Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Has announced that the newly upgraded Black Hawk UH-60M helicopter has made its first flight. The UH-60M is the only fly by wire rotary wind aircraft in test flight development with the Army.

The test flight lasted 60 minutes as test pilots maneuvered the aircraft through hovers, hover turns, and forward flight. The upgraded helicopter is meant to reduce the pilot workload during flight.

"The UH-60M Upgrade will reduce pilot workload, increase lift, offer better protection and enhance survivability," said Pino. "The next generation of BLACK HAWK helicopters is ideally suited for its mission and will provide a safer, more responsive, deployable, versatile and effective weapon system for the Army."

Via Sikorsky