The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk (or Black Hawk for short) was first introduced to the U.S. Army in 1979 and has since become one of the most produced helicopters in history. It is used in more than 28 countries/regions around the world and can be used in combat, from troop transport to evacuation platforms to emergency supply vehicles. In other words, it’s still in operation and not without.
However, Boeing and Sikorsky felt it was time to send the Black Hawk to greener pastures (after all, this is a 40-year-old helicopter). The good news is that its successor-known as DEFIANT X helicopter is ready to pick up the mantelpiece. Known as the “fastest, most maneuverable, and most survivable assault helicopter in history”, its flight capability is not only twice that of the “Black Hawk” it replaced, but also twice as fast. And, thanks to its Sikorsky X2 rigid coaxial rotor system and thruster propeller technology, it can fly much lower over Harry’s terrain and has the added benefit of being able to land and take off faster. Although still in the development stage, the Army should sign a contract before 2022. Click here for more details about the DEFIANT X helicopter.
