Collins Aerospace to make the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter easier to upgrade for future needs
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On March 6, 2025, Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, was awarded an $80.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract by the U.S. Army to develop a modular open systems architecture for the avionics system of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. This contract, awarded by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is structured so that funding and work locations will be determined on a task order basis, with project completion anticipated by March 7, 2029. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
For helicopters such as the UH-60M Black Hawk, Collins Aerospace’s Mosarc system offers a tailored variant that separates air vehicle avionics from mission-specific equipment, facilitating independent upgrades for both components. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The UH-60M Black Hawk is the latest variant of the Sikorsky-built utility helicopter, currently in service with the U.S. Army and numerous international operators. The integration of modular open systems architecture into its avionics is expected to enhance interoperability, reduce lifecycle costs, and facilitate the adoption of new technologies. Collins Aerospace has been actively promoting its Mosarc avionics system as a solution that aligns with the Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Mosarc is designed as a modular, scalable system that enables rapid integration of avionics components across various platforms. It ensures interoperability between different aircraft systems, allowing for faster adaptation to mission needs while improving performance, cybersecurity, and sustainability through a non-proprietary architecture.
For helicopters, Mosarc offers a tailored variant that separates air vehicle avionics from mission-specific equipment, facilitating independent upgrades for both components. This design increases adaptability for different operational scenarios while maintaining the reliability of core flight-critical systems. The Mosarc avionics suite for rotary-wing aircraft includes digital backbone networking, advanced computing solutions, customizable flight management applications, and large-area displays. These features enable seamless third-party integrations and enhance mission effectiveness by providing operators with greater control over avionics configurations and lifecycle management.
The UH-60M has undergone multiple upgrades in recent years, reflecting a broader modernization initiative. In January 2025, Sikorsky conducted ground tests on a Black Hawk helicopter equipped with two GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engines, marking a milestone in the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program. The T901 engines are expected to enhance the Black Hawk’s power by 50 percent while optimizing fuel consumption, aligning with ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and mission endurance. Additionally, Sikorsky has incorporated digital twin technology and launched effects capabilities into the UH-60M as part of its modernization efforts.
Another significant development occurred in October 2024 when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Sikorsky a $6 million contract to integrate its ALIAS/MATRIX flight autonomy system onto an experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M, designated as the MX variant. The Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) will use this upgraded helicopter to evaluate autonomous flight capabilities, ranging from single-pilot operations to fully uncrewed missions. Sikorsky has been actively testing autonomous technologies on Black Hawk helicopters since 2020, conducting pilotless resupply demonstrations as part of the ALIAS program.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is the latest variant of the Sikorsky-built UH-60 utility helicopter, currently in service with the U.S. Army and numerous international operators, such as Jordan. (Picture source: US DoD)
The UH-60M has also been the subject of various survivability and operational capability enhancements. In February 2023, the Army declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system on multiple aircraft, including the UH-60M. CIRCM is designed to protect helicopters from infrared-guided missile threats by providing advanced threat detection and countermeasure capabilities. Northrop Grumman has since delivered over 350 CIRCM systems, with over 100 installations completed across different Army aircraft.
In addition to avionics and survivability upgrades, efforts have been made to improve connectivity and operational efficiency. In August 2022, Lockheed Martin and AT&T demonstrated interoperability between the UH-60M’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) and a 5G private cellular network. This test, which resulted in an 80 percent reduction in data transfer times for health and usage monitoring data, highlights the potential for advanced network capabilities to enhance maintenance and readiness.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is an upgraded version of the UH-60A, which entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979. It was developed as part of the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program to replace the UH-1 Iroquois, offering improved payload capacity, survivability, and performance. The UH-60M incorporates structural reinforcements, a redesigned airframe for extended service life, and digital avionics to enhance operational effectiveness. The helicopter has been widely adopted by both the U.S. Army and international operators, fulfilling roles including troop transport, medical evacuation, and special operations. It has undergone successive modifications to integrate new technologies, making it compatible with evolving mission requirements and battlefield environments.
The UH-60M is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, each providing 1,994 shaft horsepower. It has a maximum gross weight of 9,979 kg and can transport up to 11 fully equipped personnel or carry an external load of 4,080 kilograms. The aircraft features a digital cockpit with multi-function displays, an integrated flight management system, and an advanced stability control system. It has a maximum speed of approximately 294 km/h and a combat radius of 592 kilometers. The helicopter is fitted with upgraded rotor blades that enhance lift efficiency and fuel economy. Its crashworthy fuselage and advanced countermeasure systems, including infrared suppression and threat detection, are designed to improve survivability in operational environments.
