WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. military has identified a systematic failure in the Black Hawk utility helicopter, a staple in many Middle East militaries.
The U.S. Navy cited a series of problems in the new Black Hawk ordered by the service. They include cracks that could result in frame damage as well as the penchant for the helicopter's cargo berth to open in mid-flight.
As a result, the military has delayed acceptance of the new Black Hawk as well as a variant, the MH-60S, or Sierra, helicopter, an amalgam of the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and its Navy variant, the SH-60B Seahawk. All of these platforms are manufactured by Sikorsky.
The Feb. 24 navy report cited a series of problems with the MH-60, built for both the army and navy. They included stripped bolts, leaking gearboxes, and insufficiently tightened bolts. Another problem cited was a mix-up of parts.
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/march/03_10_4.html
The U.S. Navy cited a series of problems in the new Black Hawk ordered by the service. They include cracks that could result in frame damage as well as the penchant for the helicopter's cargo berth to open in mid-flight.
As a result, the military has delayed acceptance of the new Black Hawk as well as a variant, the MH-60S, or Sierra, helicopter, an amalgam of the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and its Navy variant, the SH-60B Seahawk. All of these platforms are manufactured by Sikorsky.
The Feb. 24 navy report cited a series of problems with the MH-60, built for both the army and navy. They included stripped bolts, leaking gearboxes, and insufficiently tightened bolts. Another problem cited was a mix-up of parts.
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/march/03_10_4.html