Introducing The S-70UAS™ U-Hawk™

 

Sikorsky Unveils Autonomous U-Hawk UAS Based on Black Hawk Airframe

Ricardo Meier

October 13, 2025

U-Hawk offers increased cargo space and autonomous flight control, with first flight targeted for 2026

S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter (Sikorsky)

Sikorsky introduced the S-70UAS U-Hawk, an autonomous uncrewed aerial system (UAS) derived from the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, at the Association of the United States Army exhibition in Washington, DC on October 13.

The U-Hawk features a 25% increase in cargo space compared to a standard Black Hawk, achieved by removing the crew cabin and installing clamshell doors. The aircraft is designed for cargo missions, capable of lifting up to 4,080 kg with an external hook and carrying 3,175 kg internally.

Sikorsky has replaced conventional flight controls with the MATRIX autonomy suite, allowing operators to control the U-Hawk via a tablet that automatically generates flight plans. The U-Hawk will be able to self-deploy over distances exceeding 1,600 nautical miles (2,963 km) or hover for up to 14 hours without refueling.

The rapid prototyping group Sikorsky Innovations is leading the conversion of the UH-60L airframe to the U-Hawk UAS configuration. The first flight of the U-Hawk is scheduled for 2026.

The U-Hawk’s autonomous capabilities and increased payload capacity position it for roles in logistics and resupply missions where crewed operations may be impractical or high-risk.