Brazil's $950M deal raises total US UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter sales to $6.145 Billion.

On May 24, 2024, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Brazil involving twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated logistics and program support, with an estimated cost of up to $950 million. This addition brings the total number of American UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters sold through Foreign Military Sales to 88 aircraft, with a cumulative value of $6.145 billion.
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Over the years, several countries have engaged in Foreign Military Sales for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. For instance, in August 2022, Australia was approved for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters at an estimated cost of $1.95 billion. (Picture source: Australian MoD)

The deal includes the acquisition of twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, thirty-four T700-GE-701D engines (with twenty-four installed and ten as spares), twenty-eight EAGLE-M Embedded Global Position Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) or their functional equivalents (with twenty-four installed and four spares), and twenty-four AN/ARC-231A radio systems.

In addition to the major defense equipment (MDE), which amounts to $450 million, the sale includes up to $500 million in other equipment and services. This second package includes a wide array of components, such as AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL), KIV-77 Common Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) crypto appliques, APX-123A IFF transponders, and various radio communication systems including ARC-201D Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) and ARC-220 high-frequency airborne communication systems.

The package also includes navigation and communication systems such as ARN-147 navigation receivers, ARN-149 low-frequency automatic direction finders, ARN-153 advanced digital Tactical Airborne Navigation (TACAN) receiver-transmitters, and APN-209 radar altimeter systems. Additional components include AN/ARC-210 Gen 6 very high-frequency/frequency modulation radios, AN/AVR-2B(V) laser warning systems (provisions only), and Airspace Concept Evaluation Systems (ACES).

Furthermore, the contract covers a range of support equipment and systems, such as M-134D-H minigun accessories, Aviation Mission Planning Systems (AMPS), Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE), HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmets (RWH), Advanced Sight Display Computers (ASDC), Common Display Interface Units (CDIU), Wide Color Day and Night Display Modules (WCDDM and WCNDM), ADS-B Out capability, Integrated Area Navigation (I-RNAV), RDR-7000 weather radar systems, external rescue hoists, Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), Fast Rope Insertion Extraction Systems (FRIES), EBC-406HM Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), Aircrew Combat Equipment (ACE), and Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Systems (IAFTS).

On January 23, 2023, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, delivered its 5,000th Hawk helicopter, marking the milestone with a UH-60M Black Hawk. (Picture source: Sikorsky)

Over the years, several countries have engaged in Foreign Military Sales for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. In June 2012, Qatar purchased twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for $1.112 billion, including various systems and support equipment. Subsequently, in December 2013, Austria was notified of a possible sale of three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for $137 million, which included equipment, parts, training, and logistical support.

Tunisia acquired twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in July 2014, with the deal valued at $700 million. In March 2015, Mexico was approved for the sale of three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters at an estimated cost of $110 million, aimed at modernizing its armed forces and enhancing capabilities in combating drug trafficking organizations.

Latvia received approval in August 2018 to buy four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, valued at $200 million. Croatia was approved in October 2019 to purchase eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for $500 million, including various associated equipment and support elements. Lithuania's request in July 2020 for six UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters amounted to a $300 million deal, aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities as a NATO ally.

In December 2020, Greece received approval for the sale of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, although specific numbers and costs were not detailed. In July 2020, Jordan was approved for the purchase of one UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter for $23 million to supplement its Royal Squadron fleet. Most recently, in August 2022, Australia was approved for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters at an estimated cost of $1.95 billion.

The UH-60M is widely used by the U.S. Army and internationally, with various countries adopting this model in its different configurations, such as the MH-60 for special operations, the HH-60 for combat search and rescue, and the UH-60V upgrade package for older models. This adaptability ensures the UH-60M can perform in various mission scenarios, including direct combat, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief efforts.

Representing the latest version of the Black Hawk helicopter series, which has been used in military aviation since 1979, the UH-60M model started development in the early 2000s, with its first flight in September 2003. (Picture source: Sikorsky)

Representing the latest version of the Black Hawk helicopter series, which has been used in military aviation since 1979, the UH-60M model started development in the early 2000s, with its first flight in September 2003. Initial low-rate production began in 2005, and after successful evaluations, full-rate production was approved in December 2007. The UH-60M incorporates modernized systems and enhancements, and is designed as a multi-mission helicopter with capabilities for various military operations. It features a digital cockpit with four multifunction displays, a fully coupled four-axis autopilot, and advanced avionics to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency. The helicopter is powered by upgraded T700-GE-701D engines, which provide increased power and lift capability, suitable for missions including troop transport, logistical support, medical evacuation, and special operations.

Key features of the UH-60M include improved rotor blades, offering enhanced lift and performance compared to earlier models. The helicopter is equipped with advanced flight control systems, including a fly-by-wire system, to improve maneuverability and stability in challenging conditions. Additionally, the UH-60M has a crashworthy and ballistically tolerant fuel system and airframe, designed to increase survivability for the crew and passengers in hostile environments. This model builds on the Black Hawk legacy by integrating lessons from decades of operational use and combat experience.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, each providing a maximum power output of 2,000 shaft horsepower. The helicopter features wide-chord composite spar main rotor blades for increased lift capability. Its maximum gross weight is 9,979 kg, and it can carry an external load of up to 4,100 kg. The UH-60M has a top speed of 294 km/h and a range of approximately 320 nautical miles (590 km) without refueling. Its advanced avionics suite includes a fully digitized cockpit with four multifunction displays, a dual digital automatic flight control system, and an integrated vehicle health management system (IVHMS).