Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, has converted a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter into the S-70UAS U-Hawk, a versatile autonomous unmanned aerial system that has 25% more cargo space than the regular Black Hawk.
Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, has converted a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter into the S-70UAS U-Hawk, a versatile autonomous unmanned aerial system that has 25% more cargo space than the regular Black Hawk.
The company’s press release notes that engineers replaced the cockpit with a powered door and ramp, and traditional controls with a low-cost, third-generation fly-by-wire system integrated with MATRIX autonomous control technology.
The S-70UAS U-Hawk can:
«We developed this prototype from concept to production in less than a year, and the modifications made to transform this manned Black Hawk into a multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle can be quickly and inexpensively replicated on an industrial scale. The U-Hawk continues the Black Hawk tradition as the world’s leading multi-role transport and opens the door to new possibilities as an unmanned aerial vehicle,» commented Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton.
The company emphasizes that the S-70UAS U-Hawk is not controlled by pilots, but by operators using a tablet, which gives them full control from launch to shutdown. After loading the helicopter, the operator enters mission objectives using the tablet. The MATRIX autonomous system automatically generates a flight plan, relying on cameras, sensors and algorithms to help safely deliver the helicopter to its destination.
«The U-Hawk offers a cost-effective utility UAV, leveraging commonality with the current UH-60 fleet, and its unmanned nature reduces both operating and maintenance costs. We have focused on retrofit efficiencies by designing and manufacturing vehicle control computers, drive components, and airframe modifications. We will factor these efficiencies into future modifications and production of our UAV product line,» said Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations.
The first flight of the S-70UAS U-Hawk is scheduled for 2026.
Recall that Lockheed Martin previously unveiled a new autonomous drone, Vectis, created by its secretive advanced products division Skunk Works. It will assist the F-22 and F-35 aircraft with reconnaissance.
