US Army unveils new Black Hawk variant at Fort Indiantown Gap

The Eastern Army National Guard Aviation training site (EAATS) received six UH-60Vs from the Utility Helicopter Program Office in late July, and since then, the school’s instructor pilots have been training on the new variant as they prepare to begin training other students.

“The ‘Victor’ model will extend the Army’s capability and capacity to meet the demands placed on the joint force,” Pennsylvania Adjutant General Mark Schindler said at the ceremony. “Additionally, the model will ensure national security and support warfighters now and well into the future.”

Overhauling an aging fleet

EAATS, which is located adjacent to Fort Indiantown Gap’s Muir Army Airfield, was the first unit in the Army to receive the new variant. Schindler said he is extremely excited and proud that EAATS was chosen to be the first unit equipped with the UH-60V.

“It’s fitting that our location was chosen to begin UH-60 Victor training,” he said. “The EAATS is an accomplished organization, proving time and time again to be a force multiplier for all components of the US Army and our multi-national partners, unmatched in the Army enterprise.”

The UH-60V was developed with a focus to overhaul the aging UH-60A and L fleets. It includes an upgraded digital glass cockpit, certified GPS RNAV database and advanced flight planning and mission capability. Founded in 1981, EAATS conducts individual aviator qualification training, enlisted aviation training and non-commissioned officer professional development with a focus on UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

Recently, United Rotorcraft awarded Sikorsky a contract for five S-70 Black Hawk helicopters for aerial firefighting.