Technical Evaluation of the UH-60Q: Litter Lift and Seating Plan

Abstract : The UH-60Q prototype MEDEVAC Black Hawk is configured to provide day/ night, adverse weather, emergency movement of patients. The objective of this report is to describe loading the litter lift system and discuss concepts for crew and passenger seating. The litter lift system in the aircraft consists of two mechanical lifts capable of accommodating a total of six litter or six ambulatory patients. The preferred loading order for the lifts is upper, middle, lower. The most seriously injured patient should be placed in the middle position and least serious in the upper position. The time required to load six litter patients varied from 230 to 268 seconds. The middle crew seat proved a significant encumbrance in loading litters. Inadequate vertical clearance is provided with the current lift mechanism. Redesign of the lift pans and elimination of the ambulatory seat backrests will improve vertical clearance. There should be a procedure to use the litter racks if the lift mechanism fails. The current restraint hardware is not durable and slowed loading operations. UH- 60Q, MEDEVAC Black hawk, Medical equipment, Testing litter evacuation.