The U.S. Army announced that it has signed a Novel Production Agreement for Black Hawk helicopters…
The agreement enables the Army to add aircraft as requirements emerge, which is especially critical for allied nations as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases mature.
Delivery of the first Black Hawk helicopters under the contract is targeted for 2028.
While the initial agreement covers 16 Black Hawk helicopters for the U.S. Army, total procurement is expected to grow by more than 100 aircraft in the coming years.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is the U.S. Army’s medium-lift utility helicopter, powered by 2 General Electric T700-GE-701D engines that each produce approximately 2,000 shp.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 22,000 lb (9,979 kg), it reaches a maximum speed of 151 knots (approximately 280 km/h).
Modernization efforts led by Sikorsky are planned to increase the helicopter’s payload capacity and range, equip it with a new-generation engine, give it autonomous operation capability, and develop it with a digital infrastructure based on the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).
Through these upgrades, the U.S. Army aims to keep the Black Hawk in operational use until 2070…