Black Widow Helicopters has created a joint venture with XP Services to launch the Lima+ UH-60L upgrade package. Black Widow is zeroing in on the increasing popularity of the UH-60 as a firefighting and utility platform.
The core of the package is the installation of two GE T700-GE-701D engines mated with an IDGB gearbox, which boosts the aircraft’s lift capacity to 9,000 lbs (4,082 kg). The refit also includes a workload-reducing, IFR-certified Genesis NVG digital avionics system with HeliSAS autopilot and a new cabin interior configured for up to 13 passengers and their equipment. In addition, the Lima+ will benefit from an Aerometals inlet barrier filter, a lightweight straight-pipe exhaust system, and a fundamental requirement for future USFS contracts, a HUMS system, the GPMS Foresight.
“We are thrilled to bring an industry-leading and cost-effective upgrade to the Black Hawk, which the market has been demanding for quite some time,” said Todd Dunphy, Head of Corporate Development at Black Widow Helicopters. “We will be displaying a Lima+ technology demonstrator at HAI 2024 in Anaheim, CA. Together with XP Services and Primehawx, we are ready to build Lima+ models immediately as we have a fleet of 28 Sikorsky UH-60L available for modifications,” Dunphy added.
The Lima+ will be built and modified with custom mission configurations in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and Camarillo, California.
