The characteristics of the helicopter in which Iván Duque was traveling: the UH 60L Black Hawk

This Friday, President Iván Duque was the target of an attack as he left the municipalities of Sardinata by helicopter for Cúcuta (Norte de Santander). From the ground, they activated a series of shots against the plane which protected life. members among them, ministers Daniel Palacios and Diego Molano.

This is the helicopter for the presidential service Sikorski (Lockheed Martin) Black Falcon UH-60L with FAC registration number 0007. Presidencia showed the condition of the aircraft after the attack:

According to the National Police, which also owns the same aircraft, here are its technical specifications:

Crew: 4

Capacity: 12 people equipped

Length: 19.76 million

Main rotor diameter: 16 meters

Height: 5.18 meters

Unloaded weight: 13,600 pounds

Loaded weight: 22,000 pounds

Useful weight: 9,900 pounds

Maximum takeoff weight: 23,500 pounds

Against his performance:

Maximum operating speed: 297 km / h N / M

Cruising speed: 286 Km / h N / M

Scope: 547 km

Service ceiling: 20,000 feet

The portal specializing in military armaments Infodefensa recalls that the FAC 0007 It is a VIP type helicopter in the service of the Presidency Colombian, with a transport capacity of up to 12 people, with air conditioning, side panels, padding and a seat that allows a comfortable journey to its passengers.

This helicopter reference is an American variant with modification for special operations. It is capable of being armed with a 30mm submachine gun and 70mm rockets, as well as M134D machine guns fired from the doors or attached to the front.

A few minutes after the attack and already from Cúcuta, the president made a statement: “We were the Minister of Defense, the Minister of the Interior, the Governor of Norte de Santander and myself. The aerial device and the capability of the aircraft prevented anything deadly from happening. “, assured the president.

He further added: “It was a cowardly attack where bullet holes are seen in the presidential plane. Once again, we reiterate that as a government, we are not going to falter for a single minute, a single day, in the fight against drug trafficking, against terrorism and against the criminal organizations that operate in the country “.

Duque also said these types of acts did not intimidate him and called for an investigation to find those responsible for the attack he suffered. “Our State is strong and Colombia is strong to face these threats, we will continue to work every day and to demonstrate that the State is present everywhere in the territory. I also gave very clear instructions to the entire security team to pursue those who shot the plane and also put the lives of other people in danger. “.

Remember that just a few days ago, on June 15, a Car bomb that exploded in the thirtieth army brigade in Cúcuta (Norte de Santander) and this left 36 injured.

The investigation which had the support of the Sijín and the Dijín showed that at 12:35 a.m., a white 2017 Toyota Fortuner entered the military unit for control and for now, an investigation is underway as to whether the protocols of security were respected to enter. Once inside, the person driving the car left it parked until 2:45 p.m. and left the military base. At 3:01 p.m. the bomb exploded after locating the vehicle near the support structure of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and at 3:04 p.m. it exploded again.

In addition, the prosecutor said that more than 2,000 meters of detonating cord were found., “Technical studies are underway to determine the type of explosive and the amount used”. The investigations found the owner of the truck who was in Cúcuta and who claimed that the negotiation of the car took place between May 29 and June 4 for 120 million pesos in two installments: one on the 29th. May for 20 million and the other on June 4 for 100 million.

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