Sikorsky Unveils S-70UAS U-Hawk: The First Fully Autonomous Black Hawk

Redesigned UH-60L platform offers 25% more cargo space and tablet-controlled flight for future combat and logistics mission

At the AUSA 2025 conference, Sikorsky introduced the S-70UAS U-Hawk, a groundbreaking unmanned aerial system (UAS) derived from the UH-60L Black Hawk. This fully autonomous helicopter eliminates the cockpit and crew stations, replacing them with clamshell doors and a ramp, increasing cargo capacity by 25%. The aircraft is designed to support logistics, assault, and reconnaissance missions, with the ability to carry UGVs, HIMARS pods, and up to four JMIC containers.

The U-Hawk is powered by Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system, enabling tablet-based control by minimally trained operators. It can fly over 1600 nautical miles or operate for up to 14 hours without refueling. The system adjusts its behavior based on airspace type—civil or military—ensuring compliance and safety.

Erskine ‘Ramsey’ Bentley, Director of Strategy at Sikorsky Advanced Programs, emphasized the aircraft’s versatility:

“We envision the U-Hawk flying ahead of troops, deploying launch effects, disembarking UGVs, and departing before soldiers arrive—redefining air-ground coordination.”



Latest Developments (January 2026):

• First Flight Scheduled: Sikorsky confirmed that the U-Hawk’s maiden flight is planned for Q3 2026, with rapid prototyping completed in just 10 months.
• Quiver Launch System: The U-Hawk will feature a modular launch system capable of deploying kinetic and non-kinetic payloads mid-flight, giving ground commanders real-time tactical options.
• Army Interest Grows: While not yet part of a formal U.S. Army program, the U-Hawk is being considered for future air-ground teaming concepts, especially in contested logistics environments.
• Civilian Applications: Sikorsky executives noted potential roles in wildfire suppression, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, expanding the aircraft’s relevance beyond combat.

Source: Sikorsky & ©XAirForces News, 7 January 2026

Photo: Sikorsky S-70UAS U-Hawk. Sikorsky introduces the S-70UAS U-Hawk, an autonomous Black Hawk conversion with 25% more cargo space and tablet-controlled flight. First flight expected in 2026. (Photo by ©Sikorsky)

Editor: Osman Tüfekci (©XAirForces Defense Aviation and New Technologies News Editor from Turkiye)

Keywords: autonomous helicopterBlack Hawk dronecargo capacityfuture battlefield logisticsMATRIX systemSikorskySikorsky unveils autonomous Black Hawktablet-controlled helicopterU-HawkU-Hawk cargo missionsUS Army unmanned helicopterUSA

Sikorsky Unveils S-70UAS U-Hawk: The First Fully Autonomous Black Hawk


(7.01.2026)