How safe are Black Hawk helicopters and who makes them? trends now
On March 29, 2023, nine service members died after two United States Army Black Hawk helicopters collided during a routine training exercise in Kentucky.
The tragedy was just one of a string of Black Hawk crashes on US soil that have resulted in fatalities.
Black Hawks are four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift helicopters that have become a critical part of the US Army's airborne fighting system.
DailyMail.com breaks down the key questions about Black Hawks - including how safe they are.
A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter flies overhead during an International Special Operations Forces capacities exercise rehearsal outside the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, Florida, on May 22, 2018
What is a Black Hawk helicopter?
The Black Hawk UH/HH-60 is the Army's utility tactical transport helicopter.
They are used to provide air assault, general support, and aeromedical evacuation to US troops.
They can also be used for command and control and special operations support to combat, stability and support operations.
Thanks to their great versatility, Black Hawks have helped enhance the US Army's troop and cargo lift capacity.
One of the key benefits is that Black Hawks can get commanders to get to the fight quicker - and are able to hold an 11-person, fully equipped infantry squad.
The helicopters can also work in most weather conditions.
Significantly, Black Hawks' airframe is designed to crush progressively on impact to protect crew and passengers.
Who makes Black Hawk helicopters?
Black Hawks are made by Sikorsky Aircraft - a Stratford, Connecticut aircraft manufacturer established by Igor Sikorsky in 1923.
Sikorsky Aircraft remains a leading helicopter manufacturer, producing such well-known models as the UH-60 Black Hawk.
They started manufacturing Black Hawks in 1974, and still do so.
Why are Black Hawks dangerous?
A total of seven servicemen and women have already died in 2023 from Black Hawk crashes.
The first was on February 15, 2023, when a Black Hawk crashed killing two members of Tennessee National Guard in Huntsville, Alabama.
Officials have speculated that with the recent crashes and deaths, especially when the Black Hawks are being used on US soil with no enemy involved, may have something to do with the
