Copyright 1999 Federal News Service, Inc.
Federal News Service
MARCH 3, 1999, WEDNESDAY
SECTION: IN THE NEWS
LENGTH:
5564 words
HEADLINE: PREPARED STATEMENT BY
MAJOR
GENERAL PETER C. FRANKLIN
DEPUTY FOR SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND
HORIZONTAL
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE
ARMY FOR
ACQUISITION, LOGISTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
BEFORE THE SENATE
ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEES ON MILITARY PROCUREMENT AND
MILITARY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT - ARMY AVIATION MODERNIZATION
BODY:
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Chairman and Members of
the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to
discuss the U.S. Army's aviation modernization program. It is my privilege to
represent the Army leadership, the civilian and military members of the Army
acquisition workforce, and, most importantly, America's soldiers.
Modem
equipment and technological superiority is required to lead our soldiers into
the 21st Century. The Army's aviation modernization strategy is an aggressive,
comprehensive program designed to maximize the combat effectiveness of aviation
assets across the full spectrum of the Army XXI and Army After Next (AAN)
battlefields. Aviation provides combat, combat support, combat service support,
and special operations across the spectrum of fulldimensional operations. These
forces provide increased speed, range of fire and maneuver, and mobility of
troops and equipment in support of operations from war to stability and support.
Air Cavalry/Reconnaissance units provide the tactical commander critical
combat information, early warning, and force protection. Attack helicopter units
provide a lethal force capable of delivering precision fires in the close battle
or deep into enemy territory. Utility and cargo helicopter units provide
tactical air movement of combat forces and their assets and allow commanders and
their staffs to command, rapidly traverse, and see the battlefield. Medical
Evacuation (MEDEVAC) aircraft perform front line medical evacuations. Special
Operations Aviation (SOA) conducts a broad spectrum of combat and combat support
missions. Fixed wing aircraft conduct operational airlift, intelligence and
electronic warfare, and intratheater personnel and cargo transportation. Special
Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) provide communications/signal intelligence
and electronics countermeasures. Collectively, aviation is ideally suited to
provide the joint force the lethality, speed, mobility, and versatility required
to meet current and future demands.
The strategy is dependent on achieving
and maintaining information dominance, providing unparalleled tactical
reconnaissance/security, and improving lethality to shape the battlespace and
conduct decisive operations.Revitalized cargo and utility fleets are needed to
project and sustain the force. All of these capabilities will be linked together
by a digital architecture that will enable the commander to apply an
appropriately sized, decisive combat force at the precise time and location that
is needed to defeat the enemy.
Fiscal constraints have Created a challenge
for future modernization. Stretched developments and delayed procurements
coupled with a focus on recapitalization of existing assets have resulted in a
fleet of over 4500 aircraft in FY99, of which over 2000 aircraft average 27
years in age. With the exception of very limited UH-60 procurement, there are no
new aircraft procurements to displace these aircraft until Comanche fielding
begins in 2006. The age of the fleet is forcing the Army to address performance,
digital compatibility, rising support costs, and training and personnel
strategies. Problems associated with this aging fleet are compounded by
battlefield digitization requirements and the interoperability challenges of an
aviation force which frequently crosses division boundaries, conducts deep
operations and requires joint airspace coordination.
Continued pressures on
the defense budget have forced the Army to trade-off aviation modernization
requirements (given no increases in the research, development and acquisition
budgets) and consider aircraft resourcing strategies which field aircraft below
authorized unit levels. The funding challenges that lie ahead are considerable.
As outyear funding comes into clearer focus, the situation is likely to
worsen--increasing the disparity between first-to-fight and lower priority
units. This Committee has always supported a strong National Defense posture in
the past and your Army is very grateful. We indeed need your continued support,
assistance, and commitment to meet the challenges of the future.
