At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 exposition, Sikorsky unveiled its latest innovation — the U-Hawk, a fully autonomous cargo drone developed from the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter platform.
By removing the cockpit entirely, Sikorsky engineers have expanded internal space and optimized the design for long-range, uncrewed logistics missions managed through tablet-based remote control.
According to the company, the S-70UAS U-Hawk offers 25% more internal cargo volume than the original UH-60. The traditional cockpit has been replaced by a hinged clamshell nose and a rear-lowering ramp, enabling forward loading of oversized payloads such as missiles, small vehicles, modular containers, or drone swarms. Optional internal fuel tanks can also be installed for extended range.
“Sikorsky is pioneering a 21st-century solution by converting UH-60L Black Hawks into a fully autonomous utility platform,” said Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager at Sikorsky. “We went from concept to prototype in less than a year, and the conversion process can be scaled rapidly and cost-effectively.”
The U-Hawk operates entirely via remote tablet control. Once cargo is loaded, the operator enters mission objectives, and Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy suite automatically generates the flight path, using onboard cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms to navigate without pilot input.
The aircraft’s structural modifications and autonomous integration were completed by Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s advanced prototyping division. The first flight is scheduled for 2026.
Igor Cherepinsky, Director of Sikorsky Innovations, emphasized the platform’s efficiency:
“By leveraging commonality with the existing UH-60 fleet, U-Hawk delivers a cost-effective uncrewed solution that lowers both operating and maintenance costs. The design efficiencies we’ve developed will carry over into our future UAS product line.”
With all cockpit systems and seating removed, the U-Hawk can now carry oversized payloads up to its full gross weight, while retaining the UH-60’s external lift capability — 9,000 pounds via cargo hook.
Designed for multi-role missions, the aircraft can transport up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMICs), a full HIMARS rocket pod, or multiple small reconnaissance and loitering munitions. It can self-deploy over 1,600 nautical miles or stay aloft for up to 14 hours without refueling.
The system is also designed for collaboration with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). During AUSA 2025, Sikorsky demonstrated the U-Hawk deploying and recovering an HDT Hunter Wolf 6×6 UGV via its forward ramp.
Sikorsky positions the U-Hawk as a scalable, autonomous logistics platform that reduces personnel exposure, minimizes cost, and expands operational flexibility across future battlefield environments.
