Sikorsky Aircraft delivers 200th UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to US Army

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. announced today the delivery of the 200th UH/HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to the US Army. Sikorsky is a United Technologies Corp. company.

With a new airframe, avionics and propulsion system, the UH-60M and HH-60M helicopters are the latest and most modern in a series of Black Hawk variants that Sikorsky has been delivering to the army since 1978. Since the program launched with its first delivery in July 2006, Sikorsky Aircraft also has delivered UH-60M aircraft to agencies from the US Federal government as well as international customers.

"The UH-60M aircraft have been performing phenomenally well in theater, supporting our troops and providing them with the latest technology for the mission," said Doug Shidler, Sikorsky Vice President, Army Programs. "The feedback from the US Army has been extremely positive, as more "M" models are introduced into the fleet. The new UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are ideally suited for its mission, providing reduced pilot workload, increased lift, better protection and enhanced survivability. "It is a proven, reliable combat aircraft."

Sikorsky is continuing to develop the next variation of the aircraft, through the UH-60M Modernization program.

Black Hawk helicopters flown by the US Army in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of war have accumulated more than one million fleet flight hours. The US Army's total Black Hawk helicopter fleet exceeds 1,740 aircraft and in total, Black Hawk helicopter variants have amassed more than nine million flight hours.

More than 3,000 Black Hawk helicopters are in use today, operating in 27 29 countries. Designed to stringent US Military standards, the Black Hawk helicopter has become the leader in multi-mission-type aircraft. Among the mission configurations it serves are troop transport, medical evacuation, electronic warfare, attack, assault support and special operations.

"The Black Hawk helicopter has proven itself in the most extreme and rigorous environments, and each milestone is a testament to its durability and effectiveness," said Scott Starrett, President, Sikorsky Military Systems.

The UH-60M and HH-60M helicopters provide additional payload and range, advanced digital avionics, better handling qualities and situational awareness, active vibration control, improved survivability, and improved producibility. Sikorsky is expected to deliver more than 1,350 UH-60M and HH-60M aircraft throughout the course of the current contract. Actual procurement numbers year-to-year and across the life of the program will be determined by budget authorizations and specific contract awards.

Source: Sikorsky

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