The first UH-60V with OpenLift architecture entered service with the Pennsylvania National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap in August 2021. (Northrop Grumman)
The UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter, featuring OpenLift architecture, has been granted Instrument Flight Rules Airworthiness Release by the US Army Systems readiness Directorate.
The aircraft’s development has continued to progress since its first flight in September 2020. This decision expands the flight envelope for the aircraft, allowing pilots to fly the UH-60V under all meteorological conditions.
The UH60V with OpenLift upgrades current UH-60L aircraft, replacing the legacy cockpit with a fully open, digital and integrated avionics package.
The pilot-vehicle interface is nearly identical to that of the UH-60M, enabling common training and operational employment.
The UH-60V’s achievement of airworthiness for its multicore processor is a first for an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
This allows flight-critical systems to be separated safely from the mission software and enables the use of third-party applications.
OpenLift has also been flight demonstrated on the AH-64E Apache and can be extended to other aircraft of the Enduring Fleet and planned Future Vertical Lift aircraft.
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
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