Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky has secured a contract from the US Army, valued at $43m, to initiate engineering enhancements for the Black Hawk helicopter.
This contract covers airframe improvements and the creation of a digital infrastructure to support rapid integration of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
Additionally, the contract covers the establishment of specifications and design frameworks utilising model-based systems engineering techniques.
Sikorsky Army and Air Force Systems vice president Hamid Salim said: “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 like the Indo-Pacific.”
The modernisation initiative will prioritise the integration of launched effects, enabling the Black Hawk to deploy UAS and other systems to augment its mission effectiveness.
Lockheed Martin has been actively showcasing this capability and aims to deliver a “federated” solution in 2026.
The effort will leverage digital engineering to create a comprehensive digital representation of the Black Hawk, facilitating collaborative design, testing, and maintenance processes.
The digital backbone will support a Modular Open System Approach, allowing for the swift incorporation of advanced systems and software necessary for ongoing modernisation efforts, explained Sikorsky.
Anticipated improvements include a more robust engine, airframe modifications, and main fuel system upgrades, which collectively will enhance payload capacity and operational range.
Future updates may also introduce autonomous flight controls and AI features to assist pilots under challenging conditions, thereby elevating mission safety and efficiency, stated the company.
Sikorsky is concurrently delivering technology that contributes to the enhanced capabilities of both current and future iterations of the Black Hawk.
This includes the production and delivery of upturned exhaust systems II kits, which offer significant performance boosts in terms of infrared suppression, weight reduction, and overall reliability and maintainability.
In October 2024, Sikorsky received a contract to install its Matrix autonomous flight system into the US Army's experimental UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, which is equipped with fly-by-wire technology.
