aviation · aviation rotary wing the ah-64 apache longbow helicopter provides day, night and...

AVIATION

Rotary WingThe AH-64 Apache Longbow Helicopter

provides day, night and adverse weather at-tack helicopter capability. The Apache is theArmy’s primary attack helicopter. It is aquick-reacting, airborne weapon systemthat can fight both close and deep to destroy,disrupt or delay enemy forces. The three ver-sions of the Apache aircraft in today’s Armyinventory are the AH-64D Longbow Block Iand Block II and the newest, the AH-64EApache.

The Apache has a maximum speed of 145knots. It has a maximum gross weight rangeof 230 nautical miles with range extensioncapability using internal and external tanks.The Apache has a full range of aircraft sur-vivability equipment and the ability towithstand hits from rounds up to 23 mm incritical areas. Apache ordnance consists ofthe Hellfire missile (RF/SAL versions),2.75-inch rockets (all versions) and 30 mmhigh explosive incendiary (HEI) rounds.The AH-64E also has the capability of levelof interoperability (LOI) 4 for manned/un-manned teaming. LOI 4 allows the AH-64Eto receive unmanned aerial system (UAS)video, control the payload of a UAS, andcontrol the UAS’ flight path.

The original AH-64AApache, which firstentered service in 1984, was removed fromthe Army inventory. All remaining AH-64Aaircraft were inducted into the AH-64DBlock II production line.

The AH-64D Longbow Block II is beingfielded through a combination of new pro-duction and remanufacture of AH-64A air-craft. The AH-64D incorporates the Long-bow fire-control radar (FCR), capable ofbeing used day or night, in adverse weatherand through battlefield obscurants. TheAH-64D consists primarily of the integra-tion of a mast-mounted millimeter-wavefire-control radar, a radar frequency inter-ferometer and a radar frequency fire-and-forget Hellfire missile. Block II productionended in September.

The Longbow’s digitized target acquisi-tion system provides automatic detection,location, classification, prioritizing andtarget handover. The AH-64D cockpit is redesigned to digitize and multiplex allsystems. The manpower and personnel in-tegration program crew stations have mul-tifunction displays to reduce crew workloadand increase effectiveness. The AH-64D pro-vides a truly coordinated rapid-fire (16 sep-arate targets within one minute) capabilityto the maneuver force commander on a 24-hour basis and in any conditions.

The newest version of the Apache fleet isthe AH-64E Apache. The AH-64E programhad its first aircraft delivery in November2011. The AH-64E program, similar to theprevious Apache sustainment programs,will update, or remanufacture, existing air-

craft in the fleet to this more capable ver-sion of the Apache Longbow. One majordifference in the AH-64E remanufactureline is that new airframes will be added tothe production line, which will “zero time”the airframes, greatly reducing mainte-nance and sustainment costs.

The AH-64E will feature: future modularforce connectivity—seamless global informa-tion grid communications; Level IV un-manned aircraft system control; increasedsurvivability—extended range sensors andweapons; a cognitive decision aiding system;improved aircraft performance; and reducedoperations and support cost and logisticsfootprint. The first unit to be equipped is the1st Battalion, 229th Airborne Brigade, JointBase Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior (KW) utilizesa thermal imaging system, a low-light tele-vision, and a laser rangefinder/designatorin a mast-mounted sight situated above themain rotor. The aircraft is equipped with a variety of weapon systems including Hell-fire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and a .50-cal-iber machine gun. The aircraft operates au-tonomously at standoff ranges providingarmed reconnaissance, command and con-trol, and target acquisition/designation forApache helicopters and other airborneweapons platforms in day, night and ad-verse weather conditions. The active Armyand the National Guard fly Kiowa Warriors.The OH-58D KW was developed in the late1980s and fielded in 1990. In May 2009, theArmy authorized the Armed Scout Heli-copter Project Office to begin examiningmethods to upgrade the aging aircraft.

The OH-58F Kiowa Warrior Cockpit andSensor Upgrade Program (CASUP) is thefirst designation change since 1990 and up-dates 1980s equipment with the most cur-rent technology available. The CASUP is aplatform capable of meeting the Army’sarmed scout requirement through fiscalyear (FY) 2025. The F model Kiowa Warrior

capitalizes on nondevelopmental items andsystems fielded on other aviation platformsto rapidly install, modify or provide: an ad-vanced nose-mounted sensor, improvedcockpit control hardware and software forenhanced situational awareness, three full-color multifunction displays, a dual-redun-dant digital engine controller for enhancedengine safety, digital inter-cockpit commu-nications, digital Hellfire future upgrades,aircraft survivability equipment upgradesand a redesigned aircraft wiring harness.The OH-58F also weighs significantly lessthan the OH-58D, allowing commandersmore flexibility in adding capabilities suchas firepower, endurance and load. Ulti-mately, pilots and crew members will beable to perform their missions more effec-tively, more efficiently and more safely.

The Army marked the first flight of theOH-58F in April. Milestone C is scheduledfor March 2015, and the first unit equippedis scheduled for 2016.

Utility HelicoptersThe UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is the

workhorse of Army Aviation with morethan 6.5 million hours flown. This platformaccounts for more than 49 percent of theArmy’s annual flying hours. The UH-60Black Hawk provides the Army with air as-sault, general support, command and con-trol, and medevac capabilities. It has en-hanced the overall mobility of the Armythrough its dramatic improvements introop capacity and cargo-lift capability. Anentire fully equipped, 11-man infantrysquad can be lifted in one aircraft faster andin inclement weather conditions, allowingground commanders to quickly shift forcesto increase battlefield operational tempo toovermatch the enemy’s. The Black Hawkcan also reposition a 105 mm howitzer, itscrew of six and up to 30 rounds of ammuni-tion in a single lift, allowing the rapid mass-ing of overwhelming combat power.

