Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

     Notes: The UH-60 is the US military's primary troop transport and assault helicopter, and is also used by Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, China, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Japan, Jordan, and Mexico.  It replaced the UH-1 in the service of most of those countries, bringing improvements in cargo carrying, crashworthiness, and maneuverability.  The Black Hawk has no ejection seats, and is not capable on in-flight refueling except on certain models.  The UH-60 is the result of an Army program for a new light general-purpose helicopter, called the UTTAS (Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System) program, started in 1972.  Several designs were initially submitted, but in short order the competition came down to the YUH-60A (the prototype Black Hawk), and the Boeing/Vertol YUH-61.  After numerous fly-offs, field tests, and use of limited numbers by the 1st Air Cav and 101st Air Assault divisions, the YUH-60A was chosen and became the UH-60A Black Hawk, and entered mass production and service.  Within a few years, it has almost totally replaced the Huey in the Regular Army, and a little later in the National Guard and Reserves.  Civilians also use the S-70 (the parent model of the Black Hawk); they are common Air Life helicopters and are also used for roles ranging from construction in inaccessible areas (such as putting in power scaffolds on top of mountains and ridges), and with luxury models, are used as executive transportation.  One UH-60A was kept by Sikorsky for internal, company research.  Initial LRIP began in October 1978 and full production and service started in June 1979.

 

Base Black Hawks

     The original version of the Black Hawk was the UH-60A, produced from 1977-1989.  It carried a crew of four, including two door gunners/crew chiefs and the pilot and co-pilot.  It also could carry up to 11 fully-equipped infantrymen, 14 in a high-load and reduced-equipment capacity, or six Medevac patients. In extremis, up to 20 lightly-equipped troops may be squeezed into the passenger cabin. When used as a Medevac, the crew is increased to six, with a doctor or PA and a nurse or med tech added to the crew. It was equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-701 gas turbine engines developing 1622 shaft horsepower each.  The rotor blades are armored against hits of up to a 23mm weapon, with a floor able to withstand a 14.5mm machinegun round.  The rotors are made from a composite of titanium and fiberglass, and the UH-60s have four rotors blades. The blades are “cable cutter” blades, designed to cut through struck power wires or other aerial cables instead of tangling on them. The UH-60A can carry up to 3.63 tons on an external hook under the helicopter, or 2.54 tons internally.  The Black Hawk uses a wheeled landing gear configuration; these do not retract for flight.  The landing gear consists of two wheels on struts behind the cargo cabin, and a rear “tail dragger” small wheel near the end of the fuselage.  For arctic/snow operations, a pair of skis can be attached to the main gear. On each side of the cargo cabin is a sliding lockable door; these are almost always kept open on cargo and infantry-transport versions to allow the door gunners to operate.  Medevac Black Hawks are a notable exception, and normally operate with the doors shut.  The internal fuel tanks are self-sealing and designed to not catch fire in a crash. The UH-60A is equipped with one VHF-FM, one UHF-FM, and one VHF-AM/FM radios. Internal de-icer are provided for the rotors as well as the windshield.

     The UH-60A can be equipped with an ESSS (External Stores Support System).  This consists of a graphite-epoxy composite wing-like assembly added to each side of the aircraft above the cargo compartment doors, and weighs 300 kilograms each.  Each wing has two hardpoints, which may carry an 872-liter and a 1703-liter self-sealing external fuel tank on each winglet.  Alternatively, each hardpoint may carry eight Hellfire missiles, a 19-round 2.75-inch FFAR pod, two Stinger SAMs, M-240, M-60, or M-3M machineguns, or an M-230 30mm Chaingun and ammunition (on one outer hardpoint, with the inner hardpoint carrying the ammunition), making the Black Hawk a sort of ad hoc attack helicopter. (It should be noted that if the UH-60 is equipped with Hellfires, some other unit of vehicle must designate the target, or the Black Hawk must carry a laser designation pod on its winglets; the UH-60 itself has no designation capability.) Every UH-60 has the internal connections to mount the ESSS, even if the ESSS is not mounted. At first, these winglets were angled down, to reduce the Black Hawk’s footprint; however, it was discovered that when there were external fuel tanks were carried on the outer hardpoints, the fuel tanks obstructed the operation of the door guns. They were replaced with winglets that stretched straight out. In the cargo compartment, the Black Hawk may carry a 700-liter fuel tank, with only the door gunners normally being carried in the back, though two lightly-equipped soldiers can squeeze in; alternatively, extra ammunition for what is carried on the ESSS may be carried to reload weapons. Underneath, instead of cargo, the UH-60A can carry an aerial mine delivery system such as the Volcano and M-56 systems.

     The UH-60A (and later Black Hawks) has a 75kW (100 hp) APU to provide power for self-starting and for ground power.

     In the 1980s, there were a spate of crashes on Army UH-60As. (This was before any had been exported.)  The Black Hawk started being called by the troops things like “Crash Hawk” and “Lawn Dart.”  This was traced to the UH-60As electronically-controlled flight systems, which proved to be susceptible to radio frequency interference (RFI), from sources ranging from radar antennas, cell phone towers, to illegal high-power CB radio setups.  Shielding was retrofitted, based on the Navy’s EMP shielding, and this solved the problem with RFI, in addition to giving the Black Hawk EMP resistance.

     The UH-60L is an updated version of the UH-60A; the primary difference between the two is that the UH-60L has two T-700-GE-401C engines, each with a rating of 1857 shaft horsepower.  The UH-60L version of the Black Hawk was designed for airmobile assaults, with uprated engines and an improved gearbox for improved lifting capability. The UH-60L has a Hover IR Suppression System (HIRSS), which cools the exhaust of the Black Hawk in both Hover mode and regular forward flight, giving IR missiles trying to hit the UH-60L a one level penalty. (The earlier UH-60A’s exhaust cooling was not very effective during hover operations.) With the new engines and a new cargo sling load attachment system, the UH-60L is able to sling load 4.08 tons. Recently, the Goodrich Integrated Mechanical Diagnostic Health and Usage Management System (IMD-HUMS0, which tells the crew the mechanical integrity of the helicopter, including fuel systems, hydraulics, and battle damage.  US UH-60Ls are equipped with this system as of 2011; some foreign sales have been UH-60Ls with the system, such as Korea, Japan, and Korea. Israeli UH-60Ls have an aerial refueling probe.

     The UH-60V is essentially a UH-60L with the glass cockpit of the UH-60M and an AFCS installed.  Another small flight computer was added, allowing for the glass cockpit to be programmed and further software improvements to be made.  It is essentially a stopgap chopper between the UH-60L and UH-60M.

     The CH-60E was a proposed variant of the UH-60A, for use by the Marine Corps.  It had sand shields for the engine intakes, a weather radar, a FLIR viewer, and a GPS, in addition to the normal configuration of the UH-60A.  The Marines chose instead to go with the heavily-upgraded UH-1Y Venom, and the CH-60E did not make it off the drawing boards and computer simulations.  It’s inclusion below is a “what-if.”

     The UH-60M is the latest variant of the Black Hawk GP platform.  One of the improvements was added after experience with the UH-60s in Afghanistan’s highlands; functional altitude was increased by 25%, while speed was improved by 16%.  The engines were upgraded to T700-GE-701D engines that developed 2000 Shaft Horsepower per engine.  The new engines and new wide-chord blades allow for an increase in cargo capacity of 454 kilograms.  The controls were modified; pilots had problems with the UH-60A control suite when using the new engines on the UH-60L. Originally four types were built; one was an upgrade from the UH-60A to UH-60M standard, another was an upgrade from UH-60L to the UH-60M standard. The third was a conversion of the HH-60L to the HH-60M standard, and the fourth was a new-built UH-60M.

     The UH-60M has two flight computers, one as a backup for the other.  The UH-60M has an improved tactical modem, making the UH-60M part of the “Tactical Internet.”  This includes the IMD-HUMS. The UH-60M has a glass cockpit, with most aircraft information presented on multifunction displays, and few actual gauges.  There is a cockpit and flight recorder; these are versions of off-the-shelf technology.  The UH-60M has a GPS with INS backup, and mission plans can be digitally loaded onto the flight computers as software.  The UH-60M has enhanced radios and a new AFCS.  They have a ruggedized gearbox, with wide-chord blades for improved lifting and performance at high altitude, and modifications for “hot and high” operations.  (These blades were designed originally for the S-92 Sikorsky Company project, trimmed down in radius a bit.) They have a mapping module to show the pilots exactly where they are at any time. UH-60As and UH-60L began, starting in 2008, to be upgraded to the UH-60M standard, with most of the earlier standard having been converted to the new standard by 2015, and full conversion expected by 2018.

     About 193 UH-60As received an “interim upgrade,” consisting of the installation of UH-60L engines, some of the avionics (mostly in the cockpit), and the new UH-60L tail.  About half the UH-60As also lacked an ESSS capability, and this has been added to those who were not capable.  Since the UH-60As required more refitting than the UH-60L to bring it up to UH-60M standard, their upgrades were done in a piecemeal (though planned) upgrade path, and these UH-60As were some of the last Black Hawks fully upgraded. As many of the new features were sort of “tacked on” at first. these partially-updated UH-60A+s were often known to pilots and air assault units as “Velcro Hawks,” though it is still officially known as a Black Hawk. The A+’s are, surprisingly, one of the fastest versions of the Black Hawk.

     At first, the US Army looked beyond the UH-60M, to what was then known as the UH-60X.  However, the Army has moved on from (though Sikorsky is still in the running) the UH-60-Based platform for the 2020s, to the Joint future MultiRole (JMR) program and Future Lift Program (FLP).  Whether or not the new Army helicopter will be Sikorsky-based, it will be a new platform, with at least higher tech in both the flying system and cockpit systems, and more powerful engines.

     For now, however, the US Army, Air Force, and Navy have begun the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), often called the UH-60M+, to re-engine many current Black Hawks to engines with a power of 3000 shaft horsepower each.  The new engines are also to have lesser fuel consumption than one would expect from an engine of their power,  A Black Hawk with the improved engines is not expected in prototype form until 2018, with LRIP starting in 2021, and full production and service by 2027 by the latest.  This may, of course, run afoul of the JMR and FLP programs.

 

Electronic Warfare or “EH” Black Hawks

     Some of the variants of the UH-60A include the EH-60A Quick Fix (named for the code-name of its EW suite), and the EH-60L Advanced Quick Fix, based on the UH-60L platform.  They can be immediately spotted by the ladder-type antennas extending from the sides of the aircraft, and the swing-down dipole antenna, which is some 22 meters long when extended. These carried the Quick Fix IIB EW suite, which was designed to locate, monitor, and jam enemy communications.  Though details on the Quick Fix suites are still classified, estimates include jamming of HF, VHF, and UHF radios, with a successful Difficult: Electronics or Difficult: Intelligence roll on the part of the EW specialists (either one) making radio enemy communications impossible for five minutes.  Outstanding success means that communications are impossible for 10 minutes.  Each roll jams 100 radios per roll, and as many rolls per minute may be made as desired as long as they are within jamming range (30 kilometers). Before jamming may be attempted, the radios to be affected must be found; this also is rolled for 100 radios at a time, and takes a separate Difficult: Electronics or Intelligence roll.  The EH-60 may also intercept enemy radio communications; this also uses a Difficult roll, but the computers on the Quick Fix do this by scanning communications and reporting intercepts to the EW specialists.  The Quick Fix may also conduct intrusion operations on a single enemy radio net at a time; this requires an Impossible roll (as well as some Language skills).  Meaconing may also be attempted; this also takes an Impossible roll.  The Quick Fix may be linked with a friendly ground intelligence unit, and automatically send it’s interception, intrusion, and meaconing findings to that ground station.  The ground station may then attempt its own intrusion and meaconing attempt, relayed through the Quick Fix.  It can also relay direction-finding and location capabilities; direction finding is an Average task, while location is an Impossible task.  Two cameras are also carried by the EH-60A and L; these have a range of 30km, and one is a motion picture camera.  The EH-60As cameras are film, while the EH-60L’s cameras are digital. Both have a capacity of 1048 photos and 3 minutes of motion pictures (and can be stopped and started by one the EW Specialist); getting clear photos or motion pictures is an Average: Electronics or Intelligence task. 66 EH-60As and seven EH-60Ls were converted from UH-60As and UH-60Ls, but starting in 2005, the EH-60As were taken out of service and converted back to their base airframes; it is not known whether the EH-60Ls ever reached active service.

     The YEH-60B SOTAS was another EW version of the UH-60A; it was designed to detect moving targets on the battlefield and downlink the information to Army ground stations for target disposition.  The SOTAS (Stand-Off Target Acquisition System) had its main landing gear modified to allow it to be pulled up and against the fuselage, allowing the large, rectangular radar fairing to rotate under the fuselage.  The radar is all-weather and can detect, locate, track, and classify up to 40 targets at one.  It has a range of 60 kilometers.  At the same time, the Air Force designed the Pave Mover, which was essentially the same aircraft with some slight differences.  The DoD recognized that this was redundant and at the same time, the Joint STARS (Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System) put the radar into a smaller footprint.  In 1982, the YEH-60B and the original Pave Mover were cancelled, and replaced with the EH-60B Pave Mover.

     The EH-60C Command Hawk is a special Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S) variant of the UH-60A, built for commanders at Brigade-level and above to monitor the battlefield situation with a large overview.  It is based on the UH-60A. It was originally designated the UH-60C. The electronics on the helicopter are designed to monitor multiple radio nets at one, with computers and a skilled radio operator to glean the important information for the commanders.  Other crewmembers include the commander, an intelligence officer, an Operations Officer, and a fire support operator. Exact crewmembers will vary with the situation. Each has a radio to allow him to communicate with their ground counterparts. The platform allows the commanders to achieve enhanced results in mission planning, mission execution, and mission support.  The helicopter is equipped with a BMS and a GPS system, tied into the navigation system.  It is equipped with the same AFCS as the VH-60N (roughly). All radios are data-capable.  The EH-60C is also equipped with an Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS; sort of an enhanced BMS). The EH-60C can also obtain a feed from other helicopters in the vicinity, including Apaches and drones. For civilian relief functions, the EH-60C can obtain feed from TV broadcasts, radio broadcasts, the Internet, relief agency communications, and if permitted, military transmissions from the host country. The EH-60C can detect false radio signals, or false GPS signals, and jam such communications within 30 kilometers (normal range is 50 kilometers for other Prophet functions). It can do some minor SIGINT, detecting and locating radio, radar (especially counterbattery radar) and radios and jamming sources (though it cannot counterjam them). This entire suite of equipment goes under the code name of AN/MLQ-40 Prophet. Information-gathering capabilities have a range of 50km. Special Operations have a version of this helicopter; this will be covered elsewhere.  The EH-60C was later upgraded to the UH-60L configuration, receiving the designation of EUH-60L, along with a total glass cockpit and displays for the command crew.

