S-70A BLACK HAWK MULTI-MISSION HELICOPTER, USA
The S-70A helicopter is the export version of the multi-mission Black Hawk
developed by Sikorsky. The UH-60 Black Hawk has been operational in the
United States Army since 1978 and variants of the Black Hawk are operational
or have been ordered by 22 international customers: the Argentine Air Force,
Royal Australian Army, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Colombian Air Force, Egypt,
Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan Self Defence Force, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia,
Mexico, Morocco, People's Republic of China, Royal Saudi Land Forces Army
Aviation Command, the Turkish Jandarma, Spain, The Philippine Air Force,
Taiwan, and Thailand. More than 2,000 H-60 variants are in service with
the US Military and more than 600 have been exported.
Recent orders include two Black Hawk helicopters for the Royal Brunei Force (RBAF), two S-70A configured for executive transport missions for Malaysia, a further 50 S-70A for Turkey, nine for Austria, 30 for Columbia, 24 for Israel and two for Thailand. In October 2002, the US Army placed a five-year contract for a further 80 UH-60L helicopters.
The aircraft have logged four million flying hours, including a diverse range of combat missions in Grenada, Panama, in the liberation of Kuwait, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and numerous humanitarian and rescue missions including operations in Bosnia.
The helicopters are manufactured at the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation production facilities based in Stratford, Connecticut. Licensed production of Black Hawk helicopters is also carried out in Japan and the Republic of Korea.
The primary mission of the Black Hawk helicopter is as a troop carrier and logistical support aircraft, but in addition the helicopter can be configured to carry out medical evacuation, command-and-control, search-and-rescue, armed escort, electronic warfare and executive transport missions.
UPGRADE PROGRAM
In April 2001, the US Army approved an upgrade program for more than 1,500
Black Hawks to UH-60M standard. First flight of the UH60M took place in
September 2003. Entry into service is set for 2006 and the model will be
the standard version for US Army production from 2007. The program will
extend the service life of the helicopter until 2025. The upgrade will include
new wide chord composite spar main rotor blades (which will provide 500lb
more lift than the current UH-60L blade), digitised 1553 bus-based glass
cockpit and avionics suite with four multi-function displays, advanced flight
control computer, strengthened fuselage and advanced infrared suppression.
A new General Electric T700-GE-701D engine is also being developed.
DESIGN
Black Hawk has low detectability and outstanding nap-of-the-earth flight
capabilities. The aircraft is tolerant to small arms fire and most high
explosive, medium (23mm) calibre projectiles. The flight controls are ballistically
hardened and the helicopter is equipped with redundant electric and hydraulic
systems. The helicopter has the ability to absorb high crash impact velocities.
The fuel system is crash resistant and self-sealing. The crew seats and
the landing gear are energy absorbing.
COCKPIT
The helicopter is flown by a crew of three, the pilot and the copilot at
the flight deck and one crew member in the cabin. The S-70A helicopter is
equipped with a glass cockpit and digital avionics. In addition, S-70 customers
may select a digital Automated Flight Computer System (AFCS) to simplify
pilot workload. An Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) provides
primary pilotage and navigation displays for the aircrew.
WEAPONS
The S-70 is qualified as a launch platform for the laser-guided Hellfire
anti-armour missile. The Black Hawk can carry sixteen Hellfire missiles
using the External Stores Support System (ESSS). The ESSS has the capability
of carrying a 10,000lb payload of missiles, rockets, cannons and electronic
countermeasures pods. The helicopter can also accommodate additional missiles,
supplies or personnel inside the cabin.
The S-70 can mount 7.62mm or .50 calibre machine guns in the windows.
CARGO
The cabin provides accommodation for 11 fully equipped troops or four litters
(stretcher patients) with a medical officer for medical evacuation missions.
The cabin is equipped with a ventilation and heating system.
The S-70A can carry external loads up to 9,000lb (4,072kg) on the cargo hook, for example a 155mm howitzer. The main cabin can be cleared of troop seats for transportation of cargo. Additional stores can be carried on the External Stores Support System.
COMMUNICATIONS
The S-70A is equipped with a voice and data communications suite including
VHF, UHF communications, an identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder,
secure voice communications, satellite communications and an intercom system.
ENGINES
The S-70A is equipped with two General Electric turboshaft engines, type
T700-GE- 701C. The internal fuel tanks have a capacity of 1,360 litres.
Auxiliary fuel can be carried with 1,400 litres in two internal fuel tanks
and 1,740 litres externally.