The US Army's Next Gen Helicopters To Replace The Blackhawk. After extensive testing and careful consideration, the United States has committed billions of dollars to upgrade its fleet with new helicopters designed to replace the iconic Blackhawk. This decision reflects a drive to enhance aircraft technology and boost the effectiveness of military operations. So, which new helicopters have been selected for this upgrade, and how do they differ from the original Blackhawk model? In this video, we’ll explore the details of the newly chosen aircraft and the advancements they bring compared to the legendary Blackhawk.
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00:00After extensive testing and careful consideration, the United States has committed billions of
00:13dollars to upgrade its fleet with new helicopters designed to replace the iconic Black Hawk.
00:19This decision reflects a drive to enhance aircraft technology and boost the effectiveness
00:23of military operations.
00:25So which new helicopters have been selected for this upgrade, and how do they differ from
00:29the original Black Hawk model?
00:31In this video, we'll explore the details of the newly chosen aircraft and the advancements
00:36they bring compared to the legendary Black Hawk.
00:39The Black Hawk Helicopter During World War II, helicopters first made
00:43their debut in combat roles, initially used for search and rescue as well as medical evacuations.
00:48Over time, their applications expanded to include offensive operations.
00:52Stephen Thomas, in his book Black Hawk, notes that the true evolution of helicopters for
00:56tactical warfare began with the introduction of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois during the Vietnam
01:02War.
01:03Lt. Col. Hammer is credited with pioneering the strategy of deploying troops into combat
01:07zones via helicopters, and then quickly extracting them after engagements.
01:11The success of this approach led the U.S. Army to seek a more advanced helicopter model.
01:16The goal was to create a helicopter that was not only capable of transporting troops, but
01:20also more powerful, quieter, and more agile than the UH-1.
01:24In response to these requirements, the Army launched the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft
01:29System program in 1972 to develop a new generation of transport helicopters.
01:34By 1976, Sikorsky won the contract to produce the UH-60, marking a significant advancement
01:40in helicopter technology and its role in modern warfare.
01:44Army helicopters are typically named after Native American tribes, and the UH-60 was
01:48designated the Black Hawk.
01:50It first entered combat during the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada.
01:54Since then, the Black Hawk has racked up over 5 million flight hours, playing crucial roles
01:59in operations across Panama, Southwest Asia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Bosnia.
02:05In 1989, the Black Hawk received a significant upgrade with a new power plant.
02:10The helicopter achieves lift through its engines, which rapidly spin the rotor blades, creating
02:15differential air pressure.
02:17As the blades turn, they move air faster above them than below, generating lift once
02:21the pressure below surpasses that above the blades.
02:24The Black Hawk is powered by two General Electric T-700-GE-701C turboshaft engines.
02:31These engines drive a shaft that extends to the rotor head, which consists of a rotor
02:35hub and four blades.
02:36Each blade is constructed with a titanium spar, a metal strip running from the blade's
02:40base to its tip, and a Nomex honeycomb core.
02:43The blade's skin and trailing edge are reinforced with composite materials for durability.
02:48The rotor disc spans 53 feet, 8 inches in diameter, necessary for larger helicopters
02:53like the Black Hawk that carry significant loads.
02:55The leading edges of the blades are made of titanium and nickel to withstand the stresses
02:59of flight.
03:00As the drive shaft rotates the rotor head, the spinning blades generate a powerful rotor
03:05disc capable of lifting the helicopter along with its crew and up to a 9,000-pound external
03:10payload.
03:11Black Hawk's Attributes and Maneuverability The Black Hawk's tail rotor with its 11-foot
03:16blade plays a crucial role in stabilizing the helicopter by creating a lateral force.
03:21This tail rotor also allows the pilot to steer the helicopter left or right by adjusting
03:25its pitch.
03:26The helicopter's impressive power and maneuverability enable rapid deployment of soldiers to key
03:31locations on the battlefield and their swift return to safety.
03:35To enhance lift, the pilot can adjust the swashplate assembly, which manages the torque
03:39generated by the blade rotation.
03:41This torque would cause the helicopter's fuselage to spin in the opposite direction
03:46if not properly countered.
