The US Army has taken delivery of the first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter, which features modifications allowing operation with or without a pilot at the controls.
The next-generation aircraft, “Optimally Piloted Vehicle” (OPV), has begun advanced operational testing phase, the US Army said in a statement on 19 March 2026.
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Central to the helicopter’s new functionality is technology developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) programme.
This programme aims to create an adaptable automation kit for existing aircraft, with the goals of simplifying flight operations and enabling pilots to concentrate on higher-level mission objectives.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, worked in partnership with DARPA throughout the ALIAS programme, resulting in the development of its MATRIX autonomy system.
After years of demonstration on both military and commercial platforms, this technology has progressed from concept to a robust system now ready for formal assessment by military personnel.
DARPA tactical technology office ALIAS programme manager Stuart Young said: “The ALIAS programme has successfully developed and demonstrated a powerful, flexible automation architecture that is now poised to provide the US Army with a significant operational edge.
“This transition is a testament to the power of government and industry partnership to advance technology. It will allow the Army to build on a solid foundation of technical-risk reduction, enabling them to explore new warfighting concepts and push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.”
The OPV kit delivered includes the MATRIX Autonomy Mission Manager and a Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows integration of third-party software and new sensor technologies.
This approach intends to facilitate ongoing upgrades and adaptation across current aviation assets.
The upgrade replaces the Black Hawk’s traditional mechanical flight controls with electronic “fly-by-wire” systems, which improve stability and handling, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Army test pilots and engineers will undertake a series of trials over coming months to assess remote ground control, autonomous mission execution, and the potential impact on soldier safety and mission effectiveness.
The aircraft serves as the principal test platform for the Army’s Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) programme. This programme seeks to develop a scalable autonomy kit for installation across the Army’s entire Black Hawk fleet and future aircraft models.
The state of Texas is also involved in advancing this technology by sponsoring multi-year autonomous flight research through the Texas A&M University System’s Bush Combat Development Complex.
This project uses modified UH-60L helicopters to explore autonomous applications for wildland firefighting and other state missions.
In 2024, Sikorsky secured a contract to equip the US Army’s experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with its Matrix flight autonomy system.
