The PAF utility helicopter: An efficient service provider
BASA AIR BASE, Pampanga---The Philippine Air Force (PAF) Utility Helicopter (UH-1) is known in providing huge assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in achieving its mission during calamities and insurgency.
It became the working horse of the Philippine Air Force in providing service in accordance with its mandated mission such as conducting medical evacuation, relief operations, heli-lift operations, aerial firefighting and search and rescue operations.
Possessing this kind of helicopter gives the Philippines’armed forces a great advantage taking into consideration its capabilities such as accessing remote and mountainous areas and transporting severely ill or unstable patients from rangy places. Moreover, the UH-1 has faster mobilization than fixed-wing aircraft since it only needs smaller landing area. This platform is also useful in conducting aerial surveillance for intelligence purposes in support of the country’s counter-insurgency campaign.
With the subsequent use of UH1H for various missions, the PAF needs additional aerial platforms of similar kind and capability. That is why, in order to complement the mission of the UH-1, the PAF acquired six modern S-70i Black Hawks Utility Helicopter that are part of the 16 units ordered from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o. and manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA. The said helicopters, which are part of the PAF’s modernization, were procured through a government-to-government negotiation.
Having these helicopters in PAF’s inventory will be vital in providing assistance and hope to the Filipino people, especially in this time of crisis.
With the ongoing pandemic, these Black Hawks will serve as transport vehicle of the Department of Health personnel in delivering COVID-19 vaccines, medicines, and relief goods to the Filipino people living in different areas of the Philippine archipelago.
Indeed, these helicopters are not just transport equipment but carrier of hope and endless service to the Filipino people. (PR)