Strategic Planning for Modernizing the Black Hawk Using Model-Based Systems Engineering (Presentation Only)

This presentation outlines the U.S. Army’s H-60M Black Hawk modernization approach to address evolving operational needs and the demand for agile acquisition. To accelerate capability delivery, the Utility Helicopters Project Office leveraged a Modular Open Systems Approach and Model-Based Systems Engineering to establish a Modernized H-60M System Model aligned with Capability Program Executive Aviation’s Enterprise Architecture Framework. This authoritative model captures comprehensive mission-driven requirements to enable phased, incremental technology insertions instead of a monolithic, multi-year development cycle. A Capability Assessment Model (CAM) Framework will extract key capabilities and architecture drivers from the model, translating rigorous digital engineering into agile industry solicitations. Using Model-Based Requests for Information, the CAM Framework will allow the Army to systematically evaluate solutions, execute data-driven trade-offs, and rapidly field “minimum viable capabilities.” Ultimately, this strategy ensures the Black Hawk remains an adaptable, mission-critical asset, delivering continuous capability improvements to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.