03:47The Black Hawk is not only used for transporting soldiers, but also for carrying artillery
03:52and other essential equipment.
03:53It features built-in safety systems designed to protect the crew and soldiers in case of
03:58an attack, which is vital during military operations.
04:01Its ability to move large numbers of personnel and equipment to areas inaccessible by ground
04:05vehicles makes it indispensable for combat support and logistical missions.
04:10Designed with flexibility in mind, the Black Hawk can be reconfigured to suit various mission
04:14needs.
04:15It requires a three-person crew, two pilots, and one crew member.
04:18The helicopter can carry up to 11 fully equipped soldiers, along with substantial amounts of
04:22supplies and weaponry to remote locations quickly.
04:25Its interior, equipped with various tie-downs, can be rearranged to accommodate different
04:29types of missions.
04:30The Black Hawk can carry additional external cargo thanks to its external storage support
04:35system, ESSS.
04:37This system features detachable stub wings mounted on either side of the fuselage above
04:41the cabin.
04:42Each of these wings includes pylons capable of supporting up to 9,000 pounds of external
04:47cargo.
04:48This includes items such as fuel tanks, electronic countermeasure modules, 16 anti-armor Hellfire
04:54missiles, firearms, and mine dispensers.
04:57Additionally, the Black Hawk is equipped with a cargo hook on its undercarriage, allowing
05:01it to transport large objects like small vehicles, artillery, and substantial supplies.
05:07For navigation and situational awareness, the Black Hawk is fitted with a VOR marker
05:11and an automated direction finder.
05:13The Army variants of the Black Hawk can be customized with stub wings for extra fuel
05:17tanks or weapons, depending on the mission's requirements.
05:21Among these variants, the UH-60L Black Hawk, produced from 1989 to 2007, features enhanced
05:27durability with a more robust gearbox, an upgraded flight control system, and improved
05:32engines.
05:33Moreover, newer UH-60Ls are being equipped with the MH-60K's GE-701D engines.
05:40The first Black Hawks were ordered by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
05:45of the U.S. Army in 1988.
05:47THE BLACK HAWK USED FOR DEFENSE Although the Black Hawk is not designed as
05:51an assault helicopter like the Apache, it still needs to be equipped with defensive
05:55weapons to protect its crew and passengers both in the air and on the ground.
05:59The Black Hawk is outfitted with various built-in defensive systems and artillery to safeguard
06:03its occupants.
06:04Given its role in combat, it is a prime target for enemy fire, including small and medium
06:08caliber weapons, so it is designed to withstand such attacks.
06:12The helicopter's airframe is constructed from metal, with other components like the floors,
06:17doors, and fairings made from composite materials.
06:20Fairings are strategically placed between joints to streamline the helicopter, enhancing
06:24speed and maneuverability while minimizing damage from enemy fire.
06:28The Black Hawk is resistant to most medium-caliber high-explosive missiles and small-arms fire.
06:33It also features ballistic-hardened flight controls and a crash-resistant self-sealing
06:37fuel system to mitigate damage from impacts.
06:40For added protection during emergencies or hard landings, the Black Hawk is equipped
06:44with armored seats and swing-out side panels.
06:46The energy-absorbing landing gear and chairs help safeguard passengers, allowing the helicopter
06:51to endure vertical impacts of up to 38 feet per second.
06:55The fuel cells are also designed to withstand drops from up to 20 meters.
06:59In the event of a tail rotor failure, the fin attached to the tail can be adjusted to
07:03maintain control of the helicopter.
07:05After a crash, pilots have the option to escape by pushing aside the cockpit doors and using
07:10the emergency pop-out windows.
07:12The Black Hawk must be prepared to withstand both rocket and bullet fire, while also having
07:17sufficient armament for the crew to defend themselves.
07:20Typically, two gunners are stationed within the helicopter to operate 7.62 mm machine
07:25guns mounted at the cabin windows.
07:28These guns enable the crew to return fire and provide protection for soldiers as they
07:32board or disembark during combat situations.
07:35When equipped for offensive operations, the Black Hawk can carry Hellfire missiles, though
07:39Medevac variants generally do not have these missiles on board.
