3. The USA’s Black Hawk Helicopter
Producer: Sikorsky Aviation
Main Users: Japan Self Defense Forces, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Columbian Armed Forces, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force
Cost: $85.2 billion* (FY2012) for the program; $21.3 million* (FY2012) for each unit
Sikorsky named his Black Hawk aircraft after the same-named Native American hero. The helicopter is a twin-engine, four-bladed, medium-lift utility helicopter. The U.S. Army is the Black Hawk’s principal user, but the Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy also employ it occasionally.
Helicopter Black Hawk (USA) ©Images by VanderWolf via Shutterstock
Since 1979, the UH-60 Black Hawk has been in operation. The first flight took place on October 17, 1974. 4,000 of these units, each costing $21.3 million, have been constructed since 1974. From the Balkans to Africa, the Black Hawk has fought with American military branches in battles all over the world.
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