Rajan Wilcox
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a powerful helicopter with a large, configurable cabin and twin GE T700 power turbine engines. The amount of fuel used by a Black Hawk depends on various factors, such as the variant, additional equipment, and flight conditions. The Black Hawk's fuel consumption and range are essential considerations for its diverse missions, including combat, search and rescue, and firefighting operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel tanks | 4 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 200 US gal (760 L) |
| Average burn rate at sea level in the summer with external tanks | 900-1000 lbs per hour |
| Engine | GE T700 power turbine engine |
| Engine power | 3,000 hp |
| Engine life | 20% longer than previous models |
| Fuel consumption | 25% improvement |
| Fuel cost | 35% lower than previous models |
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What You'll Learn
The Black Hawk's fuel capacity
The fuel capacity of the Black Hawk helicopter depends on the variant and any additional fuel systems. The HH-60W Jolly Green II, a modified version of the UH-60M, has an internal fuel capacity of 660 US gallons (2,500 litres), double that of earlier models. The HH-60W features the GE T700-GE-701D engine, which offers a 25% improvement in specific fuel consumption over the T-700 engine.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk features four fuel tanks as part of its external extended-range fuel system (ERFS). The US Army's UH-60s have been modified to include a crash-worthy external fuel system (CEFS) configuration, replacing the older tanks with up to four total 200 US gallon (760-litre) crash-worthy tanks. The UH-60 can also be fitted with stub wings to carry additional fuel tanks or weapons.
The MH-60L Black Hawk, a special operations modification based on the UH-60L, includes an auxiliary fuel system. Some MH-60Ls have also been fitted with an in-flight refuelling probe. The Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) variant of the MH-60L is equipped with either the external tank system (ETS) or the external fuel and sensor system (ESSS), both of which use stub wings capable of carrying fuel tanks or weapons.
The HH-60D Night Hawk, a special operations aircraft based on the UH-60A, includes a 117-US gallon (440-litre) auxiliary fuel tank in the rear cabin. The HH-60G Pave Hawk, based on the UH-60L, replaced the HH-60D. The HH-60G features an external fuel system capable of carrying four 200 US gallon (757-litre) tanks.
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External fuel tanks
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter can be fitted with external fuel tanks to extend its range. The External Tank System (ETS) consists of two jettisonable fuel pods that can be replenished via the helicopter's in-flight refuelling probe. Each pod can hold 230 gallons of fuel, significantly increasing the Black Hawk's endurance. The ETS is designed to be carried on the helicopter's stub wings, which can also be used to mount weapons.
The Black Hawk's external fuel system has undergone several iterations. The original External Stores Support System (ESSS) consisted of up to four 200 US-gallon (760-litre) fuel tanks, but these obstructed the field of fire for the door guns. This led to the development of the ETS, which relocated the fuel tanks to the stub wings.
The ETS has been further refined with the introduction of the Crashworthy External Fuel System (CEFS). This system replaces the older tanks with up to four 200 US-gallon (760-litre) crashworthy tanks and self-sealing fuel lines. The CEFS is designed to improve safety and reduce the risk of fuel leaks in the event of a crash.
The average fuel burn rate for a Black Hawk helicopter with external tanks is about 900-1000 lbs per hour at sea level in summer conditions. This burn rate will vary depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, and payload.
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Fuel efficiency
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a highly configurable aircraft with various modifications and variants. The fuel efficiency of the Black Hawk depends on several factors, including the specific variant, additional equipment, and environmental conditions.
The Black Hawk is equipped with powerful twin GE T700 power turbine engines, providing ample power for various missions. The T700 engine is currently being considered for replacement through the Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP), aiming to deliver a new engine with 50% more power, improved fuel consumption, and lower costs.
The basic UH-60 Black Hawk has four internal fuel tanks, each with a capacity of up to 200 US gallons (760 litres), giving a total internal fuel capacity of 800 US gallons (3040 litres). This provides the Black Hawk with a substantial fuel reserve, contributing to its endurance and range capabilities.
