Description: The UH-60A is the original production model of the Black Hawk helicopter series, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft as a replacement for the UH-1 Iroquois ("Huey"). Entering service with the U.S. Army in 1979, the UH-60A is a twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter designed for tactical transport of troops and cargo in combat and support missions.

General Overview:
Popular Name:
Black Hawk
Years Produced:
1976 – 1989 (entered full service 1979)
Base Airframe:
YUH-60A
Operator:
U.S. Army, National Guard, and allied forces
Role:
Tactical transport and utility helicopter
Crew:
4 (pilot, co-pilot, 2 crew chiefs/gunners)
Engines:
2 × GE T700-GE-700 turboshaft engines
Passenger Capacity:
up to 11 fully equipped combat troops or 6 stretchers
Cargo Hook Capacity:
8,000 lb.
Mission:

The primary mission of the UH-60A is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, and command and control support. It serves as a versatile platform capable of operating in a wide range of conditions and environments, from battlefield resupply to troop insertion and extraction.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Four-blade main and tail rotor
  • Straight horizontal stabilizer (vs. later canted designs)
  • Early analog cockpit without multifunction displays
  • Original fuselage nose with minimal integrated sensors
  • Typically painted in NATO olive drab during early years
Avionics:
  • AN/ARC-164 UHF and AN/ARC-186 VHF radios
  • Doppler navigation system
  • Analog cockpit gauges (no integrated glass cockpit)
  • Night vision-compatible lighting (in later configurations)
  • Basic onboard communications and navigation suite
Armament Options:

Defensive:

  • 2 × Door-mounted 7.62mm M60D or M240H machine guns
  • Armor plating for pilot and crew protection

Offensive (limited/special configurations):

  • Field-modified stub wings for limited external armament:
    • Hydra 70 2.75" rocket pods
    • AGM-114 Hellfire missile launchers (limited testing or special missions)