UH-60 Blackhawk in Action

January of 1972 – A request for proposals or RFP was issued to lay out the guidelines for a new utility helicopter to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois type. The UH-60 Black Hawk shortly became under development with the intent to rectify all the former challenges of UH-1. The new helicopter would have a cruising speed of 167-201 mph/145-174kts (269-324km/h) and be able to maintain the speed for a minimum of 2.3 hours. There was also a need to carry an 11-man infantry squad with their gear, in hot temperature/high altitude scenarios. When troops were not aboard, the helicopter would need the capacity provided by its two engines to lift underslung cargo loads, up to a maximum of 8,000 lbs./3629kg. Read about other changes made to the helicopter and view over 250 B/W and color photos.

Squadron Signal Books.