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Australia’s new UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters have undertaken flight trials and procedures on board Royal Australian Navy vessels on the South Coast of NSW.
During the testing, an Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk was carried aboard multi-role aircraft training vessel MV Sycamore in Jervis Bay during late August this year.
The first-of-class flight trials included deck operations, refuelling, stowage via deck lashing, deck take-off and landings.
“Defence has completed first-of-class flight trials for Australian Army’s new UH-60M utility helicopters to develop and confirm procedures required for a new type of aircraft to operate to and from an Australian Navy ship,” Defence said.
“The trial includes assessments of the aircraft’s suitability for operating off the deck, its integration with ship’s aviation facilities, and determining the limitations placed on an aircraft for shipboard operations.
“Forty UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters are being delivered to the Australian Army under Project Land 4507 UH-60M Black Hawk Utility Helicopter.
“Defence anticipates initial operating capability for the UH-60M Black Hawk will be achieved by the end of 2024. All 40 [Black Hawk] aircraft are scheduled for delivery by 2029.”
Earlier this year, the latest pair of new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters arrived in Sydney aboard a United States Air Force C17 Globemaster III aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond.
That delivery in July brought the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk fleet to eight, and it’s understood that a total of 12 Lockheed Martin-built aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year.
Australia will acquire 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the Australian Army, under a 2023 foreign military sales case with the United States.
Each UH-60M utility helicopter can reportedly support 9,979 kilograms in maximum gross weight and 12 fully equipped, seated troops. Other versions include combat assault, medical evacuation, aerial firefighting, search and rescue, special operations, and VIP transport.
