BOGOTA -- CIAC has completed the manufacture, delivery, and installation of six shielding kits for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter fleet of the Colombian National Army.
The CIAC armoring team carried out the installation at Fort Tolemaida during the week of October 22 to 26. The helicopters that received the kits were deployed by the DAVAA Air Assault Division providing troop transport and close support for a range of missions.
The armor is designed to protect the aircraft against 7.62x51 mm caliber ammunition. They also have anti-vibration, anti-abrasion, anti-humidity, anti-slip and fireproof qualities.
The Colombian Army is a major user of the Black Hawk, with a fleet of 44 UH-60Ls and seven S-70i's in active service. The Colombian Air Force and Colombian police also operate the Black Hawk. The aircraft is one of the nation's primary weapons against criminals and guerilla groups, providing transportation and ground support to soldiers combatting these groups. Upgrading the helicopters with armor will improve their ability to support the troops.