| Name / Designation | S 70 Black Hawk |
| Type / Role | Utility, Transport, Multirole |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft, Lockheed Martin |
| Introduced / Service Entry | Late 1970s |
| Operational Status | Active |
| Operators | United States, NATO allies, global users |
| Maximum Speed (Road) | 295 km per hour |
| Cruise Speed | 270 km per hour |
| Range | 590 km |
| Endurance | About 2.5 hours |
| Service Ceiling | 5,800 m |
| Rate of Climb | 8.5 m per second |
| Length | 19.8 m |
| Height | 5.1 m |
| Rotor Diameter | 16.4 m |
| Empty Weight | 5,200 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 9,979 kg |
| Primary Armament | Door mounted machine guns |
| Secondary Armament | Optional rocket pods |
| Hardpoints / Weapon Stations | External mounts |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 4,000 kg |
| Countermeasures | Flares, chaff, warning systems |
| Radar Name | Weather and navigation radar |
| Targeting System | FLIR, night vision |
| Navigation System | GPS, INS |
| Communication System | Secure military radios |
| Defensive Systems | MAWS, RWR |
| Engines | 2 turboshaft engines |
| Engine Model | T700 series |
| Power Output | About 1,900 shp each |
| Fuel Capacity | Approx 1,360 L |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 11 troops |
| Cabin Configuration | Troop, cargo, medevac |
| Cargo Load (Internal/External) | Internal and external sling |
| Mission Types | Transport, medevac, SAR, support |
| Night Operation Capability | Yes |
| All-weather Operation | Yes |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
The S 70 Black Hawk is a proven multi role military helicopter designed for demanding combat and support missions. Built for reliability and flexibility, it serves as a backbone utility platform for U.S. forces and allied operators worldwide. Its ability to operate in harsh environments, day or night, has made it a standard choice for troop transport, logistics, and special operations.
Developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, now part of Lockheed Martin, the S 70 Black Hawk originated in the United States as a military utility helicopter. It was designed to replace older transport helicopters with a tougher airframe, better survivability, and higher lift capacity. The aircraft supports air assault, medical evacuation, command and control, and disaster response missions.
Powered by twin turboshaft engines, the S 70 offers strong lift performance and stable handling. It can carry fully equipped troops or internal cargo while also supporting external sling loads. Advanced avionics allow low level flight, terrain following, and operations in poor weather. Defensive systems improve survivability in contested environments.
The helicopter can be fitted with door mounted machine guns for self defense. Its modular cabin allows quick reconfiguration between troop transport, medevac, and cargo roles, making it suitable for both combat and humanitarian missions.
In U.S. service and export variants, the S 70 Black Hawk has seen extensive operational use in combat zones and disaster relief efforts. Its durability, ease of maintenance, and global support network contribute to long service life and high mission readiness.
The estimated unit price of the S 70 Black Hawk in the United States typically ranges from 15 million to 22 million USD, depending on configuration, avionics package, mission equipment, and support contracts. Prices vary for military and government customers based on customization and logistics agreements.
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