UH‑60 Black Hawk helicopters entered service with the United States Army in 1979. The first production variant was the UH‑60A, followed by the development of numerous other modifications. The UH‑60 Black Hawk became a basic platform for helicopters of various roles, including transport, electronic warfare, maritime multirole, anti‑submarine, medical evacuation, and others.
The design of the helicopter allows for flexible reconfiguration by changing the armament fit, the layout of the cargo compartment, and the cockpit equipment. Approximately 5,000 helicopters have been produced, and they are operated by more than 30 countries worldwide, including those in Europe, Asia, South America, and other regions.
A typical Black Hawk crew consists of two pilots and a crew chief; additionally, the crew may include a door gunner. Each crew member has a specific role: the pilots ensure safe flight and mission execution, while the crew chief is responsible for maintenance and the overall readiness of the helicopter. When onboard weapons are installed, the crew may also include one or two gunners, who can operate six‑barrel machine guns or other types of weapons.