US Army and Sikorsky join forces to integrate drones into Black Hawk helicopters
Sikorsky, a division of RTX, has received a contract from the US Army to modernize UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The main goal is to adapt the legendary transport helicopters for the transportation and deployment of new tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), codenamed "launch effect" (LVC — Launch, Vehicle, Cargo). This upgrade will be an important step in integrating drones into operational air missions.
Black Hawk's New Role as a Mobile Drone Platform
As part of the modernization program, UH-60 helicopters will be equipped with special compartments and mounting systems that allow for safe transportation of several UAVs on board. Once delivered to the area of operations, the helicopter will be able to deploy drones in the air or on the ground, depending on the tactical task.
This configuration turns the Black Hawk into a mobile command post and drone carrier capable of providing reconnaissance, electronic warfare or strike functions without direct crew involvement in high-risk areas.
What is the "trigger effect" and why is it needed?
The Launch Effect Program (LVC) is a U.S. Army initiative to create low—cost, disposable, or reusable drones that can be quickly deployed from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, ground vehicles, and even other drones.
It is expected that these UAVs will enter service in 2026 and will be used for:
Tactical reconnaissance in hard-to-reach areas
Electronic suppression of enemy communications
Radio signal simulations (masking)
Strike missions against light armored vehicles
Integration with Black Hawk will ensure high mobility and rapid deployment.
The importance of modernization for the future of combat operations
Retrofitting the UH-60 is part of the U.S. Army's strategy to create hybrid air groups where manned and unmanned systems operate in a single network. This corresponds to the concept of "next generation air patrol" (Future Vertical Lift), where helicopters become the "wombs" for drones.
Sikorsky already has experience in this field — previously, the company demonstrated technologies for autonomous flight and drone control from a helicopter using the MATRIX Autonomy system.
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