The US Army has awarded a $52-million contract to Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky for the supply of HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
A medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) version of the UH-60M, the chopper comes with a necessary mission equipment package to support the seamless transport of wounded troops from the battlefield.
It also boasts robust GE engines and state-of-the-art digital avionics for enhanced situational awareness, survivability, and overall performance.
According to a Pentagon announcement, Sikorsky will do the work for the contract at its facility in Connecticut. It is expected to be complete by June 2027.
The company did not disclose the exact number of HH-60Ms under order.
Expanded MEDEVAC Fleet
The contract is part of the US Army’s plan to procure up to 419 HH-60M helicopters through 2026 to expand its MEDEVAC fleet.
By 2012, Sikorsky had reportedly delivered a total of 100 units to the army, while entering into multi-year agreements to supply more.
According to the developer, its HH-60M Black Hawks can be reconfigured to support other missions, including personnel and cargo transport, aerial reconnaissance, and search and rescue.
They are also fitted with forward-looking infrared radar to provide increased visibility for executing missions under adverse weather conditions.
The helicopters are capable of flying at a speed of 140 kilometers (87 miles) per hour with a range of 275 nautical miles (509 kilometers).
Once delivered, the HH-60Ms are expected to bolster the US Army’s ability to conduct emergency response missions “even in the harshest of environments.”
