Sikorsky S-70 (Firehawk)

History

The S-70 is a special mission helicopter platform developed by Sikorsky based on the company's S-70/UH-60 "Black Hawk" twin-engine transport airframe. The latest model offered is based on the S-70i and is produced under license from Polish Sikorsky subsidiary PZL Mielec, while previous brands include the Firehawks S-70A and S-70C.

The Firehawk is a derivative dedicated to firefighting, while the S-70i is outfitted to support special operations - demonstrating the type's inherent versatility.

The Firehawk design includes an external rescue winch located on the starboard side of the hull. Inside, two pilots sat side by side in the front row, and there were a dozen firefighters in the passenger area. The cargo hold can also carry up to two medical stretchers and limited medical evacuation personnel.

The cockpit, designed by Rockwell Collins, supports night vision (NV) equipment, digital automatic flight controls, and features a modern all-glass design. Tactical communications systems connect warfighters with ground forces. Searchlights can be used for low light and night work. Under the hull is a 1,000-gallon tank with a built-in retractable snorkel that fills the tank in less than a minute.

The tank was developed by Aero Alliance in Chico, California.

Externally, the Firehawk series retains much of the form and function of the US Army Black Hawk transport series. It features a twin-engine side-by-side arrangement, driving a four-blade main rotor unit (wide chord) above the passenger area and a four-blade anti-torque rotor unit aft (pointing to starboard). The landing gear is drivable, fixed in flight, and has a trailing device (also designed to clean the underbelly tank). The aircraft is equipped with the usual window accessories to provide the pilot and crew with optimum situational awareness.

Pilots board and disembark through automotive-style hinged doors, while the passenger area is accessed through traditional sliding doors.

Power comes from 2 General Electric T700-701D series turboshaft engines, each producing 1,940 hp.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is a prominent operator of Firehawks, relying on earlier S-70A Firehawk variants.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes