The UH-60 Black Hawk is a medium lift utility helicopter intended to carry out a wide range of missions with the help of mission equipment. Sikorsky designed the Black Hawk for the U.S. Army and it’s been the workhorse for all branches of the military since the late 1970’s. Recently, state / local governments and businesses are operating UH-60s.
UH-60A Black Hawk Specifications
The Black Hawk is a large helicopter with an exterior height of 16 feet, 10 inches and length of 64 feet, 10 inches. It features four-blade main and tail rotors. Each of the two T700 engines deliver 1,622 shp (shaft power) to the turbine shaft. The UH-60 has an empty weight of 11,284 lbs. and a maximum takeoff weight of 22,000 lbs. A 2-man crew can operate the helicopter which carries 11 passengers. It has a fuel capacity of 360 gallons providing a range of 315 nautical miles without reserve. Black Hawks operate at a normal cruise speed of 140 knots (1 nautical mile per hour) and a maximum speed of 193 knots. However weather conditions, altitude and weight can impact speed and range during a flight.
Mission Equipment Creates Flexibility
Based on its capabilities and versatile design, the Black Hawk can fulfill numerous operations by changing the mission specific equipment. As an international helicopter expert, Skycore Aviation will be providing a series of articles delving into the missions of the UH-60 and the mission equipment that make it possible. Here’s a list of the missions we’ll discuss.
- Firefighting
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Command & Control
- Attack
- Personnel Transport
- Utility / Cargo
- Surveillance, Reconnaissance
- Medical Evacuation (Medevac)
- Government Official Transport (VIP/VVIP)
Skycore Aviation is an international helicopter personnel services and UH-60A Black Hawk provider (www.blackhawk360.com). Our knowledge and experience enable Skycore to provide personnel and turnkey solutions for helicopter programs tailored to meet our customer’s operations, maintenance and training needs. To stay atop of the rotary wing industry, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Pintrest.