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On March 6, 2025, Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, was awarded an $80.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract by the U.S. Army to develop a modular open systems architecture for the avionics system of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. This contract, awarded by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is structured so that funding and work locations will be determined on a task order basis, with project completion anticipated by March 7, 2029.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
For helicopters such as the UH-60M Black Hawk, Collins Aerospace’s Mosarc system offers a tailored variant that separates air vehicle avionics from mission-specific equipment, facilitating independent upgrades for both components. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The UH-60M Black Hawk is the latest variant of the Sikorsky-built utility helicopter, currently in service with the U.S. Army and numerous international operators. The integration of modular open systems architecture into its avionics is expected to enhance interoperability, reduce lifecycle costs, and facilitate the adoption of new technologies. Collins Aerospace has been actively promoting its Mosarc avionics system as a solution that aligns with the Army’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Mosarc is designed as a modular, scalable system that enables rapid integration of avionics components across various platforms. It ensures interoperability between different aircraft systems, allowing for faster adaptation to mission needs while improving performance, cybersecurity, and sustainability through a non-proprietary architecture.
For helicopters, Mosarc offers a tailored variant that separates air vehicle avionics from mission-specific equipment, facilitating independent upgrades for both components. This design increases adaptability for different operational scenarios while maintaining the reliability of core flight-critical systems. The Mosarc avionics suite for rotary-wing aircraft includes digital backbone networking, advanced computing solutions, customizable flight management applications, and large-area displays. These features enable seamless third-party integrations and enhance mission effectiveness by providing operators with greater control over avionics configurations and lifecycle management.
The UH-60M has undergone multiple upgrades in recent years, reflecting a broader modernization initiative. In January 2025, Sikorsky conducted ground tests on a Black Hawk helicopter equipped with two GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engines, marking a milestone in the Army’s Improved Turbine Engine Program. The T901 engines are expected to enhance the Black Hawk’s power by 50 percent while optimizing fuel consumption, aligning with ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and mission endurance. Additionally, Sikorsky has incorporated digital twin technology and launched effects capabilities into the UH-60M as part of its modernization efforts.
Another significant development occurred in October 2024 when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Sikorsky a $6 million contract to integrate its ALIAS/MATRIX flight autonomy system onto an experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M, designated as the MX variant. The Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) will use this upgraded helicopter to evaluate autonomous flight capabilities, ranging from single-pilot operations to fully uncrewed missions. Sikorsky has been actively testing autonomous technologies on Black Hawk helicopters since 2020, conducting pilotless resupply demonstrations as part of the ALIAS program.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is the latest variant of the Sikorsky-built UH-60 utility helicopter, currently in service with the U.S. Army and numerous international operators, such as Jordan. (Picture source: US DoD)
The UH-60M has also been the subject of various survivability and operational capability enhancements. In February 2023, the Army declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system on multiple aircraft, including the UH-60M. CIRCM is designed to protect helicopters from infrared-guided missile threats by providing advanced threat detection and countermeasure capabilities. Northrop Grumman has since delivered over 350 CIRCM systems, with over 100 installations completed across different Army aircraft.
In addition to avionics and survivability upgrades, efforts have been made to improve connectivity and operational efficiency. In August 2022, Lockheed Martin and AT&T demonstrated interoperability between the UH-60M’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) and a 5G private cellular network. This test, which resulted in an 80 percent reduction in data transfer times for health and usage monitoring data, highlights the potential for advanced network capabilities to enhance maintenance and readiness.
The UH-60M Black Hawk is an upgraded version of the UH-60A, which entered service with the U.S. Army in 1979. It was developed as part of the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) program to replace the UH-1 Iroquois, offering improved payload capacity, survivability, and performance. The UH-60M incorporates structural reinforcements, a redesigned airframe for extended service life, and digital avionics to enhance operational effectiveness. The helicopter has been widely adopted by both the U.S. Army and international operators, fulfilling roles including troop transport, medical evacuation, and special operations. It has undergone successive modifications to integrate new technologies, making it compatible with evolving mission requirements and battlefield environments.
The UH-60M is equipped with two General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, each providing 1,994 shaft horsepower. It has a maximum gross weight of 9,979 kg and can transport up to 11 fully equipped personnel or carry an external load of 4,080 kilograms. The aircraft features a digital cockpit with multi-function displays, an integrated flight management system, and an advanced stability control system. It has a maximum speed of approximately 294 km/h and a combat radius of 592 kilometers. The helicopter is fitted with upgraded rotor blades that enhance lift efficiency and fuel economy. Its crashworthy fuselage and advanced countermeasure systems, including infrared suppression and threat detection, are designed to improve survivability in operational environments.
