Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk

Be sure not to miss the Belgian debut of a display from NATO’s newest member at the International Sanicole Airshow on 21 & 22 September at Hechtel-Eksel: the Swedish Blackhawk display.

The Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk is a tactical transport helicopter, mostly used to transport troops and for medical evacuation. This versatile machine is truly multirole and can be armed with a wide range of guided and unguided weapons. It has earned a firm reputation for reliability and survivability around the world since it entered service in 1979. Aside from military use, it is also used in civilian roles for police and fire fighting duties for instance.

In Sweden, the UH-60 M Blackhawk carries the designation “HKP-16”. Fifteen of these highly capable helicopters serve with 2nd and 4th helicopter squadrons, both based at Malmen in the south-eastern part of the country. They entered service in Sweden in 2011 and have been fully operational since 2017. The Swedish airforce already deployed them to Afghanistan where they mainly performed medical evacuation duties.

During its demonstration, the crew will demonstrate the exceptional agility and impressive acceleration of the helicopter in a series of fast pirouettes and steep climbs and nosedives, showing the reason why it is so popular with the aircrews who fly it. Despite weighing in at 5.5 tons when empty, a weight than can almost double when fully loaded, it is a truly impressive performer. Its first demonstration by the Swedish air force will definitely leave a lasting impression.