Tag Archives: Sikorsky

Technology

How The UH-60 Black Hawk Has Survived In The U.S. Army For Over 40 Years

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, has been an integral part of the U.S. Army for more than four decades. The company, founded by Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer in helicopter technology, introduced the Black Hawk as a response to the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System contest initiated by the military. The goal of the contest was to introduce a new helicopter to the force.

During the contest, the military specified that the aircraft should be able to travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour while carrying 3150 kilograms of cargo. Sikorsky presented its plan for the Black Hawk in 1972, and it entered service in 1979, becoming a world-renowned helicopter.

Helicopters had already proven their value during the Vietnam War, where they were able to transport infantry to and from the battlefield in challenging terrains that traditional planes couldn’t navigate. They played a crucial role in reaching troops in inaccessible areas, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reach of the fighting forces.

With the introduction of the Black Hawk, the capacities of helicopters expanded even further. The early versions of the Black Hawk were equipped with M60 machine guns, indicating that the helicopter was not just a passive transporter. Its versatility was demonstrated during the non-combat evacuation of Operation Urgent Fury in 1983 by the 158th Aviation Battalion.

Technology

9 Of The Oldest Military Helicopters Still In Service Today

The Sikorsky H-34 is one of the oldest military helicopters that is still in service today. It was first introduced in 1954 as an anti-submarine helicopter, but it was also used for cargo transport and troop transportation. Initially developed for the U.S. Navy, it eventually made its way to 25 other countries for use in both military and civilian capacities. Production of the H-34 ceased in 1970, with a total of 1,800 to 2,100 units manufactured, including various subvariants and versions known as the CH-34.

The H-34 played a significant role during its time. It was primarily utilized by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Afterward, it found homes in countries such as France, South Vietnam, Israel, and others. One notable mission involved attempting to retrieve NASA’s Liberty Bell 7 from the Atlantic Ocean, although it ultimately failed due to the spacecraft being filled with seawater.

Throughout the 1960s, the H-34 underwent numerous modifications by Sikorsky for various purposes. As a result, it is challenging to find original versions of the helicopter. Most examples on display in museums or used in civilian operations are likely the modified variants. However, the Palm Springs Air Museum regularly operates an original Sikorsky H-34.