The Brazilian Army has received its first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from Lockheed Martin, initiating deliveries under a 12-unit acquisition agreement finalized in 2024.
The handover marks a key step in Brazil’s efforts to expand its airborne operational capacity, with the helicopters set to support logistics, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and search-and-rescue missions. Lockheed Martin confirmed the aircraft will also play a central role in troop transport and emergency operations.
The delivery highlights a longstanding partnership exceeding two decades between Brazil and Sikorsky, which developed the Black Hawk and now operates under Lockheed Martin. Brazil first adopted the platform in 1997, and Sikorsky has continued to provide maintenance and sustainment services to keep the fleet mission-ready.
By adding the UH-60M variant, Brazil is also enhancing joint-service interoperability, aligning the Army’s fleet with the UH-60L helicopters already in service with the Brazilian Air Force.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is 64 feet long and capable of transporting 11 troops, with an internal lift capacity of 3,190 pounds and an external load capacity nearing 9,000 pounds.
Its armament options include 7.62-mm and 12.7-mm machine guns, unguided rockets, Hellfire and Stinger missiles, explosive systems, and mine-laying launchers. The aircraft is powered by two GE T700-GE-701C/D engines, each producing approximately 1,900 horsepower.
Performance specifications include a maximum speed of 160 knots, a service ceiling of 19,000 feet, and a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles, making it a versatile platform for both military and humanitarian missions.