October 2013 � ARMY 291

AH-64D Apache Longbow

292 ARMY � October 2013

The HH-60 (Medevac) configurationmeets the need for a medical evacuationplatform for tactical, en route patient careand evacuation. The HH-60M Black Hawkis in production and serves as the Army’smedevac helicopter for the current and fu-ture force. It is in line with the Army’s mod-ernization strategy, the National MilitaryStrategy and National Defense Strategy.

The UH-60M enhances the commander’sability to conduct nonlinear, simultaneous,fully integrated operations to decisivelymass the effects of the Army’s warfightingassets. The UH/HH-60M configurationprovides digital connectivity for enhancedsituational awareness and improved lift,range, deployability and survivability tofurther increase the commander’s ability toconduct air assault, general support, com-mand and control, and aeromedical evacua-tion. The MH version supports unique Spe-cial Forces roles and missions including agunship variant identified as the MH-60 Di-rect Action Penetrator.

The UH-72A Lakota is the newest heli-copter to enter service with the Army. In2006, the Light Utility Program competitionselected the UH-72A Lakota as the winner.It is the primary replacement aircraft for theOH-58A/C and UH-1H in the active Armyand the Army National Guard. The fieldingof the UH-72A also enabled a number ofUH-60 Black Hawks to return to the war-fight. Currently, more than 260 aircraft havebeen produced, delivered and fielded to theArmy. In fiscal year (FY) 2014, the last air-craft will be placed on contract for deliveryin FY 2015.

The UH-72A Lakota supports a wide va-riety of missions across the Army, such asair movement, aerial sustainment, supportto test activities, support to training centersand medical evacuation. It supports fed-eral and state domestic operations includ-ing homeland security, command and

control, disaster relief, counterdrug andmedevac. Besides the standard configura-tion, there are four mission equipmentpackages (MEPs) to enhance the capabili-ties of the Lakota. These are the Securityand Support (S&S) MEP for the Army Na-tional Guard, the Combat Training Center(CTC) MEP, VIP MEP, and Medevac MEP.

The UH-72A Lakota will be fielded in 42states supporting the active Army andArmy National Guard. The aircraft is nowwidely distributed across the globe, in Kwa-jalein, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Ger-many and, soon, Guam. The fleet has al-ready flown more than 155,000 flight hourswith operational availability rates higherthan 90 percent. The UH-72A Lakota hassupported operations including the Deep-water Horizon spill cleanup, the Haiti earth-quake response, the Oklahoma tornado re-lief efforts and the Hurricane Sandy cleanupas well as U.S. Customs and Border Protec-tion on the Southwest U.S. border.

The UH-72A Lakota is unique in that it isbuilt and maintained in accordance withFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) stan-dards and uses contractor logistics supportfor its maintenance. Active Army units re-ceive full contractor logistics support,while the Army National Guard has imple-mented a hybrid system that allows sol-diers to conduct field-level maintenance.The program also utilizes contractor-pro-vided new equipment training, allowingthe aircraft to enter service quickly. TheUH-72A program has met all its cost, sched-ule and performance goals.

The CH-47F Improved Cargo Helicopter(ICH) is in full rate production. The CH-47FICH is procured through both new-buildand remanufactured processes. Boeing’sCH-47F helicopter features a newly de-signed, modernized airframe, a RockwellCollins common avionics architecture sys-tem cockpit and a BAE digital advanced

flight control system. The advanced avion-ics provide improved situational awarenessfor flight crews with an advanced digitalmap display and a data transfer system thatallows storing of preflight and missiondata. Improved survivability features in-clude common missile warning and im-proved countermeasure dispenser systems.

Powered by two 4,868-horsepower Hon-eywell engines, the new CH-47F can reachspeeds greater than 175 mph and transportpayloads weighing more than 21,000pounds. The CH-47F with the RobertsonAviation extended-range fuel system has amission radius greater than 400 miles.

First unit fielding of the CH-47F began inJuly 2007. To date, the project office hasfielded and equipped 12 active units andfour National Guard units.

Aviation SystemsArmy air traffic services provide Army

aviation the assets required to ensure safetyand survivability on the modern battlefield.Tactical Air Traffic Control (ATC) supportsair and land component commanders’ au-tomated-airspace command-and-control requirements and ATC for aircraft operat-ing in terminal and rear operation areasthrough tactical communications, radars,towers, and airspace systems. In turn, airtraffic services support enables fixed-basefacilities and platforms, a function that miti-gates risks to Army aircraft operating fromArmy airfields worldwide.

To meet these needs, the Office of theProduct Manager for Air Traffic ControlSystems (PM ATC) manages the modern-ization of tactical and nontactical ATCequipment. Major tactical ATC programsinclude the air traffic navigation, integra-tion and control system (ATNAVICS), thetactical airspace integration system (TAIS),the tactical terminal control system and themobile tower system (MOTS).