 

The “Presidential Hawk”

     Despite its designation, the VH-60N White Hawk is a heavily-modified variant of the UH-60A. Originally known as the VH-60A, they were redesignated to avoid confusion with the UH-60A.  These helicopters are flown only by the US Marines and are used to fly the President of the United States and other VIPs important to the US on short-range flights where larger helicopters would not be necessary or expedient.  Only nine of these variants exist.  They start out as standard UH-60As, but (and most of the modifications are classified), have upgraded engines, a powerful communications suite, with a communications officer’s position; EMP protection, biological/chemical warfare protection, a small weather radar on a chin mount, exhaust shields to protect against IR-guided missiles, a soundproofed, luxury cabin, and some minor ECM and IRCM protection.  Other modifications include a position added in the crew cabin for a communications specialist, the installation of the Seahawk’s Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).  As one might guess, the passenger cabin is luxurious and soundproofed, with a small TV, civilian radio, MP3 player with hard drive, and things like a small refrigerator and suchlike. The White Hawk has a sort of BMS installed, primarily to find the location of friendly assets and units, as well as fuel sources and to plot possible threats, and known locations of the civilian chain of command and cabinet secretaries. It can use the radio to make phone calls, to landlines or cell phones. No armament, or provision for it, is carried, however, it is not known whether it can mount the ESSS system. (If it can, it is most likely to use the hardpoints to carry fuel tanks and baggage pods.) It has also not been publicized whether the VH-60Ns have been upgraded to the UH-60L (or M) standard, but most likely the tail update, the glass cockpit, and the flight computers have been updated. The helicopter carrying the president always carries the call sign of Marine One; if carrying the Vice-President, it will carry the call sign of Marine Two.  If other VIPs are carried and the President or Vice-President are not aboard, it receives a call sign based on its tail numbers.  These are the only Black Hawks flown by the US Marines, and they are generally known as “Presidential Hawks.”

 

Dustoff Hawks

     The UH-60Q Dustoff Hawk is a Medevac variant of the UH-60A.  It was specially-designed internally for this role, including the ability to carry six litter patients on swing-out litter stands as well as three sitting patients.  It carries a doctor or PA or Nurse Practitioner, as well as a nurse (if a doctor is carried), or nurse or nurse practitioner or med tech (if a PA is the primary caregiver); they are normally trained in emergency medicine.  The UH-60Q carries an oxygen generation system (enough for all six litter patients), an IV solution cooling and warming unit, cardiac monitoring systems for the six litter patients, two defibrillators, a powered litter lift system, outlets for electrical power, and NOD-compatible cabin lighting.  The UH-60Q has all the medicines and equipment necessary to take care of nine patients, from bandages, splints, and burn dressings to morphine, antibiotics (in several forms), and IVs.  A small refrigerator carries whole blood, platelets, and plasma, as well as medicines that need to be refrigerated.  A small oven is used to heat blankets if necessary.  The cockpit has a FLIR system, primarily to locate landing sites and groups of soldiers with casualties. It also has weather radar, SATCOM radios, and a GPS.  It normally carries the ESSS with two large external fuel tanks (though the other two inner hardpoints are still present; they are not normally occupied as they get in the way of loading patients). The UH-60Q was later replaced by the HH-60L, with an airframe and engines built to the UH-60L standard.

     The US Air Force got off to an inauspicious start in its Dustoff Black Hawks.  They at first wanted what was essentially a regular operations version of a special operations Black Hawk, the MH-60D; this was flatly turned down by the Defense Appropriations Committee, and both were killed in funding.  They then developed a sort of MH-60D minus, the HH-60E; this largely lacked the night/adverse weather flying suite and had everything else, and it too was killed quickly.  The Air Force then tried a new prototype, sort of a stripped down HH-60E, but this too was not funded.  Therefore, the first USAF UH-60 Dustoff was the UH-60A Credible Hawk.  The Credible Hawk was the actual name of the helicopter, but was sort of a sarcastic name supplied to the DAC, “it may not be what we wanted or needed, but it’s good for now.”  The Credible Hawk has an extendible external refueling probe, a 443 liter additional fuel tank in the cargo bay, with one stretcher case carried atop the tank (and incidentally removing space for one other stretcher case).  They had HIRSS exhaust shields (a better version of the standard IR Suppression), and room for door gunner positions on either side (something not found on most dustoffs as a standard fit), as well as medical equipment like oxygen gear, defibrillators, IV Infusion systems and many IV bags and medications, as well as a small refrigerator for temperature-sensitive medicines.  The Credible Hawk can carry up to five stretcher cases, or three stretchers and three sitting patients.  It is staffed with a Doctor, PA, or Nurse Practitioner, and two medical techs. If the doors are shut and locked, the Credible Hawk has the benefits of NBC Overpressure. Some 82 Credible Hawks are known to have converted from standard UH-60As, others may have been converted on a temporary basis.

     The HH-60W 60-Whiskey is an improved variant of the UH-60A Credible Hawk, and it is also based on the HH-60M: it’s primary improvement is larger and relocated internal fuel tanks, giving the 60-Whiskey more range and more internal cabin space.  This allows for the carriage of two more sitting medical cases, or an additional medical specialist or other passenger.  It carries some additional medical equipment, and can operate one stretcher case as a small surgical suite. It has small freezers to cool the chill blankets, as well as a small refrigerator for temperature-sensitive medicines.  In addition, it has a blanket warmer for hypothermia victims. It a rearranged interior able to carry an amount of medical supplies that would make a hospital emergency room proud. It has power slide out and lift stretcher tables of the, meaning that the crew do not have to do so much manhandling of a stretcher case or back-breaking lifting.  The 60-Whiskey has the instruments to do surgery aboard the aircraft (if the ride is smooth enough to allow surgery; usually, only life-saving surgery is conducted aboard the aircraft). Full patient monitoring can be placed on the patient, whether on litters or sitting. The HH-60W has medical suction devices with an internal tank for medical and hazardous waste, as well as bins for soiled bandages, gauze, sponges, bit of uniform cut away, etc. In addition to normal vessels, the HH-60W can also land aboard hospital ships.  It should be noted that no equipment is removed from the HH-60W despite its changing internal configuration. The cabin light may generate high-intensity lighting for surgical or treatment use or lower lighting which is also NOD-compatible. The HH-60W can also take 4 sitting patients, or the litter tables can be swung up against the front and back of the cabin and the HH-60W can take up to 11 troops, plus the crew, or bulk cargo.  The 60-Whiskey also has increased maneuverability when compared to the UH-60A and UH-60Q. 60-Whiskeys are new-built aircraft with corrosion-resistant main structures, and, when delivered, will be zero-flight airframes. The 60-Whiskey has a new system called 3D LZ, able to allow the aircraft in degraded flight conditions like sandstorms or adverse weather conditions; it is sort of an enhanced FLIR system crossed with an advanced Image Intensification system. It is also capable of carrying weapons on its ESSS, but rarely does so, carrying fuel tanks instead. The HH-60W has the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the Pathfinder electro-optical suite.  The TopOwl system also shows on the helmet visor the location of friendly assets, combat information, and overlays of information from the Pathfinder suite, the ISAR radar, and the video and photo links to headquarters. The avionics have been miniaturized in some cases, and some new gadgets and avionics have been added in.  The lasers are on a turret in the nose of the aircraft, as are a near-infrared sensor, a color TV day/night camera.  Sponsons are fitted, carrying 700 liter of fuel apiece.  This sight interface can also slave the weapons to a laser designator and laser rangefinder.  Unlike earlier Dustoff Hawks, the 60-Whiskey has room for window guns, including M-240s, M-134s, or GAU-19/As; it is made for a more CSAR role. It has a long retractable probe for aerial refueling. The HH-60W has a BMS system and is fully integrated with Link 16 and BFT.  The HH-60W has more powerful T-700-GE-401D engines, developing 1940 shaft horsepower each.  Deliveries will begin in 2019.  These aircraft will replace aging HH-60Gs.  Unlike similar special ops CSAR helicopter variants of the Black Hawk, the HH-60W will not replace special ops HH-60s. Some 112 HH-60Ws are on order as of February 2017, though full-rate production is not expected to begin until 2023.

 

The AH-60 Battle Hawk

     The Battle Hawk was designed specifically for combat, ie, as a gunship.  It is a variant of the UH-60A. This replaces the crew with reloads for its weapons, with the exception of two door gunners for side shots and for pop-up targets.  The Battle Hawk carries the ESSS, and on it, generally a pair of 30mm M-230 Chainguns on the outer hard points, and ammunition for the M-230s on the inside hardpoints.  A third hardpoint is attached to the end of each ESSS, where a pair of 10-round Hydra-70 launchers, four Hellfire missiles, or four Stinger missiles.  The main landing gear are extended in length; this prevents the Hellfire missiles or rocket launchers on the wingtip hardpoints, when mounted, from bumping the ground. The door gunner’s M-134s are able to be locked just slightly less than forward to contribute to strafing and benefit from the sights of the Battle Hawk.

     This variant was not proceeded with by the US; however, the technology was later resurrected for the MH-60L DAP and certain Columbian and Australian aircraft.  Sikorsky has ungraded the Battle Hawk to the CH-60M standard; though available as a kit or full build, there have been no takers as of yet.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

UH-60A Black Hawk

$1,181,354

JP8

3.63 tons

10.25 tons

4+11

20

None

Enclosed

UH-60L Black Hawk

$1,770,157

JP8

4.39 tons

12.37 tons

4+11

24

None

Enclosed

UH-60M Black Hawk

$1,887,508

JP8

4.44 tons

12.67 tons

4+11

32

None

Enclosed

UH-60A+ Black Hawk

$1,565,433

JP8

4.39 tons

11.31 tons

4+11

24

None

Enclosed

UH-60V Black Hawk

$1,417,173

JP8

4.39 tons

12.4 tons

4+11

32

None

Enclosed

CH-60E Black Hawk

$2,746,909

JP8

3.62 tons

10.28 tons

4+11

22

FLIR, Weather Radar (150 km)

Enclosed

UH-60M+ ITEP

$1,902,408

JP8

5.55 tons

14.33 tons

4+11

32

None

Enclosed

EH-60A Quick Fix

$35,185,809

JP8

2.3 tons

15.56 tons

6

35

Radar (30km)

Enclosed

EH-60L Advanced Quick Fix

$35,203,589

JP8

3.06 tons

17.68 tons

6

39

Radar (30km)

Enclosed

EH-60B Pave Mover

$4,259,768

JP8

3.52 tons

10.69 tons

4

30

Radar (60km)

Enclosed

EH-60C Command Hawk

$11,244,189

JP8

3.27 tons

11.68 tons

9

35

Radar (50km)

Shielded (Doors Closed)

EUH-60L Command Hawk

$11,127,644

JP8

2.96 tons

13.95 tons

9

39

Radar (50km)

Shielded (Doors Closed)

VH-60N White Hawk

$14,074,252

JP8

2.21 tons

15.94 tons

3+6

44

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (40km)

Shielded

UH-60Q Dustoff Hawk

$2,505,070

JP8

3.35 tons

11.37 tons

2+6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

36

FLIR, Weather Radar (100km)

Enclosed

HH-60L Dustoff Hawk

$7,837,577

JP8

4.05 tons

13.36 tons

2+6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

40

FLIR, Weather Radar (100km)

Enclosed

UH-60A Credible Hawk

$2,964,048

JP8

3.05 tons

12.57 tons

4+5 Stretcher cases or 3 Stretchers and 3 Sitting Patients

26

None

Shielded (Doors Closed)

HH-60W 60-Whiskey

$16,821,354

JP8

2.8 tons

15.94 tons

4+6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

28

3rd Gen FLIR,3rd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (40km), TFR, Day/Night CCTV

Shielded (Doors Closed)

AH-60A Battle Hawk

$12,250,497

JP8

1.59 tons

12.02 tons

5+3

34

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar (30km)

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

UH-60A Black Hawk

448

210

43/40

2756

1436

5790

UH-60L Black Hawk

467

215

45/40

2756

1659

5790

UH-60M Black Hawk

542

249

52/35

3032

1880

7238

UH-60A+ Black Hawk

489

225

47/40

2756

1659

5790

UH-60V Black Hawk

496

230

48/40

2756

1772

5790

CH-60E Black Hawk

448

210

43/40

2756

1436

5790

UH-60M+ ITEP

677

315

54/35

3800

2678

7000

EH-60A Quick Fix

365

170

35/40

2756

1448

5790

EH-60L Advanced Quick Fix

380

175

37/40

2756

1673

5790

EH-60B Pave Mover

441

205

42/40

2756

1442

5790

EH-60C Command Hawk

424

195

41/40

2756

1448

5790

EUH-60L Command Hawk

439

202

43/40

2756

1673

5790

VH-60N White Hawk

355

165

32/40

3097

1448

5790

UH-60Q Dustoff Hawk

430

200

41/40

2756

1448

5790

UH-60A Credible Hawk

397

185

38/40

3197

1404

5790

HH-60W 60-Whiskey

421

196

40/35

4432

1641

7238

AH-60A Battle Hawk

395

185

38/40

2756

1359

5790

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

 

UH-60A Black awkHawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

UH-60L Black awkHawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, IRCM

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

UH-60M Black awkHawk

IFF, Secure Radios, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, IRCM, BMS

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4100x7.62mm or 2460x.50

 

UH-60A+ Black Hawk

IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (30/30), IFF, RWR, GPS, Secure Radios

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

UH-60V Black Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS/INS, Secure Radios

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

CH-60E Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS/INS

40m

+1 (w/ESSS Weapons Only)

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

UH-60M+ ITEP

Secure Radios, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, IRCM, BMS

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

EH-60A/EH-60L Quick Fix

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, Secure Radios, Radio Jammers (30km), Radio Intrusion Gear (30km), ECM

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

2000x7.62mm

 

EH-60B Pave Mover

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, RLF

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

 

EH-60C Command Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, ECM, ECCM, BMS, Secure Radios, RLF, Radar LF

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm

 

EUH-60L Command Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, ECCM, BMS, Secure Radios, RLF, IR Suppression, IRCM, Radar LF

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm

 

VH-60N White Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/30), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Radio Jammer (15 km)

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

 

UH-60Q Dustoff Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Refueling Probe

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

 

UH-60A Credible Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, IR Suppression. Secure Radios, Refueling Probe

40m

None

2xMAG or M-60 Doorguns, 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

2000x7.62mm

 

HH-60W 60-Whiskey

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/10), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30), BMS, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Refueling Probe, HUD, Helmet/Sight Interface, HIRSS IR Suppression

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Window Guns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

 

AH-60A Battle Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, GPS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, BMS, Secure Radios, Laser Designator

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned)

GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 2 Hardpoints (w/ESSS), 2xM-230 Chaingun

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50, 1900x30mm

 

 

Foreign Black Hawks

     Notes: About a score of countries have adopted the Black Hawk in a military role.  Most of these differ little from their parent aircraft, other than language on controls and avionics and suchlike.  Civilian S-70s may be built at Sikorsky’s plant in the US or it’s subordinate plant in Poland.

