Difference between revisions of "MH-60L DAP"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]].
+
By the end of the 1960s, the US Army had begun to formulate requirements for a military transport helicopter to replace the [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1 Iroquois]]. Sikorsky engineers proposed their S-70 prototype (YUH-60) which, competing against the Boeing-Vertol Model 179 (YUH-61), was selected for serial production under the designation UH-60 Black Hawk. The new helicopter began to enter service in 1979 and subsequently underwent several upgrades and was produced in a huge number of modifications. In 1987, the Army placed an order for an improved armed version, the '''MH-60L''', with more powerful engines and the ability to mount external weapons.
 +
 
 +
Some of the modernized MH-60L helicopters were subsequently further modified at the request of special operations forces. They were able to carry rocket pods, AGM-114 Hellfire ATGMs, air-to-air missiles, as well as other heavy weapons. Moreover, the troop-carrying cabin was reconfigured: the seats remained only for the onboard gunners, and an additional fuel tank was located in the rear. Helicopters of this version received the designation '''DAP''' (Direct Action Penetrator).
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]], the MH-60L DAP is a specialized gunship helicopter. It still looks largely like a utility helicopter with an unmodified crew cabin but features large stub wings with four reinforced pylons. The DAP has a very similar arsenal and payload to the [[AH-64D|AH-64D Apache Longbow]], mainly relying on powerful AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs, APKWS guided rockets, and ATAS air-to-air missiles at a slightly lower battle rating than the Apache Longbow. Although it obviously lacks the armour protection and internal gun of a purpose-designed attack helicopter, the DAP has some armament and subsystem advantages over the contemporary [[AH-64A|A-model Apache]] and is a solid, memorable option for helicopter fans.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 16:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
 
 +
The MH-60 has generally pleasant flight performance and handling. The top speed is lower than the Apache and most other top rank attack helicopters, but this typically won't make a difference in gameplay outside of close-range rushing attacks.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 33: Line 38:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
 
 +
The MH-60L has very limited armour protection, only boasting protected composite seats for the two crew members. There is no bulletproof glass to speak of and the Black Hawk's wide transport cabin is a bigger target for gunfire than the slim profile of the [[AH-1W]] for example. Most of the cabin is empty, so a spray of incoming machine gun fire might not hit much of importance if the crew is unscathed, but there are a pair of large fuel tanks at the rear that are vulnerable to damage.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 40: Line 46:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
Line 53: Line 68:
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|ATAS (AIM-92)|APKWS II (M151)|APKWS II (M282)|AGM-114K Hellfire II}}
+
 
−
{{main|Hydra-70 M247}}
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <!-- <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div> -->
 +
|-
 +
! [[LR30 (30 mm)|30 mm LR30]] cannons (250 rpg)
 +
| || 1 || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M134 Minigun]] machine guns (1,500 rpg)
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[GAU-19 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm GAU-19]] machine guns (550 rpg)
 +
| || 1 || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
 +
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || || || 7, 19 || 7, 19
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]] missiles
 +
| 2, 4 || 2, 4 || || || 2, 4 || 2, 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[APKWS II (M151)]] missiles
 +
| 7 || 7 || || || 7 || 7
 +
|-
 +
! [[APKWS II (M282)]] missiles
 +
| 7 || 7 || || || 7 || 7
 +
|-
 +
! [[ATAS (AIM-92)]] missiles
 +
| 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
Line 69: Line 114:
 
