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1h ago

Sikorsky Unveils Pilotless S70 ‘UHawk,’ a Black Hawk Converted Into a Large UAS

Internally funded, the bought-back UH-60L prototype is outside any current Army requirement with flight tests slated for 2026.

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By removing the cockpit, seats and crew stations, the Sikorsky S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter becomes the first fully autonomous Black Hawk helicopter. (Photo courtesy, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.)
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Overview

  • Debuted at AUSA 2025, the S70 is built from a retired UH-60L and classified as a Group 5 unmanned system.
  • The aircraft runs Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy with adjustable control and can be tasked via a tablet by a minimally trained operator.
  • Engineers replaced the front end with clamshell doors and a ramp, freeing the cabin for logistics, launched-effects storage, and UGV roll-on/roll-off.
  • Sikorsky cites capacity for three JMIC containers, 7,000 pounds internally, 9,000 pounds on the external hook, and space to accommodate a HIMARS pod.
  • The company pitches roles from contested logistics to disaster relief and wildfire suppression, with the Army as the primary target customer and possible conversions of other Black Hawk variants depending on economics.