Portugal receives first modernised UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter
The first of three UH-60L helicopters for the Portuguese Air Force was received on 3 October. (Victor Barreira)
The Portuguese Air Force has accepted the first modernised Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk medium-lift helicopter from US-based company Ace Aeronautics, the service said on 3 October.
The helicopter, which was accepted in the United States on 25 September, is to be shipped to Portugal where it will be fielded by the Squadron 551 ‘Panteras' from Air Base No 8.
Prior to delivery, the helicopter underwent a full recapitalisation at the US Army Corpus Christi Army Depot, receiving GE Aerospace T700-GE-701C turboshaft engines, an improved durable gearbox, an externally mounted electrically powered rescue hoist system, as well as the Ace Deck VL-6 digital cockpit that is based on the Garmin G5000H flight deck system. It was also seen equipped with provisions for a complete electronic warfare suite.
Portuguese Air Force Logistics Command acquired three upgraded UH-60L Black Hawk aircraft and a training package on 6 September for EUR20.9 million (USD24.4 million), largely financed by the European Union. Portugal is scheduled to receive the remaining two aircraft by 2026.
For more information on Portugal's UH-60 programme, please see Portugal acquires additional Black Hawk helicopters .
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