Sikorsky S-70

Last updated
S-70/H-60 series
CAL FIRE S-70i program.jpg
CAL Fire S-70A Firehawk in flight
General information
TypeMedium-lift transport/utility helicopter
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft, Turkish Aerospace Industries (under Licence) [1]
StatusIn service
Primary users U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
See Operators section for others
History
Manufactured1970s–present
Introduction date1979
First flightOctober 1974
Variants Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk
Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk
Mitsubishi H-60

The Sikorsky S-70 is an American medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the United States Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Black Hawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service. New and improved versions of the UH-60 have been developed since. Civilian versions, and some military versions, are produced under various S-70 model designations.

Contents

Development

The S-70 family was developed to meet a United States Army requirement to replace the UH-1 Iroquois family of utility medium-lift helicopters in 1972. Three YUH-60A prototypes were constructed, with the first flying in October 1974. They were evaluated against the Boeing-Vertol YUH-61A. The YUH-60A was selected for production, and entered service as the UH-60A Black Hawk with the U.S. Army in 1979. [2]

After entering service, the helicopter was modified for new missions and roles, including mine laying and medical evacuation.[ citation needed ] An EH-60 variant was developed to conduct electronic warfare and special operations aviation developed the MH-60 variant to support its missions. [3] In the late 1980s the model was upgraded to the UH-60L, which featured more power and lift with the upgrade to the -701C model of the GE T700 engine. The improved UH-60M model was developed in the early 2000s. [2] The UH-60M and its International version, the S-70i, include GPS navigation, a glass cockpit, an integrated Flight Management System, and a significant upgrade to the powertrain and rotor system adding both power and lift capability.[ citation needed ]

The S-70 can perform a variety of missions, including air cavalry, electronic warfare, and aeromedical evacuation. Versions are used to transport the President of the United States under call sign "Marine One". In air assault operations it can move a squad of 11 combat troops and equipment or carry the 105 mm M102 howitzer, thirty rounds of ammunition, and a six-man crew. Alternatively, it can carry 2,600  lb (1,200  kg ) of cargo or sling load 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) of cargo. The S-70 is equipped with advanced avionics and electronics, such as the Global Positioning System.

The United States Navy received the first navalized SH-60B Seahawk in 1983, and the SH-60F Ocean Hawk in 1988.

HH-60G Pave Hawk conducting rescue ops in 2005 Katrina-14837.jpg
HH-60G Pave Hawk conducting rescue ops in 2005

The HH-60G Pave Hawk is a highly modified version of the S-70 primarily designed to recover downed aircrew or other isolated personnel during war and equipped with a rescue hoist with a 250 ft (76 m) cable that has a 600 lb (270 kg) lift capability, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe. The United States Air Force received the MH-60G Pave Hawk in 1982.

The United States Coast Guard received the HH-60J Jayhawk in 1992. It utilizes the equipment of the HH-60G Pave Hawk on the navalized SH-60 platform. [4]

The S-70A Firehawk is a version of the S-70 designed for firefighting, rescue, medical evacuation, and external lift of bulky cargo and equipment. The Oregon National Guard was the first military organization in the world to add the Firehawk to its inventory; the Los Angeles County Fire Department was the first municipal organization.[ citation needed ] Another Firehawk aerial firefighting operator is the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) with the S-70i variant. [5]

The Army flies medical evacuation models configured as rotary winged medical suites. It also uses the S-70 for special operations by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ("Night Stalkers") at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, designated as the MH-60K.[ citation needed ]

The Maple Hawk was a variant offered by Sikorsky to the Canadian Forces during a 1996 tender to replace the military's search and rescue helicopters. [6]

Operational history

Colombia

On 5 August 2010, to support its counter-narcotics and armed forces modernisation efforts, the US DSCA approved the Colombian government's request of additional 9 UH-60L (4 units allocated to the national police force). [7]

In 2017 March, the National Police of Colombia ordered 10 additional 2nd-hand UH-60A helicopters that will increase their total to 19 helicopters in operation. [8]

Poland

UH-60 for Polish Police, 2018 Podpisanie umowy na zakup smiglowcow dla polskiej Policji (30.05.2018) (27581211077).jpg
UH-60 for Polish Police, 2018

In 2018, Poland sign agreement to buy S-70i for Police aviation, to replace Mi-2 reaching the end of their safe flying life. [9]

The Philippines

First batch

S-70i Black Hawk of the Philippine Air Force, December 2021 S-70i Black Hawk of the Philippine Air Force, December 2021.jpg
S-70i Black Hawk of the Philippine Air Force, December 2021

