Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk
Sikorsky / de Havilland Australia · Australia · first flew 1987 · transport aircraft
The S-70A-9 is the Australian Army variant of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, assembled with US components and locally integrated systems for Australian service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Australian Army Black Hawk with four-blade main rotor and T-tail
- Two General Electric T700 turboshafts mounted above cabin roof
- Anhedral stabiliser on tail boom, retractable wheeled undercarriage
Four-blade main rotor, T-tail with anhedral stabiliser, wide slab-sided fuselage, and retractable tricycle gear are definitive Black Hawk identifiers; Australian Army olive livery distinguishes from other operators.
Specifications
- The Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk has a length of 19.76 m (65 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.36 m (54 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 296 km/h (184 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3 + 11 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Australia selected the Black Hawk in 1984 to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois in the tactical transport role. Aircraft were assembled by de Havilland Australia at Bankstown and entered service with the 6th Aviation Regiment. The type participated in numerous operations including East Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq support missions before retirement in favour of the MRH-90.
Variants
The S-70A-9 is the Australian Army-specific export mark; it carries Australian communications and defensive systems distinct from US Army UH-60 variants.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Australian Army at Holsworthy and Townsville; the fleet was retired around 2016 as MRH-90 Taipans entered service.
Related aircraft
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