Helicopter Identification

ascension · Feb 12, 2018

Thunderdrones said:
Call the ball.

Hobo 405 corsair ball 3 point 2

(But usually only at night).

Jbourne210 · Feb 12, 2018

What is an H-60 variant with an ERFS (extended range fuel system) installed, minus the tanks, Alex?

Classic flyer · Feb 17, 2018

wwohp said:
anyone recognize this model of helicopter? It flew over my property last month around 300ft. I was flying about 250ft with my MP and was able to take this image.

It a]pears to be a Navy SH-60

Cookedinlh · Feb 17, 2018

Check the wheels and tail placement and angle . . number of blades and the external mount (right side) . . . its a Blackhawk H60 variant. Whoever said "it's just the viewing angle" that makes it look like something else is right. My 2 cents.

BJR981S · Feb 17, 2018

ac0j said:
I am no Heli expert, but my first thought was Coast Guard MH-60 version.

Yes I believe it is a Jayhawk. The "thing out the side would be the Winch.

radial · Feb 17, 2018

I live near the flight path between the White House and Camp David so I see these guys overhead from time to time. Very impressive aircraft.

Cslucas34 · Feb 17, 2018

That’s definitely a Sikorsky chopper without a doubt. As to what variant it is, hard to say. I’ve seen enough in my military career though to know the tell tale signs of that brand haha. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say it’s the CG variant and the item on the side is the stable boom for the winch.

VortexSpin · Feb 17, 2018

Looks like different kinds of weapon pods on this bird. Not sure the different caliber but all definitely locked n loaded.

Gary Z · Feb 17, 2018

wwohp said:
anyone recognize this model of helicopter? It flew over my property last month around 300ft. I was flying about 250ft with my MP and was able to take this image.

Looks like a Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk. I live near the Gulf Coast (Clearwater, FL) and always have my ears open. When I hear them coming (usually on training or rescue flights) I try to determine their altitude and direction. You're allowed by the FAA to go ABOVE the intruding aircraft and (and above 400 ft.) to avoid a problem. Reporting is not necessary.

Former Member · Feb 17, 2018

OP where was this picture taken?

Jim Roy29 · Feb 17, 2018

It is a Russian HIND Mi-24.

FlyGuyNH · Feb 17, 2018

wwohp said:
Yeah it was definitely stockier and I think there was some type of weapon mounts on either side.

They can also attach aux fuel tanks the the stub wing.

wwohp · Feb 17, 2018

Thunderdrones said:
OP where was this picture taken?

was flying north to south right through central North Carolina

virtualphotographers · Feb 17, 2018

Former Member · Feb 17, 2018

wwohp said:
was flying north to south right through central North Carolina

The plot thickens...

Former Member · Feb 17, 2018

Jim Roy29 said:
It is a Russian HIND Mi-24.

Unless Im wrong, Central North Carolina is in the USA. If it is a Hind, it might be Putin in Russia's version of Marine 1 paying us a visit.

Former Member · Feb 17, 2018

Given it's altitude, course and type, my guess it's a Blackhawk heading to Ft Bragg.

Jim Roy29 · Feb 17, 2018

Thunderdrones said:
Unless Im wrong, Central North Carolina is in the USA. If it is a Hind, it might be Putin in Russia's version of Marine 1 paying us a visit.

The US Army and Air Force special ops units fly Russian helicopters and actually trains many foreign pilots to fly them. Why you ask? Since the wall came down in Eastern Europe many alliances have changed and we have many allies now that have Russian equipment and can’t afford to buy all new US or NATO equipment. How do I know? I’m a helicopter flight instructor at Fort Rucker, AL and up until the end of 2017 we were training US and foreign pilots to fly the Russian Mi-17. There is a unit in FL that trains with the Mi-24. This could in fact be a Mi-35 as others have pointed out but the 35 is an upgraded Mi-24. I have not stayed abreast of the subtle differences.

Former Member · Feb 17, 2018

Jim Roy29 said:
The US Army and Air Force special ops units fly Russian helicopters and actually trains many foreign pilots to fly them. Why you ask? Since the wall came down in Eastern Europe many alliances have changed and we have many allies now that have Russian equipment and can’t afford to buy all new US or NATO equipment. How do I know? I’m a helicopter flight instructor at Fort Rucker, AL and up until the end of 2017 we were training US and foreign pilots to fly the Russian Mi-17. There is a unit in FL that trains with the Mi-24. This could in fact be a Mi-35 as others have pointed out but the 35 is an upgraded Mi-24. I have not stayed abreast of the subtle differences.

That could explain it. But this one looks like it has 4 blades, and I think the Mi-35 and Mi-24 have 5?