Astronautics Corporation of America and WCF Aerospace have joined forces to introduce a targeted avionics modernization for the UH-60 A/L Black Hawk. The collaboration has resulted in a formal submission for an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) featuring the AFI4700 RoadRunner® EFI. Expected to be certified by the end of 2026, this retrofit is designed to enhance situational awareness and combat the challenges of maintaining legacy analog flight decks.
Rather than mandating a comprehensive and expensive glass cockpit conversion, the RoadRunner EFI provides a practical solution by directly replacing obsolete ADI and HSI instruments. This singular digital unit integrates seamlessly with the helicopter’s existing systems, offering a significant capability boost with minimal aircraft downtime.
WCF Aerospace, leveraging its status as an FAA Part 145 repair station and authorized dealer, will serve as the STC holder and primary deployment partner. The company will manage the certification process and facilitate installations for military, government, and commercial operators who depend on the Black Hawk for critical missions.
“Our goal is to provide a sensible upgrade path that maintains fleet readiness without the disruption of a major avionics overhaul,” stated Griffin Wendt, business development manager at Astronautics. “This is currently the only certified option that specifically targets the legacy ADI and HSI instruments, delivering improved reliability and enhanced flight data presentation at a fraction of the cost of full-scale replacements.”
The new display enhances pilot awareness by merging multiple navigation and flight parameters into a clear, customizable interface. Operators can view standard overlays like course deviation and VOR maps, with options for integrating traffic systems, terrain awareness, and weather radar. This consolidated information is crucial for pilots operating in challenging environments.
“We are committed to offering a solution that reduces risk and lifecycle costs while immediately improving the crew’s ability to execute their mission,” added James Wells of WCF Aerospace.
The STC will be recognized by authorities that accept FAA certifications, opening the upgrade to a global market. Following approval, WCF Aerospace will issue letters of authorization, enabling qualified third-party maintenance providers worldwide to install the RoadRunner EFI, ensuring wide accessibility for the UH-60 community.
