A Modular Open System Approach for the H-60M Black Hawk – Following the Future Vertical Lift Framework

Abstract:
The H-60 Black Hawk remains a cornerstone of U.S. Army Aviation, but its legacy avionics architecture presents modernization challenges. To ensure long-term operational relevance and interoperability with future platforms like the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), the Army is implementing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). This strategy facilitates rapid technology integration, enhances sustainment efficiency, and mitigates obsolescence. The Army's MOSA adoption aligns with regulatory mandates such as the National Defense Authorization Act and Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition policies, ensuring modularity, scalability, and interoperability across aviation systems. The application of modern open standards, such as the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE®), within the Black Hawk supports software reuse and hardware commonality, reducing lifecycle costs and vendor lock. A phased modernization approach, including a Digital Backbone architecture supported by Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), will streamline future avionics upgrades while maintaining compatibility with existing and future fleet assets. This transformation positions the Black Hawk for sustained operational effectiveness in multi-domain operations, reinforcing the Army's aviation modernization objectives.

Did you attend Forum 81? Click the preview below to access the full paper.

The full paper is also available for purchase at the Vertical Flight Society Online Library and Store.