Helicopter maker Sikorsky has won a new $43 million military contract to modernize the engineering on its Black Hawk platform. The contract will focus on enhancement of the airframe and inclusion of a digital backbone capability to allow for rapid integration of unmanned aerial systems. The award also includes development of model-based systems engineering (MBSE). […]
Helicopter maker Sikorsky has won a new $43 million military contract to modernize the engineering on its Black Hawk platform.
The contract will focus on enhancement of the airframe and inclusion of a digital backbone capability to allow for rapid integration of unmanned aerial systems.
The award also includes development of model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
“Sikorsky is ready to implement new technologies that will strengthen the combat-proven Black Hawk helicopter and give U.S. Army soldiers greater advantage in areas like the Indo-Pacific,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “Modernization is reducing costs, increasing efficiency and improving the overall maintenance and sustainment for the aircraft.”
The Stratford-based company says the initial work will set a strong foundation for further rapid capability updates to Black Hawk. With a more powerful engine, airframe enhancements and a main fuel upgrade, Sikorsky says the aircraft can carry more payload at greater range, and future upgrades to flight controls to include autonomy and AI features that will assist pilots in difficult conditions.
The MBSE and digital engineering effort will focus on developing a digital thread of the Black Hawk for collaborative and effective design, testing and maintenance of the aircraft.
