S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is the latest in the family of Black Hawk multimission aircraft. The helicopter is being built by Poland-based PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft. The S-70i is being offered for international military customers and government agencies.

Armed S-70i breaks cover in Poland: Here

Krzysztof Trzaski/PZL Mielec

The S-70i helicopter can be configured according to customer specific missions, including troop transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo lift and VIP transport. The first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter successfully made its first flight in July 2010.

S-70i international orders, deliveries and design

Image: defence24.pl

PZL Mielec delivered the first three S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to an undisclosed launch customer in August 2011.

Sikorsky Aircraft signed a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence in December 2011, to supply 12 S-70i helicopters for the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF). The contractual scope also includes the supply of spare parts, training and ground support equipment, plus an option for ten additional helicopters.

Royal Brunei Air Force S-70i – Image: janes.com

Sikorsky delivered five S-70i Black Hawks to the Special Forces unit of the Colombian Army’s Air Assault Division in March 2013.

Colombian Army inducts S-70i Black Hawk: Here

Image: Helicopter History Site

The Colombian Army placed an order with Sikorsky Aircraft for two additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in April 2013. The deliveries are scheduled to conclude by October 2013.

The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter has a maximum gross weight of 9,979kg. It can carry two crew members and up to 13 troops.

Chilean Air Force selects Black Hawk for medium-lift helicopter: Here

The Turkish government plans to build a fleet of multi-role T70 utility helicopters: Here

Turkish Utility Helicopter Program to build a fleet of multi-role T70 utility helicopters based on the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK aircraft – Image: lockheedmartin.com

Airbus fury as Poland scraps helicopters deal and gives Lockheed $3.5bn order instead: Here

The reliable crash-worthy airframe design of the S-70i integrates a machined cabin structure and a single-piece cockpit assembly. The structure can resist small-arms fire and high-explosive projectiles. Entry and exit of the crew and troops are provided by two jettisonable cockpit doors and two sliding cargo doors respectively.

S-70i Black Hawk construction no. data base: Here

“HH-60M and S-70i export version of the UH-60M”

UH-60M: Details

Royal Thai Army UH-60M – Image: thaidefense-news.blogspot.com

The helicopter can be fitted with ballistic protection, an active vibration control system, medical equipment, wire strike protection, Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) system, auxiliary fuel tanks, an external rescue hoist, rappelling equipment and cargo hook.

Cockpit and avionics of the S-70i Black Hawk

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The glass cockpit of the S-70i features crash-worthy seats for pilot and co-pilot. The fully integrated digital cockpit is equipped with an advanced avionics suite incorporating four ten-inch colour multifunctional displays (MFDs), a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director and flight management system (FMS).

CMA-2082MC flight management system (FMS)

The CMA-2082M is an intelligent, self-contained multifunction control and display unit that integrates and provides centralized control of navigation sensors, communications radios, displays, mission avionics and aircraft systems. It features a large, user friendly three-inch by five-inch display area, a full alpha-numeric key panel and supports a number of interfaces.

For added flexibility, the unit offers multiprocessor support for the development of independent or customer designed software applications. These features, in combination with the unit’s modular, open architecture, provide numerous benefits, including enhanced obsolescence management as well as exceptional growth and upgrade capabilities.

The CMA-2082MC is currently installed and flying on the U.S. Army UH-60M, the HH-60M and S-70i export version of the UH-60M. Source verticalmag.com

S-70 – Image: wired.com

The navigation and communication systems include a dual embedded GPS/INS system with digital map, two UHF/VHF AM/FM radios, automatic direction finder, VOR/ILS and three-station crew digital inter-communication system (ICS).

AN/ARC-220 HF Airborne Communications System

Features & Benefits

The standard high-frequency radio of U.S. Army aviation platforms
Offers embedded ALE, ECCM and data modem
Includes Automatic Quick Call ALE (AQC-ALE) for faster connections
ALE Region ID for reduced ALE overhead; less sounding required
Features automatic position reporting for situational awareness
Includes binary messaging with ARQ protocol
Able to rapidly and efficiently tune a variety of antennas
Includes form/fit/function retrofit of existing AN/ARC-199 installations
Provides email messaging using Rockwell Collins HF Messenger™ software

