The Seahawk received corrosion protection, more powerful engines, oleo main landing gear, and weapons pylons for naval service. Moving the tail landing gear forward by about 13 feet (3.96 metres) reduced the footprint needed to land on frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. Additional fuel supported the more powerful engines, while electric blade folding and the stabilator arrangement helped with shipboard storage. A launcher for 25 sonobuoys replaced one side door and supported the anti-submarine role. Estimates of UH-60 commonality vary: 80, 83, and 87 percent are cited, alongside the unusually precise figure of 82.75 percent. Even the lower estimates preserve much of the production and support advantage.
Chapter · 7:41-11:18
Turning the Black Hawk into a shipboard Seahawk
Corrosion protection, stronger engines, a smaller landing footprint, folding blades, and ASW equipment turned the Army airframe into a helicopter suited to escort flight decks.