Thailand To Buy Blackhawk Helicopters

[Jai Dee]

Thailand to buy Blackhawk helicopters

Thailand has contracted to buy the latest special operations version of the Blackhawk helicopter from the United States.

The deal is valued at $246 million, the equivalent of 9.4 billion baht.

The MH-60, special operations version of the Blackhawk was a major upgrade to the Sirkorsky aircraft.

Among other improvements, it has advanced integrated cockpit, upgraded engines and transmission, forward looking infrared and terrain-following radar, additional internal and external fuel tanks and an external rescue hoist.

The Blackhawk usually has a crew of four: two pilots, a flight engineer and a gunner.

According to papers filed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency to the US Congress, Thailand has requested up to six of the MH-60S helicopters, made by United Technologies Corp. unit Sikorsky Aircraft, plus 14 engines, spare parts and various support services.

The agency said Thailand requested the sale because of the need to enhance its maritime defense and disaster relief capabilities, highlighted by the tsunami search and rescue operations in December, 2004 and January, 2005.

"It will contribute to the US foreign policy and national security by helping to improve the security of an ally," the notice to Congress said. "There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale."

Source: Bangkok Post - 8 April 2006

[lukamar]

Thailand has contracted to buy the latest special operations version of the Blackhawk helicopter from the United States.

Thailand has requested up to six of the MH-60S helicopters, made by United Technologies Corp. unit Sikorsky Aircraft, plus 14 engines, spare parts and various support services.

Not that anyone probably cares much, but the MH-60S is not a Blackhawk (UH-60) but the marine version that Thailand has ordered is called the MH-60S Knighthawk.

MH-60S

Specs

Edited April 8, 2006 by lukamar