Performance

Frequency	2.0000 – 29.9999 MHz in 100-Hz steps
Channels	20 user programmable simplex or half-duplex
	20 programmable simplex or half-duplex
	20 programmable automatic link establishment (ALE) scan lists
	12 programmable ECCM hop sets (RT-1749 only)
Frequency Stability	3.3 x 10^-7over operating temperature range
Emission Modes	USB & LSB-voice and data, CW, and AME
ALE	IAW MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A and MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A AQC-ALE JITC certified 26 July 2002
ALE Linking Protection	ALE Linking Protection AL1, AL2, & AL3 (MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix B)
ECCM	IAW MIL-STD-188-148A – JITC certified 18 July 2002
Modem	IAW MIL-STD-188-110B and STANAG 4285 – JITC certified 18 July 2002

Main Components

Type	Part Number	Description	Shipset number
RT-1749A	822-0788-003	Receiver/Transmitter	1
AM-7531	822-0787-001	Power Amplifier-Coupler	1
C-12436 (if needed)	822-0786-001	Control Display Unit	1
MT-7106	822-0789-00	Mount, PAC, non-isolated	1
MT-7108	822-0791-001	Mount, RT, non-isolated	1

Source rockwellcollins.com

Columbian S-70i – Image: aviacionejercito.mil.co

DF-500 SAR Direction Finder

The highly capable DF-500 system pinpoints distress signals with unmatched accuracy and reliability. It enables aircraft to receive and immediately locate activated 406 MHz Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signals, allowing crews to go directly to people in distress.

Software defined radio technology developed for the DF-500 enables higher sensitivity, immunity to interferences, and stability of bearing indications. New features include multi-channel scanning and real-time monitoring, as well as fast scanning and interoperability with maritime digital selective calling (DSC) and automatic identification system (AIS) distress protocols. Its unique multi-channel architecture enables key frequencies to be monitored simultaneously allowing rapid detection of emergency beacons and distress or safety calls over V/UHF radios. Source rockwellcollins.com

S-70 with weather radar dome – Image: fotograficzka.flog.pl

Integrated Primus 701A Weather Radar

Honeywell’s Primus® 700A/701A search and rescue weather radars are the finest systems available with surveillance and search modes integrated with color weather radar. Primus 701A has all of the features of the Primus 700A, but has the additional beacon detection.

The radars incorporate ARINC 429 and ARINC 708 interfaces allowing compatibility with a wide range of display products. These radar offer ruggedized chassis, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions and susceptibility and improved blanking outputs.

The Primus 701A operates with either a weather radar indicator or with an electronic flight information system (EFIS) system using controllers. Source aerospace.honeywell.com

S-70i helicopter cabin and armament

The cabin of the S-70i is equipped with multifunctional 300psi cabin flooring and internal sound-proofing panels. The flexible design of the cabin allows for quick modifications to meet the mission requirements. The seating can be removed to accommodate cargo and supplies. The spacious cabin offers an area of 8.1m².

Cabin

Shephard Media

Cabin Length	12.6 ft	3.8 m
Cabin Width	7.7 ft	2.3 m
Cabin Height	4.5 ft	1.3 m
Cabin Area	88 ft2	8.1 m2
Cabin Volume	396 ft3	11.2 m3
Baggage Volume	20 ft3	0.5 m3

Cabin data pzlmielec.pl

Shephard Media

The baseline S-70i helicopter comes with no standard armament fit out. The new-build S-70i helicopters or existing platforms can be integrated with Battlehawk system. The system encompasses machine guns, 70mm rocket launchers, air-to-ground laser missile system, helmet-mounted sight, external gun mounting system and external stores weapon system.

Battlehawk system

LockMart explores Adaptable Weapons Kit for S70i Black Hawks: Here

DAGR™ air-to-ground missile

The 2.75-inch/70mm DAGR missile is a precision-strike, multi-role, multi-platform munition that effectively neutralizes lightly-armored and high-value targets close to civilian assets or friendly forces. DAGR offers strike capability with the reliability of a HELLFIRE II missile while further limiting collateral damage.

The DAGR system puts HELLFIRE II missile and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile technology in a 2.75-inch guidance section that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. Like HELLFIRE, DAGR offers lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) and lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) capability, target handoff, enhanced built-in testing on the rail, and laser coding from the cockpit. The result is a laser-guided missile that offers capabilities beyond those of a simple guided rocket.

