UH-60A Black Hawk

US Military Transport Helicopter

In 1976, Sikorsky won a competitive program to create a multi-role tactical transport helicopter, which later received the military designation UH-60 Black Hawk (the model’s series designation was Sikorsky S-70). Starting in 1979, the helicopter began entering service with the U.S. Army, with the UH-60A being the first military series variant. The helicopter is built in a classic single-rotor configuration with a four-blade rotor, the blades of which are capable of withstanding hits from 23 mm caliber rounds. The crew cabin and part of the floor are protected by Kevlar plates, and the helicopter’s hydraulic system is redundant, significantly enhancing its survivability on the battlefield. Additionally, the onboard equipment includes a radar warning station, active infrared countermeasure system, and devices for dispensing thermal decoys. The troop compartment is designed to accommodate 10 fully-armed soldiers or 6 wounded on stretchers. The UH-60 helicopters have become the base for various aircraft models, including transport, special operations, electronic warfare, maritime multi-role, anti-submarine, medical, and others. Their design allows for transformation by altering the armament, transport compartment configuration, cabin equipment, etc. The Black Hawk helicopter family continues to be in service with the armies of various countries, and it will remain a cornerstone of military aviation for many nations in the near future.