S-70A
Black Hawk

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S-70A Black Hawk helicopter source the internet

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, Brunei, Colombian Air Force, Egypt, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan Self-Defence Force, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, PeopleÕs Republic of China, Royal Saudi Land Forces Army Aviation Command, the Turkish Jandarma, Spain, The Philippine Air Force, Taiwan, and Thailand .

Production of four new Black Hawk helicopters has been completed for the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) which is accepting the helicopters into service during 1998. Malaysia has placed orders for two S-70A Black Hawks configured for executive transport missions.

Sikorsky has delivered more than 2,400 helicopters of the Hawk family. 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 current operations in Bosnia.

The helicopters are manufactured at the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation production facilities based in Stratford, Connecticut. Licenced production of Black Hawk helicopters is also carried out in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

MISSIONS

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.

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 10,000 lb 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.

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.

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.

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.

CARGO

The S-70A can carry external loads up to 9,000 lb (4,072 kg) 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.

ENGINES

The S-70A is equipped with two General Electric turboshaft engines, type T700-GE- 701C. The internal fuel tanks have a capacity of 1360 litres. Auxiliary fuel can be carried with 1400 litres in two internal fuel tanks and 1740 litres externally.

BATTLEFIELD SURVIVABILITY

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 (23 mm) 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.