Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, has transformed the UH-60L Black Hawk into a fully autonomous aircraft designated S-70UAS U-Hawk, highlighting the future of uncrewed vertical lift. The conversion, completed within 10 months, replaces the traditional cockpit with automated doors and a rear ramp to enhance payload handling and internal volume by 25 percent. Integrating the MATRIX autonomy system and fly-by-wire technology, the U-Hawk can perform autonomous resupply, reconnaissance, and extended mission operations without pilots onboard. The design embodies Sikorsky’s long-term vision for AI-enabled rotary aircraft and serves as a testbed for autonomous logistics concepts that may influence future US Army and Air Force requirements. By retaining the Black Hawk’s durability and proven platform while eliminating crew dependency, the U-Hawk merges heritage with innovation, paving the way for next-generation autonomous utility air systems that expand mission reach and reduce operational risk.
