US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered a rare glimpse at the next evolution of American aviation, piloting a UH-60 Black Hawk remotely using only touchscreen controls.
Hegseth guided the helicopter through a display that streamed live camera feeds and real-time data pulled straight from the aircraft’s onboard sensors.
Pilots remained inside the Black Hawk as a precaution, but every flight maneuver was directed entirely through the touchscreen interface.
The Black Hawk’s automation was powered by the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System from Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky. The tech fuses sensors, AI, and machine learning to allow the helicopter to fly with minimal or no crew.
Hegseth stayed inside the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) headquarters for the entire flight.
Army’s Best Friend, Upgraded
The UH-60 Black Hawk has been in service with the US Army for over five decades, serving as a reliable transport or assault platform.
It carries two 7.62mm machine guns, accommodates up to 11 troops, and normally requires a four-person crew including two pilots and two crew chiefs.
A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in flight. Photo: Lockheed MartinHegseth’s demonstration represents a major upgrade to a long-standing military aircraft, shifting it from traditional stick controls to touchscreen-enabled remote operation.
This setup could position the Black Hawk as a stealth platform able to infiltrate high-risk areas without endangering personnel.
It may also enable unmanned medical evacuation, carrying injured troops away from combat zones while minimizing exposure to danger.