Hello There Fellas.
What are the color of the blackhawks currently in use in Iraq?
And also what variants of the Blackhawks are used in Iraq.
Thanks Robert
Army Black Hawks were standard Helo Drab. Aside from a few specially painted Air Force Pave Hawks from the 305th RQS, I’m pretty sure everybody’s -60s wore their standard colors.
As far as variants go, I think it’s probably safe to say the UH-60L was (is) there. As far as other variants go, maybe Cobrahistorian, HeavyArty, ScreaminHelo or Unknownpharoh can answer that one (Especially since I don’t know very much about Army Medivac -60s)
Yup, Helo Drab is the one and only color.
As to varients, most are “L” models (square tail, larger sponsons, covers on smaller intake inlets as part of HIRSS). Some “A” models, as in Academy 1/35 kit (still lacking covers on smaller intake inlets as part of HIRSS, they do come in MH-60G and AH(MH)60L DAP kits, parts D51-D54), are still zooming around as well. MedEvac UH-60s are all “A” models.
Specially designed “Q” model MedEvac Hawks never really went past the demonstator and test phase, they just cost too much. There are a few “Q” models out there, but I believe they are all stateside.
there are medevac “A” models and a few Q models, and of course all the lift units are using L models. Not sure what the AF has there, but the pavehawks are around, and i have seen a few seahawks as well. BTW, most of the “regular” army L models have the standard stabilator, only the spe ops guys fly the squared one. Have seen the lift guys fly without cocpit doors, without just the windows in the pilot doors and I’ve even seen a couple that were missing the cargo doors, unfortunatly i dont have any pics to support this. Guess that you’ll just have to take the word of a hawk driver!!
Ok Thanks Guys!!!
Just wondering about the colors, because i was thinking about putting a UH-60 in my OIF dio with the Abrams.
Any Thanks Again
Robert
Matt,
Sorry to refute you, but… The squared-off stabilator and larger sponson boxes in front of the langing gear to house the roll stabilizer bars are specific to an “L” model. The standard stabilator is an “A” model. The HIRSS is fitted on both “A” and “L” models.
The Vanilla variety L models in my unit have the traditional non folding stabilators. You might be thinking of a SOAR Bird. The straight folding stabilitator the line units will not see until the M models start getting fielded.
Matt, what unit were you in? I was a pilot with 2-4Avn and now working with DOD in NC.
Wooty, back to your original request
UH-60A’s all have the HIRSS, like the L. LIke HA mentioned, the difference between the A and L are the “sponsons” The L’s sticks out somewhat more than the A. Since I’ve been ot of the cockpit for a bit, I’ll have to dig out my dash 10 and take a look…
UH-60Q is a mission specific (medivac) A model with a FLIR under the nose.
HH-60L is a mission specific (Medivac) L model with a FLIR. The 507th Medical Company at Fort Hood flies them. Glass cockpit, beautiful. The engine covers say, “Lonestar Dustoff” with the state of Texas between the words. The right side under the engine is the external hoist.
MH-60A/K/L have the folding rapid deployment stabilitars, what I am assuming everyone is callling the straight stabilator. As far as colors, I just saw an L model that was painted Helo Drab, but the garden variety color is flat black. The K models have the high Gull ESSS wings so tthat the gunner doesn’t mini-gun the tanks in a “Mad minute” frenzy.
These are the 'Hawks I’ve seen in OIF/OEF:
UH-60A’s The ones I saw were flown by B/158th assigned to III Corps (VIP Flight) and some guard units.
UH-60L’s: Flown by 4-101, 5-101, 7-101, 2-4, 2-3, 571st Med, 507th Med, etc, etc…
HH-60L’s Were flown in OIF-1 by 507th MED. I think they are spooling up for another play in the sand here soon…
MH-60’s Were flown by the those that which we dare not speak their name, for unspeakable wrath cometh from such utterance…
Matt may get my humor.
Hope I answered your questions.
Well then we’re all royally screwed on this board. Unless there’s another name we don’t know about, that name gets dropped 20 time a day around here! [:D]
Yup, 160th SOAR, Nightstalkers! 160th SOAR, Nightstalkers! 160th SOAR, Nightstalkers! 160th SOAR, Nightstalkers! 160th SOAR, Nightstalkers!
There is 5 times in just one post. Guess I am going to be jumped tonight.
As to the “L” model, a true “L” model has the folding (straight) stabilator tail along with wider sponsons. There are many older birds out there that have been through portions of MWOs and not others. Those may be what your birds are. A factory built “L” will have both the straight tail and wider sponsons.
Hate to break it to you, but my unit picked up 8 factory fresh new build L models in '98 from Connecticut and they had none of Rapid Deployment folding stabilators you’re talking about. Larger Sponsons, yes, but folding stabilator no, I flew L models for 11 years (MTP for 6) and spent my final 3 years at 1109th AVCRAD at Groton, CT. If the straight folding stabilator comes standard, then there would be an AWR in our logbooks, because we would be flying with non-standard equipment and a MTF would have to be done, and we would have a MILVAN full of folding stabilators, because if they come standard, I guess I’ve been taking the folding stabs off somehow when they come off the factory. I’ve been to Stratford and Sikorsky and doing acceptance MTF’s more times than I can count. The only H-60/S70 model that comes off the floor with the folding stabilator is by customer request/specification only. It is an upgrade, not standard equipment (except on Sea/Ocean/Rescue Hawks). I don’t know anything about the Air Force Side, but the army has the most L models flying right now. The only folding stabilator that will come standard for the H60/S70 will be the Mike Model supposedly coming out in 2006
What is a “True” L Model? Sikorsky builds according to customer specifications, so “true” anything is misleading.
Guess I have been misinformed then. “L” model can have euther stabilator then.
I was with 45th Medical Company ( air ambulance ) for my stent downrange - flying A models. I was also in 2-2 AVN in Korea flying Limas. Gotta love the hawk!!!
dang next thing you know they’ll come out with a blackHawk with internal 20mm cannons in the nose.
Thanks so there was MH-60s in OIF? or was i mislead?
Robert
Yes, SpecOps have used MH-60L and MH-60K in OIF and OEF.
Great because i have 2 Academy 1/35 MH-60Ls waiting to be built. Dont suppose the MHs worked with the Abrams or other ground veichles? Or is that question pushing the limits??
Robert
mscottholt…E mail me, I have tried to email you several times, but it bounced back!!! Mine is uh1cav@aol.com
No, MH-60’s don’t usually work with conventional ground fources, especially armor. They usually support Special Ops forces and light forces. You could do a UH-60A Medevac and have them coming in to evac some tankers, or a standard UH-60A or L bringing some supplies out to some light guys or the armor troops (a stretch, but would look good).