Description: The EH-60A is a specialized variant built using the UH-60A airframe, and was designed primarily for electronic warfare (EW) missions. Developed during the Cold War to meet the U.S. Army's need for battlefield signal intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance, the EH-60A played a critical role in monitoring and disrupting enemy communications. The aircraft had four-dipole antenna mounted on the tailcone and a retractable whip antenna mounted below the airframe that provided the jamming function.

General Overview:
Popular Name:
Black Hawk (Quick Fix)
Years Produced:
1981-1988
Base Airframe:
UH-60A
Operator:
U.S. Army
Role:
Electronic Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electronic Warfare support
Crew:
4 (pilot, co-pilot, 2 electronic warfare operators)
Engines:
2 × GE T700-GE-700 turboshaft engines
Passenger Capacity:
Reduced due to onboard EW systems
Cargo Hook Capacity:
N/A
Mission:

The primary mission of the EH-60A Black Hawk helicopter was to provide airborne electronic warfare support to ground troops. This included intercepting, locating, and jamming enemy communications, as well as gathering and analyzing signal intelligence. It was equipped to disrupt enemy communications and provide real-time intelligence to military units.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Four-dipole antenna mounted on the Tailcone
  • Retractable whip antenna mounted below the airframe
  • Electronic equipment racks in the cabin area
  • Similar external appearance to UH-60A aside from antenna systems
  • Typically painted in NATO olive drab during early years
Avionics:
  • Communications intercept and direction-finding equipment
  • Jamming systems (HF, VHF, UHF bands)
  • Secure radio and signal relay systems
  • Basic UH-60A analog cockpit
Armament Options:

Defensive:

  • Typically unarmed

Offensive:

  • Not configured for offensive operations

Did You Know?

  • 📌Tracor Aerospace performed 66 EH-60A conversions up to 1988.
  • 📌The EH-60A helped pave the way for integrated airborne EW capabilities in joint operations.
  • 📌In 2005 the EH-60A's were retired for more modern aircraft like the RC-12 Guardrail and RC-135 Rivet Joint for fixed-wing EW, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for tactical SIGINT.