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| US Army National Guard Aircrews Test UH–60V "Victor" Blackhawk Helicopter |
International Military - The US Army UH-60 Black Hawk Victor (UH-60V) helicopter has completed initial operational evaluation and testing (IOT&E) at Fort McCoy. This helicopter is the latest variant of the old UH-60L with a digital glass cockpit and integrated avionics.
The IOT&E program was completed within a year of the helicopter being received by the US Army in July last year. The US Army said the goal of IOT&E was to demonstrate and assess the extent to which these helicopters meet specified requirements and establish conditions for full-level production points.
During IOT&E pilots flew 120 hours using five UH-60V helicopters in realistic battlefield conditions. As of August 5, testing has accumulated more than 200 flight hours, demonstrating the capabilities of this model.
The upgraded UH-60V cockpit will increase pilot situational awareness while reducing pilot workload, resulting in a more capable and safer flight platform. The US Army plans to convert 760 old UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters into a modernized UH-60V.