The Sikorsky S-67 was a prototype attack helicopter, a high-performance aircraft that bore the name “Blackhawk” long before the famous Blackhawk name became widely recognized.
Designed for Attack and Support Missions
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Army needed a helicopter with advanced armor and armored attack systems to counter Soviet armor, ensuring excellent speed and crew protection. The S-67 established itself as a perfect solution for these requirements.
New Development and Design Choices
The development of a new prototype began in February 1970 and was completed seven months later. One of its standout features was its sleek fuselage with a twin-person cockpit only three feet wide.
The purpose of this design was to test the helicopter’s speed potential. It could reach Mach 0.9 without affecting its performance.
Successful Testing
The aircraft was extremely maneuverable and responsive, impressing pilots. Rolls, loops, and split-S maneuvers could be executed without issues.
Approval
In 1972, the army evaluated the S-67 as an alternative for their new attack chopper. Sikorsky proposed an action configuration for the Blackhawk. The company added new additions to the Blackhawk as well.
Some of the upgrades included heads-up displays, updated navigation systems, night vision, low light TV, and a new turret system.
Blackhawk Down
An S-67 prototype was shipped to England in 1974, set to fly at the Farnborough Airshow. However, during the press preview flight, the plane hit the ground during a high-speed low-level roll maneuver.
The co-pilot died during the crash, while the pilot walked away from his injuries nine days later. The prototype was wrecked, and the program was terminated after the incident.
