UH-60M Black Hawk
Type: Utility Helicopter
Domain: air
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft (Lockheed Martin)
Overview
American utility helicopter procured by Thailand providing modern rotary-wing capability for military operations and disaster relief. Thailand ordered UH-60M Black Hawk with deliveries beginning mid-2020s replacing aging UH-1 Hueys. Features capacity for 11 troops, external cargo capability, defensive armament, modern avionics, proven reliability across diverse operating environments. Critical for Thai military operations including counter-insurgency in southern provinces, disaster relief responding to frequent flooding, troop transport, medical evacuation, VIP transport. Represents Thai military modernization priority for practical capabilities. However, limited numbers given budget constraints restrict fleet size requiring careful prioritization. Close US training and support enables effective operations. Symbolizes continued US-Thai defense cooperation despite political complications. Black Hawk operational globally demonstrates proven effectiveness and sustainability.
Technical Specifications
| crew | 2 + 11 troops |
|---|---|
| engine | 2x GE T700-GE-701D turboshaft, 2,000 shp each |
| armament | M134 7.62mm miniguns, M240 machine guns, optional ESSS wing stores (Hellfire, rockets) |
| length_m | 19.76 |
| range_km | 584 |
| payload_kg | 1170 |
| max_speed_kmh | 294 |
| rotor_diameter_m | 16.36 |
| service_ceiling_m | 5837 |
Operators
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Czech Republic
- Egypt
- Georgia
- Greece
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Lithuania
- Mexico
- Oman
- Philippines
- Poland
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
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