FORT EUSTIS, Va. -- The U.S. Army has received its first UH-60MX, an upgraded UH-60M Black Hawk equipped with autonomous flight capabilities, marking a significant milestone in aviation modernization. Developed in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Sikorsky, the optionally piloted helicopter will now enter a rigorous testing phase. These evaluations will assess its ability to operate without onboard pilots and be controlled remotely by ground troops in complex mission scenarios.

The autonomy is enabled by the ALIAS program, which integrates a modular kit and Sikorsky’s MATRIX system, effectively acting as the aircraft’s “brain.” A key upgrade includes replacing mechanical controls with a fly-by-wire system, improving stability and enabling automated maneuvers, especially in low-visibility conditions. The technology is also expected to reduce pilot workload. This effort aligns with broader Army initiatives to integrate autonomy and AI across its fleet, alongside the development of Launched Effects drones, which will enhance reconnaissance, targeting, and multi-domain operations, with fielding planned by 2026.

Source: DefenseScoop
Associated URL: https://defensescoop.com/2026/03/20/army-receives-first-optionally-piloted-black-hawk-helicopter/
Author: Mikayla Easley 

FORT EUSTIS, Va. -- Sikorsky announced the flight testing and delivery of the U.S. Army’s experimental UH-60MX Black Hawk helicopter fully integrated with the company’s MATRIX autonomy suite.

The MX aircraft mirrors Sikorsky’s UH-60A fly-by-wire Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter, which has been tested by Sikorsky and Army aviators. Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy kit has been installed on all three Army Black Hawk models, the 60A, 60L and 60M. The delivery to the U.S. Army is the first full authority fly-by-wire and optionally piloted UH-60 in the U.S. Army’s fleet.

The Army and Sikorsky worked collaboratively to install fly-by-wire flight controls to the MX aircraft and then integrate the MATRIX autonomy system in 2025. The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command will use the MX aircraft to test and evaluate autonomy capabilities.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-03-23-Sikorsky-Completes-Integration-of-MATRIX-Autonomy-Suite-on-U-S-Armys-UH-60MX-Black-Hawk-R-Helicopter

AMARILLO, Tex. -- Bell Textron Inc. has completed the first upgraded AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom under the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program, a major U.S. Marine Corps initiative to enhance the H-1 fleet’s survivability and combat capability.

Formerly known as SIEPU, the renamed program highlights its focus on structural and power improvements to support next-generation mission systems. The upgraded aircraft have been delivered to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for flight testing, which will define the final configuration for future fleet-wide modifications. SPINE upgrades strengthen the airframe and expand electrical power capacity, enabling integration of advanced weapons, sensors, and digital systems.

This effort is central to the long-term modernization of the Marine Corps’ H-1 fleet, ensuring continued operational relevance in increasingly complex combat environments. The initial upgrades, completed after 19 months of work, mark a key milestone and pave the way for broader fleet enhancements over the coming decade.

Source: Bell
Associated URL: https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/263414-bell-completes-spine-upgrades-on-first-two-h-1-aircraft/
Author: Bell