Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin, unveiled the S-70UAS U-Hawk during AUSA 2025 in Washington — a fully unmanned version of the legendary UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The model was developed based on retired UH-60L units from the U.S. Army, combining a proven platform with modern automation and remote-control technologies.
The main structural change in the U-Hawk is the removal of the crew cabin, replaced by a clamshell nose and retractable ramp to facilitate loading of large cargo.
This new configuration increases internal space by 25% compared to crewed Black Hawk versions, making it more efficient for autonomous logistics and transport missions.
The helicopter also features a revised fly-by-wire system and dedicated autonomous flight equipment, allowing operations without direct human intervention.
According to Sikorsky, production and maintenance costs were significantly reduced thanks to vertical integration of components, including onboard computers costing tens of thousands of dollars, compared to hundreds of thousands for crewed systems.
With the U-Hawk, Lockheed Martin aims to deliver an economical, versatile solution compatible with existing fleets, making use of surplus UH-60Ls.
The aircraft marks a new step in the evolution of autonomous cargo helicopters, with potential applications in military, humanitarian, and logistics missions in high-risk environments.
Source and images: Lockheed Martin News | @LMNews.
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