The Army’s calling: Can you help keep the Black Hawk flying into 2050?

Hey, aerospace innovators, maintenance pros, and defense contractors—got your attention? The U.S. Army’s Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO) is on the hunt for partners, and they’re handing you a rare opportunity help keep the legendary UH-60M Black Hawk soaring well into 2050 and beyond.

Yeah, you read that right—2050. The Black Hawk isn’t just hanging around; it’s still the go-to utility helicopter for the Army, and with over 15 million flight hours under its rotors, it’s earned every bit of that legacy. But here’s the real deal: keeping these birds mission-ready for decades isn’t just about patching them up. It’s about smart, scalable, commercial-grade modifications that boost readiness and set the stage for future upgrades.

The Army just dropped a Request for Information (RFI), and they’re not playing small. They’re looking at modifying 12 to 24 UH-60M Black Hawks per year, with possible expansion to HH-60M models and international partners. Translation? This could be a steady, long-term gig for the right team.

UH-60M Full-Body Reboot

So, what would you be doing? Think of it like a full-body reboot. The Army wants these helicopters disassembled, inspected down to the rivet, and any damage or corrosion repaired or replaced. That includes tackling fatigue issues and applying new corrosion prevention measures. Basically, you’re not just fixing old parts, you’re future-proofing an icon.

Then comes the reassembly: repainting (inside and out, per the Army’s ASER Technical Bulletin), running full power-on checks, maintenance operational tests (MOCs), acceptance test procedures (ATPs), ground runs, and maintenance test flights. Oh, and they’ll want your team to have dedicated quality control and a maintenance test pilot on deck—no room for shortcuts.

It’s not just about returning these aircraft to service. It’s about doing it the smart way—through a sustainable, affordable industrial base strategy. As Army Col. Ryan Nesrsta, UHPO project manager, put it: this “modification” effort (formerly called “recapitalization”) is key to both readiness and long-term modernization.

Black Hawk Retirement

And hey, if you’re thinking, “Wait, isn’t the Army moving to Future Vertical Lift?”—sure, eventually. But the Black Hawk isn’t retiring quietly. It’s going to stay central to missions at home and abroad, from troop transport to medevac, for decades. So, while the future unfolds, the Army needs today’s industry to step up and keep the fleet flying strong.

Bottom line? The Army wants to know: What can you do? They’re not asking for bids yet, they’re asking for ideas, capabilities, and confidence. Can your company handle high-quality, repeatable modifications on a scale? Do you have the facilities, expertise, and team to support a long-term sustainment play?

If your answer is “Heck yes,” then it’s time to speak up. This isn’t just another contract opportunity—it’s a chance to help shape the next chapter of one of the most iconic helicopters in military history.

So go ahead—reach out, share your vision, and maybe, just maybe, your shop will be the one keeping the Black Hawk’s blades spinning for years to come.