The AN/TPN-31 Air Traffic Navigation,Integration and Coordination System (AT-NAVICS) is a Humvee-mounted, surviv-able radar system that contains a highlymobile tactical area surveillance and preci-sion-approach air traffic control system. Ithas replaced the technologically obsoleteand unsupportable landing control central(AN/TSQ-71B). The new system providesexpeditious air traffic flow, permitting con-tinuous unimpeded operations, and pro-vides area navigational assistance. It alsointegrates air traffic during joint/combinedoperations and coordinates air movementwithin selected terminal controlled airspaceareas. The ATNAVICS facilitates the safehandling of terminal air traffic in visualflight rules (VFR) and instrument flightrules (IFR) conditions, providing precisionapproach capabilities, and can now interro-gate all identification friend or foe (IFF)modes and mode 5. All components of thesystem can be loaded onto a single C-130UH-72A Lakota


aircraft or sling-loaded by a CH-47 for de-ployment to any location.

The AN/TSQ-221 Tactical Airspace Inte-gration System (TAIS) is a tactically mobileand strategically deployable system incorpo-rating a Humvee prime mover with a stan-dard Army rigid walled shelter containingthe mission equipment and radio suite. TheAN/FSQ-211 TAIS Airspace Workstation(AWS) is a transportable, small form factorcomputer running Microsoft Windows, theMicrosoft Office suite and the TAIS missionapplication. The TAIS software in both vari-ants provides a digitized warfighting appli-

cation within the Army Mission Commandsystem (AMCS) system of systems. TAISand TAIS AWS are utilized in all theatersacross the range of military operations andmake up the U.S. Army’s program ofrecord for both airspace command andcontrol (AC2) and tactical en route air traf-fic services (ATS) requirements. Eithervariant can develop Army requests for air-space, deconflict combat airspace and air-space users, and interface with joint air-space management systems through thetheater air ground system (TAGS). Thisprovides a direct interface to the joint force

air component commander/airspace con-trol authority through the joint theater bat-tle management core system. TAIS andTAIS AWS provide automated AC2 and co-ordinated use of battlefield airspace for thepurpose of supporting force operations,enhancing force projection and facilitatingfreedom of maneuver in the airspace, whileminimizing fratricide through precise Mis-sion Command synchronization and de-confliction capabilities in four dimensions.The AN/TSQ-221 TAIS also supports non-automated airspace users and aircraftthrough voice and manual interfaces.

The latest version of TAIS software resi-dent in both the TAIS and TAIS AWS alsoprovides a Web-based, network-centric,thin-client application—called the dynamicairspace collaboration tool (DACT)—thatprovides AC2 collaboration and 3-D visual-ization capability for non-TAIS users via aJava Web applet. This extends elements ofTAIS functionality to other Army users, andjoint and coalition partners on shared mis-sion networks, without the need for theseother users to have a TAIS AWS. The DACTallows all airspace stakeholders to rapidlyand accurately collaborate on airspace re-quests in real time. For example, an Armybrigade combat team can use its TAIS AWSto collaborate with a Marine Corps airspaceagency and an Air Force airspace agencyusing the DACT to expedite dynamic re-

AN/TPN-31 Air Traffic Navigation, Integration and Coordination System

tasking of assets across service boundaries. TAIS is evolving as part of the Army’s

common operating environment (COE), anapproved set of computing technologiesand standards that enable secure and inter-operable applications to be developed andexecuted across a variety of computing en-vironments. TAIS DACT and AC2 capabili-ties reside in the command post computingenvironment (CPCE) of COE. New func-tionality will include Web applications, orwidgets, for the DACT and AC2 servicesthat can reside on a server stack such as theMission Command server. This capabilitywill enable the continuous ability to access,manipulate, manage and share airspace in-formation across the operational environ-ment without the need for unique hard-ware dedicated to this role.

The AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower Sys-tem (MOTS) is a mobile air traffic controltower designed to quickly establish air traf-fic services during the initial phases of de-ployment and sustain those servicesthroughout operations and redeployment.It will provide terminal ATC services for selected high-traffic landing areas in theechelon above corps and division areas. Itwill replace existing AN/TSQ-70A andAN/TSW-7A. The MOTS will be self de-ployable or can be airlifted by C-17 aircraft.

The MOTS uses three vehicles with trail-ers. The prime mover, an up-armoredM1083A1P2 medium tactical vehicle cargotruck, will transport the MOTS shelter andserve as the shelter’s platform. It will alsotow the generators required to provide or-ganic power to the MOTS. Two M1165Humvees will tow the MOTS organic air-field lighting system (ALS), including theALS cables and generator. The ALS light in-ternal batteries can be powered via solar or

generator power, although use of generatorpower requires the cables to be connectedto the lights. The prime mover and sec-ondary vehicles will be deployed with theMOTS, and none will be modified for inte-gration as part of the MOTS.

MOTS will provide numerous services,including sequencing and separating arriv-ing and departing aircraft, coordinating in-strument meteorological condition recoveryof aircraft, coordinating in-flight emergen-cies, and search and rescue (including com-bat missions).

In peacetime, the MOTS will supportArmy air traffic services training require-ments and aviation units during tacticalfield training exercises, along with support-ing other agencies, host nations, joint ser-vices and other Army missions. The tacticalATC systems are derivatives of commercialoff-the-shelf technologies or derivatives of

other military systems. By using this ap-proach, the PM ATC has maximized the ef-fectiveness and efficiency of funding allo-cated to the air traffic equipment inventorymodernization.

