In addition to its “MATRIX” automated pilot, the new Black Hawks will have improved controls, including a complete fly-by-wire system.

The United States Army is now testing an “extensively modified” variant of the famed Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk medium-lift utility helicopter. The H-60Mx was developed as part of the Army’s next-generation “Optimally Piloted Vehicle” (OPV), meaning it is an optionally manned aircraft that can fly without a human pilot in the cockpit.

The aircraft was delivered to the service earlier this month at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where it is now entering “a rigorous testing phase.”

About DARPA’s “MATRIX” and “ALIAS” Programs

Sikorsky, a subsidiary of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, worked with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop the new unmanned version, aiming to produce an aircraft that could reliably perform internal and external cargo resupply missions and rescue operations. The US military has struggled with a pilot shortage in recent years, and unmanned aircraft could be part of the solution.

“The technology at the heart of this helicopter originated from the DARPA Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program, which began over ten years ago,” the US Army wrote in a media statement.

ALIAS was founded to develop a “removable kit” that could be integrated into “existing aircraft” in the US military’s fleet to provide a degree of automation. As part of the effort, Sikorsky partnered with DARPA to develop the MATRIX autonomy, which could exponentially improve the flight safety and efficiency of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.

The MATRIX serves as the “brain” for the aircraft—functioning as a digital “co-pilot.” It can handle a variety of flight tasks, including takeoffs and landings, enabling the aircraft to perform missions without human intervention. A crew could still supervise from a secure ground station as needed.

“After years of successful demonstrations on both commercial and military aircraft, the technology has matured from a developmental concept into a robust and reliable system ready for formal military evaluation,” the Army wrote.

In addition to the autonomous system, the experimental Black Hawk helicopter also received a modern “fly-by-wire” electronic control system, which improved stability and ease of flight, particularly in low-visibility conditions. It could further automate difficult maneuvers to reduce pilot workload.

“The ALIAS program has successfully developed and demonstrated a powerful, flexible automation architecture that is now poised to provide the U.S. Army with a significant operational edge,” said Stuart Young, the ALIAS program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, via a DARPA statement.

“This transition is a testament to the power of government and industry partnership to advance technology,” added Young. “It will allow the Army to build on a solid foundation of technical-risk reduction, enabling them to explore new warfighting concepts and push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.”

Testing of the Black Hawk will continue, with the OPV put “through the paces,” with tests designed to validate how the aircraft can operate in real-world mission scenarios.

“Collaborating in the ALIAS autonomy technology is the state of Texas, a sponsor of a multi-year autonomy testbed effort through the Texas A&M University System’s Bush Combat Development Complex,” the Army wrote. It noted that this could help highlight how autonomous aircraft could be employed in fighting wildfires and other missions in the Lone Star State. “The delivery of this first OPV Black Hawk is more than just a hardware handover; it’s a tangible step toward a future where technology and soldiers work together in new and powerful ways to ensure mission success.”

The US Army Loves the Black Hawk Helicopter

The UH-60 Black Hawk has been a workhorse of the United States Army since it first entered service in 1979, when it replaced the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the service’s tactical transport helicopter. It has served in combat in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and other areas of the Middle East, while modified versions have been developed for the US Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

The helicopter has a well-earned reputation as a tough, reliable utility helicopter for the US military and its foreign partners. It has been adopted by the armed forces of 28 other nations around the world, but the US Army remains far and above the largest operator, with 2,135 Black Hawks in its fleet. The Black Hawk has been steadily improved and updated over its four decades in service.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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