     The British actually went into the testing phase with three Black Hawks; these has Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM-322 engines developing 2270 shaft horsepower each, and were designated WS-70 Black Hawk.  Their more powerful engines gave them fantastic performance (though also fantastically-high fuel consumption) than the UH-60As upon which they were based, though eventually the British Army decided to go with Eurocopter-produced helicopters (and they wanted a chopper that could carry units like their antitank, SAM, forward observation, and intelligence/reconnaissance teams, which carry a lot of out-sized equipment), and the WS-70s were returned to the US and converted back to UH-60As, and then one was sold to Bahrain. Only one WS-70 was actually used for tests and it had to be refurbished before it was sold to Bahrain, though it kept the British engines.  Bahrain did not use their new Black Hawk as a military aircraft; they used it in a manner similar to the US’s VH-60N, and outfitted in a similar manner.  The Bahraini Black Hawk has been upgraded, and is now using the UH-60L standard. Their Black Hawk was designated the S-70A-14 Black Hawk and the upgraded one the S-70L-14. The VIP models kept their Westland engines, but used US-made cockpits and avionics, with a Middle Eastern luxury suite and labels on the cockpit and in the cabin.  The S-70L-14 also kept its Westland engines

     The Egyptians are some of the largest foreign users of the Black Hawk, with a fleet of 70 UH-60As.  They are designated S-70A-21s. Hong Kong also uses two, designated S-70A-27. Jordan operates the UH-60A as their primary medium-lift helicopter; it is designated the S-70A-11. Mexico has two, designated S-70A-24.  Morocco has two, designated S-70A-26.  Philippines have two, designated S-70A-5. Thailand has four; two are utility transports, UH-60As designated S-70A-6; they also have two S-70A-20 VIP Transports, in many ways similar to the VH-60N, but without much of the avionics.  Turkey has 12 UH-60As, designated S-70A-17 Yarasa, used by police SRT units.  The Turkish government also use two VIP models, again similar to the VH-60N except for the avionics.  In 2011, Turkey selected the UH-60L in its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program, and they intend to have a force of 121 UH-60Ls. The Argentines have one VH-60N as their presidential transport, identical to the US VH-60N for game purposes, though specific outfitting will be with Argentine luxuries instead of US-type.  The Greeks have an amount of Black Hawks, which are designated UH-60A Aegean Hawk. Brazil and Poland both build the UH-60A under license; however, Poland does not actually use the UH-60A, instead re-selling them to countries where sales of the UH-60A may be a little more politically sensitive for the US.  In 2015, Tunisia bought 12 UH-60Ms. 

     The UH-60L is used by South Korea.  These were license-built in the ROK by Korean Air, and have some additional avionics and ECM.  Their variant is called the UH-60P, and they are the largest foreign user, with some 150 built and used by the ROK Army and Marines.  The HH-60H is used by the ROK Navy, and is designated the HH-60P; it is identical to the HH-60H for game purposes.

     The S-70C series is not actually a different helicopter (it is a UH-60A), but the designation was used when selling Black Hawks to countries where the sale to them may be politically sensitive.  Brunei has one S-70C, fitted out as a VIP transport; it is the same as the VH-60N for game purposes, except for luxury items and labeling.  The PRC has 24 S-70C-2, where they are the most powerful rotorcraft in the Chinese inventory for their size.  They are modified for high/hot operations. Obtaining spares have been difficult since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and they appear to be locally making spares. Taiwan has 14 S-70Cs; these are for SAR duties and have a 250kg rescue hoist with 60 meters of cable, food items like PowerBars and soup, some drinks (mostly chilled or hot water), and an oven for six heated blankets.  SARBirds are designated Blue Hawks, while military versions are stock and designated Thunder Hawk.

     The UH-60J is the version for the Japanese JASDF.  It is based on the UH-60A, but has T700-IHI-701A engines developing 1720 shaft horsepower each.  Most of these are equivalent to UH-60Qs. The JASDF ordered 30 for the Ground Forces; another 20 were ordered by the Maritime Forces and will be covered under Foreign Naval Variants.  In 1995, the JGSDF ordered a version of the UH-60L, with domestically-produced T700-IHI-701C engines developing 1800 shaft horsepower, and designated the UH-60JA.  The UH-60JA has upgraded avionics compared to its US counterparts, with a FLIR camera, color weather radar, GPS with an INS backup, and a NOD-compatible cockpit and cabin lighting.  Japanese UH-60s and their variants are produced by Mitsubishi.

     Australia was given a single UH-60L by Sikorsky for evaluation, leading to license-production of 38 more by Hawker/de Havilland domestically.  They were originally assigned to the RAAF, but were later shifted to the Australian Army.  They are for the most part UH-60Ls with advanced IR Suppression (HIRSS), cable-cutting blades, the Seahawk’s AFCS, a folding stabilator, an external rescue hoist with a capacity of 400 kilograms and 60 meters of cable, and some Australian-designed avionics in place of American designed components.  They are designated CH-60L. The Australian Army are in the process of buying AH-60L Battle Hawks; however, Australian versions will have a chin-mounted 20mm Gatling gun turret, along with the FLIR, laser designator, targeting computer, and laser rangefinder; the wingtip hardpoints are omitted.  They have a laser rangefinder, laser designator, laser warning receiver, and are able to fire rockets that use the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. They are sort of like the Australian’s “Hind”, able to carry an 8-man infantry squad or extra ammunition.  They are used for armed reconnaissance.

     Israel received, free of charge, ten US Army surplus UH-60As in 1994. The IAF later bought 24 new-build UH-60Ls.  These are identical to their parent designs, except for some Israeli-designed electronics, additional ECM, ECCM and IRCM, larger flare and chaff dispensers, and some Israeli-designed avionics in place of their US-designed counterparts, made by Elbit.  Cockpit labels are in English and Hebrew.  The Israelis are in the process of buying ten AH-60L Battle Hawks, similar to the AH-60A but based on the UH-60L, with appointments similar to the Australian AH-60L, and with a single-barreled 20mm cannon instead of a Gatling gun. It has a rotor blade/tail rotor system similar to the US UH-60M.  The Israeli AH-60Ls normally carry .50-caliber machineguns on their wingtip hardpoints.  The M3M system is unitary. In a pod, and does not need a separate hardpoint to carry the ammunition.

     Saudi Arabia has 21 UH-60As for utility transport, which they call S-70A-1 Desert Hawks.  They have sand shields on their intakes, but are otherwise stock. Eight more are Medevac versions identical to the UH-60Q Dustoff Hawk, and one is decked out as a VIP transport, and similar to the VH-60N.  The Saudis intend to have a total UH-60 force of 72, a mix of UH-60As, UH-60Ls, and UH-60Ms, and several of their subtypes.

     Columbia also operates the UH-60L, which they call the Arpia.  These have additional electronics and avionics.  They also operate a version of the AH-60L Battle Hawk, which they call the Arpia III; these carry M-3M machineguns on their third (wingtip) hardpoint, with ammunition feed from a canister on the second hardpoint.  The UAE also operates three of this AH-60L version, in addition to 12 UH-60Ls and 40 UH-60Ms.  The AH-60Ls are outfitted similarly to the Israeli Battle Hawks. In addition to normal avionics, their UH-60s have a laser warning receiver (LWR) and some night vision.  They also call their UH-60s Desert Hawks. UAE have modified engines which allow for hot/high operations, a by-product of the UH-60M engines.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

WS-70 Black Hawk

$1,110,895

JP8

3.63 tons

10.26 tons

4+11

20

None

Enclosed

S-70A-14 Black Hawk

$14,118,448

JP8

2.2 tons

15.9 tons

3+6

44

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (40km)

Shielded

S-70L-14 Black Hawk

$19,000,328

JP8

2.08 tons

16.38 tons

3+6

46

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (40km)

Shielded

S-70A-20 Black Hawk

$7,578,710

JP8

2.54 tons

14.53 tons

3+6

41

2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (100km), Radar (30km)

Shielded

S-70A-18 Black Hawk

$8,418,968

JP8

2.37 tons

15.2 tons

3+6

46

FLIR, Weather Radar (100km), Radar (40km)

Shielded

UH-60P Black Hawk

$6,111,881

JP8

4.04 tons

13.76 tons

4+11

29

2nd Gen Image Intensification, Thermal Imaging, Weather Radar (100km)

Enclosed

S-70C-2 Black Hawk

$1,299,490

JP8

3.63 tons

10.25 tons

4+11

20

None

Enclosed

S-70C-1 Black Hawk

$1,169,691

JP8

3.61 tons

10.34 tons

4+11 or Six Stretcher Patients and Two Sitting Patients

22

None

Enclosed

UH-60J Black Hawk

$2,505,070

JP8

3.35 tons

11.37 tons

2+6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

36

FLIR, Weather Radar (100km)

Enclosed

UH-60JA Black Hawk

$9,337,884

JP8

4.01 tons

13.89 tons

4+11

24

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km)

Enclosed

CH-60L Black Hawk

$11,441,309

JP8

3.96 tons

13.07 tons

4+11

27

None

Enclosed

AH-60L Battle Hawk

$17,547,550

JP8

1.65 tons

15.08 tons

5+7

38

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (30km)

Enclosed

UH-60L (IAF) Black Hawk

$11,513,343

JP8

4.05 tons

13.72 tons

4+11

24

None

Enclosed

AH-60L Battle Hawk (IAF)

$17,736,363

JP8

1.24 tons

14.25 tons

5+6

35

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (40km)

Enclosed

UH-60L Arpia

$1,881,714

JP8

4.37 tons

12.45 tons

4+11

26

FLIR

Enclosed

AH-60L Arpia III

$11,526,048

JP8

2.02 tons

13.59 tons

5+6

37

FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (30km)

Enclosed

UH-60L Desert Hawk

$5,992,247

JP8

4.09 tons

13.59 tons

4+11

26

2nd Gen Image Intensification

Enclosed

UH-60M Desert Hawk

$3,442,823

JP8

4.09 tons

13.61 tons

4+11

27

2nd Gen Image Intensification

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

WS-70 Black Hawk

616

285

59/40

2756

2018

6243

S-70A-14 Black Hawk

421

197

41/40

3097

2299

5790

S-70L-14 Black Hawk

413

193

39/40

3097

2320

5790

S-70A-20 Black Hawk

446

208

42/40

3097

2157

5790

S-70A-18 Black Hawk

433

214

43/40

3097

2215

5790

UH-60P Black Hawk

434

201

42/40

2756

1762

5760

S-70C-2 Black Hawk

448

210

43/40

2756

1508

7200

S-70C-1 Black Hawk

446

209

43/40

2756

1514

5790

UH-60J Black Hawk

458

213

44/40

2756

1495

5790

UH-60JA Black Hawk

440

203

42/40

2756

1770

5790

CH-60L Black Hawk

437

206

43/35

2756

1685

6017

AH-60L Battle Hawk

372

174

36/35

2756

1454

5790

UH-60L (IAF) Black Hawk

445

205

43/40

2756

1741

5790

AH-60L Battle Hawk (IAF)

386

180

37/35

2756

1406

5790

UH-60L Arpia

465

214

45/40

2756

1666

5790

AH-60L Arpia III

394

184

38/40

2756

1540

5790

UH-60L Desert Hawk

447

205

43/40

2756

1737

5790

UH-60M Desert Hawk

541

249

52/35

3032

1992

7238

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

WS-70 Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS

40m

None

2xL-7A2 or M-134 Doorguns, 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm

S-70A-14 Black Hawk

IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/30), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, Secure Radios, Radio Jammer (15 km)

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70L-14 Black Hawk

Advanced IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/30), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, SATCOM Radio, Secure Radios, Radio Jammer (15 km)

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70A-20 Black Hawk

IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, INS, ECM, Secure Radios

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70A-18 Black Hawk

IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, ECM, IRCM, SATCOM Radio, Secure Radios, Radio Jammer (15 km)

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

UH-60P Black Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, ECCM, LWR, RL, Secure Radios

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

S-70C-2 Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS

40m

None

2xType 80 or Type 89 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x12.7mm

S-70C-2 Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, Rescue Hoist (250kg/60m)

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

UH-60J Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/30), RWR, GPS, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Refueling Probe

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

UH-60JA Black Hawk

IFF, Advanced IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, Secure Radios

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

CH-60L Black Hawk

IFF, Advanced IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (50/50), RWR, GPS/INS, IRCM, ECM, Secure Radios, SATCOM Radios, Rescue Hoist (400 kg/60m), AFCS

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x.50

AH-60L Battle Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60), RWR, GPS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, BMS, LWR, Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Advanced IR Suppression, APKWS, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, Cable Cutters

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned)

GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS), 20mm M-193 Gatling Gun

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50, 2800x20mm

UH-60L (IAF) Black Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (50/50/15), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, ECCM, Secure Radios

40m

None

2xMAG, Negev, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 5500x5.56mm, or 2400x.50

AH-60L Battle Hawk (IAF)

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60), RWR, GPS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, BMS, LWR, Secure Radios, Laser Designator, Advanced IR Suppression, APKWS, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, Cable Cutters

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned)

2xMAG, Negev, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 3 Hardpoints, M3M (x2), 20mm M-693 Autocannon

7500x7.62mm or 10000x5.56mm, 15000x.50, 3000x20mm

UH-60L Arpia

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, IRCM, ECM, LWR

40m

None

M-60 or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm

AH-60L Arpia III

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60), RWR, GPS, ECM, IRCM, LWR, Secure Radios, Laser Designator, IR Suppression, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned)

GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 2 Hardpoints (w/ESSS), 2xM-3M Machineguns

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50, 7500x.50

UH-60L Desert Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS, IRCM, LWR, Sand Shields

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x12.7mm

UH-60M Desert Hawk

IFF, Secure Radios, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR, GPS/INS, ECM, IRCM, LWR, Sand Shields, Refueling Probe

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns; 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

4000x7.62mm or 2400x12.7mm

 

Civilian Black Hawks

     Notes: Civilian Black Hawks are present in more numbers than military Black Hawks, but not as much as you think; the Black Hawks supplied to civilian agencies are minimally modified for their role and as they are designed as military helicopters, are more expensive IRL than their civilian helicopter counterparts, though more robust and generally with better avionics.  Civilian Black Hawks are generally not designated as Black Hawks except on an informal basis, and are designated S-70 instead of UH-60.  Most civilian S-70s are used for Medevac due to their high speed and ample cargo cabin, and are generally outfitted as per the UH-60Q, HH-60L, or HH-60M (without refueling probes and without door guns).  Most fly with side doors closed.  They retain armored seats, armored rotors, and general aircraft armor, something police aviators using Black Hawks appreciate.  They usually mount a searchlight in the nose, and are often mounted with 2nd Gen FLIR.  They do not usually have secure or SATCOM radios.  They generally have more powerful 1890-shaft horsepower engines than those on military Black Hawks, and are sometimes used as straight cargo birds. Other common uses are firefighting water-dropping vehicles and helicopters to drop fire jumpers. (Firefighting and their support S-70s are often called Fire Hawks.)