The AN/TSQ-198 Tactical Terminal Con-trol System (TTCS) is a rapid-deployabletactical air traffic control communicationsystem that provides enhanced ATS commu-nications support to aviation assets conduct-ing reconnaissance, maneuver, medical evac-uation, logistics and intelligence operationsacross the battlefield. The AN/TSQ 198A ca-pability consists of an M998 Humvee andM1101 high mobility trailer (HMT) with thefollowing communication capabilities: satel-lite communication (SATCOM), ultra highfrequency (UHF) and very high frequency(VHF) amplitude modulation (AM), highfrequency (HF), single-channel ground andairborne radio system (SINCGARS), the de-fense advanced global positioning system(GPS) receiver (DAGR), and the precisionlightweight GPS receiver (PLGR). The AN/TSQ 198B capability includes an M1097Humvee/M1165A1 with B3 armor kit andan M1101/M1102 HMT with UHF/AM,VHF/AM, SINCGARS, SATCOM, HF, DA-GR and PLGR communication systems.

Aviation Networks and MissionPlanning

The Product Director for Aviation Net-works and Mission Planning (ANMP) pro-vides the Army aviation community withstate-of-the-art interoperability and missionplanning tools that enhance aviators’ situa-tional awareness, command and control,and safety. These products are developed,deployed, sustained and refreshed to keepcurrent with changing technologies and ad-vances in hardware and software to ensuremission success.

The Improved Data Modem (IDM) isthe common solution for digitizing ArmyAviation. The IDM performs as an Internetcontroller and gateway to the tactical Inter-


AN/TSQ-198 Tactical TerminalControl System

AN/MSQ-135 Mobile Tower System

net and fire support Internet for aviationplatforms. The IDM remains a dynamicallyevolving product to facilitate a digital trans-mission network for the sharing of situa-tional awareness and tactical data amongour digitized Army, joint and coalition avia-tion partners. The IDM serves as the crucialinterface between platform mission com-puters and radios, supporting legacy veryhigh frequency (VHF) and ultra high fre-quency (UHF) radios and Blue ForceTracker, with efforts under way to enablefuture interface with Blue Force Tracker 2.As a single line-replaceable unit (LRU) thatperforms communication modulation/de-modulation, database processing and mes-sage processing functions for digitizedArmy Aviation, the IDM presents a multi-path approach to command and control inthe tactical environment.

The Aviation Mission Planning System(AMPS) is a mission planning and battlesynchronization tool that automates avia-tion mission planning tasks, including tacti-cal command and control, rehearsal, andflight planning. Interoperable with ArmyMission Command systems (AMCS) and associated networks, AMPS furnishes theaviation commander with continuous situ-ational awareness, allowing for rapid ad-justment and dissemination of missionplans. AMPS products enable communica-tion, navigation, pilot situational aware-

ness and weapons systems on Army air-craft, including the AH-64D/E, CH-47D/F,OH-58D, UH-60A/L/M/Q, HH-60L/Mand unmanned aircraft systems.

AMPS hosts the portable flight planningsoftware (PFPS), which allows the war-fighter to consolidate and load an aircraftwith navigation, environmental, perfor-mance and threat data. A significantly up-dated version of PFPS named ExecutionPlanner, or X-Plan, is in the final stages ofdevelopment and expected to be released inFY 2014. A joint developmental effort be-tween PEO Aviation, Special OperationsCommand and the U.S. Air Force A2U, X-Plan provides enhanced capabilities, im-proved workflow and integration, and aMicrosoft Office 10 look and feel.

The Centralized Aviation Flight RecordsSystem (CAFRS) provides management ofaviation flight records through a central-ized, fully automated, globally accessibleand secure system. CAFRS provides com-manders easy access to essential aviationinformation for training assessments andrisk management, while records are storedin a safe and secure digital environment. Inaddition, senior level leadership can accessaviation flight records information to assistin resource, readiness and personnel man-agement decisions.

Composed of three tiers, CAFRS providesseamless and redundant flight records stor-

age. The first tier, called the CAFRS enter-prise server, stores and consolidates allArmy aviation personnel, flight and train-ing record data provided through the lowertiers. CAFRS data collection points (CD-CPs) make up the second tier and operateas CAFRS clients to support aviation flightand training records management. CDCPsalso perform the critical task of synchro-nizing data with the central database. Thethird and lowest tier of the CAFRS system,known as the CAFRS client, operatesmostly at platoon, company and battalionlevels, or any level at which Army aviationpersonnel and their flight record data needto be managed.

Aviation Ground Support EquipmentThe Aviation Ground Support Equip-

ment (AGSE) Product Management Office(PMO) is the life-cycle manager for all com-mon AGSE utilized within Army Aviation.The AGSE team enables soldiers to conductaviation maintenance in the field and im-prove aviation readiness. Its mission in-cludes the development and fielding of newequipment, sustaining and modernizinglegacy equipment, and the reset and repairof equipment from units returning fromcombat. This cycle of fielding, modernizingand repair is supported by a continuous dia-logue with users and a partnership withcombat developers in the U.S. Army Train-

ing and Doctrine Command Program Of-fice-Aviation Brigades, Fort Rucker, Ala., toensure the program meets soldiers’ needs.

The AGSE Product Office supports nearly20 acquisition category (ACAT) III pro-grams consisting of 52 line-item numbersand more than 33,000 separate componentsused to support every level of aviationmaintenance, from the crew chief on theflight line to depot-level repairs. Its missionis to provide reliable and maintainableAGSE that enables and improves opera-tional readiness. Its goal is to provide theright tools at the right time in the rightplace to support soldiers.

