Anybody know HH-60s?

[Hairy Mary]

I've been watching the news coverage of the rescue effort in New Orleans. The Coasty's Jayhawks have a moveable tailplane or horizontal stabilator.
What's the control input for this and what's its purpose? Is it adjusted with a trim switch or do HH-60 pilots have an extra limb (or prehensile pudendum)?

[DeltaFree]

I believe the one on the UH60 Blackhawk is automatic and the pilot has no input at all.

[Hairy Mary]

Thanks Deltafree,

But what's the purpose of this thing?

[ShyTorque]

Simply put, the stabilator keeps the aircraft fuselage in a more level flight attitude. This is best seen when the aircraft is slowing down on the approach; the stabilator moves towards fully down to prevent an extreme nose up attitude. The extra drag created in this regime also helps the aircraft decelerate.

It is linked to the autopilot/ stability system and is normally flown in the automatic mode but it can be controlled by the pilot by selecting it to manual and using a slew switch as a backup.

Great aircraft, my favourite in many respects. Wish I was still flying them.

[Hairy Mary]

Thanks for you knowledge.
One of my favorites too although I've only ever sat in one while it was on the ground.