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Skyryse Achieves First SkyOS-Equipped Black Hawk Flight

Company is developing flight automation systems for a wide range of rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter equipped with Skyryse’s SkyOS flight operating system completes an automated pickup, hover, and touchdown. [Credit: Skyryse]

Key Takeaways:

Skyryse's SkyOS universal flight operating system successfully completed its first flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, demonstrating automated takeoffs, hovers, and touchdowns using simplified controls like a single joystick or finger swipe.
The SkyOS system replaces traditional helicopter controls with digital displays and a fly-by-wire system, aiming to enhance safety, reduce pilot workload, and make aircraft easier and more intuitive to fly.
Beyond the Black Hawk, Skyryse is actively integrating its versatile SkyOS into a wide range of other helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for both military and civil applications, including partnerships with the U.S. Army and Cal Fire.

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A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter designed to take off or touch down with the swipe of a finger has made its first flight.

Skyryse, which began integrating its SkyOS universal flight operating system on the Black Hawk three months ago, on Tuesday announced the helicopter’s inaugural flight. It completed an automated pickup, hover, and touchdown, performing “precision flight maneuvers” with a single joystick while in the air, Skyryse said.

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.