Sikorsky has unveiled new kits for the UH-60 Black Hawk, enabling the legacy platform to be rapidly configured for both transport and armed roles using a single airframe.
The modular kits allow operators to switch between mission profiles with minimal reconfiguration, adding weapons such as rockets, guns, and guided munitions while retaining the helicopter’s core utility functions.
According to Sikorsky, reconfiguration can be completed in as little as three hours, enabling the aircraft to support missions such as air assault, close air support, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and tactical lift.
The production-ready kits are available in two variants, offering configurations for close support and precision strike roles.
“The new Armed Black Hawk kits give warfighters one aircraft that can do it all: a single, versatile, combat-proven platform where ground units can quickly switch out the commercially-produced kits, keeping mission readiness high,” Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton said.
“Offering these upgraded kits is another example of our commitment to delivering 21st Century Security solutions that deliver unmatched performance, lifecycle savings and gives soldiers the reliable, interoperable capability they need to win today and tomorrow.”
Armed Kit
Based on a model displayed at the Army Aviation Warfighting Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, the kits enable the aircraft to employ up to six weapon stations.
The configuration reportedly includes two 7.62mm machine guns mounted in the cabin windows, GAU-19 .50-caliber three-barrel Gatling guns in gun pods, and 19-tube rocket launchers. The platform can also be fitted with precision-guided munitions.
The display further suggested provisions for air-launched effects canisters on the inner hardpoints, as well as a mixed loadout of guided missiles, including the AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-179 JAGM, and Spike NLOS.
Kit Availability
The kits are offered through foreign military sales and direct commercial sales, enabling integration across friendly defense fleets worldwide.
Installation support will be provided through Lockheed Martin-affiliated facilities, including PZL Mielec in Poland.
According to Sikorsky, the kits draw on years of operational experience supporting armed Black Hawk fleets in the Middle East.
Sikorsky added that the Black Hawk continues to evolve through engine upgrades, digital integration, and increasing autonomy to enhance safety and efficiency.
The platform is expected to remain a core medium-lift asset, with service life projected beyond 2070.
