This iconic aircraft will continue to serve the medium-duty transportation needs of the US military and international carriers for decades.
“Sikorsky, as a company, has been built on the Black Hawk,” said President Paul Lemmo. “The Black Hawk and its variants deliver when reliability and performance are non-negotiable.
Modern technology improvements and ongoing investment from the United States and other countries have allowed Hawk aircraft to continue proving their adaptability and readiness.
Customers around the world depend on the Black Hawk platform and its derivatives, including the MH-60R/S maritime operations helicopters, the MH-60T multi-mission helicopters, the HH-60W rescue helicopters, and the Black Hawk S-70 construction helicopters.
Including the basic FIREHAWK has proven its versatility and capability in a wide range of demanding missions. The newest generation of Hawk aircraft is built by Sikorsky’s Stratford-based team of experts.
Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec factory in Poland produces the Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, which is in high demand around the world. Thanks to its widespread service network and constant updates, the Black Hawk is used by over 35 different countries.
The US Army, the largest operator of the Black Hawk, has highlighted the key role the aircraft continues to play during military and civilian operations around the world, as well as its important contribution to Joint Operations in all domains.
“For more than 40 years, the Black Hawk has provided extraordinary support to Soldiers in every major contingency operation the Army has conducted,” said Col. Calvin Lane, director of the Army’s Public Service Helicopter project.
The Executive Office of the Aviation Program. “Although the helicopter has been in service longer than most of the Soldiers it now supports, the Army plans to see it in front-line service another 40 years and beyond.”
The future of the Black Hawk
Even when the Army introduces new vertical transport aircraft, the Black Hawk will remain its primary tactical assault and utility aircraft. Reducing Black Hawk’s direct operational expenses through modernization projects like these increase its availability and reliability.
To be relevant in future operations by expanding range, survivability, lethality, and sustainability, adopting a modular, open systems strategy that permits rapid integration of developing technology is necessary.
The turbine engine was upgraded to increase lift capacity and range; Advanced digital vehicle management systems that support degraded visual environments and automated operations; Digital tools, including predictive analytics, reduce aircraft downtime and maintenance costs.
In February 2022, Lockheed Martin flew its first optionally piloted uninhabited (OPV) Sikorsky UH-60A/S-70 Black Hawk test helicopter, equipped with Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy technology, in collaboration with the Projects Agency Defense Advanced Research.
Subsequent flights in the US Army’s Project Convergence 2022 demonstrated future mission utility for the platform, which shows no sign of giving up its preeminent medium-lift capability through continued innovation and investment.
“We are committed to all H-60 and S-70 operators and look forward to lasting partnerships in the Hawk program for years to come,” added Nathalie Previte, Sikorsky’s vice president of Army and Air Force Systems.
“It remains our priority to meet the requirements of our customers and meet the needs of current and future operating units. Hawk aircraft continue to advance 21st-century safety with unmatched versatility and global interoperability.”