From Black Hawk to U-Hawk: Sikorsky’s New Autonomous Utility Helicopter Explained

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In less than ten months, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has transformed the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter into the S-70UAS U-Hawk, a fully autonomous utility unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This groundbreaking development represents a major leap in aviation technology, combining proven Black Hawk reliability with cutting-edge autonomy. The U-Hawk offers 25% more cargo space than the traditional Black Hawk, opening new possibilities for military and logistical missions.

Sikorsky S-70UAS U-Hawk. Photo: Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin.

Redefining the Black Hawk Legacy

The U-Hawk is not just a modified helicopter; it is a reimagined platform designed for the 21st century battlefield. Sikorsky replaced the conventional cockpit with clamshell doors and a powered ramp, enabling easier loading and unloading of oversized cargo. Traditional flight controls were removed and replaced with a cost-efficient, third-generation fly-by-wire system integrated with Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology.

Showcasing at the Association of the United States Army

The U-Hawk was unveiled at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition, where it demonstrated its expanded cabin and versatile mission capabilities. The redesigned interior allows for longer cargo such as missiles, unmanned ground vehicles, and roll-on/roll-off equipment. It can also serve as a launch platform for swarms of reconnaissance or attack drones, or carry internal fuel tanks for extended range and endurance.

A Vision for Autonomous Utility Aviation

According to Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, the U-Hawk represents a bold step toward autonomous utility aviation. He emphasized that the prototype was developed from concept to reality in under a year, proving the feasibility of rapid, large-scale conversion. Benton highlighted that the U-Hawk continues the Black Hawk’s legacy as the world’s leading utility helicopter while unlocking new unmanned capabilities.

Engineering Innovation and Structural Redesign

The structural redesign of the UH-60L into the U-Hawk was led by Sikorsky Innovations’ rapid prototyping group. Engineers removed the cockpit and crew stations, freeing up significant internal volume for cargo and mission payloads. The first flight of the U-Hawk is expected in 2026, marking the beginning of a new era in unmanned rotary-wing aviation.

Expanded Cargo Capacity

By eliminating the cockpit and internal crew components, the U-Hawk achieves 25% more cargo space compared to the UH-60L Black Hawk. This additional capacity allows the aircraft to carry larger payloads without exceeding its maximum gross weight. The forward-loading ramp and expanded cabin provide unmatched flexibility for transporting oversized equipment and mission-critical supplies.

Mission Profiles Supported by the U-Hawk

The U-Hawk is designed to support a wide range of missions, from logistics to combat support. It can deploy unmanned ground vehicles such as the HDT Hunter Wolf 6x6 UGV, enabling seamless air-to-ground team operations. It can also transport up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers, double the capacity of the current Black Hawk.

Missile and Weapons Transport

One of the most significant mission enhancements is the U-Hawk’s ability to transport missile systems. It can carry a HIMARS pod with six rockets or two Naval Strike Missiles, providing rapid mobility for long-range strike capabilities. This flexibility allows military forces to reposition heavy weaponry quickly and efficiently across the battlefield.

Launching Effects and Extended Endurance

The U-Hawk can also serve as a launch platform for loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, or other deployable effects. Payloads can be secured in arrow tube launchers within the cabin, ready for deployment mid-mission. With additional internal fuel tanks, the aircraft can achieve a range of more than 1,600 nautical miles or loiter for up to 14 hours without refueling.

Maintaining External Lift Capabilities

Despite its transformation into an unmanned system, the U-Hawk retains the Black Hawk’s external lift capacity. It can still carry up to 9,000 pounds (4,080 kg) using its cargo hook, enabling heavy-lift operations. This ensures continuity with existing mission profiles while expanding into new autonomous roles.

Operator-Controlled Autonomy

Unlike traditional helicopters, the U-Hawk does not require a pilot. Instead, an operator controls the aircraft using a tablet, managing everything from start-up to shutdown. With a single command, the clamshell doors open, the ramp lowers, and the aircraft prepares for cargo loading or vehicle drive-on operations.

Autonomous Mission Planning

Once loaded, the operator simply inputs the mission destination into the tablet. The MATRIX autonomy system then generates a safe and efficient flight plan, relying on advanced cameras, sensors, and algorithms. This allows the U-Hawk to navigate complex environments and complete missions with minimal human intervention.

Cost-Effective Utility UAS

By removing the cockpit, crew stations, and associated systems, Sikorsky has created the first fully autonomous Black Hawk utility helicopter. Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations, emphasized that the U-Hawk leverages commonality with the existing UH-60 fleet to reduce costs. Its unmanned nature lowers operational and maintenance expenses, making it a cost-effective solution for modern militaries.

Efficiency in Retrofit and Production

The U-Hawk program focuses on efficiency in both retrofit and future manufacturing. Sikorsky has designed and produced its own vehicle management computers, actuation components, and airframe modifications. These innovations will be integrated into future UAS production lines, ensuring scalability and affordability.

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