Sikorsky completes ground runs of UH-60M Black Hawk

With GE Aerospace T901 engines

Sikorsky has conducted the first-ever ground runs of a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter powered by two GE Aerospace T901 Improved Turbine Engines (ITE). The test, carried out by a collaborative team from the US Army and industry experts, marked a significant milestone in modernising the iconic Black Hawk fleet.

The ground runs, which included US Army and Sikorsky pilots, showcased the engine’s capabilities and set the stage for further testing.

The T901 engine, which will increase the Black Hawk’s power by 50%, is central to Sikorsky’s ongoing efforts to enhance the helicopter’s performance and longevity. The successful test of the T901 engine included a series of rigorous procedures that checked engine health, system functionality, and the overall efficiency of the testing setup. This progress is part of a broader initiative to ensure the Black Hawk remains a vital asset to the US Army for years.

Hamid Salim, Vice President of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky highlighted the long-term value of these upgrades: “Soldiers will rely on Black Hawk helicopters well into the future, and upgrades to the aircraft today will pay dividends for decades. These modernised helicopters will enable new missions, including deploying and managing launched effects. A modernised fleet will offer significant operational advantages by enhancing the range, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity.”

The ground run tests, which involved engaging key systems such as fuel, electrical, hydraulic, and flight control, were essential to verifying the T901’s start-to-fly progression. This progression includes both idle and fly modes with the rotor brake disengaged. The tests confirmed the engine’s smooth transition from the start sequence to full system engagement, ensuring all critical components functioned as required for flight.

These tests have paved the way for the next phase in the programme: hover and forward flight trials, which are expected to take place later this year. The successful completion of these initial tests puts Sikorsky and the U.S. Army on track for the anticipated first flight of the T901-powered Black Hawk in 2025.

The T901 engine is designed to significantly improve the Black Hawk’s performance, offering a 50% increase in power and enhanced fuel efficiency. Thus, it is a critical component of Sikorsky’s plan to modernise the Black Hawk fleet, extending the helicopter’s operational life and improving its versatility for future missions.

In addition to the T901 engine, Sikorsky’s modernisation efforts include advancements in the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), a digital backbone, and Launched Effects. These innovations improve safety and mission readiness and reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Since 2022, Sikorsky has also integrated proven autonomy capabilities into the Black Hawk, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety. This evolution of the Black Hawk fleet, paired with the enhanced engine and digital innovations, positions the helicopter to remain a formidable asset for the US Army well into the 21st century.

The T901-powered Black Hawk will redefine the capabilities of this legendary helicopter, ushering in a new era of performance, efficiency, and mission flexibility.

Image: Sikorsky has started ground runs on a UH-60M Black Hawk equipped with two Improved Turbine Engines. This engine increases the Black Hawk’s combat capabilities. Credit: Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin

Last Updated on 13 hours by Arnold Pinto