The Swedish Armed Forces is modifying its UH60-M Black Hawk helicopter fleet to enhance its flight time by 50 percent.
This includes the addition of a fuel tank to the Sikorsky aircraft, capable of holding an additional 750 liters of fuel.
The aircraft modification has been underway since autumn 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
“It is an extensive work that would not have been possible to carry out without a very good cooperation between the Air Staff, the Helicopter Flotilla, the Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and the American supplier,” technical director of Helikopter 16 Per Johnsson said.
Helikopter 16 is the designation given to the UH60-M in the Swedish Armed Forces.
What Prompted the Modification?
An international operation in Mali in 2022 exposed the aircraft’s range limit in the vast country, prompting the modification.
The US Army has also reportedly participated in the program by sending personnel to Sweden.
“We have several helicopters that have already been modified and used the extra fuel tank with good results,” Johnsson said.
“Now we are finishing the work for the entire Helikopter 16 park. In addition, the system is used by several other countries, including the United States.
“It is a great advantage for us to use their configuration as far as possible because the US Army can then take responsibility for airworthiness and integration.”
Additional Aircraft Requested
The Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing operates a total of 15 Black Hawks.
A request to buy an additional 12 UH60-Ms for an estimated $900 million was approved by the US in May this year.
The potential purchase includes 30 T700-GE-701D engines (including six spares) and 17 AN/AAR-57 common missile warning systems.