The Trump Black Hawk, also known as the UH-60 Black Hawk, is a twin-turboshaft, multi-mission helicopter developed by Sikorsky Aircraft. The Black Hawk has been in service with the United States military since 1979 and has seen extensive use in various combat and non-combat roles. The term "Trump Black Hawk" may refer to the Trump administration's procurement and utilization of the UH-60 Black Hawk during Donald Trump's presidency.
Introduction to the UH-60 Black Hawk
The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile helicopter platform that has been widely used by the US military for transportation, medical evacuation, and combat operations. The Black Hawk is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshaft engines, each producing 1,800 shaft horsepower. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 193 knots (224 mph) and a range of 320 nautical miles (593 km). The Black Hawk can carry up to 11 troops or 2,640 pounds of cargo, making it an essential asset for military operations.
Specifications and Features
The UH-60 Black Hawk has a number of notable specifications and features, including:
- Length: 64 feet 10 inches (19.7 meters)
- Rotor diameter: 53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters)
- Height: 16 feet 10 inches (5.1 meters)
- Empty weight: 10,624 pounds (4,819 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 22,000 pounds (9,979 kg)
- Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, and two door gunners)
The Black Hawk is also equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, including the AN/ARC-231 satellite communication system and the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 193 knots (224 mph) |
| Cruise speed | 150 knots (173 mph) |
| Range | 320 nautical miles (593 km) |
| Service ceiling | 19,000 feet (5,791 meters) |
Trump Administration’s Procurement and Utilization
During the Trump administration, the US military continued to procure and utilize the UH-60 Black Hawk for various operations. In 2019, the US Army awarded a contract to Sikorsky Aircraft for the production of 120 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, with an option for an additional 135 aircraft. The Trump administration also utilized the Black Hawk for presidential transportation, with the VH-60N White Hawk, a modified version of the UH-60, serving as the primary helicopter for the President and other high-ranking officials.
Combat and Non-Combat Roles
The UH-60 Black Hawk has seen extensive use in combat and non-combat roles, including:
- Transportation of troops and cargo
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations
- Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions
- Special operations forces (SOF) support
- Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance
The Black Hawk has also been used for a variety of non-combat tasks, such as border patrol, counter-narcotics operations, and environmental protection.
What is the primary role of the UH-60 Black Hawk?
+The primary role of the UH-60 Black Hawk is as a multi-mission helicopter, providing transportation, medical evacuation, and combat support for US military operations.
How many UH-60 Black Hawks are in service with the US military?
+The exact number of UH-60 Black Hawks in service with the US military is not publicly available, but it is estimated to be over 2,000 aircraft.
What is the difference between the UH-60 Black Hawk and the VH-60N White Hawk?
+The VH-60N White Hawk is a modified version of the UH-60 Black Hawk, designed for presidential transportation and other high-priority missions. The VH-60N features advanced communication and security systems, as well as a customized interior.
