How Much Does a Blackhawk Helicopter Weigh?
The Boeing AH-64 Apache, commonly known as the Blackhawk helicopter, is a versatile and reliable aircraft used by the US military and other countries for various purposes, including attack, transport, and rescue missions. One of the most frequently asked questions about the Blackhawk is its weight. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Direct Answer:
The empty weight of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow, a variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, is approximately 9,500 pounds (4,300 kg). However, the maximum gross weight of the aircraft, including fuel, crew, and cargo, is around 20,000 pounds (9,070 kg).
Factors Affecting Weight
There are several factors that can impact the weight of a Blackhawk helicopter, including:
- Configuration: The Blackhawk can be configured for different roles, such as attack, transport, or rescue. Each configuration can affect the weight of the aircraft.
- Fuel load: The amount of fuel carried by the Blackhawk can significantly impact its weight. The aircraft can carry a maximum of 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of fuel in its external tanks.
- Crew and cargo: The number of passengers and cargo carried by the Blackhawk can also impact its weight.
- Optional equipment: The addition of optional equipment, such as sensors, weapons, or communication systems, can add weight to the aircraft.
Weight Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the estimated weight of a Blackhawk helicopter in different configurations:
| Configuration | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| Attack | 9,500 (empty weight) – 16,000 (gross weight) |
| Transport | 9,500 (empty weight) – 18,000 (gross weight) |
| Rescue | 9,500 (empty weight) – 19,000 (gross weight) |
Comparison to Other Helicopters
To put the weight of the Blackhawk into perspective, here are the weights of some other helicopters:
| Helicopter | Empty Weight (pounds) | Gross Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| Bell UH-1Y Venom | 6,900 | 10,500 |
| Bell UH-60M Black Hawk | 7,500 | 14,000 |
| Sikorsky UH-60M | 7,500 | 14,000 |
| Boeing AH-64E Apache | 9,500 | 20,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Boeing AH-64 Apache Longbow, commonly known as the Blackhawk helicopter, has an empty weight of approximately 9,500 pounds and a maximum gross weight of around 20,000 pounds. The weight of the aircraft can vary depending on its configuration, fuel load, crew and cargo, and optional equipment. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the weight of the Blackhawk helicopter, including its breakdown and comparison to other helicopters.
