Blackhawks' Legacy In Afghanistan: Counting The Remaining Helicopters

The US military left behind 33 operational Black Hawks in Afghanistan, according to a US Department of Defense report published on June 30. However, it is unclear how many of these ended up in the hands of the Taliban. While some reports indicate that the Taliban has managed to get at least one, others suggest that they seized 18 Black Hawks, with only six being operable.

The US military had 33 Black Hawks in Afghanistan as of June 30, 2021

The US military had 33 operational Black Hawks in Afghanistan as of June 30, 2021, according to a US Department of Defense report. These helicopters are also known as UH-60s.

The US planned to provide Afghanistan with 159 Black Hawks, but this number was cut to 53, a reduction of two-thirds. The Black Hawk program was intended to replace Afghanistan's aging Mi-17 fleet. The Mi-17 provides more lift and transport capability than the UH-60.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has put billions of dollars' worth of equipment into the hands of the Taliban. This includes weapons, vehicles, and supplies. However, the exact amount of military equipment obtained by the Taliban is unknown.

There are conflicting reports about the number of Black Hawks acquired by the Taliban. While some sources claim they have 33, others state that the Taliban likely acquired 10 Black Hawks, all of which were reportedly disabled by US forces. It is also unclear if the Taliban has the capability to operate and maintain the Black Hawks effectively.

It is unclear how many Black Hawks the Taliban now has

The number of Black Hawks that the Taliban now possesses is uncertain. While the U.S. military had 33 operational Black Hawks in Afghanistan as of June 30, according to a U.S. Department of Defense report, it is unclear how many were left behind during the withdrawal and ultimately ended up in Taliban hands.

Media outlets such as the BBC, NPR, and the Washington Post have refrained from reporting a specific number of Black Hawks under Taliban control due to the uncertainty. While there is video footage of the Taliban flying a Black Hawk, the exact number they possess remains unknown.

Adding to the complexity, it is not just the number of Black Hawks that matters, but also their operability and the Taliban's ability to maintain and pilot them. Independent military analysts have reported that the Taliban seized 18 Black Hawks, but only six are operable.

Maintaining and operating Black Hawk helicopters is challenging. Jonathan Schroden, director of the Countering Threats and Challenges Program at the Center for Naval Analyses, stated that the Taliban might "not be able to fix them." Additionally, John Pike, a longtime military expert, pointed out that the Taliban has a history of assassinating pilots and aircrews, which may make it difficult for them to find personnel to operate the helicopters.

While the exact number of Black Hawks in Taliban possession is unclear, even one helicopter would give them more than 85% of the countries in the world. This is because Black Hawks are only supplied to 29 countries by Lockheed Martin, the company that manufactures them. Therefore, out of 195 countries, 166 do not have any Black Hawks.

The Taliban has included Black Hawks in recent air displays

The Taliban, by some estimates, has more Black Hawk helicopters than 85% of countries worldwide. This is because most countries do not have a Black Hawk at all. The claim that the Taliban has more Black Hawks than 85% of countries was made by US Rep. Richard Hudson in a Facebook post on September 1, 2021. In the post, Hudson stated that the "Taliban's new arsenal" included 33 Black Hawk helicopters and that "the Taliban now has more Black Hawk helicopters than 85% of countries in the world."

While it is unclear whether the US military left as many as 33 usable Black Hawks behind in Afghanistan, it appears that the Taliban does have at least one Black Hawk. This is based on a video showing them flying a Black Hawk as well as reports from media outlets such as the BBC, NPR, and the Washington Post. However, the exact number of Black Hawks under Taliban control is uncertain.

In addition to Black Hawk helicopters, the Taliban has also been seen posing in American uniforms and high-tech gear, such as night-vision goggles, while driving around in armoured Humvees.

It is difficult to fly and maintain Black Hawk helicopters

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter. It is used by the U.S. military and the armed forces of 34 other countries worldwide. It is a tough and reliable helicopter with a wide range of missions, including air assault, medevac, command and control, and VIP transport.

