In addition to combat operations, National Guard forces are routinely called upon to perform the full spectrum of rescue and of personnel recovery missions at the state and local levels. Upgrading Black Hawk helicopters with hoists that prevent issues currently experienced by the field including cable looseness, bird caging, cable misalignment, as well as reducing oscillations will enhance safety, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure mission success.
Upgrading Black Hawk helicopters with hoists that prevent issues currently experienced by the field including cable looseness, bird caging, cable misalignment, as well as reducing oscillations will enhance safety, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure mission success. The upgraded hoist will include advanced features such as a mis-wrap detector preventing cable damage associated with mis-wraps, a lubricated cable with inner and outer core to prevent bird caging, and a single point payout design with translating cable drum to increase cable life and reduce the potential for initiating oscillations.
Additionally, upgrading Black Hawk helicopters with new rescue hoists meeting all current FAA requirements for HEC (Human External Cargo), is a critical capability need. External hoists currently installed on Black Hawk helicopters do not meet this minimum safety standard.