This one is a teaser for a South China Sea scenario that I'm working on ...
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The S-70PHF
Firehawk represents two, close-related types of Sikorsky helicopters delivered to the Philippines Navy (PN). The S-70PHFs are ex-USN SH-60B
Seahawks which have been stripped and rebuilt to meet Philippine needs.
A total of ten S-70PHF
Firehawks were delivered to the Philippines. Of these, four are fully-equipped by United Rotorcraft with wildfire-fighting belly tank kits. These external water tanks hold 3,785 litres (1,000 US Gallons) plus 114 lires (30 US Gal) of foam retardant. The water tank can be refilled at the hover using an integrated, retractable water pump-snorkel.
On this fire-fighting S-70PHF-1 variant, a distinctive feature is the four-leg landing gear. Whereas UH-60A-based
Firehawk use the standard
Black Hawk tailwheel, the S-70PHF
Firehawk are S-60B based. In the case of the S-70PHF-1, the usual mid-fuselage 'tail' gear has been duplicated - allowing roll-over fitting (and unfitting) of the bulky Simplex belly tank ... or, at least, that's the story.
Top A Sikorsky S-70PHF-1
Firehawk showing its extended, 4-point landing gear but not fitted with the belly water tank. [1] Note that
Firehawk 820 ('F1') is in hi-viz markings, complete with full-colour Philippines roundel and Philippine Navy badge. For undisclosed reasons, the Naval Air Group crest on the tail is a lo-viz decal.
The S-70PHF-2 variant is very similar to the S-70PHF-1. The S-70PHF-2 can be fitted with extended main landing gear legs and has water tank attachment lugs [2]. However, this variant has the standard single, SH-60B-style mid-fuselage rear landing gear leg. The S-70PHF-2 can perform similar missions to the S-70PHF-1 - mounting the Simplex belly tank; carrying up to 13 fully-equipped troops (or fire crew members); operating as a two-litter medevac aircraft; or flying back-up search-and-rescue missions.
In its 'short-legged' guise, the S-70PHF-2 relies on its cargo hook and portside bubble window to facilitate water bucket operations. When not carrying 'Bambi Buckets', the cargo hook is capable of supporting 4,080 kg (9,000 lbs) of slung cargo at speeds up to 120 knots.
Bottom A Sikorsky S-70PHF-2
Firehawk with original, short main gear.
Firehawk 828 ('F9') is in lo-viz markings - including monochrome roundels and PN badges as well as paler grey script and serials. This aircraft has yet to have the NAG crest applied to its vertical tail. Pylons are permanently fitted to accommodate long-range fuel tanks as required.
So, Filipino
Firehawk ... but there's more to the story. Stay tuned for the scenario
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[1] This aircraft has also had is nose-mounted searchlight temporarily removed.
[2] The extended undercarriage legs would be one of two kits taken from stores or 'borrowed' from an unserviceable S-70PHF-1. Once the latter was no longer AOG, the S-70PHF-1 would have its legs restored.