OBJECTIVES
Aviation's modernization strategy centers around four aviation platforms:
the Comanche, the Apache, the CH-47F (formerly the Improved Cargo Helicopter)
and the UH-60 Black Hawk, and is driven by five objectives. These are (1) solve
Army Aviation's most critical battlefield deficiency--tactical reconnaissance
and security, (2) maintain attack overmatch and world class attack helicopter
capability into the 21 st Century, (3) enhance Command,Control, Communications,
and Intelligence (C3I) and joint/combined interoperability through battlefield
digitization, (4) recapitalize the aging utility, cargo, and fixed wing fleet
until replacement is possible, and (5) develop technology underpinnings for
Joint Vision 2010/AAN requirements. An overarching goal within this strategy is
to reduce the number of different aircraft types, thereby reducing support
costs, manpower, logistical requirements, and training burden.
INFORMATION
DOMINANCE
The RAH-66 Comanche remains Army Aviation's highest priority
providing leap ahead capabilities to enhance the Army's information dominance
and combat overmatch. The Comanche with its revolutionary mission equipment
package and advanced survivability and maintainability features will also solve
Aviation's number one deficiency--armed reconnaissance.
The Comanche, which
executed its first flight in 1996, introduces major technological advances in
the acquisition and processing of battlefield information, rotary wing signature
reduction, and logistical support features. As one of the key systems of the
joint digital battlefield, Comanche will provide accurate and timely response to
the tactical commander's firepower or combat information needs and security for
the fast paced, transitional forces of the future. The force protection provided
by Comanche would be critical to meet emerging AAN requirements, which emphasize
total force speed and range of maneuver. Comanche will also provide critical
combat power during early/forced entry, and complement the Longbow Apache in a
scout role by closing undetected to acquire targets.
The RAH-66 is one of
the Army's two new developments, which will lead Aviation AAN. The current
RAH-66 acquisition strategy, the Pro- Production Program (PPP), is to build six
pro-production prototypes and eight IOTE aircraft during Engineering and
Manufacturing Development (EMD). The reconnaissance and armament mission
equipment packages (MEP) as well as the fire control radar (FCR) will be
integrated and tested concurrently.Recent advancements in antenna technology
have provided an opportunity to integrate a smaller; more effective millimeter
wave radar five years earlier than planned (FY04).
Acceleration of the
MEP development will also provide better communication capabilities supporting
Army digitization efforts and participation in Force XXl. Full production and
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is scheduled for Dec 2006 with the first
six prototypes scheduled for procurement in FY03.
The RAH-66 prototype #1 is
the primary air vehicle development aircraft and prototype #2 ("The Duke") is
the primary mission equipment package development aircraft. "The Duke" will
undergo acceptance flights in April 1999 and will be available to support air
vehicle development in 1999-2000.
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a significant
improvement over the OH58A/C Kiowa and AH-1 Cobra and serves as the interim
scout/reconnaissance and light attack aircraft until Comanche is fielded. Kiowa
Warrior, however, falls far short of mission requirements. It is simply not cost
effective to upgrade the Kiowa Warrior to address major deficiencies in weapons
payload, speed, endurance, IR/RF signature, aircraft survivability equipment,
and ballistic protection against small arms fire. Since the Kiowa Warrior is
projected to remain in the fleet until after FY 2022 additional safety,
sustainment and capability enhancements (including digitization upgrades) are
programmed for selected aircraft beginning in 1999. Initiatives to cascade
AH-64A to the strategic reserve to displace the OH-58Ds are being reviewed. If
successful, these initiatives would accelerate the retirement of the OH-58Ds.
The AH-1 Cobra, with the exception of approximately 70 C-NITE equipped
aircraft, lacks the capability to operate effectively at night and in reduced
visibility. All AH-1 aircraft have inadequate flight performance for global
operations, are not capable of adequate threat stand-off against air defense
threats and are not compatible with the digital battlefield. Initiatives to
accelerate AH-1 retirement by replacing them with AH-64A Apaches in Strategic
Reserve reconnaissance units and attack battalions are being reviewed. The
objective is to further accelerate AH-1 retirement with minimum risk to the
warfighting force.The Army Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S) will
enhance information dominance and help achieve Army Aviation's third objective g
command, control, and communications. The A2C2S, installed in an UH-60A Black
Hawk, will serve as a corps, division, or maneuver brigade commander's airborne
tactical command post. It features situational awareness that fosters a
commander's common view of the battlefield and voice/data equipment that
provides battlefield information processing and connectivity equivalent to
ground tactical command posts and the Battle Command Vehicle.
