Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin, showcased the S-70UAS U-Hawk at AUSA 2025 in Washington — a completely unmanned variant of the renowned UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Developed from retired UH-60L airframes of the U.S. Army, the model combines a proven design with state-of-the-art automation and remote-control systems.
The U-Hawk’s main structural change involves removing the crew cockpit and replacing it with a clamshell nose and retractable ramp to simplify cargo loading.
This configuration increases internal capacity by 25% compared with manned versions of the Black Hawk, enhancing its effectiveness in autonomous logistics and transport operations.
The helicopter also incorporates a redesigned fly-by-wire system and autonomous flight equipment, enabling it to operate entirely without human pilots.
Sikorsky reports that production and maintenance costs have been greatly reduced through vertical component integration, including onboard computers costing only tens of thousands of dollars instead of hundreds of thousands in manned models.
With the U-Hawk, Lockheed Martin aims to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution that integrates seamlessly with existing fleets, taking advantage of surplus UH-60L aircraft.
The U-Hawk represents a significant milestone in the development of autonomous cargo helicopters, with potential roles in military, humanitarian, and high-risk logistical missions.
Source and images: Lockheed Martin News | @LMNews.
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