Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky has transformed its UH-60L Black Hawk into the S-70UAS U-Hawk, a fully autonomous aircraft built to expand the iconic chopper’s mission profile.
Developed in just 10 months, the U-Hawk provides 25 percent more internal space than a standard Black Hawk, replacing its cockpit with actuated clamshell doors and a ramp for faster loading of larger payloads.
It integrates Sikorsky’s third-generation fly-by-wire system with its MATRIX autonomy technology, creating an uncrewed platform capable of autonomous logistics, drone deployment, and extended-endurance missions.
“The U‑Hawk offers a cost‑effective utility UAS by leveraging commonality with the existing UH‑60 fleet, and its uncrewed nature reduces both operating and maintenance costs,” said Igor Cherepinsky, Sikorsky Innovations director.
“We focused on efficiencies in the retrofit by designing and manufacturing vehicle management computers, actuation components and airframe modifications.”
The U-Hawk made its public debut at this week’s Association of the US Army defense expo.
Expanded Capability
The U-Hawk’s redesigned cabin allows forward loading of oversized cargo while maintaining the same maximum gross weight as the UH-60L.
It can transport four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers — twice the current capacity — or carry a HIMARS rocket pod or two Naval Strike Missiles, supporting both logistics and strike operations.
The aircraft can also deploy launched effects, such as reconnaissance or strike drones, directly from within the cabin, or work alongside uncrewed ground systems like the HDT Hunter Wolf 6×6 unmanned ground vehicle for drive-on, drive-off missions.
Built for endurance, the U-Hawk can self-deploy over 1,600 nautical miles (2,960 kilometers) or stay aloft for up to 14 hours without refueling. It also retains its ability to lift 9,000 pounds (4,080 kilograms) of cargo externally.
Operator-Controlled, Not Piloted
The U-Hawk trades traditional flight controls for a tablet-based interface that manages everything from start-up to shutdown.
With just a tap, operators can open the doors, lower the ramp, load cargo, and launch the aircraft, all while the MATRIX autonomy system generates a flight plan using onboard cameras, sensors, and algorithms.
First flight is expected in 2026.