07:43Instead, Medevac helicopters are used for transporting injured personnel along with
07:48necessary medical supplies.
07:50Additionally, the External Storage Support System, ESSS, allows for further armament
07:55options.
07:56The Black Hawk can be outfitted with a 30 mm chain gun or a 20 mm gun pod, depending
08:01on the mission's requirements.
08:03Replacing the Black Hawk
08:05After decades of service, the U.S. Army has decided it's time to replace the Black Hawk
08:08with a new aircraft.
08:10The Army has committed over $1 billion to develop a new model that will eventually replace
08:14around 2,000 Black Hawks.
08:16The competition is between two main contenders, Bell's V-280 Valor and the Sikorsky Boeing
08:21SB-1 Defiant X.
08:23The decision process has been extended as the Army reviews these bids.
08:27Bell's V-280 Valor and the SB-1 Defiant X, developed through a partnership between Sikorsky
08:32and Boeing, represent the next generation of versatile helicopters designed to succeed
08:36the Black Hawk.
08:37The Army has indicated that a decision will be announced by the end of the year.
08:41The SB-1 Defiant X is envisioned as a highly adaptable helicopter, part of the future of
08:46aviation technology.
08:47Alongside other innovative models like the AH-64 Apache, another Sikorsky product, modern
08:53helicopters such as the Bell V-22 Osprey, with its distinctive design, also capture
08:58the imagination, highlighting the evolving landscape of military aviation.
09:03The SB-1 Defiant
09:04As part of the future Vertical Lift Military Program, the United States is developing five
09:09new helicopters, each designed with advanced sensors, avionics, engines, and armament to
09:14transform combat capabilities.
09:16One standout among these is the SB-1 Defiant, a high-speed, multipurpose helicopter designed
09:21to be the most agile, fastest, and resilient attack helicopter ever built.
09:25By 2035, the Defiant is expected to excel in navigating challenging terrains, delivering
09:30troops and cargo efficiently, and swiftly exiting dangerous areas with minimal risk.
09:35The SB-1 Defiant and the Bell V-280 Valor were chosen as demonstration models during
09:40the 2014 Future Vertical Lift Program development phase.
09:43Since then, their creators have been refining these advanced designs.
09:46The Defiant's prototype was unveiled by Boeing and Sikorsky in 2018, with ground testing
09:51beginning in January 2019, and its inaugural flight occurring in late March 2019 at Sikorsky's
09:57facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.
09:59The Defiant promises significant improvements over the Black Hawk, which has been a reliable
10:03combat helicopter for 40 years.
10:06Its advanced features and enhanced performance are poised to set a new standard in military
10:10aviation.
10:12DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLACK HAWK AND SB-1 DEFIANT
10:15During testing, the SB-1 Defiant prototype demonstrated impressive performance, reaching
10:20speeds close to 230 miles per hour, compared to the Black Hawk's top speed of 183 miles
10:27per hour.
10:28Engineers are aiming to push the Defiant's speed even further, with plans to achieve
10:32up to 290 miles per hour.
10:34This enhanced speed is achieved through the use of coaxial rotors that spin in opposite
10:39directions and an additional push propeller, a departure from the UH-60 Black Hawk's traditional
10:44five-blade main and tail rotors.
10:47The coaxial rotors provide a 115 mph speed boost, extend the combat radius by 60 miles,
10:53and improve hovering capability at high altitudes and temperatures by 50 memph.
10:58Another significant upgrade is the SB-1 Defiant's larger cockpit, which has increased by 50
11:04percent compared to the Black Hawk.
11:06This expansion allows for greater operational flexibility.
11:09The SB-1 Defiant can accommodate up to 12 armed soldiers and a crew of four, including
11:14a commander, co-pilot, and two mechanics.
11:17For medical evacuations, it can be reconfigured to transport eight wounded soldiers and two
11:22medics, whereas the Black Hawk can carry up to six stretchered casualties.
11:26The Defiant's opposing rotors contribute to increased lift, stability, and smooth operation,
11:31while the pusher propeller offers significant forward thrust during flight.
