This strategic procurement initiative aims to modernize Australia’s existing multi-role helicopter fleet with a proven and reliable system, ensuring the nation maintains the required readiness for conducting combined operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter will enhance the Australian Army’s capability to swiftly deploy combat power, securing Australia’s strategic environment, deterring actions against its interests, and responding with credible force when necessary. The integration of this equipment into Australia’s armed forces is anticipated to be seamless. Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Bethesda, MD, is the principal contractor for this significant undertaking.
Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk Utility Helicopter
In addition to its core capabilities, the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk Utility Helicopter is outfitted with an array of advanced equipment and systems to enhance its operational effectiveness. The comprehensive list of integrated features includes:
- AN/ARC-231 RT-1808A SATCOM radios
- APR-39C(V)1/4 Radar Warning Receivers
- AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets
- APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe Transponder
- ARC-220 High-Frequency (HF) radio with KY-100M
- VRC-100 Ground Stations
- AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL)
- KIV-77 Communication Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Appliqué Crypto Computers
- AN/ARN-147(V) Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Instrument Landing System (ILS) receiver radio
- AN/ARN-149(V) Low-Frequency (LF)/Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) radio receiver
- AN/ARN-153 Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) receiver transmitter
- Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercommunications Systems (EAWIS)
- Improved Heads-Up Display (IHUD)
- MX-10D EO/IR with Laser Designator
- Ballistic Armor Protection Systems (BAPS)
- Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems (IAFTS)
- Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES)
- External Rescue Hoist (ERH)
- Rescue Hoist Equipment Sets
- Dual Patient Litter System (DPLS) Sets training devices
- Helmets
- Transportation
- Organizational equipment
- Spare and repair parts
This arsenal of cutting-edge technologies ensures the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk remains at the forefront of utility helicopter capabilities, meeting the demands of modern military operations.”
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, operated by the Australian Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment, is a versatile utility military helicopter featuring a four-blade, twin-engine design. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, the UH-60A entered service in 1979, replacing the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the army’s tactical transport helicopter. With a fully articulated main rotor, elastomeric bearings, and a low-profile design for transportability, it can carry 11 troops or lift up to 2,600 pounds internally and 9,000 pounds externally. The UH-60M Black Hawk, introduced in 2006, boasts improved features such as wide chord rotor blades, T700-GE-701D engines, enhanced durability gearbox, Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) computer, and a new glass cockpit.
Australia ordered S-70A-9 Black Hawks in 1986 and additional units in 1987. The first US-produced Black Hawk was delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1987. In 1989, the RAAF’s Black Hawk fleet was transferred to the Australian Army, serving in various operational theaters. In 2021, the S-70A-9 Black Hawks were retired, and amid performance issues with MRH-90s, the government announced plans to replace them with up to 40 UH-60M Black Hawks. Although an order is pending, delivery is expected to commence in 2023, with the goal of completing all deliveries by 2026.”
US агmу Joiпt Task foгсe-Bravo UH-60M Black Hawk Utility Helicopter. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Amber Carter/U.S. Air foгсe Joiпt Task foгсe-Bravo)