US Army Aviation and Missile Command is to upgrade and modify Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters to a search and rescue (SAR) configuration for the Army National Guard.
Sikorsky has been awarded a contract to integrate new mission equipment and flight test a modified SAR version of the UH-60L. The company's Stratford plant will also modify five helicopters to the new configuration for service with the Alaska National Guard.
The SAR helicopters will draw on elements of the US Army's new UH-60Q medical evacuation helicopter, including a new integrated glass cockpit and forward-looking infrared imager.
The UH-60L will also have hardpoints for external auxiliary fuel tanks, an electric rescue hoist, a titanium bumper guard under the side door and cabin heaters for use in Alaska.
Sikorsky is to re-deliver the first modified SAR machine to the National Guard at the end of the year. The army is hoping for funding approval for further kits to modify follow-on helicopters. The SAR version will, for now, retain the UH-60L designation despite its non-standard equipment.
Source: Flight International
