Airworks receives restricted-category UH-60L for firefighting operations in Spain
The US-registered Black Hawk will reinforce Galicia’s wildfire response while establishing new European support capacity for the heavy helicopter type
Spanish operator Airworks has taken delivery of a Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter for aerial firefighting operations, following an 18-month collaboration with USA-based Timberline Helicopters, Inc (THI).
The aircraft will support Airworks’ newly awarded wildfire suppression contract in Galicia, strengthening the operator’s firefighting capability as Southern Europe continues to experience increasingly demanding fire seasons.
Timberline said the aircraft was the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted-category, N-registered UH-60L to operate in Europe.
The heavy-lift helicopter is expected to provide increased water-dropping capacity and operational flexibility during wildfire response, where high payload and performance in mountainous terrain are critical.
Tyson Davis, President of Timberline Helicopters, said: “The delivery of the first restricted-category N-Registered UH-60L in Europe is an achievement that reflects the dedication of countless professionals on both sides of the Atlantic. More importantly, it reflects the trust, partnership, and friendship that have developed between THI and Airworks throughout this journey.”
As part of the agreement, Airworks will also act as Timberline’s forward support presence in Europe for UH-60 operators, providing regional support for future firefighting, emergency response, utility, and special mission operations.
The UH-60L, originally developed for military service, has increasingly been adapted for civilian roles including aerial firefighting, external-load operations, and disaster response.
Crews continue to battle wildfires across Spain, Greece, and France, highlighting the growing demand for high-capacity aerial firefighting aircraft across Southern Europe.