It’s been a little over a month since Miltech Simulations and Blackbird Simulations officially announced their partnership to bring the MH-60 helicopter to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The project, which is now in its final integration phase, promises to deliver a high-fidelity simulation of the multi-role helicopter, featuring three key variants: the MH-60 Sierra, MH-60 Romeo, and the HH-60 Jayhawk.
Since the announcement, Miltech has been working behind the scenes to finalize key components, from avionics and flight dynamics to an expansive mission system designed to bring immersive, structured gameplay to MSFS. Now, the developers have released their first development blog, shedding light on the project’s current status, technical details, and what simmers can expect leading up to release.
New insights from development
Of course, one of the most notable aspects of this project is the collaboration between Miltech Simulations and Blackbird Simulations. Initially, Blackbird had planned to release an MH-60 under their Shrike brand, but those efforts have now merged into this joint project. Miltech’s expertise in mission-based gameplay, weapon systems, and custom flight dynamics has been combined with Blackbird’s high-fidelity 3D modeling and avionics groundwork, resulting in what appears to be one of the most advanced rotary-wing simulations in MSFS to date.
A key highlight from the development update is the effort Miltech has put into real-world research. In January 2025, the team traveled to Greenland to study an active-duty MH-60 Romeo aboard the HDMS Triton in Nuuk. This research trip allowed them to capture detailed cockpit references, exterior measurements, and operational insights to ensure an accurate simulation of the helicopter.
Features: Systems, avionics, and missions
Miltech Simulations has now confirmed several key features of the MH-60 package, covering flight systems, mission capabilities, and scenery enhancements.
System and avionics highlights
- Navigation Systems: The aircraft will support VOR, TACAN, ADF, coordinate-based flight plans, and MSFS stock flight plans. The developers are also exploring SimBrief integration.
- Autopilot (AFCS): The helicopter will feature altitude hold, speed hold, hover assist, and departure modes.
- Stability Augmentation System (SAS): This system will impact handling and can simulate failures, affecting the flight dynamics.
- Weapons and Equipment: The MH-60 will be equipped with Hellfire missiles, torpedo deployment, sonobuoys, and countermeasures.
In addition to these features, the mission system will be a major selling point. Designed to integrate with both PC and Xbox, it will offer:
- Over 30 structured missions, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and firefighting operations.
- Randomly generated missions, including VERTREP operations, transport, and crisis response.
- Dynamic in-mission audio communications and functional winch operations for rescue scenarios.
- New AI-controlled vessels, including cruise ships, Coast Guard cutters, and military frigates, which will serve as mission objectives.
Furthermore, the MH-60 will come with handcrafted mini-scenery areas in strategic locations:
- CGAS San Diego – Supporting Coast Guard operations.
- CGAS Kodiak – Enabling SAR operations in challenging Arctic conditions.
- Garden Island, Australia – Featuring facilities for Romeo variant missions.
- Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, Spain – Simulating operations in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Release window and pricing expectations
Miltech Simulations states that the MH-60 is expected to enter beta testing by the end of March, with a tentative release window in late April 2025. However, they caution that this is subject to change based on testing feedback and final refinements.
The pricing is expected to be in the mid-$30 USD range, positioning the package competitively for its depth of features and included mission content.
Miltech is also aiming for simultaneous release on both PC and Xbox, though the Xbox launch will depend on Microsoft’s marketplace approval process.
With the MH-60 now in its final integration phase, Miltech Simulations is gearing up for the final stretch of development. The next steps include further testing, feature refinement, and the first look at in-game footage, which Miltech promises to share in the coming weeks. This is definitely one of the most exciting helicopter projects currently in development for MSFS, so stay tuned for further details very soon!
