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
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
-
![Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says]()
Only 25% of the US Pentagon’s F-35 fleet has been fully mission capable, GAO says
The fighter jet remains a combat necessity, but sustainment challenges continue to limit its readiness. In the meantime, the US Air Force seeks billions in funding to improve the F-35's availability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years]()
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe]()
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