In the fourth quarter of FY 2012, the officecompleted fielding more than 600 StandardAircraft Towing Systems (SATS) to activeArmy, National Guard and Army Reserveaviation units. The fielding, including newequipment training for both operators andmaintainers, was completed a year aheadof schedule. SATS components are provi-sions and available, via funded requisition,through the military supply system. SATSbegan as an Army-only program and madethe transition to a joint service programwhen the U.S. Coast Guard purchased 95units in 2012.

The SATS Crew Protection System (CPS),a rigid, rollover-protected enclosure provid-ing environmental protection, windshieldwipers, dome light, adjustable fan andheater, was integrated into the productionline after unit 274; all 274 will have the CPSby the end of this calendar year.

The Shop Equipment Contract Mainte-nance (SECM) vehicle can transport a crewof three with mission-essential equipment,expendable supplies, spares and repairparts to repair or recover downed rotary-wing aircraft whenever required on the bat-tlefield. The team is then able to return theaircraft to flight, allow a one-time flight to arepair facility, or right the aircraft for recov-ery, avoiding destruction or capture. Theaviation SECM provides this fix-forwardmaintenance capability by using a light/medium tactical vehicle with modified stor-age racks, added power inverter, portablelighting and an air compressor to supportmaintenance tasks using power and pneu-matic tools during day and night opera-tions. The SECM, produced at Red RiverArmy Depot, Ark., is in fielding. All activeArmy combat aviation brigades are sched-uled to receive their SECM by the end ofthe current calendar year.

The Common Aviation Tool Systems(CATS) is a tool set and container modern-ization of the existing new aviation toolsystem. AGSE initiated the CATS programto capitalize on technological advance-ments and enhancements within tool kits,ensuring aviation maintainers are provided

with the most modern tools. To that end,CATS will include aerospace standard- andindustrial-quality tools. Designed to sup-port the Army’s two-level maintenanceconcept, CATS is scheduled to begin field-ing in the first quarter of FY 2014.

The Aviation Ground Power Unit (AGPU)supports all Army rotary-wing aircraft inforward-deployed areas where commercialsources of electrical, hydraulic or pneu-matic power are not available. In March2012, the Army approved the requirementfor the AGPU Increment II. As the acquisi-tion strategy for the more modular and ma-neuverable AGPU of the future, the AGSEhas partnered with Letterkenny Army De-pot, Pa., to build 200 E-model AGPUs.These AGPUs will fill critical shortages

across Army Aviation; 73 have completedfielding.

The Aviation Light Utility Mobile Main-tenance Cart (ALUMMC) is scheduled tobegin fielding in the second quarter of FY2015. The ALUMMC will provide Armyaviation units with a standardized, logisti-cally sustainable, lightweight, all-terrainmaintenance cart capable of transportingpersonnel, tools, test equipment and smallcargo across the flight line expeditiouslyand safely.

The Unit Maintenance Aerial RecoveryKit (UMARK) is a set of slings, shackles,fixtures and ancillary equipment that pro-vides the aviation support company andthe aviation maintenance company theability to quickly rig disabled aircraft forevacuation. The current UMARK worksonly when the main rotor hub, transmis-sion and structural integrity of the attach-ment and lifting points are not compro-mised. Understanding that on today’sbattlefield many downed aircraft sustaindamage to critical systems, and the tradi-tional lifting points are often compromisedduring a hard landing, the AGSE team isupgrading the UMARK to include the capability to rig and recover the more se-verely damaged aircraft as well as selectunmanned aerial systems.

The Battle Damage Assessment and Re-pair (BDAR) System is a transportable andexpeditious means to assess combat dam-age, defer repair or repair Army helicoptersin a battlefield environment. The BDARSystem provides a capability for temporaryor permanent repairs to combat-damagedhelicopters. Quick-fix materials and equip-ment include repair kits for the electricalsystems, fuel cells and fluid lines. The com-posite repair kit is being integrated with theexisting BDAR and provides additional ca-pability to repair secondary, and some pri-


Unit Maintenance Aerial Recovery Kit

Standard Aircraft Towing Systems

mary, composite structures. As of May, 295of 354 BDAR composite repair kits werefielded.

The Aviation Intermediate MaintenanceShop Set (AVIM SS) Modernized complexis composed of 10 Class VII specializedshop sets in new or refurbished one-sidedexpandable (OSE) International Standard-ization Organization (ISO) 20-foot shelters.The complex provides an easily trans-portable and modular maintenance capabil-ity in aviation support companies. Themodernization effort adds improved aero-space standard tools that allow units to pro-vide logistic and maintenance support op-erations across the full spectrum of militaryoperations and Army aviation platforms.Especially noteworthy is the compositeshop set modernization effort. The compos-ite shop set added specialized tools to makecomposite material repairs. These tools in-clude hot-bonders and heat blankets for ele-vated temperature cures, thermocouples, athermocouple welder, vacuum tools, adowndraft table, and carbon fiber and fiber-glass repair materiel. Eight of the 45 shopset complexes are modernized; the remain-der of the fleet will be completed by earlyFY 2015.

The Modernized Maintenance Platformwill provide the same stable work platformas the B1 and B4 maintenance stands in use,while elevating to a height of 12 feet to facilitate Army rotorcraft maintenance ac-tivities. The modernized platform will betransportable on a 463L pallet inside a CH-47 or a C-130, more maneuverable than theB1 and B4 versions and more stable onunimproved surfaces. The schedule is to be-gin fielding in FY 2014.

