Bill, you make a very good and pertinent enquiry. The UH-60 was designed to Mil – 1290. Some of the elements of this specification are:
• Energy Absorbing Landing Gear (30 FPS Limit)
• High Mass Components Retained in 20/20/18G Crash Condition
• Load Limiting Troop Seats (14/13/12G)
• Crashworthy Fuel Cells (65 ft Drop)
• Anti-plow Keel Beams
• Load Limiting Crew Seats
Most of these attributes were retained or improved in the S-92. I believe that the S-92 fuel cells were drop tested from 100 ft. with all of the hardware in the tank. The latest JAA flaw/fault tolerance requirements were incorporated in all critical component design and fabrication. On the flip side, the EH-101 is basically a blown up S-61. Five bladed 61 ft. rotor, fuel tanks under the cabin floor, engine drive through MGB for accessories. The list goes on and on to include a utility hydraulic system powered rotor brake system that has resulted in the loss of at least two machines.
For my money, if I am getting shot at or for what ever reason going to crash I want to be strapped to a Blackhawk.
