2026 UH-60S Black Hawk Helicopter Exam Practice Test

Compression is built from multiple axial stages to raise air pressure gradually and keep the flow stable across a wide power range. In the UH-60’s engine, the axial portion of the compressor consists of five stages, which handle the majority of the pressure rise. After those five axial stages, a centrifugal (radial) stage finishes the compression to reach the required overall pressure ratio in a compact package suited for a helicopter powerplant. This arrangement provides a good balance of efficiency, surge margin, and physical size for helicopter use. Fewer axial stages would require a larger final stage or reduced stability, while more axial stages would add unnecessary weight and complexity without proportional benefit.