To further enhance its fuel capacity and range, the Black Hawk can be fitted with external fuel tanks. The external extended range fuel system (ERFS) consists of four fuel tanks, providing additional fuel capacity. Additionally, the U.S. Army variants can be equipped with stub wings, allowing for the carriage of extra fuel tanks or weapons. The use of external fuel tanks significantly increases the maximum range of the Black Hawk, particularly when configured for optimal fuel efficiency.
The average fuel burn rate of the Black Hawk can vary depending on various factors, including altitude, temperature, and load. At sea level during summer, the burn rate is estimated to be around 900-1000 lbs per hour for a 60L variant. This burn rate will vary with different environmental conditions and specific Black Hawk configurations.
Overall, the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile and powerful helicopter with a good fuel capacity and endurance. The various modifications and configurations available, including external fuel tanks and more efficient engines, further enhance its fuel efficiency and range, making it suitable for a wide range of missions and environments.
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Auxiliary fuel tanks
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift military utility helicopter. It is equipped with a single 4-bladed rotor and a single 4-bladed tail rotor. The titanium-cored rotor blades are resistant to AAA (anti-aircraft artillery) fire up to 23mm. The Black Hawk helicopter series can perform a wide array of missions, including the tactical transport of troops, electronic warfare, and aeromedical evacuation.
The Black Hawk can be equipped with stub wings at the top of the fuselage to carry fuel tanks or various armaments. The initial stub wing system is called the External Stores Support System (ESSS). The ESSS consists of two external wing-like assemblies attached to the airframe above the cargo compartment doors. Each ESSS wing is equipped with 2 removable pylons. The wings are rated to 5,000 pounds each and can accommodate a single 230-gallon fuel tank, as well as a single 450-gallon fuel tank. This gives the UH-60A an unrefuelled self-deployment range of 1,200 nautical miles.
The U.S. Army UH-60s have had their ESSS modified into the crashworthy external fuel system (CEFS) configuration, replacing the older tanks with up to four total 200 US gal (760 L) crashworthy tanks along with self-sealing fuel lines. The ESSS can also carry 10,000 lb (4,500 kg) of armament such as rockets, missiles, and gun pods. However, it was found that the four fuel tanks obstructed the field of fire for the door guns, so the external tank system (ETS) was developed to carry two fuel tanks on the stub wings.
The MH-60L Black Hawk is a special operations modification used by the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ("Night Stalkers"). It is equipped with an auxiliary fuel system, among other systems. The HH-60W Jolly Green II is a modified version of the UH-60M for the U.S. Air Force as a Combat Rescue Helicopter, with greater fuel capacity and more internal cabin space. The MH-60A Black Hawk is a modified version of the UH-60A with internal auxiliary fuel tanks and other Special Operations mission equipment.
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Fuel consumption
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is equipped with twin GE T700 power turbine engines, which provide plenty of power for various missions. The Black Hawk's fuel consumption can be enhanced through the addition of external fuel tanks, with the helicopter capable of accommodating up to four 200 US-gallon (760-liter) tanks. The US Army variants can also be fitted with stub wings to carry additional fuel tanks or weapons.
The average burn rate of a Black Hawk at sea level during the summer with external tanks is about 900-1000 lbs per hour. This burn rate will vary depending on factors such as altitude, temperature, and payload.
The HH-60W Jolly Green II, a modified version of the UH-60M for the US Air Force, boasts an internal fuel capacity of 660 US gallons (2,500 liters), double that of earlier models. The HH-60W is designed as a Combat Rescue Helicopter, replacing the HH-60G Pave Hawk with greater fuel capacity and more internal cabin space.
The Army's Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) aims to provide current and future Army Black Hawks with significantly improved power, payload, and range. The new centerline 3,000-hp-class engine is expected to offer a 25% improvement in specific fuel consumption, along with 50% more power and a 20% longer engine life. This program demonstrates the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the Black Hawk helicopter.
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Frequently asked questions
The Black Hawk helicopter can carry 360 gallons of internal fuel.
The average burn rate of fuel for the Black Hawk is 900-1000 lbs per hour at sea level in the summer.
The maximum ferry range of the Black Hawk is 1,380 miles with additional external and internal fuel tanks installed.
