UH-60 Black Hawk in Action
(Softcover)
#SS10263

By John Gourley

UH-60 Black Hawk In Action - In January of 1972, a request for
proposals or RFP was issued to lay out the guidelines for a new
utility helicopter to replace the Bell UH-1 Iroquois type. The
"Huey" had served admirably in the Vietnam Conflict, but it
lacked engine power, was vulnerable to small-arms fire, and was
limited in lifting/transporting heavy external payloads.

Under the UTTAS (Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System)
competition, the new clean-sheet design intended to rectify all
of the UH-1's shortcomings, while integrating the latest
technology developments in helicopter construction and power
plant design. This new helicopter would be capable of a cruising
speed of 167-201mph/145-174kts (269-324km/h) and be able to
maintain this speed for a minimum of 2.3 hours. It had to carry
an 11-man infantry squad, with all of their gear, in hot
temperature/high altitude scenarios. If troops were not to be
carried, that same lifting power provided by two engines would
instead lift underslung cargo loads, up to a maximum of 8,000
lbs/3629kg. The cargo cabin space had to be able to be converted
with a minimum of effort for use in aeromedical evacuation,
utility roles or as an infantry assault transport.

Illustrated with over 250 B/W and color photos. 80 pages.

ISBN=978-0-89747-859-5