Uh 60 Black Hawks

Describes the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, including its history, equipment, weapons, tactics, and future use. Includes photo diagram.

The successor to the Vietnam-veteran Bell UH-1 "Huey", the Sikorsky UH-60 first flew in 1974 and was christened the Black Hawk. It has become one of the most versatile and successful utility helicopters ever in service and has been used widely, from the invasion of Grenada to the conflict in Somalia and the ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom. An attack helicopter configured with missiles, rockets, machine guns and cannon the Black Hawk is also capable of undertaking a wide range of missions on the battlefield, including troop transport, command and control and aeromedical evacuation. Although the Black Hawk is most recently associated with the disaster in Mogadishu, this book looks past Hollywood interpretations to investigate the design, development and operations of arguably the most important helicopter in the world today, with fantastic full-color digital artwork and up-to-date information about the BlackHawk's role in Iraq. Also examined are the more unconventional missions the BlackHawk has been used in, from drug-busting operations in South America to peace-keeping operations around the world.

In January of 1972, a request for proposals, or RFP, was issued to lay out the guidelines for a new utility helicopter to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois type. The Huey had served admirably in the Vietnam conflict, but it lacked engine power, was vulnerable to small-arms fire, and was limited in lifting/transporting heavy external payloads. Under the UTTAS (Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System) competition, the new clean-sheet design intended to rectify all of the UH-1's shortcomings, while integrating the latest technology developments in helicopter construction and power-plant design. This new helicopter would be capable of a cruising speed of 167-201mph/145-174kts (269-324km/h) and be able to maintain this speed for a minimum of 2.3 hours. It had to carry an 11-man infantry squad, with all of their gear, in hot temperature/high altitude scenarios. If troops were not to be carried, that same lifting power provided by two engines would instead lift underslung cargo loads, up to a maximum of 8,000 lbs/3629kg. The cargo cabin space had to be able to be converted with a minimum of effort for use in aeromedical evacuation, utility roles or as an infantry assault transport. Illustrated with over 250b/w and color photos.

Leoni, the man considered to be the "father" of the Black Hawk, explains how Sikorsky Aircraft used innovative designs with the right advanced technologies to meet the Armys stringent specifications for aircraft performance, survivability, and reliability.

When United States infantry troops need support, a UH-60 Black Hawk prepares for liftoff. This utility helicopter can carry 11 fully equipped soldiers into battle and transport injured troops to safety. Learn how the UH-60 Black Hawk and its brave crew help keep U.S. infantry strong in this action-packed, low-level book.

"Amazing photography accompanies engaging information about UH-60 Black Hawks. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7"--Provided by publisher.

The United States Army uses variations of the UH-60 Black Hawk to perform a wide variety of missions. The Black Hawk has been the primary helicopter of the Army for over 30 years. This book explains what the Black Hawk is, what equipment it uses to complete missions, and why it has been so successful in its missions.

Developed to replace the UH-1 Iroquis, Sikorsky s UH-60 Black Hawk first entered service in 1979. A four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter, the UH-60 serves as the U.S. Army s primary tactical transport helicopter. Modified versions include models for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, and specialized versions including the UH-60C (modified for Command and Control missions), EH-60A (electronic systems operations and electronic warfare), and the UH-60Q (medical transport). Two major variants of the Black Hawk currently exist: the UH-60L and UH-60M. The UH-60L incorporates improvements to the basic design that provide more power and lifting capability, as well as automatic flight control. The newer UH-60M features upgraded engines, improved rotor blades, and state-of-the-art flight controls that will allow the helicopter s service life to extend to 2020 and beyond. Over 2500 Black Hawks have been built, and nearly 1000 more are currently on order. Black Hawks have seen combat service for the U.S. Military in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Other nations also employ the UH-60 including Brazil, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, and Turkey. Created by Sikorsky and the U.S. Army, this pilot s flight operating manual profiles the UH-60Q Black Hawk. Over 500 pages long, this unclassified document is reprinted here in its entirety."