Nine soldiers were killed after two US Army Black Hawk choppers crashed in Kentucky during a routine training mission on Wednesday. The crew members were flying two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, operated by the 101st Airborne Division, over Kentucky's Trigg County, Fort Campbell's public affairs office was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.
The incident occurred around 10 pm local time, near Fort Campbell military base.
British broadcaster BBC quoted a US Army spokesperson as saying: "The command is currently focused on caring for the service members and their families."
Officials couldn't confirm what caused the tragedy or if the two choppers crashed into each other. During a press address, Brigadier General John Lucas of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) said that till the families of the victims are notified, no details can be provided. The US Army will deploy a team from Alabama on Thursday to investigate the incident, he said.
One of the HH-60 chopper was carrying five people, while the other had four passengers. Those killed included the pilots, co-pilots, crew chiefs and medics.
The HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a versatile aircraft that is widely used by the United States military and various other countries around the world. The Black Hawk was designed to meet the Army's requirement for a medium-lift, multi-mission helicopter that could operate in a variety of environments and conditions.
The HH-60 Black Hawk was developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in the 1970s and first entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979. Since then, it has been used in a wide range of missions, including combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, troop transport, and special operations.
The Black Hawk has a crew of four, including two pilots and two crew chiefs. It can carry up to 11 troops or up to 6,000 pounds of cargo internally or externally. The helicopter is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701C turbo-shaft engines, which provide a maximum speed of 222 mph and a range of up to 380 miles.
One of the key features of the Black Hawk is its advanced avionics and flight control systems, which allow it to operate in a wide range of environments and conditions, including low-light and adverse weather conditions. It is also equipped with defensive systems, including chaff and flare dispensers, and can be fitted with additional armour for increased protection.
The HH-60 Black Hawk has seen extensive use in military operations around the world, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. It has also been used by other countries, including Australia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea.
In addition to its military applications, the Black Hawk has also been used in civilian roles, such as firefighting, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations.