Sikorsky Converts Black Hawk into Unmanned U-Hawk " S-70UAS U-Hawk " with 25% Extra Cargo Capacity

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has developed the S-70UAS U-Hawk, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) based on the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. This conversion eliminates the cockpit and crew stations, resulting in a fully autonomous platform designed for logistics, support, and air-ground teaming missions.

Design and Features

The U-Hawk can carry up to 3,175 kg internally and 4,082 kg externally via sling load. Equipped with Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy suite and a fly-by-wire control system, it can self-deploy over 1,600 nautical miles and loiter for up to 14 hours without refueling. The aircraft features front clamshell doors and a rear cargo ramp for easy loading, supporting modular mission kits for cargo transport, unmanned vehicle deployment, or precision strike payloads. Designed for operation by a single operator through a tablet interface, the U-Hawk transforms the legacy Black Hawk into a high-endurance, multi-mission autonomous platform. Its hinged clamshell nose and rear-lowering cargo ramp allow forward loading of oversized payloads, providing 25% more internal cargo space compared to the UH-60L Black Hawk. The aircraft can transport up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMICs), accommodate larger items such as missiles and uncrewed ground vehicles, and carry internal fuel tanks for extended range operations.

Autonomy and Control

The U-Hawk utilizes Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy technology, allowing operators to control the aircraft via a tablet. Operators input mission goals, and the system automatically generates and navigates the flight plan using cameras, sensors, and algorithms to ensure safe navigation to the destination.

Specifications

• Cargo Capacity: 25% more internal cargo space than the UH-60L Black Hawk

• Payload: Up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers, missiles, uncrewed ground vehicles, and internal fuel tanks

• Autonomy: Fully autonomous flight from startup to shutdown using MATRIX technology

• Control Interface: Tablet-based mission planning and control

Production and Development

Sikorsky developed the U-Hawk in less than a year, transforming a UH-60L Black Hawk from concept to prototype in just 10 months. The aircraft was unveiled at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual conference in Washington, D.C., in October 2025.

Project Budget

The project budget is estimated at $43 million, secured under a contract with the U.S. Army to fund modernization engineering efforts for the Black Hawk helicopter. This contract focuses on airframe enhancements and the development of a digital backbone to enable rapid integration of unmanned aerial systems and other advanced technologies.

The Sikorsky S-70UAS U-Hawk represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial systems, offering enhanced cargo capacity and autonomous capabilities for military logistics and support missions. Its design and features position it as a versatile platform for future air-ground operations.