As part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization efforts, the Department of National Defense signed a contract with PZL-Mielec for 16 S-70i variant of Black Hawk helicopters worth US$241.4 million in March 2019. [10] This to further replace the Philippine Air Force's aging fleet of UH-1 Huey helicopters. The first six units were delivered in November 2020 while the second five units were delivered in June 2021. [11] The final five units of the first batch were delivered in December 2021. [12]

During a nighttime training mission, one unit of the new S-70i Black Hawk crashed killing all six crew on board. [11] In response, the Philippine Air Force grounded the entire fleet until the investigation has been completed. [13] The Armed Forces of the Philippines later on said that "Based on the investigating team’s report, no single factor can be determined as the only cause of these mishaps." [14]

Second batch

On 22 February 2022, the Department of National Defense signed another contract with PZL-Mielec for an additional 32 S-70i Black Hawks worth US$624 million which included an integrated logistics support and training package for pilots and maintenance crew. [15] [16] [17]

With the latest contract with PZL-Mielec, the Philippines is set to become the largest operator of the S-70i variant of the Black Hawk once full delivery of the ordered units are completed. [18] [19]

Variants

U.S. Navy SH-60B Seahawk SH-60B Seahawk2.jpg
U.S. Navy SH-60B Seahawk

H-60

S-70

Royal Brunei Air Force S-70i in Kuala Belait, 2022 Ramah Mesra Kuala Belait 21 July 2022 20.jpg
Royal Brunei Air Force S-70i in Kuala Belait, 2022

The company name for the H-60/S-70 family is the S-70 Black Hawk.

Derivatives

Operators

Civilian operators

Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia
Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey
S-70C Firehawk at Fox Field, California Firehawk-s70c-N2FH-070919-fox-01cr-16.jpg
S-70C Firehawk at Fox Field, California
Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine

Specifications (S-70i)

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk orthographical image.svg

Data from S-70i Brochure [57]

General characteristics

7 ft (2.13 m) cabin width

Performance

149 kn (171 mph; 276 km/h) economical cruise

See also

Related development

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk</span> Series of military utility transport helicopters

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972. The Army designated the prototype as the YUH-60A and selected the Black Hawk as the winner of the program in 1976, after a fly-off competition with the Boeing Vertol YUH-61.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk</span> American medium-lift military helicopter

The Sikorsky MH-60/HH-60 Pave Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The HH-60 Pave Hawk and its successor the HH-60W Jolly Green II are combat rescue helicopters, though in practice they often serve humanitarian and peacetime disaster rescue. It is a derivative of the UH-60 Black Hawk and incorporates the US Air Force PAVE electronic systems program. The HH-60/MH-60 is a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk</span> Naval helicopter series of the H-60/S-70 family

The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.

Sikorsky Aircraft is an American aircraft manufacturer based in Stratford, Connecticut. It was established by the Russian aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky in 1923, and was among the first companies to manufacture helicopters for civilian and military use. It also produced seaplanes for passenger transport and surface vehicles such as trains and boats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PZL Mielec</span> Polish aerospace manufacturer

PZL Mielec, formerly WSK-Mielec and WSK "PZL-Mielec" is a Polish aerospace manufacturer based in Mielec. It is the largest aerospace manufacturer in postwar Poland. In 2007, it was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, which retained the brand name. Between 1948 and 2014, the company manufactured approximately 15,600 aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk</span> Medium-range recovery helicopter

The Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk is a multi-mission, twin-engine, medium-range helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard for search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness and marine environmental protection missions. It was originally designated HH-60J before being upgraded and redesignated in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky H-60</span> Index of articles associated with the same name

The Sikorsky H-60 is a family of military helicopters built by Sikorsky Aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MD Helicopters MH-6 Little Bird</span> Attack helicopter used in United States special operations

The Boeing MH-6M Little Bird and its attack variant, the AH-6, are light helicopters used for special operations in the United States Army. Originally based on a modified OH-6A, it was later based on the MD 500E, with a single five-bladed main rotor. The newest version, the MH-6M, is based on the MD 530F and has a single, six-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor.

