Portuguese Air Force Firefighting UH-60 Makes Inaugural Flight

The firefighting-capable aircraft boasts the capacity to transport up to a dozen crewmembers, as well as carry more than 750 gallons of water.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, December 18, 2023 at 12:19 PM ET

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The first UH-60 flew November 12 from Ovar Air Base (LPOV). [Courtesy: Portuguese Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Portugal's first two firefighting-capable Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters have completed their inaugural flights from Ovar Air Base.
These aircraft are part of a $47 million, six-helicopter order from Arista Aviation, intended for aerial fire combat and transport.
The UH-60s can carry over 750 gallons of water and up to a dozen crew members, with the remaining four aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2026.

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Portugal’s first firefighting-capable Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters have made their first flights in the country, according to the Portuguese Air Force.

The inaugural flight of the two UH-60 aircraft took place last week from Ovar Air Base (LPOV) in Ovar, Portugal, where the aircraft will be based, the service said Saturday.