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
 
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
 
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 +
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm GAU-19 machine guns (550 rpg = 1,100 total)
 +
* 2 x 30 mm LR30 cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
The DAP has very similar armament to other top-tier US helicopters for the most part. Pilots who have flown and spaded the previous [[OH-58D]] will in fact recognize all of the options here, in which case the principle difference is that the DAP has much better capacity than the Kiowa or [[AH-6M]] with four reinforced wing hardpoints.
 +
 +
The AGM-114K Hellfire II is the standard US top tier helicopter ATGM. It's well rounded in terms of speed, power, and range and the DAP can carry up to 16 of them just like the [[AH-64D]], four times as many as the Kiowa. The contemporary [[AH-64A]] has the same capacity of AGM-114B Hellfires with slightly less TNT equivalent, slightly less penetration, and no tandem warhead, although in many cases the two Hellfire models will perform about the same.
 +
 +
The APKWS laser-guided rockets again come in two flavors: low-yield HE and even lower-yield SAP-HE, appropriate for taking out lightly armoured targets at a lower spawn cost and higher capacity than Hellfires.
 +
 +
The classic Hydra-70 rockets return, this time in generous 19-round pods. This allows the DAP to use rockets more freely than previous helicopters as a close quarters substitute for an internal gun.
 +
 +
The ATAS missiles come in twinned pairs and can be mounted on any of the four hardpoints, with a maximum capacity of eight (a new AAM record for US helicopters). However, the DAP doesn't have dedicated wingtip AAM hardpoints like the Apaches do, so taking Stingers will necessarily take away space from air-to-ground weapons.
  
−
{{Navigation-End}}
+
In terms of guns, the DAP has some interesting options. There are two reserved mounts for M134 Miniguns that don't conflict with the other stores. While fun to shoot and better than having no guns, the rifle-caliber Miniguns are unlikely to do more than tickle ground targets. They're best used to spray down nearby helicopters, but keep in mind that they're less powerful than virtually any other top tier helicopter gun. The other two options are more lethal but don't have reserved hardpoints: the GAU-19 HMG-caliber gatling gun uses SLAP rounds with decent flat penetration but poor angled performance that can at least threaten thin-skinned targets and the LR30 cannons use the same 30 mm HEDP rounds as the Apache's chaingun with generally the best effect on ground vehicles out of the DAP's firearms.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 78: Line 137:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Good ordnance load, can carry a heavy load of AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs and Stinger AAMs for example
 +
* MAWS, IRCM, and good flare capacity for self defense
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* No armour protection, larger profile than most attack helicopters
 +
* No internal cannon and all options stronger than M134 Miniguns take space away from ordnance
 +
* No dedicated AAM hardpoints
 +
* Can't take Sidewinder missiles like the [[AH-64A]] or [[AH-1Z]]
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
=== Devblog History ===
+
=== [[wt:en/news/8553-development-mh-60l-black-hawk-air-cavalry-en|Devblog]] ===
−
By the late 1960s, the U.S. Army began drawing up requirements for a new utility helicopter to replace the successful UH-1 Iroquois. Requesting design proposals in 1972, the Army was approached by several manufacturers, including Sikorsky, which put forward their S-70 design. Shortly afterward, Sikorsky received the order to construct several prototypes for comparative testing against the Boeing-Vertol’s rival design. Designated as YUH-60, the Sikorsky’s prototype first took to the skies in October 1974 before three units were delivered to the Army for trials in March 1976.
+
By the late 1960s, the U.S. Army began drawing up requirements for a new utility helicopter to replace the successful UH-1 Iroquois. Requesting design proposals in 1972, the Army was approached by several manufacturers, including Sikorsky, which put forward their S-70 design. Shortly afterward, Sikorsky received the order to construct several prototypes for comparative testing against the Boeing-Vertol's rival design. Designated as YUH-60, the Sikorsky's prototype first took to the skies in October 1974 before three units were delivered to the Army for trials in March 1976.
  