Other
digitization programs enhancing information dominance include the following: The
AN/ARC-220 High Frequency Radio allows non-line-of- sight (voice and limited
data) communications between the aviator and commander/Tactical Operations
Center (TOC). The Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS) provides automated
mission planning, rehearsal, synchronization, and transfer of essential mission
data to aircraft systems. The Aviation Tactical Operations Center (AVTOC),
funded only for the Force XXl initial digitized divisions/Corps, provides
Aviation brigade, battalion, and separate company commanders the capability to
plan, control, and report aviation operations. The integration of the Improved
Data Modem/Embedded Battle Command (IDM/EBC) software functionality onto
aviation platforms will provide linkage to the digital battlefield.
Future
digitization and modernization requirements exceed the capacity of . current
aircraft communications architectures. These future requirements will be met by
the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), which will incorporate the Enhanced
Position, Location, Reporting System (EPLRS) functionality and waveforms.
The Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) is linked to the Army
Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) and the USAF Contingency Theater
Automated Planning System (CTAPS), providing joint airspace management and
airspace deconfliction with other combat arms. Future plans for a new air
traffic architecture are based upon satellite- based navigation, increased use
of data links rather than voice for pilot/controller communications, and
improved surveillance for enhanced ground and cockpit situational awareness. To
avoid potential flight restrictions, the Army must addressnecessary aircraft
modifications for future OCONUS/CONUS civil airspace compliance.
Logistics
digitization objectives include consolidating the Unit Level Logistics
System-Aviation (ULLS-A), Soldier Portable On-site Repair Tool (SPORT), and an
Integrated Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) into a single laptop computer with
a CD-ROM. The intent is for this system to interface with the unfunded Digital
Source Collector (DSC)/Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) to enhance
preventive maintenance and diagnostics. The aviation implementation of the
Global Combat Support System Army (GCSSArmy) maintenance module will provide a
streamlined and automated method to reduce the workload of the aviation
maintainer and the associated administrative support function.
COMBAT
OVERMATCH
Aviation combat overmatch .programs give the Army heavy attack
helicopter technological superiority well into the 21 st Century. Although the
attack mission is currently performed by three different aircraft, the AH-64D
Longbow Apache is the Army's objective heavy attack aircraft. The AH-64D's
purpose is to destroy enemy forces by conducting deep, hasty and deliberate
attacks, air assault security operations, and rear security.
The Longbow
Apache is a remanufactured AH-64A with precision inertial and Global Positioning
System (GPS) navigation, enhanced displays and crew stations, structural
upgrades, digital communications, modifications to allow each aircraft to fire
the RF Hellfire missile, and aircraft reliability improvements. Part of the
fleet is equipped with the Longbow Weapon System, which consist of the Longbow
Millimeter Wave (MMW) radar, Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI), and upgraded
engines. The radar automatically detects, classifies, and prioritizes targets
for handover to the fire and forget Longbow Hellfire missile, significantly
increasing survivability, rates of fire, and adverse weather capability. The
Longbow Apache program: (1) Addresses the digital connectivity requirements for
Army XXl, (2) Improves the AH-64As workload intensive mission equipment, and (3)
Provides significant supportability enhancements, which will save millions of
dollars over the life of the aircraft.Current and future AH-64 tactical
employment mandates the need for a higher resolution Forward Looking Infrared
(FLIR) sensor for pilotage and visual target detection/identification.
Historical experience also indicates that the current FLIR is the highest
maintenance demand subsystem on the aircraft. The Future Years Defense Plan
(FYDP) initiates a Horizontal Technology Insertion Second Generation FLIR
program for the AH-64.
Current funding for Longbow Apache allows for
remanufacture of 530 of the 748 AH-64As into the AH-64Ds by 2005. The FCR and
RFI are funded for 227 of the AH-64Ds. Analysis/discussions are currently
ongoing as to the quantity of AH-64Ds to remanufacture and quantity of Longbow
Weapon Systems to procure. If 218 of the 748 AH-64As are not remanufactured, a
modernization/life extension effort must be programmed in the outyears as these
aircraft will not be fully retired until the 2020 timeframe. Initiatives are
also under consideration to accelerate AH-1 retirement. However, additional
analysis is required to assess the doctrinal and warfighting impact of these
plans (particularly for first-to-fight units).
