Sikorsky Awarded Army Contract for Black Hawk Modernization

The U.S. Army has awarded a new contract to Stratford-based Sikorsky for engineering efforts to modernize the Black Hawk.

Sikorsky said the contract will support the Army’s near-term priority to integrate launched effects into the Black Hawk, enhancing its mission capabilities.

The initial contract for $43 million will focus on enhancing the Black Hawk’s airframe and inclusion of a digital backbone capability.

That will allow for rapid unmanned aerial systems integration.

“Sikorsky is ready to implement new technologies that will strengthen the combat-proven Black Hawk helicopter and give U.S. Army soldiers greater advantage in areas like the Indo-Pacific,” said Hamid Salim, Sikorsky vice president of Army and Air Force Systems.

Black Hawk Upgrades

Sikorsky has been demonstrating launched effects with the Black Hawk for several years and is working with the Army to deliver a federated capability in 2026.

The initial work on the airframe enhancements will allow the Black Hawk to carry more payload at a greater range.

Future upgrades will include autonomy and AI features to assist pilots in difficult conditions, increasing mission safety and effectiveness.

“Modernization is reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving the overall maintenance and sustainment for the aircraft,” said Salim.

“We are committed to delivering the most advanced and capable modernized Black Hawk to the U.S. Army.”

Sikorsky’s Hamid Salim

The contract award will also include the development of requirements and architecture using model-based systems engineering.

The effort will facilitate rapid capability insertion to quickly respond to future platform mission needs.

“Together with our team of hundreds of American suppliers, we are committed to delivering the most advanced and capable modernized Black Hawk to the U.S. Army,” Salim said.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Army to ensure that the Black Hawk remains a vital component of our nation’s defense capabilities for years to come.”