![]() ![]() The production contract was handed to Sikorsky in late 1976 with first deliveries of the Black Hawk system beginning on an October day two years later. The Sikorsky design was chosen ahead of the Boeing-Vertol YUH-61A attempt and the Sikorsky YUH-60A prototype achieved first flight on November 29th, 1974. US Army feelers went out in 1972 with both Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol both answering the call. This design specification also coincided with development of the new General Electric turboshaft engine series designated as the T700. Review of this experience brought about a need for capable replacement system for the immediate future. The specification itself originated on the data collected from wartime use of the UH-1 "Huey" Iroquois helicopters pulling multiple duties across the war zone. The Black Hawk was born out of the Sikorsky S-70 project designed to the United States Army's Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) specification that began in the latter part of the 1960's. Some 2,600 total Black Hawks have been delivered worldwide. The first production Black Hawk entered service in 1979 and remains a primary fixture for many an army even today - two decades after its inception. Its capabilities have increased her roles to include Special Operations assignments, assault, MedEvac, Command and Control and VIP transport duty on top of her inherent troop-transport capabilities. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk has become a workhorse for the United States and other military forces the world over. ![]()
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