Approximately how long will the batteries last as the sole source of DC power?

Approximately how long will the batteries last as the sole source of DC power?

• A. Generally, 30 minutes
• B. Generally, 5 minutes
• C. Generally, 15 minutes
• D. Generally, 1 hour

Answer: (C)

The idea is how long the aircraft can run on the battery alone for DC power when the generators are down. In the UH-60, the battery is sized to support only the essential DC buses and equipment for a limited time, typically around 15 minutes. This window gives the crew a chance to conserve power, configure systems, and complete a safe landing or autorotation with the critical instruments, radios, and flight controls still powered. If you try to pull more load, duration drops; if you shed nonessential loads, you might edge toward the upper end of that window, but it isn’t designed for long-term power. That’s why 15 minutes is the commonly cited approximate duration for the battery as the sole DC power source.

The idea is how long the aircraft can run on the battery alone for DC power when the generators are down. In the UH-60, the battery is sized to support only the essential DC buses and equipment for a limited time, typically around 15 minutes. This window gives the crew a chance to conserve power, configure systems, and complete a safe landing or autorotation with the critical instruments, radios, and flight controls still powered.

If you try to pull more load, duration drops; if you shed nonessential loads, you might edge toward the upper end of that window, but it isn’t designed for long-term power. That’s why 15 minutes is the commonly cited approximate duration for the battery as the sole DC power source.