Sikorsky Converts Black Hawk into Fully Autonomous Helicopter
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has transformed a conventional UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter into a fully autonomous aircraft in just 10 months. Unveiled at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference, the S-70UAS “U-Hawk” was introduced as an advanced unmanned aerial system that requires no human pilot. The company stated that this transformation aims to provide more cost-effective and flexible solutions for future missions.
In the U-Hawk, the cockpit has been completely removed and replaced with automatic doors and a loading ramp. Equipped with MATRIX™ autonomy technology, the helicopter can take off, fly, and land without a pilot. Its next-generation “fly-by-wire” system enhances flight safety while minimizing risks associated with human error.
Compared to standard Black Hawk models, the U-Hawk offers 25% more cargo space and can carry payloads such as unmanned ground vehicles, missile pods, and supply containers. With auxiliary fuel tanks, it can remain airborne for up to 14 hours, and its first flight is planned for 2026.
