Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

The Sikorsky UH‑60 Black Hawk is a twin‑engine, medium‑lift utility helicopter that entered service with the United States Army in 1979. Developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a replacement for the aging Huey, the Black Hawk’s first flight occurred on 17 October 1974 and it achieved full production in 1978. Its rugged airframe, four‑blade main rotor and dual General Electric T700 turboshaft engines give it a cruising speed of about 150 knots and a range exceeding 300 nautical miles, while a payload capacity of 9,000 pounds allows transport of troops, cargo, or medical evacuations. The helicopter’s modular design incorporates advanced avionics, a glass cockpit, and a quick‑change mission kit that supports roles ranging from assault and reconnaissance to search‑and‑rescue and firefighting. Over four million flight hours have been logged across more than 30 variants, and the platform has seen combat from Grenada to Afghanistan, proving its versatility and reliability. The UH‑60’s durability and adaptability have made it a benchmark in modern rotary‑wing engineering, influencing subsequent designs worldwide and cementing its status as a cornerstone of military and humanitarian aviation operations.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

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Design & Classification