As Comanche with FCR is
fielded as the scout aircraft in heavy division/corps attack battalions in the
far-term, AH-64D aircraft will cascade to lower priority units, bringing their
total AH-64D numbers back up to the doctrinal level of 24 aircraft per
battalion. Fielding the RAH-66 Comanche as the scout aircraft in these.heavy
division/corps attack battalions and as the light division attack aircraft will
provide a survivable aircraft with the speed, range, payload, and logistical
supportability features required by these units.
Other aviation combat
overmatch programs include the Longbow HELLFIRE missile which permits precision
engagements by AH-64D and RAH66 in weather/battlefield obscurants. The Longbow
HELLFIRE missile uses the HELLFIRE II missile bus and warhead, and incorporates
a millimeter wave seeker. Production of the Longbow HELLFIRE began in FY97.
Approximately 13,000 Longbow HELLFIRE will be procured through FY03, short of
the requirement for the AH-64D and RAH-66. The Block II Stinger (FUE 2007) will
improve air-to-air missile performance against targets in clutter. A
requirements document for a low cost, "off the shelf" Advanced Precision Kill
Weapon System (APKWS) guided munition (to complement the Hydra-70 family of
rockets andprovide a more capable means of defeating soft or lightly armored
targets in clutter and urban terrain) is in the final approval stages. In the
mid term, RAH-66 Comanche missile requirements and laser HELLFIRE shelf life
extension must be addressed.
The Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE)
programs include Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) devices to detect and
defeat threat anti-aircraft systems, and Electro Optical (EO) systems to detect
lasers.
As Army Aviation continues to modernize, aircraft systems must
have the necessary ASE items installed at the production line or via field
retrofit. The Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure System/Common Missile
Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS) and Suite of Integrated Radar Frequency
Countermeasures (SIRFC) are the two most critical ASE programs for Army
aviation. They provide necessary situational awareness, improved target
identification, interfaces for digital target handover, missionized electronic
order of battle, and substantially improved effectiveness against current and
projected air defense threats.
ATIRCM/CMWS is a tri-service program with
Army lead that will counter advanced threats using a CMWS to cue dispensers and
direct infrared and laser jammers, ATIRCM/CMWS is scheduled for production in
FY02 and will be integrated on the SOA aircraft in FY03.
The SIRFC provides
aircraft RF Warning, RF Jamming, situational awareness and sensor fusion. Due to
limited funding, installation of SIRFC on the AH-64D will not begin until FY06.
SIRFC installation has been deferred until beyond FY 2005 for all aircraft
except SOA, risking vulnerability in the near term against threat systems. SlRFC
is programmed primarily for the AH-64D and SOA aircraft, but will also be
utilized by the UH-60 and CH-47. There is also multi-service
interest in the SIRFC: SOCOM/Navy (CV-22), Air Force (U-2), and Marine Corps
(AH-1Z and UH-1N).
Comanche is equipped with laser warning and radar warning
protection and, coupled with its low observable (LO) features, may not require
additional ASE. If threat technology neutralizes the LO, there are space,
weight, and configuration provisions for SlRFC and ATIRCM.The Aircrew Integrated
Systems (ACIS) program encompasses those items of equipment that are used to
protect, sustain, and enhance the survivability and performance of Army aircrews
and passengers throughout the flight profile. Cockpit Airbags (CABS) will be
installed in Force Modernization platforms and will enhance the survivability of
the aircrew as well as reduce potential injuries and fatalities. The Air Warrior
program develops a modular, tailorable aviator ensemble for rotary wing aircraft
crewmembers. Its aim is to reduce the aviator's equipment weight and volume to
lessen the physical burden, improve safety and survivability, aircrew and
aircrew station interface to enhance the aviator's ability to accomplish the
mission. Subsystem programs, which feed Air Warrior, include: Aircrew Integrated
Common Helmet, Helmet Mounted Display, Laser .Protective Visor, Magnetic Head
Tracker System, the Aircrew Microclimate Cooling System, and an Electronic
Kneeboard. The Virtual Cockpit Optimization Program (VCOP) demonstrates the
integration of independently developed and advanced technologies across multiple
platforms into a single system to deliver information to the pilot in a concise
and intuitive manner. Technologies include: Three Dimensional Audio; Full-color,
High-resolution Helmet Mounted Display; Imagery speech recognition and
synthesis; Integrated Caution, Warning, Advisory information; Threat warnings;
Intelligent information management; and Crewaided cognitive decision aides that
will be incorporated into a product available across all Army Aviation
platforms.
