Hundreds of U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with cockpit analog gauge displays are to receive a digital upgrade from Northrop Grumman.

The system to be supplied and integrated onto the aircraft under a contract from Redstone Defense Systems features a centralized processor with a partitioned, modular operational flight program.

Northrop Grumman said it has an integrated architecture for addition of new capabilities through software-only solutions.

"We are committed to this critical upgrade program that will prolong the life of the UH-60 while keeping warfighters safer by enhancing their situational awareness," said Ike Song, vice president, Situational Awareness Systems, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "Our integrated mission avionics solution is built on mature, proven technology and an open architecture approach for superior performance, affordability, growth potential and reliability."

The upgrade will give the UH-60L a cockpit that replicates that of the HU-60M helicopter and is aligned with the Army's Future Airborne Capability Environment standard for use of off-the-shelf software and hardware for rapid insertion of capabilities.

Northrop said 700 to 900 aircraft are expected to receive the upgrade.