UH-60M Black Hawk

The UH‑60M Black Hawk is the most advanced variant of the Sikorsky UH‑60 family, a medium‑lift utility helicopter that entered service with the United States Army in 2006. Developed from the original UH‑60A that first flew in 1974, the M model incorporates a digital avionics suite, upgraded Twin‑Pak 1,400‑shaft‑horsepower turboshaft engines, and a composite airframe that reduces weight while increasing payload capacity to 9,000 pounds. Its cockpit features glass displays, a fully integrated flight‑control system, and night‑vision‑compatible instrumentation, allowing pilots to operate in all‑weather environments. The aircraft can be configured for troop transport, medical evacuation, cargo lift, and armed reconnaissance, with provisions for door‑mounted machine guns, the GAU‑19/A .50‑caliber gatling gun, and precision‑guided munitions. Over 2,000 Black Hawks have been delivered worldwide, serving not only the U.S. Army but also dozens of allied forces. The UH‑60M’s reliability, survivability, and modular design have set new standards for modern rotary‑wing platforms, influencing subsequent helicopter programs and cementing the Black Hawk’s role as a cornerstone of contemporary military aviation. Upgrades, such as the addition of the Common Avionics Architecture System and survivability kits, keep the UH‑60M competitive, and it is slated to remain in service through 2035, supporting combat and humanitarian missions worldwide.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

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