Upgraded Black Hawk completes test

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has successfully performed a flight test of an upgraded UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter for the U.S. Army.

U.S. company Sikorsky's successful first flight marks a milestone for the company under a program to upgrade the new fly-by-wire Black Hawk helicopter. The approximately 60 minute-demonstration, conducted at Sikorsky's Florida-based facilities, is part of an effort to test the next-generation Black Hawk helicopter's new survivability and response technologies.

The upgrades on the Black Hawk include the new fly-by-wire flight control technology that electronically links the cockpit's controls with the exterior flight controls that officials say reduces the pilot's workload. The next-generation Black Hawk also includes improved situational awareness for the pilot.

"The first flight of the UH-60M upgrade aircraft, with fly-by-wire technology represents the next step in providing the U.S. military the best capability to execute its mission," U.S. Army Col. L. Neil Thurgood said in a statement.

"This aircraft contains dramatic technological advances, yet retains and improves on the proven design of the world's most capable and robust utility helicopter."