Firehawk may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PZL M28 Skytruck</span> Utility aircraft

The PZL M28 Skytruck is a family of Polish light utility aircraft with STOL capability produced by PZL Mielec for military and civilian use. They are mainly used in transport, patrol and maritime reconnaissance roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion</span> Heavy transport helicopter

The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy transport helicopter designed and produced by Sikorsky Aircraft. The King Stallion is an evolution of the long running CH-53 series of helicopters which has been in continuous service since 1966, and features three up-rated 7,500 shp (5,590 kW) engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin than its predecessors. It is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AgustaWestland AW149</span> Military helicopter

The AgustaWestland AW149 is a medium-lift multi-role military helicopter developed by AgustaWestland, now Leonardo, launched in 2006 and had its first flight in 2009. By 2014 it had received military flight certification, and it went on to enter production going into military service with Egypt and Thailand. It is also planned for Poland with a new PZL-Swidnik production line there that opened in 2024, and North Macedonia has a pending order. The aircraft the only contender for the British NMH procurement program in the 2020s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PZL M26 Iskierka</span>

PZL M26 Iskierka or M26 Airwolf is a Polish trainer and aerobatic aircraft, designed at WSK PZL-Mielec.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing Vertol YUH-61</span> Utility helicopter in the US Army

The Boeing Vertol YUH-61 was a twin turbine-engined, medium-lift, military assault/utility helicopter. The YUH-61 was the runner-up in the United States Army Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in the early 1970s to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter. At the end of the flyoff program, Sikorsky Aircraft was awarded a contract to develop and build its UH-60A entry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Electric T700</span> Family of turboshaft and turboprop engines

The General Electric T700 and CT7 are a family of turboshaft and turboprop engines in the 1,500–3,000 shp (1,100–2,200 kW) class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HSC-85</span> Military unit

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT FIVE (HSC-85) was a United States Navy Reserve forces helicopter squadron (RESFORON) based out of Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. The "FIREHAWKS" of HSC-85 are Reserve and Active Component Sailors who operate and maintain Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk helicopters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitsubishi H-60</span> Japanese anti-submarine/utility helicopter

The Mitsubishi H-60 series is a twin-turboshaft engine helicopter based on the Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter family for use by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harbin Z-20</span> Chinese medium-lift utility helicopter