−
Being selected as the winning design by the Army later that year, the Sikorsky S-70 was ordered into production under the designation UH-60 and receiving the official nickname “Black Hawk”. After the first units rolled off the assembly line, the Black Hawk entered service with the Army in 1979. After entering service, the Black Hawk received many modifications and upgrades which negatively impacted its performance characteristics. Due to the degrading performance, in 1987 the Army ordered the development of an improved version, the UH-60L. Most notably, this variant introduced more powerful engines and allowed the Black Hawk to carry a substantially higher payload of offensive weapons.
+
Being selected as the winning design by the Army later that year, the Sikorsky S-70 was ordered into production under the designation UH-60 and receiving the official nickname "Black Hawk". After the first units rolled off the assembly line, the Black Hawk entered service with the Army in 1979. After entering service, the Black Hawk received many modifications and upgrades which negatively impacted its performance characteristics. Due to the degrading performance, in 1987 the Army ordered the development of an improved version, the UH-60L. Most notably, this variant introduced more powerful engines and allowed the Black Hawk to carry a substantially higher payload of offensive weapons.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mh_60l_dap Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 105: Line 170:
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[UH-60 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 17:37, 29 August 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
MH-60L DAP
mh_60l_dap.png
GarageImage MH-60L DAP.jpg
MH-60L DAP
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 11.3 10.7
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 020 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

By the end of the 1960s, the US Army had begun to formulate requirements for a military transport helicopter to replace the UH-1 Iroquois. Sikorsky engineers proposed their S-70 prototype (YUH-60) which, competing against the Boeing-Vertol Model 179 (YUH-61), was selected for serial production under the designation UH-60 Black Hawk. The new helicopter began to enter service in 1979 and subsequently underwent several upgrades and was produced in a huge number of modifications. In 1987, the Army placed an order for an improved armed version, the MH-60L, with more powerful engines and the ability to mount external weapons.

Some of the modernized MH-60L helicopters were subsequently further modified at the request of special operations forces. They were able to carry rocket pods, AGM-114 Hellfire ATGMs, air-to-air missiles, as well as other heavy weapons. Moreover, the troop-carrying cabin was reconfigured: the seats remained only for the onboard gunners, and an additional fuel tank was located in the rear. Helicopters of this version received the designation DAP (Direct Action Penetrator).

Introduced in Update "Kings of Battle", the MH-60L DAP is a specialized gunship helicopter. It still looks largely like a utility helicopter with an unmodified crew cabin but features large stub wings with four reinforced pylons. The DAP has a very similar arsenal and payload to the AH-64D Apache Longbow, mainly relying on powerful AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs, APKWS guided rockets, and ATAS air-to-air missiles at a slightly lower battle rating than the Apache Longbow. Although it obviously lacks the armour protection and internal gun of a purpose-designed attack helicopter, the DAP has some armament and subsystem advantages over the contemporary A-model Apache and is a solid, memorable option for helicopter fans.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m285 km/h
Max altitude5 700 m
Engine2 х General Electric T700-GE-701C
Take-off weight12 t

The MH-60 has generally pleasant flight performance and handling. The top speed is lower than the Apache and most other top rank attack helicopters, but this typically won't make a difference in gameplay outside of close-range rushing attacks.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at _,___ m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 5700
Upgraded ___ ___

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The MH-60L has very limited armour protection, only boasting protected composite seats for the two crew members. There is no bulletproof glass to speak of and the Black Hawk's wide transport cabin is a bigger target for gunfire than the slim profile of the AH-1W for example. Most of the cabin is empty, so a spray of incoming machine gun fire might not hit much of importance if the crew is unscathed, but there are a pair of large fuel tanks at the rear that are vulnerable to damage.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB8 270 → 15 076 Sl icon.png
RB3 905 → 7 118 Sl icon.png
SB4 901 → 8 934 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications302 900 Rp icon.png
444 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training290 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 020 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 220 / 330 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
M163_Minigun_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
MAW
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod GP-19
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods cannon.png
LR30 cannon
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
APKWS II
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Research:
9 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
GAU_19_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
GAU_19_new_gun
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114 2
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
740 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

The MH-60L DAP is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 90 x countermeasures
    • 90 x countermeasures + IRCM

Suspended armament

The MH-60L DAP can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
30 mm LR30 cannons (250 rpg) 1 1
7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg) 1 1
12.7 mm GAU-19 machine guns (550 rpg) 1 1
Hydra-70 M247 rockets 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19 7, 19
AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4
APKWS II (M151) missiles 7 7 7 7
APKWS II (M282) missiles 7 7 7 7
ATAS (AIM-92) missiles 2 2 2 2
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 8 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  • 28 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
  • 28 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
  • 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 8 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 16 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets + 4 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles
  • 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm GAU-19 machine guns (550 rpg = 1,100 total)
  • 2 x 30 mm LR30 cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)

The DAP has very similar armament to other top-tier US helicopters for the most part. Pilots who have flown and spaded the previous OH-58D will in fact recognize all of the options here, in which case the principle difference is that the DAP has much better capacity than the Kiowa or AH-6M with four reinforced wing hardpoints.