Shephard Media

DAGR has proven itself in over 30 successful guided flights, launched from such rotary-wing platforms as the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. And every DAGR target strike has hit within 1 meter of the laser-designated aimpoint. The seeker’s ±8 degree field of view provides a large engagement envelope, enabling DAGR to acquire and launch at targets off-axis, maintain contact with a laser spot in high winds while in flight, and zero in on pop-up or moving targets.DAGR is compatible with digital smart launchers—ready to integrate with HELLFIRE systems today and modernized rocket launchers tomorrow. DAGR missiles can also be launched from legacy or modified M260/M261 launchers.

The DAGR rail-mounted canister (RMC) mounts to HELLFIRE-compatible digital and analog launchers (e.g., M299/M310 and M272). The RMC readily integrates with all HELLFIRE platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles and Apache, Kiowa, Little Bird, Cobra, and Tiger helicopters.

Plug-and-play HELLFIRE II compatibility allows aircrews to mix loadouts between HELLFIRE and DAGR missiles on the same launcher, providing the flexibility to meet any challenge on an ever-changing battlefield. When increased loadout or reduced weight is a must, DAGR delivers. Source lockheedmartin.com

19-shot Hydra-70 rocket pod & HELLFIRE II

Shephard Media

FN HERSTAL Belgium manufactured machine gun pod

Defence24

Specially-Designed Machine GunThe .50 cal FN^® M3P machine gun has been especifically designed by FN Herstal for airborne applications.

High Hit Probability

A high rate of fire guarantees short time on target (1,025 +/- 75 RPM, per pod, adjustable)

Improved Accuracy and SafetyThe FN^® M3P machine gun features a Flash Hider and is installed on a soft mount that absorbs most recoil forces for increased accuracy.

Accurate suppressive and defensive fire against troops up to 3,000m

Suppressive fire against light armored vehicles up to 1,000m (.50 cal APEI round)

Ignition of fuel tanks and containers up to 2,500m (.50 cal APEI round)

Aerial threat suppression (.50 cal APEI round)

Data fnherstal.com

FN HERSTAL 50-caliber (12.7mm) machine gun mounted to the cabin floor

Defence24

The M3M is a .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine gun suitable for rotary-wing aircraft applications manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium. This .50 caliber machine gun provides suppressive fire to counter light armored vehicles, support fire in landing zones, ground and aerial threat suppression, and training. Its short time maximum firing rate is 1,100 rounds per minute or 600 rounds in a single burst against targets at ranges of over 2,000 meters. The weapon’s design with the hands on the pintle and an elastic craddle (recoil forces absorbed) allow for high accuracy. The weapon system is provided with ammunition boxes with the capacity ranging from 100 rounds (14.4 kg) to 600 rounds (96.4 kg).

In January 2004 the US Navy awarded FN Herstal a contract for the procurement of 136 M3M .50 caliber machine guns and 24 spare M3Ms. The new weapon system was designed the GAU-21 and was slated for use by the US Navy and the US Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft assault groups. In September 2006, the US Navy awarded a $22 million contract to FN Herstal for 519 GAU-21 weapon systems with related equipment and services.

The GAU-21 specifications are as follows: firing rates of 1,000 rounds per minute, barrel life of 10,000 rounds, the ability to use 100, 300 and 600 round ammunition cans, compatibility with all NATO .50 caliber ammunition, and the capability of dismounting the machine gun by a person within 2 minutes. The US Navy and the US Marine Corps plans call for integration of the GAU-21 machine gun on the following platforms: CH-53 (rear ramp), CH-46, H-60, UH-1 and MV-22 aircraft. Source deagel.com

Lapua Magnum

7.62 caliber machine guns

photo – (Photo André BOUR) – Image: helicopassion.com

7.62-mm mini-gun

Lapua Magnum

Designation (see Note 2)	Army – M134D Air Force – GAU-2B/A Navy – GAU-17/A
Ship Class Used On	Many
Date Of Design	about 1963
Date In Service	1965
Gun Weight	35 lbs. (16 kg)
Gun Length oa	29.5 in (75 cm) including suppressor Barrels are 22 in (55.9 cm) long
Bore Length	N/A
Rifling Length	20 in (50.8 cm)
Grooves	4
Lands	N/A
Twist	Uniform RH 1 in 33.333
Chamber Volume	N/A
Rate Of Fire (see Note 3)	2,000 to 4,000 rounds per minute

