Full-Rate Production Approved for Black Hawk

The Pentagon has approved full-rate production for the Sikorsky Black Hawk UH-60M and HH-60M. Also approved was procurement of advanced materials for Fiscal 2008 to upgrade the Black Haw, which has been flying for the U.S. Army since 1978. The Army began upgrades to the UH-60M standard in April 2001, but later decided to purchase new ones rather than upgrade existing aircraft. The new UH-60M has new rotor blades providing 500 lb more lift than the older UH-60L. It also has a strengthened fuselage and advanced infrared suppression.  For related news