An experimental UH-60Mx optionally piloted Black Hawk has been transferred to the US Army by Sikorsky and DARPA for advanced testing, representing a major step toward operational autonomy and reduced crew requirements. The platform, developed under DARPA’s ALIAS program, demonstrates the progress of Sikorsky’s Matrix autonomy technology, which is designed to bring high levels of automation to existing aircraft operating in demanding environments.
At the heart of the system is the Matrix autonomy suite, which enables the helicopter to perform complex flight operations independently or with remote oversight. Capabilities such as automated landing zone detection, obstacle avoidance, and enhanced terrain awareness improve safety and mission efficiency, while its open-system design helps reduce lifecycle costs. By automating routine functions, the system allows pilots to concentrate on mission-critical tasks.
The technology has also been applied to other platforms, including the unmanned S-70 UAS U-Hawk and an optionally piloted UH-60A test aircraft. The UH-60Mx stands out as the first Black Hawk in US Army service equipped with both full fly-by-wire controls and optional piloting capability. In upcoming trials, Army crews will assess its autonomous performance and operational utility, while leveraging it as a key platform for the Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler initiative aimed at future fleet-wide integration.
