The
Sikorsky S-70 was designed as a tactical transport helicopter
to replace the Bell UH-1. The prototype first flew in
1974 with the first UH-60 Black Hawk entering service in
1979.
When the U.S. Navy required a multi-use helicopter
to replace the SH-2 Seasprite and SH-3 Sea King, the UH-60 found a
new role and designation. The SH-60 Seahawk is
currently the U.S. Navy's primary anti-submarine helicopter.
The S-70 has acquired almost as many names as it
has missions, including Jayhawk, Rescue Hawk and Desert
Hawk. My favorite nickname was given to the U.S. Army Special
Ops MH-60s. So much equipment was attached to the aircraft
that it acquired the name "Velcro Hawk".
