The Blackhawk has been in the US arsenal for over 20 years and counting with over 1,500 army blackhawks serving in active duty and national guard units worldwide. It can carry 11 fully equipped troops on practically any type of mission. The UH-60L is the most advanced twin-turbine military helicopter in the world. It is able to lift 22,000lb gross weight and carry 9.000lb of external loads.
The UH-60 was made to last, with a built-in tolerance to small arms fire and most medium-caliber high-explosive projectiles, as well as a specially designed airframe/landing gear. Many variations of the blackhawk have taken shape; the MH-60K Special Operations aircraft, the HH-60J JAYHAWK (U.S. Coast Guard), EH-60A electronic warfare, the VH-60 executive transport helo., and many more.
Primary Function: Infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces in day, night or marginal weather conditions.
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Crew: Two pilots, one flight engineer and one gunner (able to carry up to 11 fully equipped troops)
Unit Cost: $10.1 million (1992 dollars)
Powerplant
Two General Electric T700-GE-701C engines (1,630 shaft horsepower each)
Dimensions
Length: 64 feet, 8 inches (17.1 meters)
Rotor Diameter: 53 feet, 7 inches (14.1 meters)
Height: 16 feet, 8 inches (4.4 meters)
Weights
Empty: 11,516 lb
Maximum Takeoff: 22,000 pounds (9,900 kilograms)
Performance
Speed: 184 mph (294.4 kph)
Ceiling: (ISA day) 19,1510 ft
Range: 445 nautical miles; 504 statute miles (unlimited with air refueling)
Armament
2 machine guns, 16 Hellfire anti-tank missiles or 4 rocket pods, mine dispensers