In January 2012, AGSE received approvalto assign several critical assets permanentlyin Afghanistan to support units. This AGSETheater Provided Equipment (TPE) in-cludes SATS, APGUs, generic aircraft nitro-gen generators, aviation unit maintenanceNo. 2 shop sets and the AVIM shop sets.This TPE serves two primary purposes: al-leviate time and effort associated with unitspacking and shipping critical systems, andsignificantly reduce inter- and intratheatershipping costs, loss, and damage duringground transportation. As of January, alltarget quantities were on hand, and theequipment is now maintained by CAB andTheater Aviation Sustainment MaintenanceGroup personnel. This TPE strategy is ex-pected to save the U.S. Army more than $22million.

Aviation Mission Equipment—Communications, Navigation andSurveillance

All Army aircraft require communica-tions, navigation and surveillance (CNS)equipment to effectively and safely operatein both civil and military airspace. TheProduct Manager for Aviation Mission

Equipment (PM AME) is responsible forproviding the common CNS equipmentthat meets the full range of Army aviationrequirements, from FAA and InternationalCivil Aviation Organization (ICAO) man-dates required to fly in commercial airspaceto tactical, secure CNS capabilities that en-able Army Aviation to be effective in com-bat operations.

PM AME product lines include the AN/ARC-231 and AN/ARC-220 radio commu-nications systems, the AN/ASN-128D andembedded global positioning system(GPS) inertial (EGI) navigation systems,and the AN/APX-118 and AN/APX-123transponder surveillance systems. BlueForce Tracker-Aviation (BFT-A), a recent

addition to AME responsibilities, is a suiteof systems that work in concert to providenear-real-time situational awareness andcommand-and-control (C2) information.PM AME also has the responsibility for in-tegrating joint tactical radio systems(JTRS) into all aviation manned and un-manned platforms.

Communication SystemsThe ARC-231 provides multiband, multi-

mode, secure antijam voice and satellitecommunications capability, enabling long-range and beyond-line-of-sight communi-cations in extreme terrain conditions. It replaces legacy ARC-164 and ARC-186 ra-dios. The ARC-231 also satisfies a global air


traffic management requirement for voiceradios to operate at 8.33 kilohertz (kHz)channel spacing, driven by VHF amplitudemodulation frequency congestion in Eu-rope. Efforts are under way to integrate thenext-generation military satellite communi-cations system, the mobile user objectivesystem capability, into the radio.

The AN/ARC-220 High Frequency (HF)radio and its AN/VRC-100 ground counter-part provide non-line-of-sight communica-tions for Army aircraft and are installed onthe majority of aviation rotary-wing plat-forms. It provides communications whileoperating at nap-of-the-earth (NOE) alti-tudes and at ranges beyond the tactical UHFand VHF radios. HF is the only aviation al-ternative for NLOS operations if satellitecommunication is compromised or lost.

The ARC-201D Tactical Airborne Radiosubsystem provides secure, anti-jam voiceand data communications. The single-chan-nel ground and airborne radio system (SINC-GARS) uses 25 kHz channels in the VHFFM band, from 30 to 88 megahertz. It hassingle-frequency and frequency hoppingmodes.

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)integration program installs and qualifiesJTRS radios into both manned and un-manned platforms. Efforts are under way tointegrate two-channel radio being devel-oped by Program Manager Airborne Mar-itime and Fixed Radio Systems (PM AMF)into the AH-64E Apache, Black Hawk, Chi-nook, OH-58F, Special Operations and GrayEagle unmanned aircraft. The Apache air-craft will be integrated with the Link 16 tac-tical data link, wideband networking wave-form (WNW), soldier radio waveform(SRW) and SINCGARS, while the BlackHawk, Chinook, OH-58F, Special Opera-tions and Gray Eagle unmanned aircraftwill be integrated with only WNW, SRWand SINCGARS. In addition, the Shadowunmanned aircraft system is being inte-grated with a small form-factor B radio set

being developed by Program ManagerHandheld, Manpack and Small Form Fac-tor (PM HMS).

Navigation SystemsThe AN/ASN-128D Doppler GPS Navi-

gation System (DGNS) provides a com-bined GPS and doppler navigation capabil-ity and protects the GPS signal through theselective availability anti-spoofing module.The AN/ASN-128D is Instrument FlightRules (IFR)-compliant and is certified foruse of GPS as a supplementary means ofnavigation for en route, terminal and non-precision approaches. PM AME is workingon an upgrade to the AN/ASN-128D to ob-tain certification for use of GPS as a pri-mary means of navigation and automateddependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B)position sensor support.

The Embedded GPS Inertial (EGI)Navigation System is an Air Force-led, tri-service program that provides an inte-grated IFR-compliant position and attitudesolution for aircraft equipped with a MIL-STD 1553 digital data bus. The EGI pro-vides precise location to the aircraft fire-control computer or integrated systemprocessor for processing targeting infor-mation/sensor pre-pointing. The EGI iscurrently being upgraded for GPS as a pri-mary means of navigation, wide-area aug-mentation system, and ADS-B out positionsensor support.

SurveillanceThe Common Transponder Program

(CXP) is a family of transponders that in-cludes the AN/APX-118 and AN/APX-123transponders, incorporating the advancedfeatures required in today’s global militaryand civil air traffic environments.

The APX-118 Identification Friend orFoe (IFF) Transponder provides commer-cial modes 1, 2, 3/A, C, military mode 4and mode S. The incorporation of mode Ssupports the GATM requirement for flight

in European airspace. It has embeddedcommunication security, eliminating theneed for the external KIT-1C crypto device.

