UH-60 Blackhawk

From ArticleWorld

The UH-60 Black Hawk is the current primary assault helicopter used by the United States Army. Commissioned in 1972 to replace the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey), the Black Hawk is generously equipped with GPS (global positioning system) as well as many other avionic and electronic upgrades. Several Black Hawks have been commissioned to carry the President of the United States as Marine One.

UH-60 versus UH-1

The Black Hawk has replaced to Huey as the United States Army’s primary attack helicopter. The Black Hawk is a more modern redesign of the Huey. Its increased functionality includes ability to carry heavier loads, a more modern arsenal of weapons and state of the art navigation, controls and electronic instrument panel. In addition, the Black Hawk is taller, wider and longer than the Huey and can travel at faster speeds.

Modified versions

The HH-60G Pave Hawk is a modified Black Hawk that has been tailored to meet the needs of wartime rescue and recovery. The Air Force uses a version called the MH-60G Pave Hawk and the Coast Guard uses the HH-60J Jayhawk for such purposes. Each is equipped with a rescue hoist and an increased lift capability. The United States navy uses a version called the SH-60F that has been customized for naval use. The S-70A Firehawk is a Black Hawk that has been modified to aid in fire fighting, medical emergencies, civilian rescue operations as well as heavy external load lift. The Oregon National Guard and the Los Angeles County Fire Department first used it.

Army

The Army has Black Hawks that have been redesigned for medical evacuation purposes. The medical suites have been designed for optimum medical capability during transport. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (the 160th) uses Black Hawks for special ops. This version is called the MH-60K or Night Hawk. The 160th is based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.