The US Army has issued a request for industry feedback to evaluate the feasibility of extending the service life of its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter fleet beyond 2050 through a comprehensive midlife modernization program. Under this plan, industrial partners would conduct detailed airframe overhauls on up to two dozen helicopters annually, including medical evacuation variants. Each aircraft would undergo full disassembly, inspection, corrosion mitigation, and structural reinforcement to address fatigue and ensure long-term reliability. This effort aims to expand sustainment capacity and preserve operational readiness across a fleet exceeding 2,000 aircraft. Parallel modernization efforts are also equipping the Black Hawk with digital architecture, autonomy-ready systems, and launch-effects capabilities, reinforcing its relevance in future operational environments.