The APX-123 Next-Generation ArmyAviation Transponder performs all themodes of the APX-118 and adds the newmode 5 IFF capability. It has improved en-cryption, National Security Agency anti-tamper provisions and M5L2 squitter capa-bility; it enables identification of closelyspaced aircraft; and it is designed for nonin-terference with civilian air traffic control.Efforts are under way to upgrade the APX-123 to meet the FAA-mandated automateddependent surveillance broadcast capabil-ity, which provides a cooperative position,direction and velocity squitter report forairspace managers.

In addition, an SFF transponder is beingdeveloped for the Shadow unmanned air-craft system. The SFF will perform all of themodes performed by the APX-123 and willuse an external cryptographic computer.

Blue Force Tracker-AviationBlue Force Tracker-Aviation (BFT-A) be-came part of PEO Aviation, PM AviationSystems, Aviation Mission Equipment inOctober 2012. The system includes theintegration of onboard computers, globalpositioning equipment and communicationsystems that work in concert to providenear-real-time situational awareness andcommand-and-control information fromaircraft directly to tactical-level forces. BFT-A is part of the L-band satellite network andoperates beyond line of sight. This system isused extensively in Army, Navy and MarineCorps helicopters, including the MV-22, andis used by several U.S. federal agencies andinternational partners. BFT-A is evolving toBFT2 with type 1 encryption, keeping pacewith ground forces. BFT2 will reduce latencyover BFT1, providing greater situationalawareness and common operating pictureresolution at full duplex rates and 10 timesimproved bandwidth.

Fixed-Base ProgramsThe major fixed-base air traffic control

(ATC) programs include the National Air-space System (NAS) modernization pro-grams: the digital airspace surveillanceradar, the DoD advanced automation sys-tem, the voice communications switchingsystem and the fixed-base precision ap-proach radar (FBPAR).

The AN/GPN-30 Digital Airspace Sur-veillance Radar (DASR) is a new terminalair traffic control radar system that replacescurrent analog systems with new digitaltechnology. DASR will replace the Army’sAN/FPN-66A on a one-for-one basis. It isalso being considered for use at other loca-tions where airport surveillance radar capa-bility will be lost when the AN/FPN-40sare decommissioned. These older radars,some as old as 20 years, are being replaced


ARC-201D TacticalAirborne Radio

Exelis

to improve reliability, provide additionalweather data, reduce maintenance cost, im-prove performance and provide digital datato new digital automation systems for pre-sentation on air traffic controller displays.

Also under the DoD NAS procurementeffort is the AN/FSQ-204 DoD Digital Ad-vanced Automation System (DAAS) Pre-planned Product Improvement. This isDoD’s version of the FAA’s standard ter-minal automation replacement system(STARS). DAAS/STARS replaces the auto-mated radar terminal system and other ca-pacity-constrained, older terminal automa-tion systems in approach control facilitiesand associated towers. Controllers provid-ing ATC services to aircraft in the terminalareas will use DAAS. Typical terminal ATCservices include separating and sequencingair traffic, disseminating traffic alerts andweather advisories, and radar vectoring arriving and departing air traffic. ProductManager for Air Traffic Control plans toretrofit the currently fielded DAAS withnew processors and data communicationsequipment that will enable Army ATC toparticipate in the FAA’s next-generationATC efforts.

The Radio Replacement Program con-sists of more than 3,000 CM300 radios thatcomply with new frequency spectrum re-quirements in Europe and the United States.These radios will be installed at Army air-fields to replace aging analog radios.

The Army Airfield Automation Systems(AAAS) is another DoD NAS procurementeffort to incorporate weather informationand other air traffic control information intoArmy ATC facilities. This program up-grades existing ATIS capabilities and con-solidates numerous airfield information ter-minals into a single display monitor.

The Army AN/FPN-67 Fixed-Base Preci-sion Approach Radar (FBPAR) Systemprovides capabilities for air traffic separa-tion, final approach course monitoring,precision and nonprecision approach guid-ance, and instrument meteorological condi-tions recovery operations for aircraft oper-ating in Army-controlled airspace or at

Army terminal airfields. The FBPAR re-places the AN/FPN-40 fixed-base radar be-ing used by fixed-base ATC facilities world-wide. This radar is a modification of theprecision-approach radar portion of the AT-NAVICS (AN/TPN-31) tactical radar sys-tem. Once installed, FBPAR will become apermanent component of nontactical Armyairfields throughout the world. For the pastseveral years, PM ATC has made significantcontributions toward the modernization ofArmy air traffic control systems and airtraffic control equipment. Nevertheless, asignificant amount of aging air traffic ser-vices and ATC equipment remain in the in-ventory.

Fixed WingThe Army uses a variety of fixed-wing

assets to support multiple mission sets, in-cluding transport (operational support air-lift); VIP/special air mission; intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); andtraining and test; and it is currently assess-ing and integrating quick reaction capabil-ity (QRC) aircraft.

The transport aircraft fleet includes the C-12, C-26,UC-35, C-20, C-37 and C-23 aircraft.

The C-12 Beechcraft King Air serves asthe Army’s short-range utility aircraft de-signed to fill air transportation require-ments out to 1,800 nautical miles (NM). Thenondevelopmental aircraft platform pro-vides an efficient, all-weather transport forcommanders, staff, and low-volume, high-priority parts and equipment.

