To people of my generation, when one thought about Army helicopters, it was the UH-1 Huey that immediately popped to mind. Probably the most successful helicopter of its type and probably the most widely built one of all time. However, things do change and for today, the Huey has been fully replaced in the Army by the UH-60 Blackhawk. This helicopter is better in all respects to the older Huey. It holds more, goes faster and has greater overall capabilities. It is also larger and much more expensive than the smaller Huey.

Like the Huey, the Blackhawk has been used by nearly all the services save the USMC. However, this book does not cover the Navy or the Coast Guard; only the Army, USAF and Customs forces. But cover it in considerable depth it does from the initial prototypes and the UTTAS run-off to the current versions and those used by other  countries. Author Chris Bishop has done a superb job of it all.

The book itself is divided into three basic sections. One is the development of the aircraft and the near bewildering number of variants that are and have been operated. Then there is a look at how the helicopter has performed in various combat situations from its first operation in Grenada to its current employment in Iraq and with humanitarian relief efforts. Finally, there is a listing of the various foreign operators of the Blackhawk. All of this is ably illustrated by Ian Palmer and full of superb period photographs, just about all of which are in full color. 

It is a superlative primer on the subject and makes not only for a great read but for a great reference for enthusiasts and modelers alike. One I liked a great deal and I know you will as well.

July 2008

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