     Some are outfitted as VIP transports, with somewhat less avionics than the VH-60N.  Other outfits include Movie/TV production, charter VIP aircraft, and aerial lift of cumbersome cargoes. (Examples are necessarily general.)

     Fire Hawks who are water bombers can carry a 3407-liter Bambi Bucket, 3208-liter bucket, 2498-liter bucket, or 2044-liter bucket, or unitary water bins, which can be reloaded by a dip/vacuum system or from the ground.  (The unitary water bins have the advantage of being capable of more precise water bombing, the ability to drop water in more than one place until the bin is empty, and can carry fire retardant whereas buckets cannot, but are more complicated to fill up). The Fire Hawks can be loaded with water or fire retardant, though the use of fire retardant will require one or more flushes with water before water may be used again.  Fire Hawks using buckets generally come with those buckets separately; those with unitary water/retardant bins have them built onto the underside of the aircraft, and have extended landing gear. (Water is 1 kilogram per liter; fire retardant is about 1.1 kilograms per liter.) The bins can be filled at the airfield or forward facility, or they may pick up water by dropping a vacuum hose into a lake or pond. (Some firefighting helicopters have even refilled through swimming pools!) The figures below are with empty bins; speed and agility will decrease accordingly as water or retardant is loaded. Fire Hawks which drop Smoke Jumpers are specially set up for this role, but can also drop water through the use of a bucket. Fire Hawks are designated SK-70s. They are generally painted bright red, or largely bright red.

     Aerial TV/Movie platforms have the virtue of giving the companies a low-vibration platform, and can mount cameras in a chin turret or from the doors.  Several cameras of different sizes, speeds, or light sensitivity (or night vision) can be carried, shooting out the door; even large I-MAX camera setups can be accommodated. Movies include Universal Soldier, The Manchurian Candidate, Wolverine, Act of Valor, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Salt.  TV credits are too numerous to be mentioned here.

     Some Police departments use the S-70; kit-outs include FLIR, 2nd Generation FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Radar, and the lifting of aerial snipers, shooters and spotters. (They are not often used by police forces, however, due to their size and expense.)  Those departments who use them generally call them Blue Hawks. They also have loudspeaker systems.  They do not normally carry doorguns or doorgunners; the extra crewmen normally operate the cameras, searchlight, and night vision or other listening devices. “High-Tech” versions (for lack of another term) are police versions with extra avionics and equipment, normally used for reconnaissance and for chasing down dangerous suspects and vehicles.  They retain many of the features of military Black Hawks.

     Many designations in this section are provisional, used to help differentiate the helicopters, and are not real designations.  Most civilian Black Hawks are based on the UH-60A airframe and for some of the components; however, they generally have updated electrical systems, hydraulics, running gear, and the aforementioned higher-power turboshafts.  They may also have modifications like chin turrets, belly turrets, bulges, domes, the tail modification of the UH-60L, the glass cockpit of a UH-60M, etc.

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

S-70AQ Dustoff Hawk

$1,702,278

JP8

3.74 tons

10.63 tons

2+6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

33

FLIR, WL Searchlight

Enclosed

S-70P Blue Hawk

$2,577,543

JP8

3.75 tons

10.55 tons

4+11

28

FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, WL/IR Searchlight

Enclosed

S-70P Blue Hawk (High-Tech)

$7,710,054

JP8

3.57 tons

11.27 tons

4+11

32

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, WL/IR Searchlight, MMW Radar (5 km)

Enclosed

SK-70 Fire Hawk (3407-liter bin)

$933,044

JP8

3.73 tons

10.65 tons

3

19

FLIR, WL/IR Searchlight

Enclosed

SK-70 Fire Hawk (3208-liter bin)

$933,039

JP8

3.73 tons

10.63 tons

3

19

FLIR, WL/IR Searchlight

Enclosed

SK-70 Fire Hawk (2498-liter bin)

$933,024

JP8

3.8 tons

10.56 tons

3

19

FLIR, WL/IR Searchlight

Enclosed

SK-70 Fire Hawk (2044-liter bin)

$933,014

JP8

3.83 tons

10.51 tons

3

19

FLIR, WL/IR Searchlight

Enclosed

SK-70 Fire Hawk (Smoke Jumper)

$1,014,609

JP8

3.67 tons

10.41 tons

2+6

19

FLIR, WL/IR Searchlight, Radar (5 km)

Enclosed

S-70A Civilian VIP

$8,874,750

JP8

2.59 tons

14.44 tons

2+ Up To 8

40

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km)

Enclosed

S-70A Aerial Movie/TV Camera Mount

$2,021,327

JP8

3.55 tons

11.57 tons

4

26

2nd Gen Image Intensification, 2 Standard Motion Picture Cameras, 1 HD Camera, 1 High-Speed Camera, 2 Night Vision Cameras (400m and 4000m)

Enclosed

S-70 Civilian Base

 

JP8

3.88 tons

10.25 tons

2+13

 

None

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

S-70AQ Dustoff

514

240

49/40

2756

1626

5790

S-70P Blue Hawk

502

235

48/40

2756

1665

5790

S-70P Blue Hawk (High-Tech)

492

231

47/35

2756

1699

5790

SK-70 Fire Hawk (3407-liter bin)

500

230

48/40

2756

1642

5790

SK-70 Fire Hawk (3208-liter bin)

501

230

48/40

2756

1658

5790

SK-70 Fire Hawk (2498-liter bin)

502

230

48/40

2756

1665

5790

SK-70 Fire Hawk (2044-liter bin)

503

230

40/40

2756

1668

5790

SK-70 Fire Hawk (Smoke Jumper)

514

238

49/40

2756

1626

5790

S-70A Civilian VIP

447

208

40/40

3097

1636

5790

S-70A Aerial Movie/TV Camera Mount

490

229

47/35

2756

1668

5790

S-70 Civilian Base

520

243

50/40

2756

1645

5790

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

S-70AQ Dustoff

GPS, Transponder

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70P Blue Hawk

IFF, GPS, Transponder, LED Vision Dazzler, Loudspeaker

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70P Blue Hawk (High-Tech)

IFF, GPS, Transponder, LED Vision Dazzler, IR Suppression, ECM, Flares (30), Secure Radios, Loudspeaker

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

SK-70 Fire Hawk

GPS, Transponder, Water/Fire Retardant Unitary Bin, Secure Radios

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

SK-70 Fire Hawk (Smoke Jumper)

GPS, Transponder, Secure Radios

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70A Civilian VIP

IFF, IR Suppression, RWR, GPS, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70A Aerial Movie/TV Camera Mount

GPS, Transponder, 75 Film Canisters, Laser Rangefinder

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

S-70 Civilian Base

GPS, Transponder

40m

None

4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

 

Naval SH-60 Seahawks

     Notes: In 1977, the US Navy had a problem.  Their LAMPS (Light Airborne Multipurpose System) had been developed into a Mark II configuration, but the Navy’s ASW helicopter at the time, the Kaman Seasprite, was not big enough or powerful enough to be equipped with the Mark II version of LAMPS.  Soon thereafter, the Mk II was improved into a Mk III version (LAMPS III) by IBM Federal Systems, and the Seaprite definitely could not handle it.  They Army had a big, powerful helicopter in the Black Hawk, so the Navy decided to develop their own version, to be designated the SH-60B Seahawk.  They selected the SH-70B in 1977, with full production ordered in February 1978; the first production SH-60B flew in February 1983, and operational service began in 1984, with operational deployment beginning in 1985.  The lines and specs of the SH-60B are very similar to the Army’s UH-60A, and the two have 83% parts commonality. Foreign users of the basic SH-60B include Spain, India, and Singapore.  Israel also uses the SH-60B Block I helicopters.

     A LAMPS helicopter is meant to be a modular multipurpose helicopter, which means that it is designed to perform a variety of roles; in this case, the Seahawk performs roles ranging from cargo and personnel transport to antisubmarine warfare. The primarily difference between the SH-60B and the Army’s UH-60A are its equipment package and that most of the airframe of the SH-60B is treated to be corrosion-resistant in the salty air environment.  SH-60B-specific equipment includes the RAST (Recovery Assist Secure and Traverse) system, which allows the Seahawk to land on ships with only a small landing platform by dropping a cable with a hook on a reel.  This allows the helicopter, once the cable is secured to the landing pad, to reel itself onto surprisingly small pads, even in rough weather.  (Crews call this “harpoon” gear.) The main rotor folds so that it lies down the center of the rear of the aircraft.  The stabilator and tailfin also fold, and the Seahawk’s stabilator is rectangular instead of having a swept rear edge, and folds up on each side of the tailfin.  The entire tail can also be unbolted and removed for air transport or sling loading. The Seahawk may also be distinguished by the landing gear; the tail gear is moved to the rear of the fuselage instead of being on the tail boom, and has two wheels instead of one.  The landing gear is also taller than the standard Black Hawk, and does not have the heavy-duty shock absorber system of the UH-60 series.

     The crew seats are unarmored to lighten the structure, and the cockpit doors and cabin doors are jettisonable with explosive bolts, to assist crew escape in case of ditching.  When ditching, floats deploy, which keep the Seahawk on the surface for up to 3 hours (depending on the sea state and the violence of the ditching). The Seahawk not only has secure radios, but has a secure datalink that is able to transmit video (if so equipped) radio transcripts, and other data as generated by its instruments.  The datalink antenna is in a dome under the tail boom. The Seahawk has a very efficient autopilot, allowing the aircraft even to hover while maintaining altitude, attitude, and position automatically; this is the AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System). The Seahawk is air conditioned, not for the benefit of the crew, but for the avionics suite.  Fuel capacity is increased, and the Seahawk has a HIFS (Hover In-Flight System) allows the Seahawk to hover above or alongside a ship and be refueled. The SH-60 normally uses the ESSS winglets, and generally carries weapons on them, though drop tanks or ECM/IRCM pods may also be carried.  The SH-70B has a 270-kilogram rescue hoist on the right side of the cabin, with 60 meters of cable, though this is removable to save weight. (The stats below reflect the SH-60B with the hoist installed.)  There is a sling load hook beneath the Seahawk, as on the Black Hawk.

     Of course, the primary feature of the SH-60B is the LAMPS III suite, which includes a powerful radar in a chin drum mount; this radar is able to look 360 degrees around the aircraft, and at normal search altitude (about 150 meters), has a range of 240 kilometers.  In four boxes in the chin and rear fuselage are the ESM (Electronic Support Measures), also known as the ELS (Emitter Location System), which locates electronic and IR emissions from ships and sometimes submarines. The Seahawk has a MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detector) system to assist in locating and identifying submarines and surface ships.  It may be extended on a short boom or towed up to 25 meters behind the Seahawk, which is better for detecting submarines and USVs.  This is in a tube on the right side of the fuselage. The Seahawk has sonobuoy tubes; the SH-60B carries 125 sonobuoys (25 in each of five tubes), and these are dropped from the rear of the fuselage in a pattern which may be automatic or controlled by the crew.  The Seahawk carries both active and passive sonobuoys.  The SH-60B has a stub pylon on the side and to the rear of the cabin doors to carry either two Mk 46 homing torpedoes or two 455-liter fuel tanks.

     All this equipment makes the SH-60B considerably heavier than the UH-60A.  To counter this, the SH-60B has more powerful T700-GE-401 engines, which develop 1690 shaft horsepower each.  The transmission is also modified to handle the more powerful engines. The engines and the transmission are also treated to be corrosion resistant in salt air.  Despite the more powerful engines, the SH-60B is not as fast as the UH-60B and has less maneuverability, due to the weight and drag caused by the radar and various bulges and clutter on the aircraft.

     Due to operations in the Persian Gulf from 1987 and before, the Middle East Force Modification (MEF-MOD), was done, leading to these SH-60Bs being referred to as the “Mideast Seahawk.”  It has become the standard iteration of the SH-60B. Modifications include more powerful T700-GE-401C engines with 1900 shaft horsepower each, and the appropriate transmission, improving performance considerably. They were equipped with a laser jammer similar to that of the Stingray Bradley (see US Tracked Armored Personnel Carriers, generally referred to as a “disco light jammer”), flare and chaff dispensers, a radar warning system to alert the crew of missile launches and approaches, M-60D door guns, FLIR, and stabilized binoculars.  Some 25 were given these modifications.

     Just before the 1991 Gulf War, the Block I modifications were underway, and most SH-60Bs were upgraded to this standard.  Once again, no special designation was allotted to the newly-modified SH-60Bs.  The Block I SH-60B includes the MEF-MOD package, as well as the installation of GPS, a more powerful flight computer, the replacement of the M-60D door guns with GAU-19/As, and dual digital avionics buses.  One of the primary goals for the Block I was to allow the SH-60B to carry and fire more modern ASW weapons, including the Mk 50 Barracuda torpedo, and the AGM-199 Penguin antiship missile.  In addition to the standard flare and chaff dispensers, the Block I carries an oversized chaff bundle (about the equivalent of ten normal chaff bundles) called an AIRBAC that is ejected from a sonobuoy tube (removing the capacity to carry 25 of its sonobuoys).  It is dropped in the path of an incoming antiship missile to decoy the missile from its ship target.  The left ESSS was also extended to include one more hardpoint.  (The right side ESSS could not be extended, since the stores would get in the way of the rescue hoist.)