The AGM-114K Hellfire II is the standard US top tier helicopter ATGM. It's well rounded in terms of speed, power, and range and the DAP can carry up to 16 of them just like the AH-64D, four times as many as the Kiowa. The contemporary AH-64A has the same capacity of AGM-114B Hellfires with slightly less TNT equivalent, slightly less penetration, and no tandem warhead, although in many cases the two Hellfire models will perform about the same.

The APKWS laser-guided rockets again come in two flavors: low-yield HE and even lower-yield SAP-HE, appropriate for taking out lightly armoured targets at a lower spawn cost and higher capacity than Hellfires.

The classic Hydra-70 rockets return, this time in generous 19-round pods. This allows the DAP to use rockets more freely than previous helicopters as a close quarters substitute for an internal gun.

The ATAS missiles come in twinned pairs and can be mounted on any of the four hardpoints, with a maximum capacity of eight (a new AAM record for US helicopters). However, the DAP doesn't have dedicated wingtip AAM hardpoints like the Apaches do, so taking Stingers will necessarily take away space from air-to-ground weapons.

In terms of guns, the DAP has some interesting options. There are two reserved mounts for M134 Miniguns that don't conflict with the other stores. While fun to shoot and better than having no guns, the rifle-caliber Miniguns are unlikely to do more than tickle ground targets. They're best used to spray down nearby helicopters, but keep in mind that they're less powerful than virtually any other top tier helicopter gun. The other two options are more lethal but don't have reserved hardpoints: the GAU-19 HMG-caliber gatling gun uses SLAP rounds with decent flat penetration but poor angled performance that can at least threaten thin-skinned targets and the LR30 cannons use the same 30 mm HEDP rounds as the Apache's chaingun with generally the best effect on ground vehicles out of the DAP's firearms.

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good ordnance load, can carry a heavy load of AGM-114K Hellfire II ATGMs and Stinger AAMs for example
  • MAWS, IRCM, and good flare capacity for self defense

Cons:

  • No armour protection, larger profile than most attack helicopters
  • No internal cannon and all options stronger than M134 Miniguns take space away from ordnance
  • No dedicated AAM hardpoints
  • Can't take Sidewinder missiles like the AH-64A or AH-1Z

History

Devblog

By the late 1960s, the U.S. Army began drawing up requirements for a new utility helicopter to replace the successful UH-1 Iroquois. Requesting design proposals in 1972, the Army was approached by several manufacturers, including Sikorsky, which put forward their S-70 design. Shortly afterward, Sikorsky received the order to construct several prototypes for comparative testing against the Boeing-Vertol's rival design. Designated as YUH-60, the Sikorsky's prototype first took to the skies in October 1974 before three units were delivered to the Army for trials in March 1976.

Being selected as the winning design by the Army later that year, the Sikorsky S-70 was ordered into production under the designation UH-60 and receiving the official nickname "Black Hawk". After the first units rolled off the assembly line, the Black Hawk entered service with the Army in 1979. After entering service, the Black Hawk received many modifications and upgrades which negatively impacted its performance characteristics. Due to the degrading performance, in 1987 the Army ordered the development of an improved version, the UH-60L. Most notably, this variant introduced more powerful engines and allowed the Black Hawk to carry a substantially higher payload of offensive weapons.

Media

Skins
Videos
MH-60L DAP Black Hawk Ultimate Review - Bob Dickinson

See also

Related development

External links


Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Utility  H-34
Attack  MH-60L DAP
Export  ▄H-34 · AH-60

USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30

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