Connecticut Congressional Members Urge Defense Department to Strengthen Investment in Black Hawk Platform

Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Jim Himes (CT-04), and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, released a letter to Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, regarding future procurement and modernization of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.

"From air assault to maritime warfare and from search and rescue to domestic emergency response, the Black Hawk has accumulated over 15 million flight hours across diverse environments and punishing conditions," the members wrote. "As we look ahead, new UH-60M helicopters will be required even as the Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), the MV-75 tiltrotor, completes development and testing and is eventually fielded. The Army, and especially the National Guard, will continue to need additional new UH-60Ms for utility, combat, medevac, and other missions, especially as the Army retires older UH-60Ls and ends the 60V modification effort. There is currently no alternative helicopter that is proven with the necessary capabilities, and we cannot afford the long delays and increased costs that would result from a break in UH-60M production. An eleventh multi-year to procure the Black Hawk is therefore critical to affordably produce Black Hawks, to meet the needs of the U.S. and our allies, and to maintain a healthy industrial base that can sustain the fleet, derisking Army development."

The members further requested a briefing within 60 days of receiving the letter on the Army's near and long-term plans for the Black Hawk program. The full text of the letter is available HERE.