     The SH-60F Ocean Hawk (it is known to its crews as Ocean Hawk, though its official DoD name is still Seahawk) was designed to replace the SH-3 Sea King ASW/SAR helicopter. It may be thought of as a “stripped” version of the MEF-MOD (though not the Block I) SH-60B, It is designed primarily for “Angel” service (rescuing those aviators who have to ditch soon after takeoff or landing, also known as Plane Guards), but may also be used for general SAR service and close-in antisubmarine and antishipping duties.  The Ocean Hawk deletes the RAST gear, since it is not required to land on the pads of small ships, and the LAMPS III suite is replaced with a less sophisticated and comprehensive suite.  It adds a dipping sonar, but the sonobuoy launchers are removed, replaced by a single sonobuoy launcher with 8 sonobuoys in a rack and the launcher loaded manually.  The left winglet is extended to include one more hardpoint, but as the Ocean Hawk retains the SAR hoist, the right winglet is not extended, as on the SH-60B Block I.  The Ocean Hawk also has a sling hook under the fuselage to allow it to transport cargo; this hook is able to hoist up to the maximum cargo capacity of the SH-60F.  One more crewmember is added, an acoustic sensor operator (ASO). The Ocean Hawk can carry fuel tanks or Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedoes, but not antiship missiles. The door guns are limited to M-60Ds, M-240Ds, or M-2HBs, on each side of the cabin. The SH-60F has an extra fuel tank, located behind the pilot and in front of the TSO’s (Tactical Systems Operator) position. The SH-60F went into service just before the 1991 Gulf War. In addition to the US Navy, the SH-60F is used by Israel, Spain, and the US Coast Guard.  In the US Navy, the SH-60F was replaced by the MH-60S Knight Hawk, in the Coast Guard, they were replaced by a variant of the MH-60S.  The SH-60Fs were modified for naval VIP duties, unofficially designated the SH-60I, and moved to the Coast Guard, in the early 2000s.

     The HH-60H was developed in conjunction with the Coast Guard’s HH-60J, and both are based on the SH-60F.  Though the official DoD name for the HH-60H is the Seahawk, it is invariably called the Rescue Hawk by crews and ground and shipboard personnel. Its primary mission is CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue) of Marines and Naval Special Warfare teams, but it can also can conduct antishipping warfare.  It is equipped with ECM, IRCM, and radar, as well as night vision, and has a NOD-friendly cockpit. It uses a variant of the T700-GE-401C engines with 1940 shaft horsepower each. It can guide its weapons by laser and can carry such missiles in addition to standard naval weapons, and on the extended side of the ESSS, the HH-60H often carries a quartet of Hellfire missiles, and sometimes on other hardpoints (though those hardpoints more often carry fuel tanks).  It is also capable of using 19-round rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, Mavericks, or virtually the entire complement of US Navy torpedoes and missiles. It carries the Aircraft Survival Equipment (ASE) package, including ECM, ECCM, IRCM, Laser Warning and radar warning receivers, and flare and chaff dispensers.  It also carries door guns of various types.  In addition to the ESSS, it has one hardpoint on both sides for ordnance or fuel tanks. It has a rescue hoist on the left side with a capacity 270 kilograms and 60 meters of cable, and room for two stretcher cases and four seated medical patients, plus a doctor and nurse and ample medical supplies, on a Medevac mission.  On a standard team or Marine recovery mission, the Rescue Hawk may carry its crew and eight troops, though in extremis 10 troops may be squeezed in. Troops may also be delivered or recovered using fast rope, rappelling, STABO, SPIE and McGuire rigs, CRRC, parachute drops, and boat deployment using a sling-loaded boat.   In “Angel” flights, at least one combat rescue swimmer (CRS) is almost always carried. The HH-60H has a refueling probe and can be refueled in air.  Note that the HH-60H is not equipped for ASW; that is the job of the SH-60F, and squadrons aboard most ships have three HH-60Hs and three SH-60Fs, and in maritime warfare, they operate in concert.  Some 45 were built. The HH-60H was replaced by the MH-60S, starting in 2002; however, some HH-60Hs still remain in service with the US Navy.

     The HH-60J Jayhawk (though its official name is still Seahawk) is also based on the SH-60F and is optimized for use as a SARbird.  It replaced the HH-3 Pelican, as with a full load of extra fuel tanks, it can continue to search and remain on station for up to seven hours.  (The Jayhawk cannot, as the Pelican could, land on water.)   It has a state-of-the art electronics suite, to aid in finding victims as well as smuggling boats and aircraft. It can also mount a compartment similar to a firefighting water bin that carries oil-dispersal agents in the case of oil spills. It carries a crew of four (two pilots, one rescue swimmer, and one rescue swimmer/medic).  It has a rescue winch with a 270-kilogram capacity and 60 meters of cable, and has room to rescue up to six people.  The Jayhawk carries two stretchers and room for four sitting patients. It carries IV solutions of several types, a complement of medication, and a warmer for the IV saline solution for hypothermia cases.  It has a blanket warmer for three blankets, and compartments for MREs and special survival rations, as well as a 100-liter drinking water tank.  It has a defibrillator and plenty of bandages and materials for burn treatment, as well as Dawn dishwashing soap for oil removal.  The cabin also has a large fuel tank in it at the rear, with lockers all around it.; the Jayhawk also has an in-flight refueling probe. For antismuggling duties, the Jayhawk has an M-240D on one side and a Barrett M-107 antimateriel rifle mounted on the other for general warning shots and to shoot out engines and hostiles. The mounted M-107A1 is essentially on a tripod, and has one-half the recoil of an M-107A1 on a bipod. The first Jayhawk entered USCG service in 1990, and by 1996, production was complete; 42 were built.  The HH-60J began to be modified into the MH-60T configuration in 2009, and upgrades to all 42 are expected were finished in 2015.

     The MH-60R (officially called the Seahawk, but more often referred to as the Romeo Hawk or simply Romeo), has an “M” designation to reflect its multimission role.  It carries out jobs including Angel Flights, SARbird and CSAR, antishipping and antisubmarine warfare, cargo and vertical replenishment, transporting sling loads, and medivac, as well as general Naval fire support, equipped with cannons and Hellfire missiles on its ESSS winglets and machineguns on its sponsons.  It can also be used to destroy mines; the gunner has an M-107A1 for this purpose. And organic guns may also be used. The Romeo Hawk is equipped with multimode radar, including ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar), a dipping sonar which can operate at low, medium, and high frequency, en electronic defensive suite, a comprehensive night vision/thermal detection suite, sponsons which can carry fuel tanks or a variety of weapons, including torpedoes, antishipping missiles, Hellfire or Maverick missiles, or M-3M machineguns, Miniguns or GAU-19A pods.  The Romeo Hawk has a long-range laser rangefinder and designator for this purpose; the Hellfires and Mavericks, as well as some of the naval weapons, can also be guided by the MH-60R’s radar. The MH-60R carries SH-60B Block I-type ESSS winglets, which can carry fuel tanks or the same sorts of weapons.  It carries sonobuoys and one AIRBAC chaff dispenser.  The MH-60R has an all-glass cockpit (except for certain secondary instruments), and they are NOD-compatible.  Its radio set is comprehensive and all radios are data-capable, with one able to transmit pictures generated by its ISAR.  It uses AFCS and HIFS to reduce workload on the pilots, and aircraft weapons gunner, through automation and computer assistance of many functions, including piloting the helicopter.  It has RAST gear. It does not normally carry door guns or door gunners.   The Romeo Hawk also has an ESM (Electronic Surveillance Measures) package which can jam radar, radio, and IR weapons and radios communications.  The MH-60R will eventually replace the SH-60B and SH-60F in the US Navy, and it also used by the Australian Navy.  Currently, it works in conjunction with SH-60Bs and SH-60Fs until more MH-60Rs are available. First flight took place in 2001, with full-rate production approved in 2006, and first deployment, aboard the John C Stennis, in 2009.  It can operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships and aircraft carriers as well as land bases.  The nose of the MH-60R has a distinctive appearance, with a dish on the bottom and an extended FLIR/Image Intensification/Laser Module extending beyond the nose on a gimbal.

     The MH-60S is officially still the Seahawk, but is more commonly known as the Knighthawk, as it replaces the H-46D Sea Knight helicopter formerly used the ASW and antisubmarine and antimine warfare.  Other roles for the MH-60S include CSAR, humanitarian relief, vertical cargo carrying and replenishment, aeromedical evac, and special warfare missions.  In fact, in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has spent much more time ferrying SEAL and MARSOC and their wounded than any other mission.  The Knighthawk was originally going to be designated the CH-60S, but this was changed to MH-60S to reflect its multimission role. The Knighthawk began full-rate production in August 2002, and by January 2011 some 154 Knighthawks were deployed on the amphibious assault ships USS Essex, USS Wasp, and USS San Antonio, as well as some carriers and occasionally lighter vessels with flight decks. Deployment of the MH-60S began in 2003, and by September 2004, all of its predecessors, the H-46D Sea Knights, had been replaced. The MH-60S also replaced the HH-60H. Though the primary mission is regarded to be a naval warfare helicopter on the books, it is kitted out more for special missions than Naval operations, and it is equipped less than the MH-60R for Naval warfare operations.  The UH-60M is its ancestor as well as the SH-60B Block 1 and SH-60F, and the Knighthawk sports a glass cockpit (in fact, the same as on the MH-60R), advanced flight controls, RAST gear, and generally carries fuel tanks on its ESSS winglets and its sponsons.  (However, the right extended winglet usually carries a quartet of Hellfire missiles, and the sponsons often carry rocket pods.)   The Knighthawk carries an Improved Multispectral Targeting System (MTS-A).   The targeting system includes an electronic zoom, a laser rangefinder/designator/illuminator, as well as an autotracker.  It has a GPS system which takes shots off of 12 GPS satellites for extreme precision. The Knighthawk is equipped with swing-down NODs and stabilized binoculars, but these are often ignored, with the crews using helmet mounted NODs instead.   For a troop transport situation, the MH-60S can carry up to 12 troops in its cabin, as well as two door gunners; alternatively, up to six stretchers and four seated patients, along with a doctor, nurse or PA, and medic and a plethora of medical gear.  (The MH-60S is, essentially, modular in its loadout.)  For antimine warfare, the Knighthawk carries a BRU-14 rack that carries 14 113-kilogram bombs on one of the hardpoints of the winglets.  Detection is by an ALMDS detector, which gets a general identification and shoots a pulsed laser to get a general outline to be sure. Finally, the Knighthawk is capable of Paving. The nose of the MH-60S has a distinctive appearance, with a dish on the bottom and an extended FLIR/Image Intensification/Laser Module extending beyond the nose on a gimbal.

     Foreign users of the MH-60S include Australia and Thailand.

     The MH-60T Jayhawk is the US Coast Guard’s multirole helicopter and is essentially a heavily modified and upgraded HH-60J.  Three retired SH-60Fs were also remanufactured into MH-60Ts.  At first, the MH-60T was designated the HH-60T, but this was changed to reflect the multimission role. A total of 42 are in service with the US Coast Guard currently.  The first MH-60Ts entered service in 2007, with modifications ending in 2014, and  deployment in 2015.  At this point, the HH-60J and SH-60F were retired from active duty, though some were retained for training duties. The MH-60T normally operates from land bases, but is also capable of operating from the deck of 82-meter Medium Endurance Cutters or 115-meter High Endurance Cutters. It can also interoperate with US Navy ships with appropriate facilities, and has RAST gear. The Jayhawk was rebuilt into a helicopter which could perform the SARbird role, cargo role, training role, anti-smuggling tasks, and some ASW functions.  One of the first modifications was to give it the glass cockpit of the MH-60R and MH-60S, and it is identical to the cockpits of those helicopters except for some specialized functions.    The electro-optical/night vision suite was updated, and the formerly absent armored seats were refitted into the MH-60T.  Like the HH-60J, the MH-60T has a precision antimateriel rifle on a mount for shots through the engines of boats or to puts holes in hull of a boat; this is normally mounted on the right side, and a machinegun on the left.  The nose of the MH-60T has a distinctive appearance, with a dish on the bottom and an extended FLIR/Image Intensification/Laser Module extending beyond the nose on a gimbal. The MH-60T has flare and chaff dispensers as well as an IRCM emitter.  It is capable of using any torpedo in the US Navy inventory as well as Hellfire missiles and 19-round 2.75-inch rocket pods, or extra fuel tanks, or cannon or machineguns, on its ESSS winglets.  These can also be mounted on the side sponsons; if carrying fuel tanks, the left sponson may carry two 454-liter tanks and the right sponson one.  On the right side is also mounted the rescue winch, with a basket on the end and capable of lifting 270 kilograms with 61 meters of cable. The MH-60T has the equivalent of a BMS, but oriented most of the time towards its SARbird or anti-smuggling roles.  It can, however, interoperate with US Navy ships and aircraft when required.         