RECAPITALIZATION PROGRAM
Aviation's major recapitalization
programs encompass the utility and cargo helicopter fleet. The aging
utility/cargo fleet coupled with delayed procurements and' funding shortfalls
increase the significance of these programs.
In order for the Army to
revitalize its utility fleet to project and sustain the force several compelling
modernization requirements must be addressed. The Utility Helicopter fleet must
be modernized to meet its missions of air assault, general support, command and
control, and aeromedical evacuation on the Force XXI and AAN battlefields of the
next century.Utility helicopters are the Army's workhorses, flying over 40% of
annual total Army flying hours. The Utility Helicopter Fleet presently consists
of both UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-1 Iroquois aircraft, and it is globally deployed
including current and recent activity in Bosnia, Kuwait, and the Hurricane Mitch
Relief effort in Central America. The Utility Fleet is the largest of the Army's
aviation fleets, with 907 UH-60A Black Hawk, 451 UH-60L Black Hawk, 4 UH60Q
Black Hawk, and 809 resourced UH-1 Iroquois aircraft at the end of FY98. The
FYDP funds 89 of the 90 Black Hawks required for the Army National Guard's dual
missioning requirement with the additional Black Hawk competing in the Program
Objective Memorandum. The objective end state for the UH-1 fleet is 756 by the
end of FY01. The sheer size of this fleet makes sustainment and modernization a
significant fiscal challenge.
The utility fleet is an aging fleet, designed
to meet Vietnam and Cold War era requirements. UH-ls were produced from 1959 to
1974, UH-60As were produced from 1978 to 1988, and UH-60Ls started production in
1989. The aging UH-60As and the UH-ls are experiencing a decrease in operational
readiness and an increase in operating costs. These older analog-based aircraft
were also not designed to meet the challenges of Force XXI and AAN. This
combination of aging aircraft, decreasing operational readiness, and emerging
new operational requirements led the Army to conduct a fleet modernization
analysis to determine the appropriate course of action for the utility
helicopter fleet.
Currently, a third of the UH-60 fleet is over 15 years
old. In the next five years, the UH-60 fleet will continue to age and two-thirds
of the fleet will exceed 15 years of age. By 2025, the average age of today's
UH-60 fleet will be 38 years. The UH-1 fleet averages 28 years of age today with
the most recently produced UH-1 being over 24 years old. Parts obsolescence and
aging airframes are a recurring theme for these older aircraft. As airframes age
and parts become obsolete, readiness rates decline. These aging aircraft become
a victim of obsolescence, safety issues and higher operations and sustainment
costs, with the indicator being deterioration of operational readiness.This
decay in operational readiness is already evident. Specifically, a comparison of
the total Army operational readiness (OR) rates for the older UH-60A and newer
UH-60L shows the newer UH- 60L aircraft have significantly better mission
capable (MC) rates than the older UH-60A. This difference is primarily driven by
the aging propulsion/drivetrain systems in the UH-60A. It is only a precursor of
what the Army can expect in the future. While the UH-60L has a newer propulsion
and drivetrain system, in 15 years it is likely to experience the same problems
as the UH-60A. Parts obsolescence will also be a major contributor to decaying
operational readiness in the future.
The impact on operational readiness is
even more dramatic when examining the UH-1. The total Army UH-1 fleet, operating
in both utility and light utility roles, has experienced a decline of over 20%
in operational readiness rates over the past five years. The most recent
downturns in readiness are also attributable to the propulsion/drivetrain
systems, specifically the spur gear. Also, the aging fleet and the increasing
readiness problems require increased vigilance concerning the likelihood of
safety of flight issues that could emerge in the future. Problems such as the
spur gear are a dramatic indicator that the UH-1 fleet will be increasingly
difficult to maintain.
