IRIA News

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The U.S. Army has awarded Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, a $1.24 billion contract modification to supply UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to multiple allied nations, strengthening global defense partnerships.

The foreign military sales (FMS) agreement will deliver aircraft to Australia, Brazil, Greece, Sweden, and Thailand, with project completion slated for December 31, 2027.

The worldwide demand for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter has increased exponentially over the last few years due to its adaptability and performance across a range of missions. With a growing customer base in over 36 countries, the Black Hawk has logged over 15 million flight hours, of which more than 5 million hours have been in combat environments.

Its diverse applications include air assault, search and rescue, medical evacuation, special operations, VIP transport, and more, making it a highly versatile asset in both combat and humanitarian scenarios.

Under the latest contract, several countries will receive the ordered units of the UH-60M helicopters. Australia leads with an order of 40 UH-60Ms, of which eight were already delivered by August 2023. Brazil and Sweden have ordered 12 aircraft each, while Thailand has placed a longstanding order for four helicopters. In addition, Greece’s recent agreement under the FMS framework includes an order for 35 Black Hawks, expanding the nation’s air fleet to support its national security objectives.

“The Black Hawk helicopter offers Greece a range of operational capabilities and a global ecosystem of more than 5,000 Hawk aircraft operated by 36 countries around the world,” Sikorsky VP of Army and Air Force Systems, Hamid Salim noted. The addition of 35 UH-60Ms will enhance Greece’s response capability in humanitarian relief, national security, and various military operations.

UH-60M Black Hawk specifications and performance

Introduced in 1979, the Black Hawk has been an essential component of the U.S. Army’s rotary-wing fleet for more than 40 years. Today, the UH-60 series helicopters are central to the military capabilities of many U.S. allies, with approximately 4,000 UH-60Ms in operation worldwide. These helicopters’ broad usage spans defense, humanitarian, and disaster-relief missions, proving their adaptability to diverse needs.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of military and disaster response operations. This latest variant of the Black Hawk boasts advanced specifications that improve performance, safety, and usability.

The helicopter has a maximum gross weight of 9,979 kilograms and a cruise speed of 280 kilometers per hour allowing the UH-60M to conduct rapid-response operations in challenging terrains. This performance profile gives it an edge in carrying heavier payloads at high speeds, optimizing mission efficiency and personnel safety.

Powering the UH-60M is the T700-GE-701D engine, a General Electric system that delivers enhanced power and efficiency. This engine ensures that the Black Hawk can perform reliably under various operational conditions, from high-altitude mountain operations to low-visibility missions in adverse weather.

The UH-60M also includes integrated avionics systems, such as advanced GPS and communication equipment, giving pilots enhanced navigation and situational awareness, even in electronic warfare environments.

In addition, the UH-60M model incorporates advanced digital avionics that streamline information processing, enabling more seamless mission management. It features multifunctional displays and an automated flight control system, making it easier for pilots to focus on mission objectives rather than manual control. The UH-60M’s self-sealing fuel tanks and crash-worthy seating further improve its survivability, while its modular design enables ease of maintenance and flexibility for upgrades.

The UH-60M’s compatibility with various mission-specific modifications makes it invaluable to international clients seeking tailored solutions. For example, in Brazil, these helicopters are expected to support both military and environmental missions, given the nation’s emphasis on protecting the Amazon rainforest. Similarly, in Australia, the UH-60Ms will play a critical role in border security and emergency response, strengthening the country’s tactical flexibility.