THE US ARMY stunned visitors to the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on 30-31 March, by displaying a previously secret attack-version of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk tactical-transport helicopter developed by its special-operations forces.
The MH-60L is a heavily modified, and armed, variant of the UH-60, which was first flown in 1990 and used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. As displayed, the helicopter is armed with four Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, two 30mm cannon, two 7.62mm mini-guns and a 19-round rocket pod.
An under-nose Hughes AAQ-16 forward-looking infrared sensor with laser designator enables the MH-60L crew to self-designate targets for the laser-guided Hellfires. Other weapon options include Stinger air-to-air missiles and 40mm grenade launchers. Two 650litre (170USgal) auxiliary fuel tanks are installed in the cabin.
Extensively modified avionics, integrated by Rockwell, include an AlliedSignal RDR-1400C weather radar, BFGoodrich Stormscope lightning sensor and GEC-Marconi Avionics Monohud head-up display. A comprehensive communication and navigation suite is installed, including anti-jam and secure radios, satellite communications and global positioning.
The Army's special-operations aviation unit, has "more than one" MH-60L, which can be used, to escort the Sikorsky-developed MH-60K special forces Black Hawk. An in-flight refueling probe will be added later this year to extend range to match that of the probe-equipped MH-60K. The 10,700kg, four-crewmember, MH-60L has an endurance of 4h.
Source: Flight International
