and UH-60M variants respectively.
- Sweden: Uses UH-60M (Hkp 16) in medevac and tactical roles, including missions in Afghanistan.
- Taiwan: Operates a mix of S-70C and UH-60M helicopters across multiple branches.
- Turkey: Employs UH-60s in NATO and internal security operations; selected the T-70 (a Turkish-assembled Black Hawk variant) for large-scale domestic production.
