by Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News
The Black Hawk has spent roughly half a century as a US Army front-line helicopter and battled in everything from places such as Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and now the much-upgraded platform is surging into a new technological sphere with longer range capacity, AI-enabled systems and greater drone coordination.
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorski received an initial $43 million contract for engineering efforts that include an improved airframe and a digital capability that will be used for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration. Sikorski plans to deliver the newest helo for the Army in 2026.
“Sikorsky is ready to implement new technologies that will strengthen the combat-proven Black Hawk helicopter and give US Army soldiers greater advantage in areas such as the Indo-Pacific,” said Sikorsky vice president Hamid Salin of the Army and Air Force Systems. “Modernization is reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving the overall maintenance and sustainment for the aircraft.”
Engineers will use a Modular Open System (MOSA) to develop its systems and software to support the helicopter’s modernization. The goal is to put in the airframe enhancements, main fuel and digital backbone. All that, plus with a more powerful engine, will allow the Black Hawk to carry more payload at a greater range. Meanwhile, flight controls will include autonomy and artificial intelligence that aid pilots to help in tougher missions.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the Army to ensure that the Black Hawk remains a vital component of our nation’s defense capabilities,” said Sikorsky’s Salim.
Sikorsky first submitted for the Army at the UH-60 Black Hawk during the final days of the Vietnam war in 1972. Later, in 1976, the company won the competition against Boeing Vertol’s. The Black Hawk entered service in 1979.
It was built to carry eleven troops, carry 2,600 pounds of cargo inside and can carry by 9,000 pounds in a sling externally.
But that’s basic of what the Black Hawk carries – there are plenty of modifications. Back in 2011, the famed 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment flew aboard the secret version Black Hawk into a daring mission on Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden. Later, US revealed that the helicopter to used low-observable technology that was evaded by Pakistani radar.
There are more mundane missions as well. The president of the US flies on the Black Hawk known as Marine One its call sign. The MH-60T Jayhawk for the Coast Guard uses for law enforcement and search rescue. Still, there are weapons, including a M240H medium machine gun and a .50 caliber Barrett semi-automatic rifle.
Jim Morris is the Senior Vice President of Warrior, News. Morris previously worked as a senior editor/writer/producer and executive at ABC News and Bloomberg TV