First flight FAP Black Hawk
On 16 August 2023, the first flight of a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk destined for the Força Aerea Portuguesa (FAP, Portuguese Air Force) took place at Enterprise Municipal Airport (AL).
The Black Hawk, serial 29801 and temporary registered N669JH, is the former US Army EH-60A 87-24669 (c/n 701257).
In September 2022, Scramble Magazine first reported that the Portuguese Air Force signed an agreement with Arista Aviation Services (AAS) for the delivery of six second hand Black Hawks. The helicopters are financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Arista Aviation Services, based in Enterprise (AL), will modify the helicopters for the firefighting role. The contract includes the delivery of the helicopters over the coming two years, training for six pilots and 21 mechanics, and five years of onsite maintenance and logistical support. Each Arista-modified Black Hawk will have the ability to quickly transport twelve firefighters and over 750 gallons of water to rural areas when needed.
The second Black Hawk, serial 29802, is in the final stages of the modification process and has its first flight scheduled for early September.
Photo by AAS via the Força Aerea Portuguesa