Virginia National Guard receives first of six Black Hawk helicopters

Built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the US Army, the HH-60M-model is specifically designed to support aerial medical and ambulatory patient transport MEDEVAC services such as evacuating wounded troops from the battlefield under difficult weather conditions, during day and night.

“The Mike model is a 30-year leap in technology with several improvements to existing Black Hawk designs,” stated Harold Nicely, State Aviation Officer. “The new aircraft has a fully digitalized cockpit. Traditional gauges have been replaced by four multifunction displays for increased situational awareness. It is also fitted with dual digital flight control computer, moving map, storm scope and radio systems, and a GPS/inertial navigation system. All these features help to make the Mike model the most advanced military air ambulance helicopter platform in service.”

The HH-60M has two Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)-equipped T700-GE-701E engines that increase the helicopters performance including horsepower, cruising speed, rate of climb, lift capacity, and range. The HH-60M is also equipped with an improved durability gearbox along with newly designed composite rotor blades.

A true dedicated air ambulance

The most important new features of the HH-60M however are on the inside of the airframe. The upgraded interior is specifically designed with a medical evacuation mission equipment package kit and Integrated Vehicle Health Management System, making the helicopter a true dedicated air ambulance. The helicopter has on-board oxygen generation capability, as well as a reconfigurable interior with litters for transporting 6 patients along with crew and flight medics.

While the primary mission of the HH-60M is MEDEVAC, it can also be easily tasked to carry out personnel transport, search and rescue, resupply, aerial reconnaissance, cargo transport, and wildfire suppression missions, making it a truly multi-purpose aerial asset.

The HH-60M is manned by a pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and flight medic. It can accommodate up to 11 troops.

The unit has already began training on the new aircraft and is expected to have all six within the next year. Pilots will be required to take a six-week instructional course to become familiar with all the upgraded avionics and flight control systems on the HH-60M to become certified on the new aircraft.