MH-60 Black Hawk

MH-60 Black Hawk
147th Aviation Regiment · Public domain · source
Name	MH-60 Black Hawk
Type	Special operations multi-mission helicopter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Sikorsky Aircraft
Introduction	2007
Status	In service
Primary user	United States Army
Developed from	UH-60 Black Hawk

MH-60 Black Hawk. The MH-60 is a family of specialized multi-mission helicopters developed from the ubiquitous UH-60 Black Hawk for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Primarily operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), these aircraft are engineered for clandestine and high-risk missions under night and adverse weather conditions. The designation encompasses several advanced variants, including the MH-60M and MH-60L DAP, which serve as critical assets for special operations forces across the globe.

Development and variants

The development of the MH-60 lineage was driven by the demanding requirements of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment following the failed Operation Eagle Claw in 1980. Initial modifications to the UH-60A resulted in the MH-60A and later the more capable MH-60L, which incorporated upgraded General Electric T700 engines and integrated FLIR systems. The program evolved significantly with the MH-60K, developed for the United States Army Special Forces, featuring advanced terrain-following radar and air-to-air refueling capability. The current cornerstone is the MH-60M, developed under the Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP), which standardizes avionics with the UH-60M and incorporates a fully integrated glass cockpit. A unique gunship derivative, the MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP), is equipped with heavy weaponry including 30mm cannons and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for armed escort and close air support.

Design and features

The airframe retains the proven design of the UH-60 Black Hawk, including the four-bladed main rotor and tail rotor system, but is extensively modified for special operations. Key features include an integrated Defensive Aids Suite with AN/ALQ-144 infrared countermeasures, AN/APR-39 radar warning receivers, and AN/AVR-2 laser detection systems. For extended range and endurance, the aircraft are fitted with External Fuel Tanks and a retractable air-to-air refueling probe compatible with Lockheed MC-130 tankers. The cockpit integrates multifunction displays from the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) and advanced navigation systems like the AN/ASN-157 Doppler radar. The cabin is configured for rapid insertion and extraction of personnel, often utilizing the Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES) or the Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction (SPIE) rig.

Operational history

The MH-60 fleet has been at the forefront of nearly every major United States special operations campaign since the late 1980s. During the Invasion of Panama, MH-60s from the 160th SOAR conducted critical personnel recovery missions. They played a pivotal role throughout the War in Afghanistan, supporting operations by Joint Special Operations Command units such as Delta Force and Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Kandahar and Helmand Province. In Iraq, these helicopters were integral to missions during the Battle of Fallujah and the pursuit of high-value targets. One of the most famous operations was the 2011 Operation Neptune Spear in Abbottabad, where modified MH-60 variants were used by SEAL Team Six to raid the compound of Osama bin Laden. The aircraft continue to see extensive use in ongoing counterterrorism operations across regions like the Sahel and the Middle East.

Operators

The primary operator is the United States Army through the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The regiment operates all variants, including the MH-60M and MH-60L DAP. The United States Air Force's 24th Special Operations Wing also employs a small number of similar helicopters, designated MH-60G Pave Hawk, for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). While the core fleet is U.S.-operated, several close allies have acquired modified versions or provide support infrastructure. The Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command and the Australian Special Operations Command have operated comparable special operations Sikorsky S-70 variants. Other nations with special operations aviation units, such as the United Kingdom's Special Air Service and Poland's GROM, often train extensively with the 160th SOAR and its aircraft.

Specifications (MH-60M)

* Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, gunner) * Capacity: 8-12 special operations forces personnel * Length: 64 ft 10 in (19.76 m) * Height: 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m) * Empty weight: 12,200 lb (5,534 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 24,500 lb (11,113 kg) * Powerplant: 2 × General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines * Maximum speed: 183 mph (295 km/h) * Range: 320 mi (520 km) without external tanks * Ferry range: 1,380 mi (2,220 km) with external tanks and aerial refueling * Service ceiling: 19,000 ft (5,790 m) * Armament: (Configurable) 2 × M134 miniguns or GAU-19 gatling guns; MH-60L DAP configuration includes M230 30mm chain guns, Hydra 70 rocket pods, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles * Avionics: Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), AN/ASN-157 Doppler radar, AN/APQ-174B terrain-following radar, AN/AAQ-16 FLIR, integrated defensive suites

Category:Military helicopters of the United States Category:Sikorsky aircraft Category:Special operations aircraft