Moog has achieved a significant aviation milestone after receiving FAA certification for its GRC 4000 retrofit autopilot system developed for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The approval allows the advanced four-axis flight control system to be installed on in-service UH-60A and UH-60A+ helicopters, making it the first retrofit autopilot certified for instrument flight operations on the aircraft. Designed to improve both safety and operational efficiency, the system automatically manages heading, altitude, airspeed, and hover while assisting pilots during demanding missions in poor visibility or adverse weather. Integrated with the helicopter’s flight management system, the autopilot can stabilize the aircraft following unexpected flight disturbances and support automated navigation, hovering, and precision flight operations. The technology is suitable for military transport, logistics, search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement missions where reduced pilot workload and enhanced situational awareness are essential. Following successful automated flight demonstrations, Moog plans to extend certification to additional Black Hawk variants, expanding access to advanced flight automation across a broader range of helicopter operators.