Barrel cluster rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the breech end.
M134D is the minigun itself. Other designations are usually for the “gun assemblies” that include the mounting. The GAUSE designation appears only on text released with U.S. Navy photographs. It may represent a “sailor-alt” rather than an official U.S. Navy designation, although I have been unable to confirm that one way or the other. I have been told by USN personnel that the “SE” in GAUSE probably stands for “Shipboard Equipment” and refers to the entire gun and mounting assembly rather than to just the minigun itself.
The original design of the 1960s had a fixed rate of about 6,000 rounds per minute. This was unsustainable over any period of time and the weapon was redesigned to add a transmission housing at the motor, giving the weapon a variable speed of 2,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute. On the newer Dillon Aero Inc. version, the rate of fire is determined by the gun drive unit used, with drive units giving either 3,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute available. There is no speed selection on this version other than by assembling a different gun drive motor to the the gun system assembly. The 3,000 ROF drive motor takes 0.5 seconds to spin up to speed and 0.25 seconds to spin down to stop. When the trigger is released, there is a delay until all six barrels have been cleared by fire. This ensures that no live ammunition is left in the firing chambers, thus eliminating cook-off problems. Source navweaps.com

Engines and landing gear of Black Hawk helicopters

The S-70i Black Hawk is powered by two T700-GE701D turboshaft engines equipped with C controls.

Each engine develops a maximum power of 1,447kW. The twin-engine power plant drives the main rotor comprising of four composite-titanium blades.

Sikorsky S-70i – s/n n/a – c/n n/a – Paris LeBourget, France – 22 June 2011 Main rotor hub detail. Note lead-lag damper w/ ball joint bearings, spring-loaded droop stop (brass colored), internal spherical elastomeric bearing (around white part with red stripe) and bi-filar vibration absorber (top left) – Image: b-domke.de

General Electric T700-GE-701D engine

Number of Engines	2
Engine Type	T700 GE 701D
Take-off Shaft horsepower (5 min)	3,988 shp	2,974 kw
OEI Shaft horsepower (30 sec)	1,972 shp	1,447 kw

Performance

Maximum Taekoff Gross Weight	22,000 lbs	9,979 kg
Maximum Gross Weight with External Load	23,500 lbs	10,659 kg
Maximum Cruise Speed (Standard day, sea level)	160 kts	297 km/h
Maximum Range – No Reserve, no additional tanks	268 kts	496 km
HIGE Ceiling (Ceiling for 18,000 lbs GW)	15,000 ft	4,572 m
HOGE Ceiling (Ceiling for 18,000 lbs GW)	11,000 ft	3,353 m
OEI Service Ceiling	3,700 ft	1,127 m
AEO Service Ceiling (Ceiling for 18,000 lbs GW)	20,000 ft	6,097 m

Technical data pzlmielec.pl

The fuel system is composed of two crash-worthy and self-sealing fuel tanks. The single-point service connection allows close circuit and pressure refuelling.

The S-70i Black Hawk features a three-point dual OLEO landing gear with energy absorbing features.

The rugged landing gear allows the landing and take-off from virtually any unprepared terrain.

Performance of the S-70i multimission helicopter

The S-70i can fly at a maximum cruise speed of 277km/h. The AEO (All Engines Operating) service ceiling of the helicopter is 13,200ft. The helicopter has a maximum range of 459km with no reserve.

Variants

S-70

The company name for the H-60/S-70 family is the S-70 Black Hawk.

S-70A Black Hawk (UH-60 Black Hawk): Military model for the export market.
S-70A Firehawk Firefighting variant of the UH-60L. Tank system designed and built by Aero Union in Chico, California.
S-70A (N) Naval Hawk Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs.
S-70B/C Seahawk: Maritime military model for the export market.
S-70A-9: Australian derivative Black Hawk
S-70C Firehawk: Commercial variant
S-70i Black Hawk: International military version assembled by Sikorsky subsidiary, PZL Mielec in Poland.

Derivatives

Sikorsky S-71 – a proposed attack helicopter using dynamic components from the S-70.
Sikorsky S-92 – Civilian medium-lift derivative of the Black Hawk.
- H-92 Superhawk – Military version of the S-92. The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is the H-92 version for the Canadian Forces.
Turkish Aerospace Industries T-70: A Turkish variant of the S-70i, built under license by Turkish Aerospace Industries with indigenous Turkish mission-computer, avionics, landing gear and transmission. Turkey was to initially to produce about 150 T-70s under license. US Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone stated that Turkey now intends to produce some 600 T-70s.