The S-70 helicopter was developed by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to respond to the US Army need for a utility tactical transport helicopter (UTTAS). It was flown in December 1974, and in December 1976, it was selected by the U.S. Army and given a temporary designation YUH-60A. Delivery of the first helicopter (under the designation UH-60A Black Hawk) took place in October 1978.
The helicopter combined excellent performance and high operational suitability, as evidenced by its various versions, used for both land and naval operations. It has proven its high operational qualities in various climatic conditions. It has been used for transporting troops and casualties as well as carrying supplies. Proven as a transport helicopter on the battlefield in Iraq, among others. It is also used for patrolling (FLIR camera, search radar in the maritime version) or electronic warfare. In the armed version, it can be equipped with machine guns, missiles, unguided or guided, as well as torpedoes (in the maritime version).
More than 5000 units built, a total of more than 15 million hours flown, in service of 44 countries, have proven themselves in the most rigorous conditions and offer a very high, over 85% operational readiness in combat conditions.
The S-70 BLACK HAWK is the Polish-made only export variant of the UH-60M BLACK HAWK. Since 2010, PZL Mielec has delivered 116 units in various configurations to customers from 11 countries.