UH-60V joins Pennsylvania National Guard
The UH-60V integrated mission equipment package includes OpenLift open architecture avionics from Northrop Grumman in a modernised glass cockpit. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
First US Army unit operates Black Hawk with avionics upgrade.
The first UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter upgraded with a new integrated avionics suite has entered service with the Pennsylvania National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap.
The helicopter features OpenLift modular, open-architecture avionics from Northrop Grumman, which stated on 11 August that the UH-60V ‘enhances aircrew situational understanding and mission safety while reducing pilot workload’.
The avionics suite includes a pilot-machine interface resembling that on the UH-60M, enabling common training and operational employment. The system has been approved for export, and it is certified by the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation Missile Center for operation under Visual Flight Rules.
Northrop Grumman stated that OpenLift is configurable for installation on numerous aircraft types, and James Conroy, VP of navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, claimed: ‘The OpenLift modular, open systems architecture gives the Army a highly survivable UH-60 that can be upgraded over time to meet changing mission requirements, and it bridges the enduring and Future Vertical Lift fleets.’
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
UH-60 Black Hawk L and V Models
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market]()
JF-17 fighter fills expanding niche in a competitive geopolitical market
With orders from three countries, 2024 is unlikely to be the last of the export years for the joint Pakistan-Chinese fighter jet.
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line]()
Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line
Using the example of the F-35, does rolling out a domestic final assembly line make economic or industrial sense for countries wanting to purchase new aircraft?
-
![Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?]()
Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
