CaliToday (20/10/2025): Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has officially debuted its groundbreaking U-Hawk prototype cargo drone, a fully autonomous utility aircraft meticulously developed from the iconic UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. The reveal took place at the prestigious Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 exposition, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of military aviation and autonomous logistics.
The U-Hawk represents a radical reimagining of the venerable Black Hawk platform, with engineers completely eliminating the traditional cockpit to unlock unprecedented capabilities. This innovative design significantly expands internal cargo space and is purpose-built to execute long-range, uncrewed missions with unparalleled efficiency and safety, all controlled via an intuitive tablet-based interface.
Enhanced Capacity and Mission Flexibility
According to Sikorsky, the S-70UAS U-Hawk offers a remarkable 25 percent more internal cargo space compared to the original UH-60 design. This dramatic increase was achieved by replacing the entire pilot cabin with a hinged clamshell nose and integrating a rearward-lowering cargo ramp. This forward-loading system is a game-changer for oversized payloads, allowing for the rapid deployment and retrieval of mission-critical assets. The U-Hawk variant displayed at AUSA showcased its versatility by being configured to accept a diverse array of cargo, including missiles, small unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), modular containers, or even swarms of smaller drones. Furthermore, it can carry internal fuel tanks to extend its operational range, solidifying its role as a versatile logistical workhorse.
“Sikorsky is innovating a 21st-century solution by converting UH‑60L Black Hawks into a fully autonomous utility platform,” stated Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “We developed this prototype from concept to reality in under a year, and the modifications made to transform this crewed Black Hawk into a multi-mission payload UAS can be replicated at scale quickly and affordably. The U-Hawk continues the Black Hawk legacy of being the world’s premier utility aircraft and opens the door to new capabilities as a UAS.”
Advanced Autonomy and Remote Operations
The U-Hawk operates entirely under remote command, managed by a single operator using a ruggedized tablet. Once cargo is securely loaded via the automatic ramp and door system, the operator inputs the mission objectives. Sikorsky's proprietary MATRIX autonomy system then takes over, generating the optimal flight plan and executing it flawlessly. This sophisticated system relies on a suite of onboard cameras, advanced sensors, and complex algorithms to navigate the aircraft precisely without any direct pilot input, significantly reducing human workload and eliminating risk to personnel in hazardous environments. The maiden flight of the U-Hawk is strategically planned for 2026, marking a critical milestone in its development.
Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s advanced prototyping group responsible for the structural conversion and autonomous integration, highlighted the economic benefits: “The U‑Hawk offers a cost‑effective utility UAS by leveraging commonality with the existing UH‑60 fleet, and its uncrewed nature reduces both operating and maintenance costs. We focused on efficiencies in the retrofit by designing and manufacturing vehicle management computers, actuation components and airframe modifications. We will incorporate those efficiencies into future modifications and manufacturing for our family of UAS products.”
Unprecedented Payload and Endurance
By meticulously removing all cockpit-related systems, flight controls, and internal seating, Sikorsky has enabled the U-Hawk to support oversized cargo up to the platform’s existing maximum gross weight. Crucially, the drone variant retains the UH-60’s renowned side-loading capability and can still lift a formidable 9,000 pounds externally with its robust cargo hook, ensuring continued flexibility for diverse logistical challenges.
The aircraft is engineered to support a broad and demanding mission set, ranging from transporting up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMICs) to carrying a full HIMARS rocket pod for rapid deployment of precision fires. Its capabilities also extend to launching multiple small reconnaissance drones or loitering munitions, effectively transforming it into an autonomous aerial arsenal. According to Sikorsky, the U-Hawk boasts impressive endurance, capable of self-deploying over 1,600 nautical miles or remaining on station for up to 14 hours without refueling, offering unparalleled operational reach.
Seamless Integration with Unmanned Ground Systems
Further pushing the boundaries of autonomous logistics, the U-Hawk is purpose-built for seamless integration with unmanned ground vehicles. During the AUSA event, Sikorsky captivated attendees with a demonstration of a U-Hawk deploying and recovering an HDT Hunter Wolf 6×6 UGV via drive-on/drive-off operations using its innovative forward cargo ramp. This capability enables rapid deployment of ground assets into contested zones, enhancing overall force projection and reducing exposure for human operators.
As noted by the company, the U-Hawk aims to provide a scalable, autonomous transport solution that not only minimizes personnel exposure and operating costs but also dramatically maximizes logistics flexibility across the modern battlefield. This drone variant of the Black Hawk is set to redefine how military forces conduct resupply, reconnaissance, and rapid deployment operations in the complex future battlespace.