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

SH-60B Seahawk (Early)

$15,752,405

JP8

2.99 tons

13.25 tons

5

32

Radar (240 km), Look-Down Radar

Enclosed

SH-60B Seahawk (MEF-MOD)

$11,671,219

JP8

2.93 tons

13.48 tons

5

33

FLIR, Radar (240km), Look-Down Radar, Image Intensifier

Enclosed

SH-60B Seahawk (Block I)

$12,049,725

JP8

2.74 tons

14.24 tons

5

34

2nd Gen FLIR, Radar (240km), Look-Down Radar, 2nd Gen Image Intensifier

Enclosed

SH-60F Ocean Hawk

$7,806,579

JP8

3.27 tons

12.1 tons

6

30

Weather Radar (150km)

Enclosed

SH-60I Seahawk

$9,663,446

JP8

3 tons

13.19 tons

3+6

40

FLIR, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (40km)

Shielded

HH-60H Rescue Hawk

$12,195,678

JP8

2.72 tons

15.95 tons

3+ 2 Stretchers and 4 sitting patients, or 8 troops

34

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (50km)

Enclosed

HH-60J Jayhawk

$11,519,053

JP8

2.58 tons

15.45 tons

4+2 Stretchers and 4 sitting patients, or 6 sitting patients

32

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (50km), Look-Down Radar

Enclosed

MH-60R Romeo Hawk

$25,240,072

JP8

2.71 tons

15.27 tons

4

30

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (300km), ISAR Radar (300km), Look-Down Radar

Enclosed

M-60S Knighthawk

$14,719,433

JP8

4.22 tons

14.37 tons

6+ 2 Stretchers and 4 sitting patients, or 12 troops

30

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (100km), Look-Down Radar

Enclosed

MH-60T Jayhawk

$10,151,044

JP8

2.23 tons

16.84 tons

4+6

33

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, Weather Radar (150km), Radar (150km), Look-Down Radar, ISAR Radar (150 km)

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

SH-60B Seahawk (Early)

389

183

38/45

3800

1649

5790

SH-60B Seahawk (MEF-MOD)

437

206

43/40

3800

1853

5790

SH-60B Seahawk (Block I)

422

199

42/40

3800

1918

5790

SH-60F Ocean Hawk

464

219

46/40

3150

1968

5790

SH-60I Seahawk

442

209

44/40

2756

2066

5790

HH-60H Rescue Hawk

399

188

40/40

3150

2295

5790

HH-60J Jayhawk

403

190

40/40

3674

1838

5790

MH-60R Romeo Hawk

394

186

39/40

3800

1789

5790

M-60S Knighthawk

419

198

42/40

3800

1901

5790

MH-60T Jayhawk

370

175

37/40

3674

1761

5790

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

SH-60B Seahawk (Early)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Sonobuoys (125), INS, Secure Radios

40m

+2

6 Hardpoints

None

SH-60B Seahawk (MEF-MOD)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Sonobuoys (125), INS, Secure Radios, Laser Jammer, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), RWR

40m

+2

6 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D Doorguns

3000x7.62mm

SH-60B Seahawk (Block I)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Sonobuoys (100), Secure Radios, Laser Jammer, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), AIRBAC Dispenser (1), RWR, GPS

40m

+3

7 Hardpoints, 2xGAU-19/A Doorguns

1500x.50

SH-60F Ocean Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Dipping Sonar, Sonobuoys (8), Flare/Chaff Dispensers (30/30), AIRBAC
Dispenser (1), GPS, Secure Radios, RWR

40m

+1

5 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D or M-240D or M-2HB Doorguns

3000x7.62mm or 1500x.50

SH-60I Seahawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40/10), RWR, GPS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Radio Jammer (15 km), NBC Overpressure

40m

None

5 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

None

HH-60H Rescue Hawk

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/10), RWR, LWR, INS/GPS, ECM, ECCM, IRCM, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Radio Jammer (15 km), Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder

40m

+2

7 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D or M-240D or M-134 or M-2HB or GAU-19/A Doorguns

4000x7.62mm or 2500x.50

HH-60J Jayhawk

IFF, GPS, IR Suppression, RWR, GPS, Secure Radios

40m

None

5 Hardpoints (ESSS), M-240D, M-107A1 Sniper Rifle Doorguns

3000x7.62mm, 30 10-Round Magazines .50

MH-60R Romeo Hawk

IFF, BMS, IR Suppression, Dipping Sonar, Sonobuoys (80), Secure Radios, Laser Jammer, Laser Designator, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40), AIRBAC Dispenser (1), RWR, GPS, Radio Jammer (30km), ECM, ECCM, IRCM (30km each)

40m

+3

7 Hardpoints, 2xM-240D or M-134 or M-2HB or GAU-19A Doorguns

4000x7.62mm or 2500x.50

M-60S Knighthawk

IFF, BMS, IR Suppression, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, GPS, Radio Jammer (30km), ECM, ECCM, IRCM (30km each)

40m

+3

7 Hardpoints, 2xM-240D or M-134 or M-2HB or GAU-19A Doorguns

4000x7.62mm or 2500x.50

MH-60T Jayhawk

IFF, GPS, IR Suppression, RWR, GPS, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Look-Down Radar, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (30/30), Radio Jammer (30km), IRCM (30 km)

40m

+2

7 hardpoints, M-240H and M-107A1 Sniper Rifle Doorguns

3000x7.62mm, 30 10-Round Magazines .50

 

 

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

UH-60A

$463,832

JP8

3.63 tons

9.19 tons

4+11

None

Enclosed

UH-60L

$604,339

AvG

4.39 tons

11.11 tons

3+14

14

None

Enclosed

HH-60J

$992,516

AvG

3.92 tons

9.93 tons

3+14

18

FLIR, Image Intensification

Enclosed

VH-60N

$1,282,030

AvG

3 tons

10 tons

3+6

24

FLIR, Radar (Weather)

Shielded

SH-60B (Early)

$1,424,720

AvG

3.74 kg

9.93 kg

3+6

24

Radar

Enclosed

SH-60B (Late)

$1,854,730

AvG

3.74 kg

10.51 tons

3+6

24

FLIR, Radar, Image Intensifier

Enclosed

SH-60B (Block I)

$1,904,730

AvG

3.74 kg

10.57 tons

3+6

24

FLIR, Radar, Image Intensifier

Enclosed

SH-60F

$1,538,888

AvG

3.74 tons

9.42 tons

3+9

20

Radar

Enclosed

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

UH-60A

592

148

40/37

2756

4000

UH-60L

589

147

40/37

3500

1435

4000

HH-60J

604

151

40/38

3500

1350

4000

VH-60N

586

147

40/38

3500

1350

4000

SH-60B (Early)

518

130

40/37

3800

1217

4000

SH-60B (Late/Block I)

525

132

40/37

3800

1350

4000

SH-60F

604

151

40/37

2233

1350

4000

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF

Armament

Ammo

UH-60A

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR, GPS

40m

None

2xMAG, M-60, GAU-19/A, or M-134 Doorguns

2000x7.62mm

UH-60L

IFF, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR, GPS, IRCM

40m

None

2xMAG Doorguns

2000x7.62mm

HH-60J

Secure Radios, IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR, GPS, IRCM

40m

None

2xMAG Doorguns

2000x7.62mm

VH-60N

IR Suppression, Flare/Chaff Dispensers. RWR. GPS, ECM, IRCM, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, Short-Range Radio Jammer

40m

None

None

None

SH-60B (Early)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Look-Down Radar, Sonobuoys (125), Inertial Navigation, Secure Radios

40m

+2

4 Hardpoints

None

SH-60B (Late)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Look-Down Radar, Sonobuoys (125), Inertial Navigation, Secure Radios, Laser Jammer, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR

40m

+2

4 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D Doorguns

2000x7.62mm

SH-60B (Block I)

IR Suppression, MAD Sensor, Look-Down Radar, Sonobuoys (125), Inertial Navigation, Secure Radios, Laser Jammer, Flare/Chaff Dispensers, RWR, GPS

40m

+3

5 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D Doorguns, GAU-19/A

1000x7.62mm, 500x.50

SH-60F

IR Suppression, Dipping Sonar, Sonobuoys (8), Inertial Navigation, Secure Radios, RWR

40m

+1

5 Hardpoints, 2xM-60D Doorguns

2000x7.62mm

 

Special Operations Black Hawks

 

Early Special Operations Black Hawks

     The first special operations Black Hawks were the M-60A Black Hawks.  (Well, this is not entirely true; the HH-60D Night Hawk was the first first attempt, but it proved unsuitable, and did not pass beyond the prototype stage.) Some 30 UH-60As were modified for the special operations role, with additional avionics, a NOD-compatible cockpit, a FLIR camera, doorguns, extra internal fuel, and the ESSS winglets which were almost always carried, often with a weapon load and extra fuel tanks.  The winglet weapons were assisted by a laser rangefinder, laser designator, and a ballistic computer. They were used by the US Army special operations forces (including Rangers on some missions) in the 1980s, before being replaced by the MH-60L in the early 1990s.  The MH-60As were then passed to the Air National Guard and Reserves, to operate with National Guard Special Forces units and Reserve Ranger units.  The MH-60A can drop up to three fast-ropes on each side, or four rappelling ropes.  The MH-60A was operated by the 160th SOAR Night Stalkers, a special operations aviation unit.  The MH-60A, like most special operations aircraft, is capable of Paving, or flying just a few meters above terrain, like a miles-long roller-coaster ride; this is as much due to the skill of the pilots as due to the TFR radar.  Most of the Black Hawks used during Operation Gothic Serpent were MH-60As, though some were heavily-modified UH-60As and a few were MH-60L Pave Hawks.  (S-70As were used in the movie.)  The additional avionics meant that the MH-60A’s crew could leave most of the flying on automatic and allow them to concentrate more outside the cockpit, especially crucial in night flying.

     The HH-60G Pave Hawk was the next step in the development of special operations helicopters.  It is most notable for the introduction of a helmet/sight interface for the aiming and firing of its winglet- and sponson-mounted weapons.  (It cannot control the doorguns.) This sight interface can also slave the weapons to a laser designator and laser rangefinder, or an MMW radar guidance system for certain weapons.  All 98 UH-60A Credible Hawks, plus some new UH-60As, were upgraded to the HH-60G Pave Hawk configuration and designation; these are orientated towards the CSAR mission and in the case of the former Credible Hawk, retain their medical suite plus some added equipment (mainly room for six stretchers and four sitting patients, and more IV, bandages, splints, and drugs), a blanket warmer for hypothermic patients, and special “chill blankets” for hyperthermic patients. The new UH-60As were modified to the same specification, but designated HH-60G. They had HIRSS exhaust shields (a better version of the standard IR Suppression), and room for door gunner positions on either side (something not found on most dustoffs as a standard fit), though the door gunners and doorguns are not normally carried on the HH-60G and MH-60G.  They have small freezers to cool the chill blankets, as well as a small refrigerator for temperature-sensitive medicines.  If the doors are shut and locked, the Pave Hawks have the benefits of NBC Overpressure (something which cannot be done with door guns mounted). It is staffed with a Doctor, PA, or Nurse Practitioner, and two medical techs (and sometimes door gunners; the stats below reflect this).  If simply deploying or recovering healthy or lightly wounded troops, the stretchers are folded and the Pave Hawks can lift up to 11 troops. The aircraft has a small EW suite, as well as the same electro-optical setup of the MH-60A, except that the MH-60Gs have color weather radar. The MH-60Gs also have a BMS installed, with over-horizon capability; it is normally used to receive real-time information on their missions and surveillance information from drones and satellites.  Both have the capability to detect the personal locator beacons that many special ops personnel carry. Normally, the ESSS Winglets carry a pair of large fuel tanks, as do the sponsons; however, the outer winglets often carry weapons, from machineguns and cannons to rocket launchers and Hellfire missiles.  The sponsons sometimes carry Stinger or Sidewinder missiles if air opposition is expected, or Sidearm missiles in a heavy radar environment.  Though designated differently, the HH-60G and MH-60G are essentially configured almost identically; the MH-60G, however, has a more comprehensive EW suite and has slightly more powerful engines of 1630 shaft horsepower each, and the tail of the UH-60L for greater maneuverability.  Both are capable of Paving, as their name indicates, and can recover troops via STABO, SPIE and McGuire rigs, and CRRC. Both have anti-icing systems for the windshields and rotor blades,, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe. They have a rescue hoist capable of lifting 300 kilograms with 100 meters of cable. The HH-60G is primarily used by the National Guard, Reserves, and Combat Commands in Europe, the Pacific, AETC, and Air Combat Command.  A small number are used by USAF Materiel Command for testing new equipment, weapons, and flight regime testing.  The MH-60Gs are mostly assigned to SOCOM and flown by the Army’s 160th SOAR (Nighthawks).

 

The “Transition” Special Ops Black Hawks

     The HH-60L Pave Hawk is, as the designation suggests, based on the UH-60L airframe and engines.  However, the HH-60L has more powerful T-700-GE-401D engines, developing 1940 shaft horsepower each.  It has the increase of maneuverability of the UH-60L. It is outfitted similarly to the HH-60G, but also has a litter lift system what allows the crew to take in a patient by sliding the patient table out, then pulling it back in and if necessary, raising it to about middle of the height of the cabin.  The HH-60L has a full surgical care kit and suite, if the ride is smooth enough to allow surgery (usually, only life-saving surgery is conducted aboard the aircraft).  Full patient monitoring can be placed on the patient, whether on litters or sitting. In addition to normal vessels, the HH-60L can land aboard hospital ships.  The HH-60L can also take 4 sitting patients, or the litter tables can be swung up against the front and back of the cabin and the HH-60L can take up to 11 troops, plus the crew, or bulk cargo.  It should be noted that no equipment is removed from the HH-60L despite its changing internal configuration. The cabin light may generate high-intensity lighting for surgical or treatment use or lower lighting which is also NOD-compatible.  HH-60Ls are normally marked as medical aircraft to (hopefully) avoid taking ground fire (fat chance), and almost never mount door guns, though they often mount ESSS or sponson-mounted weapons, and can fire a variety of weapons, from machineguns and cannons to Sidewinder missiles.  (They are primarily CSAR and aeromedical aircraft.) ESSS and sponson hardpoints almost always carry fuel tanks, and the HH-60L is also capable of in-flight refueling.  The HH-60L has a BMS system and is fully integrated with Link 16 and BFT.  Its gunner uses the helmet/sight interface of the MH-60G and also has the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the Pathfinder electro-optical suite.  The TopOwl system also shows on the helmet visor the location of friendly assets, combat information, and overlays of information from the Pathfinder suite.

     The MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator, also known as the AH-60L DAP, is a very different animal from the HH-60L.  It too is based on the UH-60L, and has the same T-700-GE-401D engines, as well as the same maneuverability.  That’s where the similarity ends.  The DAP is an attack helicopter, first and foremost; it’s designed to provide immediate fire support to special operations teams, whether in action, during deployment, or extraction.  It also escorts other helicopters in those roles.  It suppresses enemy fire in hot LZs.  The DAP can take a small team of four troops, but its primary role is to carry weapons, and the cabin is most often filled with reloads for its weapons and a pair of door gunners; troops are not often carried due to high gross aircraft weights.  The DAP carries the ESSS, and on it, generally a pair of 30mm M-230 Chainguns on the outer hard point, or Mk 19 AGLs instead of the 30mm autocannons.  These two hardpoints also often carry four Hellfires on the inner hardpoints and rocket launchers on the outer hardpoints. A third hardpoint is attached to the end of each ESSS, where a pair of 10-round Hydra-70 launchers, four Hellfire missiles, two Maverick missiles, or four Stinger missiles or two Sidewinder missiles.  Sometimes, a pair of M-3M or M-2HB machineguns are carried.  The main landing gear are extended in length; this prevents the Hellfire missiles or rocket launchers on the wingtip hardpoints, when mounted, from bumping the ground. The door gunner’s M-134s are able to be locked just slightly less than forward to contribute to strafing and benefit from the sights of the DAP.  The DAP’s sponsons normally carry external fuel tanks, but often carry weapons as well, and in fact are capable of carrying bombs; one of the most common weapons carried on the sponsons are a pair of M-134 Miniguns. The DAP has a BMS system and is fully integrated with Link 16 and BFT.  Its gunner uses the helmet/sight interface of the MH-60G and also has the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the Pathfinder electro-optical suite.  The TopOwl system also shows on the helmet visor the location of friendly assets, combat information, and overlays of information from the Pathfinder suite.  The DAP has a comprehensive EW suite as well as missile launch warning, radar illumination, and laser illumination warning gear.  Modifications to the glass cockpit include an Armament System Processor Panel, telling the gunner what weapons he has onboard, which ones to fire, and how much ammunition he has; a digital video recorder (like a gun camera), a dual helmet/sight interface (either crewmember may fire the weapons), and a HUD visor in each helmet.  The DAP has an upgraded, robust electrical system upgrade to handle the sheer amount of weapons.  The DAP has existed since at least Desert Storm; a few early examples were engaged in Scud-Hunting at the time, though few were in service then.  The DAPs are exclusively flown by the 160th SOAR.  Weapons may be aimed by optical gunsights (computer-assisted), laser guidance, or radio or radar-guidance.  The DAP has slightly thicker armor than the standard Black Hawk series.  The MH-60L DAP was replaced by the MH-60K DAP, which was in turn replaced by the MH-60M DAP.

