An initial order of $43 million was awarded to Sikorsky, a subsidiary of the Lockheed Martin corporation, for the modernization of the U.S. Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The main capability of the upgraded machines will be the launch of drones, ranging from reconnaissance to strike varieties.
Scope of the Agreement
The sum may appear to be suspiciously low. This initial contract focuses on the production of prototype helicopters, engineering work, and development. It is not a comprehensive modernization of the entire fleet but rather an “initiatory order” that is intended to facilitate the execution of subsequent contracts valued at billions of dollars.
Digital Backbone Architecture
The primary objective of the agreement is to implement a digital backbone architecture. In practice, this entails the implementation of new cabling, standardized connectors, network switches, and routers to connect the helicopter’s individual systems into a unified data network. It will also entail the development of new onboard computers that are interchangeable and compatible with components from various manufacturers. These computers are specifically designed to process data from sensors, navigation systems, weapons, drones, and other devices.
Enhanced Software and System Integration
The new software will facilitate communication between the distinct modules (subsystems). For instance, the software has the capability to analyze data from a drone, present it to the pilot in the cockpit, and simultaneously transmit it to the combat network for further processing.
Drone Launch Integration
This digital backbone is indispensable for the integration of drone launch containers onto the weapon pylons of the Black Hawks. It guarantees a secure deployment and maintains a two-way connection with the helicopter’s avionics. Simultaneously, it facilitates the installation of robust datalinks and antennas that facilitate high-capacity two-way communication with airborne drones.
The Role of MOSA in Military Development
The Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is the basis of the entire architecture and has emerged as one of the most significant principles of contemporary military development. MOSA divides systems into independent modules, each with standardized and well-defined software and hardware interfaces. This enables entities apart from the original manufacturer to modify them. It allows for the rapid replacement of antiquated modules with contemporary ones, the attachment of new devices without the need for significant system redesigns, and the selection of multiple suppliers. Consequently, it enhances the flexibility of development and operations, saves time, and reduces costs.
Importance of MOSA in Warfare
The importance of MOSA is evident: warfare is characterized by rapid evolution, necessitating the rapid introduction of new capabilities. At the same time, relying on a single manufacturer is disadvantageous. Rather, there is a movement to employ civilian commercial technologies, such as drones, artificial intelligence, and optics, which are frequently more sophisticated than specialized military systems. Such an arrangement is an absolute necessity for armaments that are in service for a period of 30 years or longer.
Practical Advantages of MOSA
One practical example is that the entire helicopter does not need to be suspended for months and returned to the manufacturer if combat experience indicates that its electronic warfare system requires improvement. MOSA allows military bases to quickly and easily swap out a specific part, like a jammer or sensor, and install the necessary software. Thus, the helicopter can resume operations within days, rather than months.
Airframe and Flight Enhancements
The contract includes modifications to the helicopter’s airframe. The aircraft will be able to transport a greater amount of weight over longer distances as a result of the installation of a new fuel system, a reinforced structure, and a more powerful engine. According to a press release from Lockheed, future flight control improvements, such as autonomy and AI features, will enhance the safety and efficacy of missions and assist pilots in challenging situations.
Launched Effects (LE) Capability
One of the cornerstones of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy is the capability to launch drones from helicopters. Launched Effects (LE) is the term used to describe this capability. These drones are capable of being launched from various platforms, including aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles, and they are equipped with various sensors or payloads. All branches of the U.S. military share this cross-domain capability, utilizing the same digital networks, drones, and launchers.
Battlefield Applications of LE
LE facilitates the detection, identification, location, and reporting of hostile targets, or their direct destruction, in Ukraine, where drones are already in use. LE differs from LE in that it is significantly more deeply integrated with a variety of platforms and U.S. Army command systems.
Development of Short-, Medium-, and Long-Range LE
The U.S. Army intends to create LE with short-, medium-, and long-range capabilities, respectively, with ranges of at least 40, 100, and 200 kilometers.
Request for Proposals and Timelines
The Army has recently released a request for proposals for LE deliveries under the category of “Army PM UAS – Launched Effects.” These systems must be networked, autonomous, capable of group cooperation (swarms), and extend the capabilities of brigades, divisions, and corps. The document underscores the necessity of equipping all divisions and elements of the Multi-Domain Task Forces with these systems by the latest in 2026. Suppliers who are capable of delivering fully operational systems within four to six months of contract signature will be given priority.
Key Requested Capabilities
The primary capabilities that have been requested are the integration of electro-optical and infrared sensors for target detection and identification, the capacity to transport inert training payloads, the ability to launch from both the ground and the air, a minimum range of 40 km, and autonomous mission execution with task reprogramming during flight. Additionally, it is imperative to incorporate a digital training environment.
Ongoing Demonstrations
This is consistent with the parallel Launched Effects Special User Demonstration trials, in which the U.S. Army is evaluating three varieties of short-range LE: the Atlas from AEVEX Aerospace, the Altius 600 from Anduril, and the Coyote Block 3 from Raytheon. All satisfy the minimum 40 km range requirement.
Future Phases of LE Development
In environments with blocked satellite navigation or communications, later phases of LE development will introduce capabilities such as the use of live warheads, radio-frequency sensors, electronic attacks, decoys, relay nodes, and swarm cooperation. Also necessary are the capacity to loiter over areas of interest at a distance of up to 200 km, velocities exceeding 120 knots (222 km/h), and stealth.
Program Objectives
The program’s objective is to expedite the introduction of LE into service and to enable soldiers to evaluate them in real-world scenarios, thereby refining the technical requirements and tactics of their use.
Sikorsky and Altius Drone Testing
Sikorsky and the U.S. Army have already conducted tests to launch Anduril’s Altius drone from a modified Black Hawk. At present, the Altius-600 and Altius-700 are the two primary series in the company’s portfolio. Those versions designated with an “M” are outfitted with a warhead. The Altius-600 is capable of carrying a payload of 3.2 kg and can endure for four hours. The Altius-700, which is larger, has the capacity to carry 18 kg and remain airborne for two hours.
Pentagon’s Push for Drone Dominance
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is urging U.S. forces to swiftly expand their arsenal of autonomous drones, and the Black Hawk modernization program and introduction of LE are integral components of this broader initiative.
Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance Directive
Last month, Hegseth issued the directive Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance, addressing Pentagon leadership, combatant commands, and DoD agencies. Drones are the most advanced battlefield innovation in a generation, and they have caused most of Ukraine’s casualties this year. “Our adversaries jointly manufacture millions of inexpensive drones each year,” the document asserts.
Key Mandates of the Directive
The directive mandates, among other things:
- Enhancing the production of drones in the United States. The Army is to authorize the procurement of hundreds of American products, with a particular emphasis on the “Buy American” philosophy and the utilization of private capital.
- This initiative aims to streamline bureaucracy and accelerate the acquisition process. Operational units are being granted direct purchasing and operational authority, as restrictive policies that impede drone production and distribution are being eliminated.
- Supplying combat units with inexpensive drones. American engineering and AI teams will provide the armed forces with low-cost drones.
- Integrating drones into combat and training scenarios. Drones are expected to become an integral component of genuine “force-on-force” training by 2026.