Sikorsky Lands $43M U.S. Army Contract to Modernize Black Hawk Fleet
Stratford, Conn., August 20, 2025 – Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has secured a new U.S. Army contract worth $43 million to kick off a major modernization program for the iconic UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
This initial phase will focus on upgrading the Black Hawk’s airframe and fuel systems, while also laying the foundation for a cutting-edge digital backbone. Utilizing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and a modular open systems architecture, the effort will streamline design, testing, maintenance, and future capability upgrades.
A key modernization goal is integrating “launched effects”, enabling Black Hawks to deploy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or other mission tools mid-flight. This capability is slated for operational demonstrations in 2026.
Sikorsky leadership emphasized that these enhancements will not only improve performance and range via more efficient fuel systems and fresher airframes but also pave the way for future autonomy and AI-enabled flight controls — improving mission safety and overall effectiveness.
Bulletin Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | $43 million |
| Contract Award | U.S. Army to Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin subsidiary) |
| Modernization Highlights | Airframe upgrades, enhanced fuel system, digital backbone |
| Key Capability Target | In-air deployment of drones and “launched effects” |
| Engineering Methodology | Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) & MOSA |
| Fielding Timeline | Initial capability integration by 2026 |
| Future Vision | Enables autonomy, AI-assisted controls, rapid updates |