     Despite the designation, the MH-60K DAP is an upgraded version of the MH-60L DAP, differing primarily in the advanced integrated cockpit (a modified form of that of the UH-60M), the EW suite, the electro-optical suite, and the door guns able to be mounted.  It is also a little more maneuverable than the MH-60L DAP, has upgraded navigation and communication systems including color weather radar, integrated Aviation Support Equipment, modular replacement packages and circuit boards, interactive MFDs, and has a digital map generator, feeding from the GPS/INS system, the BMS, and the weather radar.  Some of the components are more miniaturized and the MH-60K DAP is a little lighter than the MH-60L DAP, with a slight increase in cargo capacity. It is capable of taking, deploying, or recovering up to four troops by various means; however, this is not often done due to the aircraft’s already high weight.  The MH-60K has an extendible in-flight refueling probe, but these were not added until 2003. It otherwise has all the systems of the MH-60L DAP. Deployment to the 160th SOAR began in 1994, but it started to be replaced by the further-upgraded MH-60M in 2010.

     The MH-60L Pave Hawk (also known, less commonly, as the Black Hawk and the Velcro Hawk, for the way things were just added in and “stuck on” the aircraft) uses the same base as the MH-60L DAP, but is a special ops utility helicopter.  It is essentially a UH-60L with extra features added in to make it more suited for its special operations missions.  These include a substantial electro-optical and EW suite. The MH-60L Pave Hawk has a BMS system and is fully integrated with Link 16 and BFT.  Its gunner uses the helmet/sight interface of the MH-60G and also has the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the Pathfinder electro-optical suite.  The TopOwl system also shows on the helmet visor the location of friendly assets, combat information, and overlays of information from the Pathfinder suite.  It is equipped with an extensive communications suite, including data capable modules that connect to the helicopter’s instruments and electro-optical suite and can transmit video, pictures, and data through its standard radios or its Satcom radio. It can recover troops via STABO, SPIE and McGuire rigs, and CRRC; it can deploy troops through rappelling or fast ropes, or by parachuting or helocasting.  The MH-60L also has a 300-kilogram-capacity hoist with 300 meters of cable. It often sling-loads assault boats or light vehicles for use by the deployed team. Interior rearrangement allows the carriage of one more troop over the UH-60L. The MH-60L has the more powerful T-700-GE-401D engines. It can also be kitted out as a Medivac chopper, in which case it has the setup and internal capabilities and crew of the HH-60G/L.  Medical birds normally do not carry door guns or door gunners, and carry external fuel tanks on their sponsons and ESSS winglets. For game purposes, the medical version is identical to the HH-60L. The MH-60L often mounts ESSS or sponson-mounted weapons, and can fire a variety of weapons, from machineguns and cannons to Sidewinder missiles. The sponsons are enlarged and carry 700 liters of fuel each. The MH-60L is also capable of in-flight refueling.  It is rumored that the MH-60L served as the base helicopter in the construction of the Stealth Black Hawk (see below), but it more likely that the modified Pave Hawk was built on the MH-60K platform. 

 

Late and Current Special Ops Black Hawks

     Despite the designation, the MH-60K DAP is an upgraded version of the MH-60L DAP, differing primarily in the advanced integrated cockpit (a modified form of that of the UH-60M), the EW suite, the electro-optical suite, and the door guns able to be mounted.  It is also a little more maneuverable than the MH-60L DAP, has upgraded navigation and communication systems including color weather radar, integrated Aviation Support Equipment, modular replacement packages and circuit boards, interactive MFDs, and has a digital map generator, feeding from the GPS/INS system, the BMS, and the weather radar.  Some of the components are more miniaturized and the MH-60K DAP is a little lighter than the MH-60L DAP, with a slight increase in cargo capacity. It is capable of taking, deploying, or recovering up to four troops by various means; however, this is not often done due to the aircraft’s already high weight.  The MH-60K has an extendible in-flight refueling probe, but these were not added until 2003. It otherwise has all the systems of the MH-60L DAP. Deployment to the 160th SOAR began in 1994, but it started to be replaced by the further-upgraded MH-60M in 2010.

     Again, the MH-60K is more advanced than the MH-60L Pave Hawk; the MH-60L and MH-60L DAP were essentially interim models until the MH-60Ks were ready, but development of the MH-60Ks started before the MH-60Ls in 1988.  The MH-60K is officially referred to as a Black Hawk, but is more commonly referred to by SOCOM operators and crews as a Pave Hawk. They began replacing the MH-60L Pave Hawks in 1994, and full squadron service began three years later after field and combat testing; more changes were made to the electronics and interior arrangements, and things like the sling hook and the landing gear were made more robust. The aircraft was made more resistant to fire with stronger rotor blades and a full armor cockpit with the cabin having a titanium plate underneath it, and the cockpit and cabin are lined with extra Kevlar.   The MH-60L Pave Hawk was almost completely replaced by the MH-60K by the start of the Iraq War. The rotor and tail rotor blades are “cutter blades” – they slice through power lines and cables that would bring down an earlier MH-60. The MH-60K is a more advanced version of the MH-60L, primarily in the area of more advanced versions of the avionics and instruments of the MH-60L, and for game purposes it primarily manifests itself in a lighter, faster, and more responsive aircraft.  The MH-60K Pave Hawk has basically the same electro-optical suites, EW suites, and fuel and weapons-carrying ability of the MH-60L, but they are more advanced.  Other improvements include sponsons with 700 liters of fuel each, a pair of M-2HB machineguns at the windows, and M-134 Minigun doorguns.  They have the electronic suites of the MH-60G and MH-60L, but in a more miniaturized and advanced form, with the communications suite, for example, being able to transmit video, pictures, information from the weather radar, maps from the BMS and personal locator beacons.  The MH-60K is able to deploy and recover troops and their vehicles in the same manner as the MH-60L and G.  The interior is rearranged, and has room for even heavily-encumbered troops, and also carries a large amount of medical instruments and supplies, including two elevated stretcher positions which fold up when not needed.  For game purposes, other capabilities mimic the MH-60G and L.

     The MH-60M, first reaching service with the 160th SOAR in­­­­­ 2011, is essentially a Pave Hawk based on the UH-60M aircraft. They are, of course, modified to special ops standards, from electro-optical and EW to the computers and avionics.  It is partially an upgraded MH-60K, and part new aircraft.  (They are built on new airframes.) The avionics have been miniaturized in some cases, and some new gadgets and avionics have been added in.  The MH-60M has a laser designator and laser rangefinder, and the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the avionics computers have been upgraded to allow better use of Hellfire or Maverick missiles carried on the ESSS or sponsons.  These lasers are on a turret in the nose of the aircraft, as are a near-infrared sensor, a color TV camera, and the ISAR radar aperture.  The MH-60M can also take over the guidance for many types of ordnance dropped or fired by other aircraft and helicopters, or even ground-launched weapons. A large, bulbous fairing at the front of the nose of the MH-60M houses the rest of the electro-optical suite.  Again, the sponsons are enlarged and each carries 700 liters of fuel, in addition to having a hardpoint.  It also has a retractable refueling probe for aerial refueling. It is equipped with an extensive communications suite, including data capable modules that connect to the helicopter’s instruments and electro-optical suite and can transmit video, pictures, and data through its standard radios or its Satcom radio. The MH-60M uses more powerful YT706-GE-700 engines with 2638 shaft horsepower each.  Controls are by fly-by-wire systems, similar to most modern fighter and bomber aircraft. They have hingeless rotors and wide-chord rotor blades that can cut through most power lines and other cables without suffering major damage.  The new tail, stabilizer, and parts of the fuselage are built of a carbon fiber/fiberglass honeycomb material, further decreasing weight. It can recover troops via STABO, SPIE and McGuire rigs, and CRRC; it can deploy troops through rappelling or fast ropes, or by parachuting or helocasting.  The MH-60M also has a 300-kilogram-capacity hoist with 300 meters of cable. It often sling-loads assault boats or light vehicles for use by the deployed team. Interior rearrangement allows the carriage of one more troop over the UH-60L. It can also be kitted out as a Medivac chopper, in which case it has the setup and internal capabilities and crew of the HH-60G/L (and is known as an HH-60M).

     The HH-60M is the medical version of the MH-60M Pave Hawk.  It is often called the Dustoff Hawk. It is currently the primary special operations medevac helicopter, and it based on the MH-60M airframe, engines, and avionics.  It is, however, optimized for medical missions, and is often accompanied in its mission by an Apache gunship or DAP helicopter to protect it.  Though officially called the Black Hawk, it is more commonly known as the Medevac or Medevac Pave Hawk to its users and crews.  It has the mechanical improvements and engines of the MH-60M, with a rearranged interior able to carry an amount of medical supplies that would make a hospital emergency room proud, and bubble side windows to fit the new supply lockers and their displacement of two of the stretchers.  Though it does not normally carry weapons, and rarely carries door or window guns, it can carry them on its ESSS winglets, and has a laser rangefinder and designator for Hellfire missiles, or can carry machineguns on the winglets or sponsons for delivering suppressive fire.  Medical gear carried is similar to that of the HH-60G and HH-60L, with the power slide out and lift stretcher tables of the HH-60L.  The stretcher platforms can also be folded up against the sides of the aircraft, to allow for a large number of sitting casualties or simple extraction. The crew generally consists of its two pilots, a doctor or PA trained in emergency procedures, and a medic with similar training. Six stretcher and four sitting patients may be carried; for each stretcher pad folded, one more sitting patient may be accommodated.  It can also extract up to nine regular troops and their gear, for a total of 11. The HH-60M has a full surgical care kit and suite, if the ride is smooth enough to allow surgery (usually, only life-saving surgery is conducted aboard the aircraft).  Full patient monitoring can be placed on the patient, whether on litters or sitting. The HH-60M has medical suction devices with an internal tank for medical and hazardous waste, as well as bins for soiled bandages, gauze, sponges, bit of uniform cut away, etc. In addition to normal vessels, the HH-60M can land aboard hospital ships.  The HH-60M can also take 4 sitting patients, or the litter tables can be swung up against the front and back of the cabin and the HH-60L can take up to 11 troops, plus the crew, or bulk cargo.  It should be noted that no equipment is removed from the HH-60M despite its changing internal configuration. The cabin light may generate high-intensity lighting for surgical or treatment use or lower lighting which is also NOD-compatible. ESSS hardpoints almost always carry fuel tanks, and the HH-60M is also capable of in-flight refueling.  The HH-60M has a BMS system and is fully integrated with Link 16 and BFT.  Its gunner uses the helmet/sight interface of the MH-60G and also has the TopOwl helmet sensor system and the Pathfinder electro-optical suite.  The TopOwl system also shows on the helmet visor the location of friendly assets, combat information, and overlays of information from the Pathfinder suite, the ISAR radar, and the video and photo links to headquarters. The avionics have been miniaturized in some cases, and some new gadgets and avionics have been added in.  The lasers are on a turret in the nose of the aircraft, as are a near-infrared sensor, a color TV camera, and the ISAR radar aperture. The sponsons are enlarged and each carries 700 liters of fuel, in addition to having a hardpoint.  Other avionics not specifically addressed here or in the stats are mostly as on the MH-60M, while medical appointments are otherwise similar to the HH-60G and L for game purposes (the better of the two aircraft).  With doors closed and sealed, the cabin retains a sterile environment and the benefits of NBC Overpressure, along with an internal air evacuator to rid the aircraft of contaminated air.  There are also air filters and air exchangers. In addition to SOCOM, the HH-60M is used by the South Dakota National Guard, who operates six of them, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 25th Infantry Division.  Some 30 are operated by SOCOM.  The HH-60M will eventually replace the HH-60G and HH-60L in all uses.

     The MH-60M DAP (Defensive Armed Penetrator, in the case of the MH-60M DAP) is sometimes called the AH-60M, though this is not an official designation. It essentially an MH-60K DAP upgraded to the MH-60M configuration, and then more.  First of all, they have more powerful engines -- YT706-GE-700As, which develop 2700 shaft horsepower each.  These are somewhat more powerful than those of even the MH-60M Pave Hawk and go a long way towards mitigating the MH-60M DAP’s greatly-increased weight over the MH-60 Pave Hawk. (The DAP also is not set up to carry troops, being filled with extra fuel and reloads for its weapons.) The MH-60M DAP has numerous modifications, ranging from electro-optical and EW to the computers and avionics.  It is partially an upgraded MH-60K DAP, and part new aircraft. The avionics have been miniaturized in some cases, and some new gadgets and avionics have been added in.  The MH-60M has a laser designator and laser rangefinder. The TopOwl helmet system has been replaced with an Apache-type helmet with a monocle for night vision, enhanced vision, and weapons use while retaining a view outside the cockpit and of the instruments. The MH-60M also has an enhanced HUD that allows the pilot and copilot/gunner to spot targets and keep track of aircraft functions, and also has a HUD interface.  The avionics computers have been upgraded to allow better use of Hellfire or Maverick missiles carried on the ESSS or sponsons.  These lasers are on a turret in the nose of the aircraft, as are a near-infrared sensor, a color TV camera, and the ISAR radar aperture.  (It should be noted that the MH-60M DAP normally carries fixed forward-firing Miniguns on the sponsons, with ammunition drums behind them on the sponson; this is the normal loadout, though other weapons can be carried.) The radar is more of a fighter-type radar, with a true EW suite, and the ability to see in 270 degrees, including up and down (the crew can “look through the roof” and look through the floor” to see enemy targets and personal locator beacons. The MH-60M can also take over the guidance for many types of ordnance dropped or fired by other aircraft and helicopters, or even ground-launched weapons. A large, bulbous fairing at the front of the nose of the MH-60M houses the rest of the electro-optical suite.  The MH-60M DAP is capable of carrying a variety of new weapons, such as small JDAMs, iron bombs and laser-guided bombs, subject to weight restrictions. 

