Sikorsky unveils Black Hawk Next modernisation concept for UH-60

Sikorsky has unveiled a modernisation concept for the UH-60 Black Hawk, provisionally named Black Hawk Next. It covers engines, airframe structure, autonomy and a new digital backbone meant to make later upgrades easier to install.

The plan was presented on 12 October at the Association of the US Army conference in Washington, DC. Sikorsky lists four main pillars: improved engines, structural enhancements to the airframe, greater autonomy and the digital backbone.

Airframe changes include an extended nose and external stub wings. The larger nose is meant to allow flexible mounting of new sensors and avionics. The stub wings would carry "launched effects", the multi-role one-way drones the US Army is developing for reconnaissance, strike, communications support and other battlefield tasks. Sikorsky is also working to raise onboard fuel capacity without cutting into cabin volume.

Jason Wrigley, Sikorsky's business development director for army and air force programmes, said the configuration would let the helicopter fly faster and carry more, with improved safety and survivability, and expand mission performance.

According to the manufacturer, the changes together would increase available payload by at least 453kg (1,000lb), extend range by more than 100nm and add 45m of time on station.

The UH-60 is a widely used military utility helicopter. The concept keeps the platform in service with additional weapons and sensor payloads while improving flight performance.