The 160 th SOAR(A) operates 3 models of the Blackhawk:

· The MH-60K (Blackhawk) is a highly modified twin-engine utility helicopter based on the basic UH-60 airframe but developed specifically for the special operations mission. Improvements include aerial refueling (AR) capability, an advanced suite of aircraft survivability equipment (ASE), and improved navigation systems, including multi-mode radar to further improve pinpoint navigation in all environments and under the harshest conditions.

· The MH-60L flown by the 160 th SOAR(A) is a highly modified version of the standard US Army Blackhawk, configured for special operations use.

· The MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) is an MH-60L modified to mount a variety of offensive weapons systems. Its mission is to conduct attack helicopter operations utilizing area fire or precision guided munitions and armed infiltration or exfiltration of small units. It is capable of conducting direct action missions (DA) as an attack helicopter or has the capability to reconfigure for troop assault operations. In the Direct Action role, the DAP would not normally be used as a primary transport for troops or supplies because of high gross weights. The DAP is capable of conducting all missions during day, night, or adverse weather conditions.

· The DAP can provide armed escort for employment against threats to a helicopter formation. Using team tactics, the DAP is capable of providing suppression or close air support (CAS) for formations and teams on the ground.

 

· Communications: the MH-60 avionics package consists of FM, UHF (HAVE QUICK II

capable), VHF, HF, Motorola Saber, and SATCOM. MH-60K includes SINCGARS. All are secure capable.

· Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR). A controllable, infrared surveillance system which provides a TV video-type infrared image of terrain features and ground or airborne objects of interest. The FLIR is a passive system and detects long wavelength radiant IR energy emitted, naturally or artificially, by any object in daylight or darkness.

· Door guns (7.62mm Minigun). 6 barrel, air-cooled, electrically operated Gatling gun; MEF 1000 meters; Fires A165, 7.62mm Ball; A257, 7.62mm Low Light Ball; and SL66, armor piercing sabot. One gun each is mounted outside both the left and right gunner's windows. Normally operated by the crew chiefs. Sighting by open steel sites, Aimpoint, or AIM-1 LASER.

· Ballistic Armor Subsystem. Fabric covered steel plating provides increased ballistic protection in the cockpit and cabin.

· Guardian Auxiliary Fuel Tanks. Two 172 gallon tanks provide range extension of approximately two hours (mains plus two auxiliary tanks: 4 hours total), mounted in the cabin area at the aft bulkhead, occupies approximately 18 sq ft of usable cabin floor space. Normal operational time without the Guardian tanks is approximately two hours ten minutes.

· Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES) bar. Capable of supporting 1,500 pounds per side.

 

· AN/AAQ-16D AESOP FLIR. The AESOP is a FLIR with a laser range finder/designator (LRF/D). The Q-16D allows the DAP to detect, acquire, identify, and engage targets at extended ranges with laser guided munitions.

· Cargo Hook. Mounted in the belly of the aircraft below the main rotor, the hook is capable of supporting external loads up to 9000 pounds.

· External Rescue Hoist System. Eastern-Breeze hydraulic hoist capable of lifting 600 pounds with 200 feet of usable cable. Primary control is by the crew chief/hoist operator using a hand held pendant.

· Internal Auxiliary Fuel System (IAFS). The MH-60 has wiring provisions for four additional 150 gallon fuel cells which may be mounted in the cargo area. Each fuel cell would provide approximately 50 minutes flight endurance. The maximum number of additional fuel cells may be limited due to ambient conditions and weight limitations. Use of all four IAFS tanks with the Guardian tanks reduces usable cargo area space to near zero.

· External Extended Range Fuel System (ERFS) (MH-60L only). Consists of either two 230 gallon, two 230 and two 450 gallon, or four 230 gallon jettisonable fuel tanks that can be mounted on the External Stores Support System for long range deployment of the aircraft. Use of the ERFS restricts usage of the M-134 miniguns and specific configuration may be limited by center-of-gravity or maximum gross weight limitations, and/or ambient conditions.

· External Tank System (ETS MH-60K only): two 230 gallon jettisonable fuel tanks can be mounted on the External Tank System for long range deployment of the aircraft. Use of the ETS restricts usage of the M-134 miniguns and specific configuration may be limited by center-of-gravity or maximum gross weight limitations, and/or ambient conditions. The ETS is capable of fuel replenishment by air refueling.

· Air Refueling (A/R); the MH-60K is equipped with an A/R probe that allows extended range and endurance by refueling from MC/KC-130 tanker aircraft.

· Personnel Locator System (PLS), AN/ARS-6(V). Locates personnel equipped with the AN/PRC-112(V) or equivalent survival radio.

· Command and Control Console. Provides four operator positions with access to the four AN/ARC-182(V) Multi-band transceivers and FLIR display.

 

· The M134 7.62mm Minigun is a 6 barrel, air-cooled, link fed, electrically driven Gatling gun, with a 1,000 meter maximum effective range and a tracer burnout at 900 meters. The weapon has a rate of fire of 2,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute, and is mounted in the fixed position on the left and right sides of the aircraft. The DAP normally carries 6,000 rounds of 7.62mm.

· M261 19 tube Rocket Launcher. This system fires a 2.75" FFAR with a variety of special purpose warheads, including: 10 lb. and 17 lb. high explosive (HE) warheads for light armor and bunker penetration (bursting radius of 8-10 meters for a 10 lb. warhead, 12-15 meters for the 17 lb. warhead), with either proximity or contact fuse; the anti-personnel flechette warhead, filled with 2,200 flechettes; white phosphorous; white and IR illumination warheads, providing up to 120 seconds of overt light or 180 seconds of IR light; the Multi-Purpose Sub-Munitions (MPSM) warhead, containing 9 submunitions which are effective against light armor and personnel; and a warhead containing the CS riot control agent. The 2.75" FFAR can be used as a point target weapon at ranges from 100 to 750 meters and an area fire weapon at ranges up to 7000 meters The aircraft can carry an additional load of rockets internally allowing the crew to reload the rocket pod without having to return to a rearm site. The reload can be accomplished in under 15 minutes.

· M230 30mm Chain Gun. Rapid fire cannon capable of firing 625 rounds of High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) per minute at ranges out to 4,000 meters. The 30mm cannon is considered a point target weapon at a range of 1,500 meters and less, or as an area fire weapon at ranges up to 4,000 meters. Each cannon has its own magazine capable of carrying 1,100 rounds.

· AGM-114 Hellfire. The Hellfire is a 100 lb. semi-active laser guided missile, capable of defeating any known armor. The M272 launchers are able to hold four Hellfire missiles each. The minimum engagement range is .5 KM to a maximum of 8 KM. The missile can be designated by any ground or air NATO standard laser designator.