Again, the sponsons are enlarged and each carries 700 liters of fuel, in addition to having a hardpoint.  It also has a retractable refueling probe for aerial refueling. It is equipped with an extensive communications suite, including data capable modules that connect to the helicopter’s instruments and electro-optical suite and can transmit video, pictures, and data through its standard radios or its Satcom radio.  Controls are by fly-by-wire systems, similar to most modern fighter and bomber aircraft. They have hingeless rotors and wide-chord rotor blades that can cut through most power lines and other cables without suffering major damage.  The new tail, stabilizer, and parts of the fuselage are built of a carbon fiber/fiberglass honeycomb material, further decreasing weight.

 

The Stealth Black Hawk

     There is still very much an air of mystery surrounding what has been called the Stealth Hawk (and reportedly referred to in the special ops community as the Ghost Hawk; another, little used sobriquet is the Silent Hawk).  The Stealth Hawk is often given the designation MH-60X or MH-X or M-X, though no official designation has been released to the public. It was first revealed, in demolished form, during Operation Neptune Spear, the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden, and some details, estimates, and inferences have leaked out since then or been made by all from internet fans to aeronautics experts.  Though the Stealth Hawks used in Neptune Spear appear to be the first two, it is rumored that since then at least six more Stealth Hawks have been built and used, along with a few stealth A/MH-6s and possibly one stealth CH-47.

     Most information puts the Stealth Hawks as highly-modified MH-60Ls, though it is more logical that MH-60Ks were used, since they were the most advanced Pave Hawks available at the time of the raid.  (The MH-60M was just coming into service during Neptune Spear, with perhaps less than ten available at the time).  Therefore, I have used the MH-60K as a base for this treatment.  The interior of the Stealth Blackhawk is largely unchanged from the interior of the MH-60K; most of the modifications are external and consist of an unspecified-composition add-on stealth-shaping panels and replacements for some other aircraft panels with RAM and carbon fiber.  The windshields and windows are treated to that the troops and crew do not create a large radar signature and so radar does not penetrate the glass.  The composition of the windshield and windows is not something I’ve been able to find out.  The add-on stealth shaping is similar to the faceted construction of the F-117 Nighthawk, with design lessons taken from the RAH-66 Comanche, and the working roots of the rotors are capped with stealth shaping.  The rotors are wide-chord and the main rotor is hingeless.  The exhausts use an advanced form of the HIRSS IR Suppression.  Rotor noise is somehow dampened, and much quieter than that of even the MH-60K, and this design lesson goes all the way back to a modified Hughes 500P used in Vietnam, called the “Quiet One,” and which has such a reduced noise signature that it was able to deploy crews to plant a wiretap.  The noise dampening gives the Stealth Hawks an advantage of 15-30 seconds over normal MH-60s before they are heard on the ground. The design was also influenced by the Indian HAL LCH and European Tiger attack helicopter, which employ some stealth features.  The stabiliators appear to be swept forward, while the tails appears to be swept back. The add-on shaping is said to add some 500 kilograms to the weight of the aircraft, with other stealth systems and coatings adding more weight. Several weeks of special training were done by the 160th SOAR pilots who flew them due to their unique flying characteristics.  The Stealth Black Hawk has a retractable refueling probe, which retracts into a RAM/stealth enclosure. The landing gear retracts partially, into enclosures. With all external modifications added, the aircraft actually more resembled an S-76 than an MH-60, though the appearance is superficial.  The Stealth Hawk is reputedly slower than a standard MH-60K and less maneuverable.  IR Searches and IR-homing missiles are two levels more difficult; radar searches and radar-homing missiles are also done at one level more difficult.  Radar-directed guns fire as if they are not radar-directed. LADAR. LIDAR, and laser-guided searches and weapons suffer a -4 penalty.  If the Stealth Hawk’s doors are open, the radar stealth is negated.  This is of course, in addition to the ECM and IRCM equipment carried.

     The development and crew training were done at Area 51.  It should be noted that the crews from 160th SOAR had every confidence in their ability to fly the exotic aircraft; however, the SEALs were less than thrilled about the flight characteristics of the Stealth Hawk and wanted to use the then-new MH-60Ms instead, or even MH-47s. This reticence was exacerbated for the SEALs by the fact that the Stealth Hawks were totally unproven in combat. (According to one source, the Stealth Hawks were sort of forced upon the SEALs.)

     Some sources say that the Stealth Hawks were again employed in several raids by SEALs and Delta Force operatives, with perhaps the most well known being the 3 July 2014 deep penetration raid on an ISIS hideout in Syria.  The Stealth Hawks were also believed to be used in the raid to kill ISIS leader Abu Sayyaf. They were possibly used in the raid to rescue relief workers Jessica Buchanan and Paul Tisted from Somali pirates. The Stealth Hawks are most likely kept at Tonapah Test Range in Nevada, where SOCOM has had a presence for years, and where they test new concepts, aircraft, and practice flying and raids.  There is a less-than-reliable rumor that the Israelis have been using two Stealth Hawks, though this is doubtful.  And of course, it is presumed that the Stealth Hawk wrecked in Pakistan has been picked over by the Chinese, Pakistanis, Russians, and Iranians.

     For game purposes, the Stealth Hawks are essentially MH-60Ks with a stealth shape and treatment, such as RAM paint, on their fuselages and rotor blades and tails.  They do not normally use window or door guns, so as not to spoil their stealth shape.  They also rarely mount ESSSs, and if they do, the ESSSs have probably been given a treatment similar to the rest of the aircraft (including the fuel tanks), and used only to carry extra fuel.  Note that the Stealth Hawk has no official designation, no official name, and does not officially exist.  This text and the figures below are approximations and extrapolations.

 

Vehicle

Price

Fuel Type

Load

Veh Wt

Crew

Mnt

Night Vision

Radiological

MH-60A Black Hawk

$10,319,304

JP8

3.3 tons

13.25 tons

4+11

24

FLIR, Look-Down Radar (30km), TFR

Enclosed

HH-60G Pave Hawk

$13,710,285

JP8

2.49 tons

14.79 tons

7+11 or 6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

28

FLIR, MMW Radar (10km), Look-Down Radar (30km), TFR

Enclosed

MH-60G Pave Hawk

$25,070,334

JP8

2.02 tons

16.67 tons

7+11 or 6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

30

FLIR, MMW Radar (15km), Look-Down Radar (30km), Color Weather Radar (100km), TFR

Enclosed

HH-60L Dustoff Hawk

$13,040,980

JP8

1.99 tons

14.9 tons

7+11 or 6 Stretcher Cases and 3 Sitting Patients

30

FLIR, Look-Down Radar (30km), Color Weather Radar (100km),   TFR

Enclosed

MH-60L DAP

$14,866,707

JP8

1.5 tons

17.9 tons

4

32

FLIR, MMW Radar (20km), Look-Down Radar (30km), Color Weather Radar (100km), TFR

Enclosed

MH-60K DAP

$21,656,152

JP8

1.68 tons

16.75 tons

4+4

30

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (30km), Look-Down Radar (30km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR

Enclosed

MH-60L Velcro Hawk

$12,760,178

JP8

4.13 tons

14.24 tons

4+12

24

2nd Gen FLIR, MMW Radar (20km), ISAR Radar (20km), Color Weather Radar (100km), TFR

Enclosed

MH-60K Pave Hawk

$21,050,032

JP8

4.49 tons

13.88 tons

6+10

25

2nd Gen FLIR, 2nd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (25km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR

Enclosed

MH-60M Pave Hawk

$22,227,383

JP8

4.84 tons

13.53 tons

6+10

26

3rd Gen FLIR, 3rd Gen Image Intensification, MMW Radar (30km), ISAR Radar (25km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR, Day/Night CCTV (500m)

Enclosed

HH-60M Dustoff Hawk

$23,073,218

JP8

4.31 tons

15.66 tons

2+6 Stretcher Cases and 4 Sitting Patients or 5+11 troops

30

3rd Gen FLIR, 3rd Gen Image Intensification, ISAR Radar (25km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR, Day/Night CCTV (500m)

Enclosed

MH-60M DAP

$25,248,749

JP8

2.63 tons

18.1 tons

4

32

3rd Gen FLIR, 3rd Gen Image Intensification, ISAR Radar (30km), AESA Radar (60km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR, Day/Night CCTV (500m)

Enclosed

MH-60X Stealth Hawk

$29,293,221

JP8

4.08 tons

15.5 tons

2+12

34

3nd Gen FLIR, 3nd Gen Image Intensification, AESA Radar (60km), Color Weather Radar (125km), TFR, Day/Night CCTV (500m)

 

 

Vehicle

Tr Mov

Com Mov

Mnvr/Acc Agl/Turn

Fuel Cap

Fuel Cons

Ceiling

MH-60A Black Hawk

412

194

40/40

4570

1322

5790

HH-60G Pave Hawk

390

182

38/40

3197

1378

5790

MH-60G Pave Hawk

368

172

36/37

3197

1299

5790

HH-60L Dustoff Hawk

415

194

41/37

3197

1465

5790

MH-60L DAP

407

188

45/40

3300

1443

5790

MH-60K DAP

436

202

48/37

3300

1544

5790

MH-60L Velcro Hawk

453

209

44/37

4156

1711

5790

MH-60K Pave Hawk

465

215

45/35

4156

1755

5790

MH-60M Pave Hawk

536

247

52/35

4156

2024

5790

HH-60M Dustoff Hawk

523

242

51/35

4156

1985

5790

MH-60M DAP

480

223

48/35

4641

1699

5790

MH-60X Stealth Hawk

417

193

40/45

4156

1728

5790

 

Vehicle

Combat Equipment

Minimum Landing/Takeoff Zone

RF*

Armament

Ammo

MH-60A Black Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (30/30), IR Suppression, Secure Radios, GPS/INS, AFCS, RWR, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder,  Paving Flight

40m

+1

2xM-134 Doorguns, 4 Hardpoints (w/ESSS)

3000x7.62mm

HH-60G Pave Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (40/40/10), HIRSS IR Suppression, Secure Radios, GPS/INS, AFCS, RWR, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder,  Paving Flight, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, Helmet/Sight Interface, NBC Overpressure, ECM (10km), ECCM (10km), IRCM (10km)

40m

+2

M-240D and M-2HB Doorguns, 6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

3000x7.62mm, 1500x.50

MH-60G Pave Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (50/50/10), HIRSS IR Suppression, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, GPS/INS, AFCS, RWR, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder,  Paving Flight, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, Helmet/Sight Interface, NBC Overpressure, ECM (20km), ECCM (20km), IRCM (20km)

40m

+2

2xM-134 or 2xGAU-19/A Doorguns, 6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

4000x7.62mm, or 2000x.50

HH-60L Dustoff Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (50/50/10), HIRSS IR Suppression, Secure Radios, BMS, Satcom Radio, GPS/INS, AFCS, RWR, Laser Designator, Laser Rangefinder,  Paving Flight, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, Helmet/Sight Interface, HUD Visor, NBC Overpressure, ECM (20km), ECCM (20km), IRCM (20km)

40m

+2

6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

None

MH-60L DAP

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned)

GAU-19/A or M-134 Doorguns; 8 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2), 2xM-230 Autocannons (Optional), Mk 19 AGLs (Optional), 4-8 Hellfire or 2-4 Maverick or 1-2 Sidewinder or 2-4 Stinger or 1-2 Hydra-70 RL Pods (Optional)

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50, 3200x30mm (Optional) or 4800x40mm Grenades (Optional)

MH-60K DAP

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (40km), ECCM (40km), IRCM (40km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, Interactive Glass Cockpit, Map Generation, In-Flight Refueling

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned; Then +1 for Doorguns)

GAU-19/A or M-134 or M-2HB or Mk 19 Doorguns; 8 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2) 2xM-230 Autocannons (Optional), Mk 19 AGLs (Optional), M-3M (Optional), 4-8 Hellfire or 2-4 Maverick or 1-2 Sidewinder or 2-4 Stinger or 1-2 Hydra-70 RL Pods (Optional)

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50 or 1450x40mm Grenades; 3200x30mm (Optional) or 4800x40mm Grenades (Optional) or 9600x.50 (Optional)

MH-60L Velcro Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, 300kg Rescue Hoist

40m

+2

2xM-134 or 2xGAU-19/A Doorguns, 6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

5000x7.62mm or 2500x.50

MH-60K Pave Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, 300kg Rescue Hoist, Armored Cockpit

40m

+2

2xM-134 and 2xM-2HB Doorguns, 6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

5000x7.62mm and 2500x.50

MH-60M Pave Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, 300kg Rescue Hoist

40m

+2

2xM-134 and 2xM-2HB Doorguns, 6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

5000x7.62mm and 2500x.50

HH-60M Dustoff Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, 300kg Rescue Hoist

40m

+2

6 Hardpoints (w/ESSS; Otherwise 2)

None

MH-60M DAP

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (80/80/40), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (60km), ECCM (60km), IRCM (60km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 3nd Gen Laser Designator, 3nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 15%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD, Armored Cockpit, Armored Fuselage

40m

+3 (Except Side Guns when Manned; Then +1 for Doorguns)

GAU-19/A or M-134 or M-2HB or Mk 19 Doorguns; 8 Hardpoints (w/ESSS) 2xM-230 Autocannons (Optional), Mk 19 AGLs (Optional), M-3M (Optional), 4-8 Hellfire or 2-4 Maverick or 1-2 Sidewinder or 2-4 Stinger or 1-2 Hydra-70 RL Pods, or 2xBombs (Optional); 2xM-134 Fixed Forward

7500x7.62mm or 4500x.50 or 1450x40mm Grenades; 3200x30mm (Optional) or 4800x40mm Grenades (Optional) or 9600x.50 (Optional); 7500x7.62mm

MH-60X Stealth Hawk

IFF, Flare/Chaff Dispensers (60/60/20), RWR, LWR, GPS/INS, ECM (30km), ECCM (30km), IRCM (30km), LWR, Secure Radios, Satcom Radio, BMS, 2nd Gen Laser Designator, 2nd Gen Laser Rangefinder, Paving Flight, Advanced HIRSS IR Suppression, Engine Noise Reduced by 25%, AFCS, Helmet-Sight Interface, HUD Visor, Armored Cockpit

45m

+2

6 hardpoints (w/ESSS, Otherwise 2)

None