The American UH-60 Black Hawk multi-purpose helicopter has been in service for more than 40 years. It is operated by the military of almost three dozen countries. During this time, a large number of different modifications have been created that can perform combat, search and rescue, sanitary, anti-submarine and other tasks.
Looks like this? I saw the pointy nose and tried to google it but couldn't find the variant. pic.twitter.com/HMU8DCcx5w
— Texabroad (@Engineer_Nasim) August 16, 2021
It is possible to equip the rotorcraft with AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles with a range of up to 8000 meters. Moreover, up to 16 such ATGMs are suspended for one "sixty".
FIM-92 Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems are used for self-defense against air attacks. For enemy attacks on the ground, it is possible to use 70-mm unguided Hydra 70 rockets. As small arms, 7.62 mm machine guns are used, including multi-barreled M134 Minigun.
The maximum take-off weight is more than 11100 kg. The crew consists of 3 people. The landing compartment accommodates 11 military personnel. The maximum speed is 296 km/h, cruising speed is 282 km/h. The practical range is 584 km. The practical ceiling is more than 5800 meters.
The helicopter is constantly being improved, the latest versions are equipped with so-called "glass cabins" with electronic monitors.
There are modifications designed to perform special operations, they have on-board self-defense systems against enemy missiles with thermal and radar guidance heads, satellite navigation equipment, thermal imaging detection cameras.
To perform the most classified missions, low-profile versions of the Black Hawk have been created. Perhaps nothing would have been known about them if one of these cars had not crashed in May 2011 in Pakistan, during the operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden. According to unofficial information, when creating this UH-60, the technologies of the RAH-66 Comanche reconnaissance and strike were widely used.
Recently, one of these "stealth turntables" was spotted on the territory of the Kabul airport. Apparently, she delivered special forces who ensured the safe evacuation of American diplomats.
Alexey Moiseev