Turning to the future, the demands of Force XXI and
AAN on the utility fleet leads to an evolution of requirements. These
requirements revolve around the need for increased lift, range, digitization and
reduced O&S costs. Currently, none of the UH-60As, UH-60Ls, and UH-ls are
capable of meeting emerging mission lift requirements, nor will they be
digitized. Unless the Army modernizes and extends the life of these platforms,
the utility helicopter crew members of the future will be trying to meet Force
XXI and AAN requirements using Vietnam and Cold War era aircraft, with
associated growing operations and sustainment cost burdens.
Affordability
constraints within both Aviation and the Army previously precluded addressing
the future of the utility fleet. However, the combination of an aging fleet,
decaying readiness, and new operational requirements necessitated the fleet
modernization analysis. This recently concluded Helicopter Fleet Modernization
Analysis addressed how to best meet these challenges. The analysis was led by a
General Officer Steering Committee(GOSC) which reached consensus recommendations
for the path ahead. These recommendations are currently under review and will
serve as an entry point into Army development of future budgets.
In summary,
the Utility Fleet Modernization Analysis has now provided a direction for
modernization and recapitalization of the utility helicopter fleet to meet Force
XXI and AAN battlefield requirements. The Army is competing options in current
mini-POM activities, and is preparing for the next POM update.
The CH-47D
modernization program extended the aircraft useful economic life of the original
CH-47A/B/C by approximately 20 years; but the aircraft remanufacture point will
be reached in FY 2002. To recapture lift and range requirements lost over years
of aircraft modifications, an upgrade to the T55-GA-714A engine is currently
underway.
The engine upgrade program has been plagued by budget
instability resulting from competing requirements and other DoD funding
requirements. Funds are required for the engine upgrade program to ramp up to a
more cost effective production rate of 180 per year. Life extension efforts will
be centered on the CH-47F Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) program by extending
aircraft life through vibration reduction, structural modifications, and
addition of a minimum essential digital cockpit for Army XXI digitization
compatibility. The objective is to modernize a minimum of 300 CH-47Ds through an
ICH remanufacture with a service life extension program until a 'replacement
system, the Joint Transport Rotorcraft (JTR) is procured in the 2020 timeframe.
The CH-47F ICH Program commenced EMD in May 98 and First Unit Equipped is
scheduled for Sep 04. Milestone III is Jan 2004 and full production with a peak
rate of 26-30 aircraft per year will be through 2014. A growing gap between the
availability of the first JTR and the production of the last CH-47F ICH, in
addition to the need to perform a SLEP on the MH-47D Special Operations
Aircraft, will necessitate the evaluation of modifying greater than 300 CH-47D
aircraft into the CH- 47F or a CH-47F+ configuration.The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Safety Enhancement Program (SEP) installs the R-3 engine, crashworthy seats,
cockpit airbags, improved mission processors, GPS, IDM, and tactical internet
compatible radios.
Other aviation recapitalization includes the
modernization of tactical and fixed base Air Traffic Services (ATS) to replace
the oldest most antiquated equipment in the Army aviation inventory. Modern
tactical ATS equipment will be highly mobile, reliable and completely digital.
The Army is also playing a prominent role in the ongoing modernization of the
National Airspace System.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Aviation is supported by a robust Science and Technology (S&T) program
fully aligned with Joint Vision 2010 and AAN timelines. The S&T program
supports development of new systems/concepts and upgrades of existing
rotorcraft. The program is executed through the conduct of Basic Research
Strategic Research Objectives (SRO), Applied Research, and Advanced Technology
Development and Demonstrations. Detailed descriptions of these programs are
contained in the Army's Science and Technology Master Plan. The Aviation S&T
program consists of efforts focused on developing and demonstrating technologies
for advanced rotors, transmissions, structures/airframes, weapons integration,
engines, survivability, cockpit/mission equipment packages, and flight controls.
The major S&T programs for Aviation, support a three pronged strategy: (1)
development of a Joint Transport Rotorcraft (JTR), (2) support for AAN rotary
wing concepts and (3) potential technology insertions for Comanche, Apache and
Black Hawk.