The Harbin Z-20 is a Chinese medium-lift utility helicopter produced by the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG). It was first flown on 23 December 2013 and has a maximum takeoff weight in the range of 10 tonnes (22,000 lb). The Z-20 can operate from locations above 4,000 m (13,000 ft) in altitude as well as from the Liaoning aircraft carrier. It is regarded to be comparable in performance to the US-made Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, of which the civilian Sikorsky S-70C-2 variant has been used by the People's Liberation Army since 1984.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ maximum fuel is 360 US gal (300 imp gal; 1,363 L) internal and two 185 US gal (154 imp gal; 700 L) cabin auxiliary tanks and up to four 450 US gal (375 imp gal; 1,703 L) or 230 US gal (192 imp gal; 871 L) drop tanks
  1. ↑ "Sikorsky". www.sikorsky.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-11-18.
  2. 1 2 Bishop, Chris (2008). Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Osprey Publishing Company. ISBN   978-1-84176-852-6.
  3. ↑ Tomajczyk (2003), pp. 15–29.
  4. ↑ "SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter". navy.mil. Archived from the original on 23 April 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  5. ↑ "Aviation Program".
  6. ↑ "Canada orders review of SAR bidding". FlightGlobal. DVV Media International Limited. 1997-12-16. Archived from the original on 2020-07-07.
  7. ↑ "Colombia requests nine more Black Hawks for counter-narcotics fight". flightglobal.com. 9 August 2010. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 "La Policía de Colombia compró 10 helicópteros UH-60A Black Hawk". Webinfomil.com. 11 March 2017. Archived from the original on 20 March 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2017. (in Spanish)
  9. ↑ Magazine, Frag Out! (2018-09-02). "Black Hawks for Polish Police". Frag Out! Magazine. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  10. ↑ "Philippines orders 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopters". ADAS 2024. 2019-06-06. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  11. 1 2 Waldron, Greg. "Philippine air force takes delivery of final S-70i Black Hawks". Flight Global. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  12. ↑ AFPAO (December 7, 2021). "AIR FORCE COMPLETES S-70i BLACK HAWK FLEET". Philippine Air Force. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Philippine Air Force Loses New S-70i Black Hawk in Crash". GBP. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  14. ↑ Nepomuceno, Priam (September 2, 2021). "Many factors caused Black Hawk, C-130 mishaps: AFP". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  15. ↑ ANDOLONG, ARSENIO (February 22, 2022). "DND signs contract for additional 32 S70i Black Hawks". Department of National Defense. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  16. ↑ Nair, Shalini (2022-02-22). "Philippines signs $624m deal to purchase 32 S70i Black Hawks". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  17. ↑ "Philippine DND Signs Contract for 32 Black Hawk Helicopters". Media - Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  18. ↑ Tiwari, Sakshi (2024-03-12). "S-70i Black Hawk: Philippines Set To Become World's Largest Operator Of US Choppers; To Add 32 News Helos". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
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  22. ↑ "Sikorsky breathes new life into PZL Mielec" Archived 2010-06-11 at the Wayback Machine . Flight International, June 8, 2010.
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  24. ↑ "Sikorsky wins Turkish utility helicopter battle". FlightGlobal.com. 2011-04-21. Archived from the original on 2014-10-07. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  25. ↑ "News". OnlineAMD.com. 2011-04-25. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
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  27. ↑ Perry2021-12-07T20:48:00+00:00, Dominic. "Sikorsky gains civil certification for new S-70M from FAA". Flight Global. Retrieved 2023-12-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ↑ "American airplanes: Sikorsky". Aerofiles.com. 2009-04-26. Archived from the original on 2012-07-18. Retrieved 2011-04-07.
  29. ↑ Sikorsky Helicopters Archived 2011-06-04 at the Wayback Machine - Helis.com
  30. ↑ "S-71 image". deviantart.com. 17 October 2010. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  31. ↑ Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-92". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN   0-7607-0592-5.
  32. ↑ Frawley, Gerald. "Sikorsky S-92". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. Aerospace Publications, 2002. ISBN   1-875671-55-2.
  33. ↑ "World Air Forces 2004". Flightglobal Insight. 2004. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  34. ↑ "Presidential Sikorsky S-70A-30". Demand media. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  35. 1 2 "Policia Nacional de Colombia". helis.com. Retrieved 7 July 2022. CN construction numbers
  36. ↑ "BNPB Datangkan Chinook dan Black Hawk Untuk Tangani Karhutla". bpbnnews.id (in Indonesian). 20 August 2020. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  37. ↑ "BNPB Datangkan 2 Helikopter Buatan AS untuk Tangani Bencana". inews.id (in Indonesian). 18 August 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  38. ↑ "Wow! BNPB Hadirkan Helikopter Chinook Dan Black Hawk Untuk Water Bombing". indomiliter.com (in Indonesian). 14 August 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  39. ↑ "Mexican Police Receive UH-60M Black Hawks". Air International . Vol. 80, no. 3. March 2011. p. 28. ISSN   0306-5634.
  40. ↑ "Mexican State of Jalisco takes delivery of S-70i". helihub.com. October 2011. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  41. ↑ "Black Hawk helicopters for Polish Police". 4 June 2018.
  42. ↑ "Third Black Hawk for the Polish National Police". Archived from the original on 2019-01-26. Retrieved 2019-01-25.
  43. ↑ "Demonstrație a primului Black Hawk S-70M destinat României (Video). Elicopterul urmează să fie livrat MAI". Defense Romania (in Romanian). 8 September 2022.
  44. ↑ Ciprian Iana (12 December 2023). "Al șaselea elicopter Black Hawk destinat intervenţiilor în situaţii de urgenţă a ajuns în România". Libertatea (in Romanian).
  45. ↑ "Echipamente noi pentru polițiști: Elicoptere, aparate drugtest și autospeciale cumpărate din fonduri europene". Euronews (in Romanian). 26 December 2023.
  46. ↑ "Black Hawki z Mielca w Arabii Saudyjskiej" (in Polish). altair.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  47. ↑ "Sayfalar - Bell 429 Album" (in Turkish). Havacilik.pol.tr. Archived from the original on 2014-05-06. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  48. ↑ "Cal Fire Places Purchase Order for Firehawk Aircraft". Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
  49. ↑ "L.A. County Fire Air Operations". lacounty.gov. Archived from the original on 2015-03-15. Retrieved 2013-03-12.
  50. ↑ "PG&E Adds New Heavy-Lift Helicopters to Support Utility Infrastructure Projects, Enhance Wildfire Safety". 31 July 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  51. ↑ "SDFD Debuts New Firehawk Helicopter". NBC 7 San Diego. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 2019-12-13.
  52. ↑ Paur, Jason. "Black Hawk Made: A Peek Inside the Sikorsky Factory". Wired. wired.com. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  53. ↑ "CPB S-70". Airliners.net. Archived from the original on 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2013-03-12.
  54. ↑ "Ventura County preparing for arrival of Firehawks". Vertical Mag. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
  55. ↑ "Colorado's New Firehawk Set for First Flight". Aerial Fire Mag. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  56. ↑ "На вооружении у бойцов ГУР появился американский вертолет Black Hawk (фото)". ФОКУС (in Russian). 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  57. ↑ "Sikorsky S-70i Brochure" (PDF). lockheedmartin.com. Lockheed-Martin. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  58. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
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Bibliography

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