Sikorsky’s new production-ready kits enable a single Black Hawk aircraft to perform air-assault, close-support, medevac, ISR and tactical lift. Image courtesy Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced its new Armed Black Hawk helicopter kits, expanding the capabilities of this proven workhorse. The kits extend the role of the Black Hawk into new mission sets including airmobile assault, close support, medical evacuation, ISR and tactical lift, in a single, battle-tested airframe, giving commanders greater flexibility and eliminating the need for separate fleet types.
“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,” said Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “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.”
The Armed Black Hawk kits enable:
- Multirole Capability – A single fleet delivers assault, transport and support functions, cutting acquisition and sustainment costs.
- Production-Ready Kits – Operators can select from two production-ready kits for close support or precision strike capabilities. Choose an integrated solution now or upgrade later via modular armament wings.
- Rapid Reconfiguration – Three-hour mission reconfiguration, allowing rapid role changes.
- Unmatched Value – A cost-effective, single-fleet solution backed by a robust supply chain and Black Hawk operations beyond 2070, delivering meaningful lifecycle savings in maintenance and training.
The kits are available via Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale (DCS), for seamless integration into FMS fleets supported by Lockheed Martin in the United States, or direct commercial sale options installed by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, in Poland.
Building on years of experience supporting an armed Black Hawk fleet in the Middle East, Sikorsky is uniquely positioned to provide next-generation kits for tomorrow’s mission. The Black Hawk helicopter continues to lead multi-mission performance across medium-lift operations, delivering modern, affordable capability for today’s and tomorrow’s missions. Its flexibility to operate at extended ranges and in the most demanding environments enhances survivability and overall mission effectiveness for 21st Century Security® missions.
The Black Hawk is a continuously evolving platform, with each upgrade since the “M” model was introduced in 2006 building on hard-earned lessons from the most demanding missions. Sikorsky is accelerating this evolution—installing higher output engines, integrating a digital architecture and adding an autonomy system that help pilots operate safely and efficiently in the toughest conditions.
For more information, visit the Armed Black Hawk webpage.