While the Black Hawk is a highly capable helicopter, it is also difficult to fly and maintain. Here are some reasons why:

Flying the Black Hawk is Challenging

Flying a helicopter is inherently more complex than flying a fixed-wing aircraft due to the complex aerodynamics involved. The Black Hawk, in particular, is a large and powerful helicopter with a maximum gross weight of 9,979 kg (22,000 lbs). This makes it challenging to control and manoeuvre, especially in confined spaces or when performing precision maneuvers.

Hovering a helicopter is widely considered one of the most challenging aspects of helicopter flight. In a hover, the helicopter generates its own gusty air, which acts against the fuselage and flight control surfaces. This results in constant control inputs and corrections by the pilot to maintain a stable hover. The Black Hawk's size and power make this task even more demanding.

The Black Hawk also has a wide range of advanced avionics and electronic systems that the pilot must manage. These include autopilot, autostabilization, Doppler radar, and electronic countermeasures, among others. While these systems enhance the helicopter's capabilities, they also add complexity to the pilot's workload.

Maintaining the Black Hawk is Demanding

The Black Hawk is a sophisticated and complex machine that requires regular and meticulous maintenance to keep it in safe operating condition. Here are some aspects of Black Hawk maintenance that contribute to its overall difficulty:

• Phase maintenance inspections: The U.S. Army conducts phase maintenance inspections every 480 flight hours, during which the helicopter is completely disassembled and inspected. This process typically takes 23 days but can be extended to ensure thorough execution and provide training opportunities.
• Engine maintenance: The Black Hawk's engines are powerful and require regular maintenance. For example, during a phase maintenance inspection, the engine may be upgraded to a newer model, which involves removing and replacing the engine.
• Rotor maintenance: The Black Hawk's rotor system is critical to its performance and safety. Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure the rotor blades, rotor head, and associated components are in optimal condition.
• Avionics and electronic systems maintenance: The Black Hawk's advanced avionics and electronic systems require specialized knowledge and training to maintain and repair. This includes the autopilot, radar systems, communications equipment, and more.
• Structural maintenance: The Black Hawk's airframe and structure must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure airworthiness. This includes inspecting for corrosion, damage, and wear and tear. Repairs or replacements may be necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the helicopter.
• Weapon systems maintenance: For Black Hawks equipped with weapon systems, such as machine guns, missiles, or rocket pods, additional maintenance is required to ensure these systems are functional and safe.

In summary, while the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a highly capable and versatile helicopter, it also presents significant challenges in terms of flight and maintenance. Operating the Black Hawk requires highly skilled and trained pilots and maintenance crews to ensure its safe and effective utilization.

The Taliban may struggle to find pilots due to their treatment of air crews in the past

The Taliban may struggle to find pilots for their captured Black Hawk helicopters due to their past treatment of aircrews. The Taliban has a history of assassinating pilots and aircrews, making it difficult to find qualified individuals willing to work with them. This issue is further compounded by the complexity of operating and maintaining Black Hawk helicopters, which requires specialized training and expertise.

The Taliban has targeted and killed Afghan pilots, seeing them as a valuable asset for the country's defenses. Major Dastagir Zamaray, a 41-year-old pilot and father of seven, was among those assassinated by the Taliban. In recent months, there have been at least seven confirmed killings of Afghan pilots by the Taliban, with more potentially going unreported. The Taliban has also threatened and intimidated pilots, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

The complexity of operating Black Hawk helicopters further exacerbates the challenge of finding pilots. While it is possible for individuals to learn how to fly these aircraft, it is not a simple task that can be mastered quickly. Black Hawk helicopters require specialized training and expertise for both piloting and maintenance.

The Taliban has attempted to recruit pilots by offering amnesty and encouraging former Afghan Air Force members to join their air force. However, many pilots are hesitant to accept these offers due to the Taliban's history of violence and retribution. Some pilots have chosen to remain in hiding or flee the country instead, fearing for their safety and the safety of their families.

The Taliban's efforts to establish an air force have been met with skepticism and concern. Analysts believe that the Taliban's air force is primarily symbolic and does not pose a significant threat to the region. The group's focus on showcasing repaired helicopters and planes is seen as an attempt to project military prowess rather than indicating actual combat capability.

The Taliban's struggle to find pilots underscores the challenges they face in establishing a functional air force. Their past treatment of aircrews, combined with the complexity of operating Black Hawk helicopters, creates a significant obstacle to their efforts.

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