The Joint Transport Rotorcraft (JTR) is the planned replacement
for CH47F ICH and CH-53 helicopters. JTR also supports AAN concepts for the
cargo/troop transport needs of a "Battle Force" for the FY20-25 future. Finally,
JTR has the potential to serve as the replacement for the United States
Navy/Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53 Super Stallion. The JTR will demand significant
warfighting performance advancements in range, speed, payload, survivability,
mobility, and at reduced acquisition and O&S costs. These advancements will
result from technology improvements in structures, cruiseefficiency, specific
fuel consumption, maneuverability/agility, signature management and subsystems.
Potential technology insertions to the RAH-66 Comanche and AH-64D Longbow
Apache in support of the evolving digital battlefield will include the Virtual
Cockpit Optimization Program (VCOP) crew station enhancements, advanced
pilotage/displays (such as Virtual Retinal Display technology), vehicle
management, and interoperability between manned and unmanned scout/attack teams.
Future needs require significant technology improvements in cognitive decision
aids, sensor fusion, displays/symbology, and enhanced processing for voice and
data communications.
New lift and range requirements for the UH-60X Black
Hawk, AH-64 Apache and Navy CH-60 are driving the development of a 3000 shaft
horsepower engine. The unfunded Common Engine Program would use Joint Turbine
Air Gas Generator program technology to demonstrate an engine capable of lifting
9000 pounds under high/hot environmental conditions with 25 percent less fuel
consumption and at 20 percent reduced operation and sustainment costs.
OTHER
CONTRIBUTING CAPABILITIES
MEDEVAC, fixed wing utility aircraft, and
training/simulation initiatives are primary contributing capability programs for
aviation. The UH-60A MEDEVAC has significant limitations in meeting its assigned
missions: sustainment of casualties over extended distances, shore to ship
evacuation, supporting combat search and rescue, and patient regulating.
Additionally, the UH-60A MEDEVAC is not capable of functioning on the digitized
battlefield or using telemedicine technology. Modernization of the UH-60A to the
UH-60Q configuration includes medical equipment upgrades (telemedicine, enhanced
MEDEVAC kit, built-in rescue hoist, onboard oxygen generator), digital
communications (data bus, HF radio, SINCGARS SIP), and navigation equipment
(GPS, FLIR). Funding for the UH-60Q program begins in FY02. An ongoing
initiative to incorporate both the UH-60Q program and the UH-60A SLEP, also
programmed to begin in FY02, would provide a more capable aircraft for the
MEDEVAC mission as well as reduce the overall program cost by combining the
programs into one effort.The Army's Fixed Wing fleet consists of 300 aircraft.
There are 9 different aircraft types and 25 configurations. The goal is to
streamline the fleet to 5 different aircraft--short-range (C12), medium-range
(UC35), and longrange (C20) utility as well as cargo (C23) and Special
Electronic Mission (SEMA) aircraft (RC12 and RC7). The fleet's mission is to
rapidly transport the country's key leaders in time of war and peace and to
provide critical intelligence to Army Corps Commanders. The Army currently has a
requirement of 67 for its number one fixed wing modernization priority--the UC35
Cessna Citation medium-range utility jet. The UC35 replaces older and more
expensive C12s and is Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) compliant. Also the
Army's long- range jet requirement remains 'at 13 with 4 on hand. The 44 C23
Sherpa aircraft fill the cargo requirement, and the Army's 56 RC12s and 9 RC7s
fill the SEMA role. On the horizon is the Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) which will
replace both the RC12 and RC7. All Army Fixed Wing maintenance is currently
Contractor Logistics Support (CLS).
CONCLUSION
The Comanche and Longbow
Apache helicopters solve reconnaissance and attack deficiencies; they remain
Army aviation's major focus to correct critical warfighting shortfalls. However,
a service life extension for the UH-60, UH-1, and CH-47D, upgrade of UH-1
aircraft to fill the warfight LUH requirement, initiation of the fixed wing
investment strategy, and attention to Strategic Reserve fleet obsolescence are
equally important to a balanced strategy. Modernization of our core programs
(avionics, aircraft survivability equipment, aviation life support equipment,
air traffic services, and aviation support equipment) is essential to the
support and sustainment of our aircraft programs and compatibility with the
digital battlefield of the future.
END
LOAD-DATE: March 5, 1999 
