In a disturbingly short amount of time, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division has converted a Blackhawk helicopter into a fully autonomous model. To drive the point home, their new U-Hawk lacks a cockpit and windows entirely.
The nose has been converted into a loading ramp and clamshell doors; now that the cockpit’s gone, Sikorsky says there’s 25% more cargo space. With a 10,000-lb. cargo capacity, the ‘copter can now deploy vehicles out of the front.
The company also speaks of “transformational new capabilities.” This includes a Quiver launching system, whereby the ‘copter can be loaded up with “launched effects”—like drones—that it can deploy in mid-air, creating its own mini aerial force.
The U-Hawk can also be controlled remotely from the ground by “virtually any operator,” using a tablet.
The company also points out that the U-Hawk shares 95% of its parts with the manned Blackhawk, simplifying maintenance.
The prototype took just ten months to develop, and it’s not destined to remain a concept; Sikorsky says “the U-Hawk is on a rapid development schedule and on track for first flight in 2026.”
Why they’re not calling these “Hunter-Killers” remains a mystery.