Sikorsky Wins $43 Million Contract for Black Hawk Upgrades

Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky has secured a significant contract valued at $43 million from the US Army to enhance the capabilities of the Black Hawk helicopter. This contract focuses on vital engineering upgrades that include airframe improvements and the establishment of a digital infrastructure to facilitate rapid integration of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

In a statement, Hamid Salim, vice president of Sikorsky Army and Air Force Systems, affirmed the company’s commitment to implementing advanced technologies. “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,” he said.

Modernization Efforts and Digital Engineering

The modernization initiative aims to enhance the Black Hawk’s mission effectiveness by incorporating launched effects that allow the helicopter to deploy UAS and other systems. Lockheed Martin has been actively promoting this capability, with plans to deliver a “federated” solution by 2026.

The project will leverage digital engineering to create a comprehensive digital representation of the Black Hawk. This approach will facilitate collaborative design, testing, and maintenance processes. According to Sikorsky, the digital backbone will support a Modular Open System Approach, enabling the swift incorporation of advanced systems and software essential for ongoing modernization efforts.

Anticipated enhancements include a more robust engine, airframe modifications, and upgrades to the main fuel system. Collectively, these upgrades are expected to improve payload capacity and operational range significantly. Future developments may also introduce autonomous flight controls and artificial intelligence features, which could assist pilots in challenging conditions, thereby enhancing mission safety and efficiency.

Current and Future Technologies

Sikorsky is also focused on delivering technology that enhances the capabilities of both current and future Black Hawk iterations. This includes the production and delivery of upturned exhaust systems II kits, which provide notable performance improvements in terms of infrared suppression, weight reduction, and overall reliability.

In October 2024, Sikorsky was awarded a separate contract to install its Matrix autonomous flight system into the US Army’s experimental UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, which features fly-by-wire technology. This integration is part of Sikorsky’s broader strategy to ensure that the Black Hawk remains a vital asset for the US Army, adapting to evolving operational requirements and technological advancements.

With these initiatives, Sikorsky is poised to enhance the Black Hawk helicopter’s capabilities, ensuring its continued relevance on the modern battlefield.