New high-tech Blackhawks may start delivery in September

Above: The UH-60M over New York. The Blackhawk is the Army's primary helicopter for air assault, general support, and aeromedical evacuation, but can also be configured to perform command and control, electronic warfare, and special operations missions. Replacing models first built in the 1970s, the UH-60M will come with a digital cockpit with multifunctional displays, digital flight controls, global positioning, upgraded troop seats, improved infrared suppression, jamming and warning systems, and a revised fuel tank for better survivability in crashes.

Army aviators are gearing up for full-rate production of the high-tech Black Hawk M helicopter slated to begin in the next few months. Army programmers with the yet-to-be deployed M will go before the Office of the Secretary of Defense this month to seek approval for formal production of the ultramodern chopper, Army officials said.

"There is a good bit of improvement with this aircraft that will benefit the war fighter," said Army Maj. Tory Burgess, assistant program manager for the Black Hawk M.

The Army’s 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., may receive the first full-production delivery of Black Hawk M helicopters as early as September, Army officials said...

The Army plan is to build at least 90 Black Hawk Ms by 2012 and begin phasing out the oldest, 1970s-era, A-model Black Hawks.

Read the rest at Army Times

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