11:35Most pilots liken the experience of flying the Defiant with the pusher propeller to the
11:39sensation of taking off in a high-speed aircraft akin to a car turbine.
11:44This innovative design provides the Defiant with notable advantages in vertical takeoff
11:49and landing capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessor, the UH-60 Black Hawk.
11:55Maneuverability of the SB-1 Defiant The SB-1 Defiant offers exceptional agility
12:00compared to standard helicopters.
12:02Unlike traditional models, which require a significant reduction in speed to perform
12:07sharp turns, the Defiant can maneuver sharply even at full throttle.
12:11This capability provides pilots with a tactical advantage, allowing them to quickly adjust
12:16their flight path during combat.
12:17The military anticipates that the Defiant will excel in future urban battles, navigating
12:22between skyscrapers with ease due to its advanced maneuverability.
12:26Weighing around 30,000 pounds, the Defiant benefits from its vertical takeoff system,
12:31which allows it to hover and maneuver with remarkable lightness, a significant improvement
12:35over the UH-60 Black Hawk.
12:37The Black Hawk, by contrast, has a more conventional approach where its blades continue to spin
12:42while on the ground.
12:43The Army envisions helicopters operating at high speeds and low altitudes to evade enemy
12:47ground vehicles.
12:49The SB-1 Defiant excels in this role, able to slow down from speeds of up to 230 mph
12:55to a hover just half a mile from its target.
12:57This rapid deceleration capability has been well regarded by test pilots, who highlight
13:02the Defiant's ability to maintain visibility of the landing zone, enhancing both operational
13:06effectiveness and crew safety.
13:08In contrast, the Black Hawk's approach required tilting the nose up 30 degrees during similar
13:13maneuvers, obstructing the pilot's view of the landing area.
13:16To achieve quieter operation compared to the UH-60 Black Hawk and other traditional helicopters,
13:22the SB-1 Defiant incorporates the latest anti-vibration technology.
13:26This innovation includes four generators that emit vibrations at a frequency opposite
13:30to that of the rotor blades, similar to modern noise-canceling headphones.
13:35This design minimizes external noise, allowing pilots to focus better on their surroundings.
13:40While engineers ensured that the Defiant's speed and maneuverability were not compromised
13:44by heavy armor, they also devised a safety feature to enhance its operational security.
13:49If needed, the SB-1 can be modified to operate without its pusher-propeller.
13:54In this configuration, the Defiant would function as a standard twin-engine helicopter, still
13:59capable of hovering and flying at speeds of up to 172 miles per hour, even if it loses
14:04one engine.
14:05Although some experts have expressed concerns that this modification might reduce the helicopter's
14:10overall survivability compared to the Black Hawk, the Army maintains that the SB-1's design
14:15allows for effective evacuation and operational flexibility under threat.
14:19In critical situations, the SB-1 remains capable of rapid flight and hovering, ensuring
14:24that it can continue to safely extract troops even if it faces significant challenges.
14:29The Bell V-280 Valor The Bell V-280 Valor stands out as a top contender
14:34for meeting U.S. Army requirements due to its impressive balance of cost and performance.
14:39Its design leverages a modular open-systems architecture utilizing Internet Protocol interfaces
14:44and data standards.
14:45This approach facilitates rapid, low-risk updates and maintenance improvements, ensuring
14:50the helicopter remains adaptable and future-proof amid evolving technology, particularly in
14:55computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensors.
14:59The V-280 Valor significantly enhances performance compared to current fleet helicopters.
15:04It offers more than double the range and speed of the Black Hawk, combining the speed and
15:08efficiency of a turboprop with superior agility.
15:11This makes it an ideal long-range assault aircraft capable of supporting ground forces
15:16with the necessary speed and maneuverability for multi-domain operations.
15:20The V-280 Valor operates with a cruising speed of 280 knots, aligning with its name, and
15:25can achieve long-range cruise speeds exceeding 300 knots.
15:29With a combat range of 500 to 800 nautical miles and the ability to cover up to 2,100
15:35nautical miles, it excels in both military and humanitarian missions.
