Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is the U.S. Army’s primary medium-lift utility helicopter, developed to replace the UH-1 Huey under the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program. The prototype first flew on 17 October 1974, and the type entered Army service in 1979. Built around a twin-engine, four-blade main rotor layout, the Black Hawk is used for troop transport, medevac, logistics, special operations support, and disaster relief with U.S. and allied forces worldwide.

A typical configuration seats a crew of three to four and can carry about 11 troops or equivalent cargo, with external sling loads for heavier equipment. Power comes from two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. Representative figures for common UH-60 variants include a length of about 64 ft 10 in, a main rotor diameter of about 53 ft 8 in, a maximum speed in the region of 150–160 kt, and a combat radius on the order of a few hundred nautical miles depending on load and fuel. Exact performance varies by sub-variant (including UH-60A/L/M), mission equipment, and operator configuration.

The UH-60 family is distinct from the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk, a maritime multi-mission derivative optimized for anti-submarine and surface warfare from ships. Figures on this page describe the Army utility Black Hawk line unless a specific sub-variant is noted.