H-60 helicopter
This article may be deleted soon. | ||
---|---|---|
The H-60 helicopter family which is the U.S. military designation for the Sikorsky S-70 family of helicopters, is the most common U.S. military helicopter, with a wide range of versions and upgrades for different military missions. After the Vietnam War experience, with the UH-1 helicopter being an icon of that war, the United States Army wanted to move to the next generation, requesting proposals, in 1972, for the Huey's successor, termed the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS). First generation ArmyAs would be expected, the first model was the "A", although there soon were a number of derivatives. Not all the test and special missions, such as Customs Service and VIP transport, are discussed here, just H-60A derivatives with a clear military mission. These were a number of A-model utility transports, many exported, and the EH-60C SIGINT platform with the "Quickfix" emitter location and targeting system. Second generation ArmyThe underpowered A models first became the base UH-60L, with an improved engine and transmission. Medical evacuation versions were the UH-60Q, and the improved HH-60L. Generation 2.5Rather than develop an entirely new helicopter, the Army chose a major mid-life upgrade of the generally successful aircraft. This involves a teardown of A and L models, making fundamental changes to the airframe, electronics and engines. The resulting "M" helicopters (i.e., UH-60M utility, HH-60M medical evacuation, and MH-60M special operations) have comparable performance to the "L" models, but with improved "system interoperability, survivability and sustainability. The aircraft has a fully integrated, digitized, open avionics architecture providing a glass-cockpit, fully coupled flight director, Embedded GPS/INS navigation system, integrated Blue Force Tracker and digital moving map system. The Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) reduces maintenance workload and sets the stage for full implementation of Condition Based Maintenance. "UH-60M is an “all weather, all terrain, day/night/night-vision-system” vertical maneuver platform critical to the warfight. The Black Hawk delivers 11 combat-loaded troops to a radius of 225 kilometers and can transport an external load of 4,500 pounds to a radius of 135 kilometers, all in “High/Hot” conditions. "The medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) version of the Black Hawk, HH-60M, includes a full medical evacuation mission equipment package in the cabin area, integrated Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) and an onboard oxygen generating system."[1] Special operationsIn the U.S. designation system, the "M" prefix is supposed to mean "special operations". Unfortunately, while most "MH" helicopters of the Army and Air Force are indeed special operations, the Navy MH-60S and MH-60R are general purpose naval helicopters. Army Special OperationsAn interim MH-60A versions received air refueling probes, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and two Miniguns on pintle mounts in side windows. Second generationThe first purpose-built Army Special Operations version was the MH-60K, which also can be a major rebuild of the MH-60A. Its primary mission is "overt or covert infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces" at night and in bad weather.[2] To the MH-60A capabilities were added an AN/APQ-174 terrain following radar, more self-protection electronic warfare components, and support for FIM-92 Stinger and AGM-114 Hellfire. It also has a power upgrade of 2 General Electric T700-GE-701C engines. The MH-60L is a slightly less advanced but cheaper version developed from the UH-60L utility helicopter. [3] Air Force
RAST (helicopter)|RAST helps a helicopter fuel and land on forward strips and non-carrier warships. It consists of a cable and winch system with components both on the aircraft and surface platform. Navy helicopters can give midcourse guidance to RIM-156 Standard SM-2 missiles fired in surface-to-surface mode, as well as direct control of their AGM-119 Penguin and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. First generationThe Navy also operated the elderly CH-46 as a utility helicopter, which was also the Marine medium assault helicopter. These are being replaced by versions of the V-22 Osprey.
Second generation
Coast Guard
References
|