15:39The helicopter has accumulated 215 flight hours over three years, showcasing its reliability
15:45and performance.
15:46Its enhanced range and speed provide exceptional mission flexibility, enabling rapid responses
15:51to global issues and faster delivery of medical care to improve survival rates in combat situations.
15:57The Bell V-280 Valor boasts advanced triple-redundant fly-by-wire technology, providing a significant
16:03advantage over traditional rotary systems.
16:06This technology has shown remarkable performance in low-speed domains and flight tests, offering
16:11superior level-one attitude responsiveness.
16:14This capability allows the V-280 to perform agile maneuvers, such as rapid lateral displacements,
16:20while maintaining optimal energy levels.
16:22The tilt-rotor design of the V-280 Valor enables it to execute swift and dynamic movements
16:27akin to those of fixed-wing aircraft.
16:29Unlike conventional helicopters, which face challenges with rotor-disc separation and
16:33main rotor issues, the V-280's tilt-rotor system eliminates these concerns, allowing
16:38for high-speed operations without overloading its dynamic systems.
16:42The Valor's wing platform, coupled with its tilt-rotors, facilitates sharp, high-speed
16:46maneuvers, maximizing the helicopter's agility.
16:49This design minimizes mass limitations associated with rapid maneuvering and ensures effective
16:55performance in various flight conditions.
16:57Difference between Bell, V-280, Valor, and Blackhawk
17:03The Bell V-280
17:07Valor draws inspiration from the UH-60 Blackhawk, incorporating several design improvements
17:12to enhance performance and safety.
17:15Although the V-280 has a slightly larger footprint than the Blackhawk, it is more compact overall,
17:20being about 20 percent shorter.
17:23This reduction in size is due to the absence of exposed rotors at the leading and trailing
17:27edges, contributing to increased safety in landing zones.
17:31This design eliminates the need for complex propeller engagement mechanisms and routine
17:35rotor tilting, simplifying operations both inside and outside the aircraft.
17:41The V-280's fuselage shares similarities with the Blackhawk but features distinct enhancements.
17:46It is powered by the General Electric T-64 free-turbine turboshaft engine, differing
17:52from the engines used in the earlier Bell V-22 Osprey.
17:56The V-280's engines are designed to remain static while the rotors and driveshafts tilt,
18:01providing a consistent power output.
18:04In the event of an engine failure, a driveshaft integrated into the straight wing allows both
18:09prop rotors to be powered by a single engine, ensuring continued operation.
18:14Additional features of the V-280 include a V-tail design, a triple-redundant fly-by-wire
18:19control system, and flexible landing gear.
18:23The wings are constructed from a single piece of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite,
18:28which reduces both production costs and the overall weight of the helicopter.
18:34The Bell V-280 Valor features a longer wing and lower disc loading, which enhance both
18:39its hover and cruise efficiency compared to the V-22 Osprey.
18:44The Osprey's higher disc loading results in less effective hover performance compared
18:48to conventional helicopters.
18:50The V-280 can carry up to 14 soldiers and accommodate a four-person crew with its two
18:55cargo hooks.
18:57It is capable of transporting a 10,000-pound howitzer while achieving speeds of up to 150
19:03knots.
19:05Inside the V-280, the cabin includes windows that display a three-dimensional mission map.
19:11Additionally, seats are equipped with wireless charging capabilities for devices such as
19:16radios, night vision goggles, and other essential electronics.
19:21Although currently designed primarily for utility missions, Bell is also developing
19:25an assault configuration for the V-280.
19:28This flexibility allows a single airframe to switch between different payloads and mission
19:33types, potentially enabling the V-280 to perform both utility and attack roles.
19:39Bell envisions the Valor's tilt-rotor platform as adaptable for a range of military operations.
19:47Replacing the Black Hawk with the Bell V-280
19:50The choice between the SB-1 Defiant and the Bell V-280 Valor has been a focal point for
19:56the U.S. Army as it considers a major upgrade from the decades-old UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
20:02After extensive testing and evaluation, the Army decided to replace its fleet of 2,000
20:07Black Hawks and 1,200 Apache helicopters with the Bell V-280 Valor tilt-rotor aircraft.
