Over the last 40 years, the UH-60 Black Hawk has been the US Army's frontline helicopter of choice, seeing combat across all of the United States' military engagements during that time and demonstrating its enduring utility.

The Black Hawk is a twin-engine, medium-lift multirole helicopter that can seamlessly transition across operational needs, providing troop transport, reconnaissance, aerial assault, medical evacuation and combat support.

The aircraft can reach top speeds of over 270 km/h, and its external cargo hook can carry loads of up to 3,630kg.

Rapid transport

Across the dozens of Black Hawk variants used by the US armed forces, one central capability stands out: troop transport. It can conduct both overt and covert exfiltration and infiltration operations.

The Black Hawk's basic crew comprises a pilot, copilot and crew chief, leaving room for an additional 11 fully equipped combatants.

These infantrymen can fast-rope on top of buildings and ships from the helicopter to conduct all manner of combat operations.

The 101st Airborne Division, known as the "Screaming Eagles," is the US Army's premier air assault division.

Renowned for its rapid deployment capabilities, it utilizes UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and other rotary-wing aircraft to conduct precision airborne operations, swiftly inserting troops into combat zones and executing high-mobility warfare.

With a legacy dating back to World War II, the 101st remains a critical force in modern military operations, combining speed, firepower and tactical agility to dominate the battlefield

Some 50 Black Hawks -- a fraction of the 2,100 Black Hawks in service -- could be used to rapidly transport up to 550 fully equipped infantrymen for any ground operation, demonstrating the US Army's superior ability to insert expertly trained personnel into combat in all weather conditions, day or night.

Mission variety

Other variants of the Black Hawk have special capabilities, enabling it to tackle a variety of missions.

The MH-60K variant, for example, is a highly modified version of the Black Hawk designed specifically for special operations.

With the addition of aerial refueling, best-in-class aircraft viability equipment and enhanced navigation capabilities, the MH-60K can navigate in any environment.

Meanwhile, the MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator (DAP) is a heavily armed Black Hawk modified to deliver close air support and to attack.

Its armaments include two M134 miniguns, two M230 30mm chain guns, four M261 rocket pods, air-to-air Stinger missiles and up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

The DAP has enhanced targeting technology, infrared sensors and night vision capabilities to ensure operations in all weather conditions, day or night.