The Portuguese Air Force (Forca Aerea Portuguesa) has initiated operations with its latest addition, the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The first of six UH-60 Black Hawks, delivered by US-based Arista Aviation, took to the skies on December 12th, marking a significant milestone in Portugal’s defense infrastructure. The inaugural flight, lifting off from Air Base No. 8 in Ovar, signaled the commencement of an era of heightened aerial prowess. Within a mere two days of this maiden flight, the fleet achieved an impressive feat, unfurling the White Flag as both aircraft soared simultaneously—a testament to the agility and readiness of these cutting-edge helicopters.
Squadron 551 “The Panthers” spearheads the utilization of these UH-60 Black Hawks, meticulously engineered for aerial combat and the strategic deployment of forces on the ground. Positioned at Air Base No. 8 in Ovar, these helicopters emerge as a formidable force, poised to fortify Portugal’s defense strategies. During this inaugural operational week, a cumulative flight time of 8 hours and 25 minutes underscored the commitment to seamless integration and operational readiness. This foray marks only the beginning, with the current fleet comprising two helicopters, set to expand to a robust total of six by 2026—a strategic augmentation of Portugal’s aerial combat capabilities.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopte are part of a $47 million, six-aircraft order made last year for Black Hawks capable of aerially combating rural fires, as well as for transport. In September 2022, the service awarded the purchase contract from Enterprise, Alabama-based Arista Aviation, a United Aero Group firm that overhauls and modernizes a variety of used helicopter platforms. The contract also calls for the training for six pilots and 21 mechanics, as well as five years of on-site maintenance and logistical support. The firefighting-capable aircraft boasts the capacity to transport up to a dozen crewmembers, as well as carry more than 750 gallons of water. The firefighting configuration is highly successful in fighting U.S. wildfires in California and other Western states.
Founded in 2012, Arista Aviation has rapidly grown into a world-class and internationally known one-stop shop for military and commercial rotorcraft refurbishment. The company specialize in maintaining, repairing, overhauling and modifying a wide variety of helicopter types from major helicopter manufacturers such as Bell, Boeing and Sikorsky. Arista Aviation facilities in Enterprise, Alabama – just miles from the gates of Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), the “Home of Army Aviation”– is designed to meet the growing demand for helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services for military, commercial and other U.S. and Foreign government agencies including the needs of United States Department of State and the U.S. Air Force. Arista’s MRO services are proven to lower operating costs and extend an aircraft’s usable life. The comapny are a Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) Part 145 approved Repair Station, with AS9100D & AS9110C Certification.
