Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk
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Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

Helicopter Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk was designed by American designers as a multipurpose unit and was adopted by the US Air Force. Before the designers had put the main task to develop machines to replace older models Bell UH-1.

 

History of helicopters Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

Draft helicopter Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk started to be developed by American design engineers at the end of 70-ies of the last century. At the same time, aircraft manufacturers have tried to create on the basis of the existing models of other multi-purpose aircraft that can be used not only for carrying out special operations, but in fact, become a spacious transport and cargo aircraft.

External differences between the current model helicopters and helicopter of the same series there is little, over the next several elements is not technically affect, flight performance, but substantially improve the capabilities of this aircraft.

Initially, the US Air Force had planned to order a helicopter for rescue operations and to replace the old machine type HH-3. But the customer could not afford phones originally proposed. Sikorsky helicopter company prepared designation HH-60E, but due to the complex structure and the price of the machine it was abandoned in 1984 year. Instead, it was proposed helicopter HH-60A, which eventually was adopted.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

This unit first took off in the winter of 84. A feature of the first machines was that they were obtained by re-equipping the already existing transport helicopters such as UH-60A. The main differences were the equipment of the machine with a refueling system without landing and the improvement of stabilization in the hovering mode. In addition, the designers equipped the product with additional fuel tanks, which were placed in the cargo hold. The cabin of pilots became more perfect, namely its equipment. For the first time this helicopter became operational in 83 year, it was mainly used for rescue operations.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

In the future, the Air Force command decided once again to modernize the vehicles, which were now designated as HH-60G. This product turned out to be much cheaper both in operation and in construction. In this modification, a more powerful radar of the "Bendix-King 1400S" type was installed. There was also a Doppler installation, through which it was possible to carry out several modes of operation using a satellite. To protect the signal, the best equipment was installed. The avionics system had a self-destructive regime. For flights at night the pilots used the IR system, which was interfaced with the pilot's helmet. The 55 squadron of the US Air Force in 87 was equipped with this type of vehicle.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

This helicopter was mainly used by the military for the transfer of subversive groups with a small number of up to four people. But still the device has the ability to transport ten soldiers with full equipment. The 55 squadron was armed with ten vehicles of this type, four of which were constantly on alert. They could quickly get to anywhere in the world to carry out tasks due to the fact that they could be transported by a C-5 "Galaxy" transport aircraft. This efficiency was demonstrated in 89, when these machines were in Ethiopia only 14 hours after the order. As for combat missions, this unit was also used in conflicts in the Persian Gulf and Yugoslavia.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

Often in the literature there is the designation MH-60, but this is not a complete machine, because it has infrared system for the review of the front of the hemisphere. Typically, it is used to train pilots. At this time, the most relevant and useful for the army is a modification of the HH-60K.

Design features multi-purpose helicopter Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

An AN / AAQ-16 system is installed to view the front hemisphere of the device, special helmets with displays are designed for pilots. The entire complex is integrated into a single system using the MilStd 1553B interface. For studies of meteorological conditions on board, there is a Bendix system. For navigation, Doppler equipment is used, an inertial navigation system is installed. To increase the survivability of the helicopter there is a warning system for the launch of enemy missiles. There is also an active defense in the form of resettable reflectors, and also signal rockets are used. This machine has the ability to transport cargo using an external suspension.

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk Video

As for weapons, the machine-type Sikorsky HH-60 equipped with two machine guns M134 brands that have a standard gauge in 7,62 millimeter. Machine guns mounted on the turret near the sliding doors on both sides of the body. This weapon can be changed on a large caliber machine guns. In addition to guns, the machine is equipped with two blocks of 19 missiles. They were attached to the outside of the helicopter hanger. Instead, you can also set the containers with large-caliber guns.

 

weaponry Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

 

The cabin of the helicopter has a sufficiently large size, which in turn allows you to carry on board both people and all sorts of goods. In addition, to date, this model of aircraft is one of the most effective for use on the battlefield as a medical air tools.

If necessary, in the helicopter Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk can accommodate up to 16 people (including crew members 4 and 12 marksmen armed soldiers), which is quite a good indicator for this helicopter. In addition, the aircraft can be placed on an equivalent volume, but limited by weight 2640 kilos number of payload, which in turn is most actively used for the carriage of ammunition, weapons and other goods.

 

Cabin Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk cabin

 

Despite the sufficiently large payload for this type of helicopter, an average power plant is used here, consisting of two General Electric T700-GE-700 / 701C turboshaft aircraft engines with a capacity of 1630 hp. each, which, nevertheless, provides the helicopter with a very acceptable travel speed, which at its maximum is up to 360 km / h, which is comparable only with modern aircraft of this type. Depending on the fuel tanks used, the Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter can cover distances of up to 818 kilometers, which is also a satisfactory indicator.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk photo

 

The aircraft is manufactured by «Sikorsky Aircraft» 8 in different versions:

  • Sikorsky HH-60A Pave Hawk - helicopter prototype;
  • Sikorsky HH-60D Night Hawk - A prototype of a military search and rescue helicopter;
  • Sikorsky HH-60E Pave Hawk - draft search and rescue version of the helicopter;
  • Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk - version of the helicopter fire support, combining the ability to perform search and rescue operations;
  • Sikorsky MH-60G Pave Hawk - version for special operations;
  • Sikorsky HH-60 Maplehawk - the project of the helicopter for the armed forces of Canada;
  • Sikorsky HH-60P Pave Hawk - military search and rescue version of the helicopter;
  • Sikorsky HH-60W Pave Hawk - search and rescue version of the helicopter, developed as a replacement version of the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk.

 

To date, model helicopters Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk actively used by the armed forces of the USA and South Korea.

 

Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk features:

  • Crew: 4 (2 pilots, 2 Special aviators / air gunners)

  • Capacity: max. Crew 6, 8-12 troops, as well as being another load

  • Length: 64 10 in feet (17,1 m)

  • Rotor diameter: 53 8 feet inches (14,1 m)

  • Height: 16 8 feet inches (5.1 m)

  • Net weight: 16000 kg (7260 kg)

  • Maximum takeoff weight: 22000 kg (9900 kg)

  • Powerplant: 2 × two General Electric T700-GE-700 / 701C free turbine turboshaft, 1630 hp (1220 kW) each

  • Performance

  • Maximum speed: 195 nodes (224 miles / h, 360 km / h)

  • Cruising speed: 159 CT (184 miles / h, 294 km / h)

  • Range: 373 miles (domestic fuel), or 508 miles (external tank) (600 km or 818 km)

  • Ceiling: 14000 m (4267 m)

weaponry

  • 2 × 7,62 mm (0,308 inches) miniguns or

  • 2 × 0,50 inches (12,7 mm) GAU-18 / AS

 

Onboard systems

  • INS / GPS / Doppler navigation

  • SATCOM satellite communications

  • Secure / anti-jam communications

  • LARS (Lightweight Airborne Recovery System) range / steering radio to compatible survivor radios

  • Automatic flight control

  • NVG night vision goggle lighting

  • FLIR forward looking infra-red radar

  • Color weather radar

  • Engine / rotor blade anti-ice system

  • Retractable In-flight refueling probe

  • Integral rescue hoist

  • RWR combat enhancement

  • IR infra-red jamming unit

  • flare / chaff countermeasure dispensing system

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