20:15The Bell V-280 outperformed the Sikorsky Boeing SB-1 Defiant, earning it the contract under
20:21the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft FLRAA program.
20:26The development contract awarded for the V-280 Valor is substantial, with a total ceiling
20:31of $1.3 billion, making it the largest procurement by the Army in over 30 years.
20:37This significant decision underscores the Army's commitment to modernizing its aviation
20:42assets.
20:43The Bell V-280 Valor was favored largely due to its successful development and testing
20:47as part of the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator, JMRTD, initiative, which began
20:53in 2013.
20:55Years of rigorous flight tests have provided extensive data highlighting the aircraft's
20:59advantages for long-range operations.
21:02The V-280 has demonstrated notable progress in design and performance, particularly during
21:07flight tests.
21:09Scott C. Donnelly, chairman and CEO of Textron, expressed pride and appreciation for the Army's
21:14selection of the V-280 Valor as the future backbone of its attack aviation.
21:20Mitch Snyder, the president and CEO of Bell, expressed his excitement and honor at the
21:24opportunity to collaborate with Army Aviation.
21:28He is committed to developing an exceptional weapons system that meets the Army's rigorous
21:32mission requirements.
21:35Bell's long-standing support for Army Aviation is evident, and Snyder is eager to contribute
21:39to the delivery of a highly reliable long-range assault aircraft.
21:44He views this as a pivotal moment for both Bell and the U.S. Army as they work together
21:48to enhance Army aviation capabilities for the future.
21:52Bell has rigorously validated the V-280 Valor aircraft and is preparing to integrate it
21:58into the Army's modular open system.
22:01Snyder reiterated his readiness to support the Army with a top-tier long-range assault
22:05weapons system.
22:07Keith Flayle, Bell's executive vice president of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems, highlighted
22:12the V-280 Valor's improved platform affordability and the team's demonstrated operational capabilities
22:17over recent years.
22:19General Robert Barry, the executive program officer for aviation, announced that Bell's
22:24initial $232 million investment will fund the preliminary design and development of
22:30a virtual prototype.
22:32This prototype will assist the Army in advancing its acquisition process, with the acquisition
22:37phase expected to span the next 19 months.
22:41No aircraft will be procured during this initial phase.
22:45There are currently two prominent approaches in the competition for the Army's next-generation
22:49aircraft, one led by Bell Textron with its tilt-rotor design similar to the V-22 Osprey
22:55used by the Marines.
22:57When asked about what sets the tilt-rotor apart from its competitors, General Robert
23:01Barry did not point to any single factor.
23:04Instead, he explained that the decision was based on a comprehensive evaluation of performance,
23:09cost, and schedule, with all these elements carefully weighed in the decision-making process.
23:15Barry highlighted that the Army's initial order for low-rate production is valued at
23:20$7.1 billion, covering the engineering, manufacturing, and development phases of the FLRAA contract.
23:28Additionally, there is a potential for the contract to reach up to $70 billion, depending
23:33on the quantity of aircraft purchased over time, which may also include foreign military
23:38sales.
23:39According to Keith Flail, Bell's Executive Vice President of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems,
23:45the V-280 Valor is set to deliver a cutting-edge rotorcraft for the U.S. Army.
23:50This tilt-rotor aircraft combines the attributes of both helicopters and traditional fixed-wing
23:55aircraft.
23:56It passes the Blackhawks in key areas such as speed, sling load capacity, and tactical
24:01capabilities, including the ability to hover while allowing troops to board or disembark.
24:08Carl Hoffman, Bell's Vice President of Future Vertical Lift Strategy, emphasized that the
24:13V-280 Valor represents an evolution of tilt-rotor technology, tailored specifically for the
24:19Army's air assault and utility missions in challenging environments.
24:23He assured that the design is reliable and field-maintainable, with every component capable
24:28of being serviced using standard ground support equipment in austere conditions.
24:33The initial prototype of the V-280 Valor is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Army
24:38by 2025.
24:40The specific performance criteria that the Valor must meet before it enters service are
24:45classified and not publicly disclosed.