The C-26 Fairchild Metroliner provides acost-effective carrier for high-volume travelroutes. The aircraft has a range of 2,040 NMand can also be used for cargo movementor medical evacuation. The entire C-26 fleethas recently been upgraded with a modern-ized digital cockpit, terrain avoidancewarning system, traffic collision avoidancesystem, and other upgraded systems to en-hance safety and ensure compliance withnext-generation requirements.

The UC-35A Cessna Citation Ultra/UC-35B Encore is an efficient, medium-range(800 to 1,800 NM), all-weather airplane thattransports commanders and staffs so theycan perform command, liaison, administra-


C-26 Fairchild Metroliner

tion and inspection duties. This aircraft isalso used for the movement of high-prioritypersonnel and cargo.

The Army’s C-20 and C-37 GulfstreamExecutive Transport Jets belong to the Pri-ority Air Transport Command. These jetsprovide global transport and secure com-mand-and-control systems to senior leadersfrom the DoD and Department of the Army,commanders, and other high-ranking gov-ernment officials for flights up to 5,000 NM.

The C-23 Sherpa provides troop andequipment transport, airdrop, and medicalevacuation capability. It is designed for upto 30 passengers or 7,280 pounds of cargo,and it has range capability of up to 1,030NM. The C-23 is tentatively scheduled fordivestment in FY 2014.

The Army’s aerial ISR/special electronicmission aircraft (SEMA) fleet is configuredto provide timely, accurate and actionabletactical intelligence across the operationalspectrum. The SEMA fleet includes the RC-12 GR/CS, EO-5 Airborne ReconnaissanceLow (ARL), and Enhanced Medium Alti-tude Reconnaissance and SurveillanceSystem (EMARSS) programs, as well asthe following QRC programs: Highlighter,Saturn Arch, Desert Owl, Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER),Medium Altitude Reconnaissance andSurveillance System (MARSS), ConstantHawk, and Tactical Operations (TACOP).In March, the Vice Chief of Staff of theArmy validated the RC-12 GR/CS, the EO-5 ARL, and the MC-12S EMARSS systemsas enduring, long-term capability require-ments to remain within the Army’s aerialISR base force structure.

The RC-12 Beechcraft King Air Guard-rail/Common Sensor (GR/CS) system pro-vides standoff communications intelligence,electronics intelligence and actionable sig-nals intelligence support to ground maneu-ver commanders. The enduring GR/CS plat-

form will be configured as the RC-12X. The EO-5 DeHavilland Dash 7 ARL sys-

tem carries an effective mission equipmentpackage combining both communicationsintelligence and electro-optical/infrared(EO/IR), full motion video (FMV) imagerycapability. The ARL’s program requirementsare being updated by U.S. Army Trainingand Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in a ca-pabilities production document that solidi-fies the baseline configuration and outlinesfuture increments that leverage advances insensor technologies.

The MC-12S Beechcraft King Air 350EREMARSS is a multi-intelligence platformwith EO/IR, FMV and other special purposesensors. This enduring ISR capability is anACAT II acquisition program of record thatcombines new production aircraft with exist-ing multi-intelligence configured platforms.The multi-intelligence platforms are QRCprograms that have demonstrated intelli-gence gathering capabilities in direct supportof deployed ground maneuver commanders.The program is in the engineering manufac-turing development phase and scheduled fora Milestone C decision in late FY 2014.

In October 2011, the Army AcquisitionExecutive directed PEO Aviation to assumelead responsibility for the management ofall Army fixed-wing aircraft. As a result, theFixed Wing Project Office (FW PO) as-sumed the task of transitioning multipleQRC fixed-wing ISR systems from multipleorganizations and agencies to the FW PO.The following programs were QRC capabil-ities developed to provide ground maneu-ver commanders with intelligence gather-ing assets using various state-of-the-artcapabilities throughout the Iraq and Af-ghanistan theaters. They are now operatingunder airworthiness cognizance and underthe management of the Product ManagerFixed Wing SEMA.

This set of SEMA QRC programs pro-

vides counter-improvised explosive devicecapabilities: the Highlighter Beechcraft KingAir, the Saturn Arch DHC-8 and the DesertOwl DHC-8.

This set of SEMA QRC programs pro-vides advanced multi-intelligence capabili-ties: the MARSS Beechcraft King Air andDeHavilland Dash 7, the Constant HawkBeechcraft King Air, the TACOP BeechcraftKing Air, the VADER Beechcraft King Air350ER and DHC-6 Twin Otter.

Most recently, in response to Departmentof the Army (DA) direction for centralizedmanagement of all manned Army fixed-wing aircraft, the Mission Support AircraftDirectorate now oversees C-12 and B-200King Air, SA 227 Metroliner (SA 227), C-23A, C-41A, UV-20A, T-34, UV-18A/C,C-31A and Gulfstream III aircraft.

C-12 Beechcraft King Air, C-23A ShortsBrothers Sherpa, C-208 Cessna Caravan, T-34 Beechcraft Mentor and UV-18A DeHavil-land DHC-6 aircraft support Army researchand development activities, most notably inthe test and evaluation and sensor develop-ment arenas. C-12 Beechcraft King Air air-craft support TRADOC’s Aviation Centerof Excellence multi-engine aircraft qualifi-cation course at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Other Aircraft SupportThe SA 227 Metroliner and the C-20A

Gulfstream III aircraft support the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, providing expe-ditious and reliable transportation for thesupervision and inspection of constructionareas and facilities, flood control, and nav-igation operations; and rapid response toemergency situations such as floods, hurri-canes, tornadoes, earthquakes and othernatural disasters. The SA 227 is also usedfor personnel transport services at the Rea-gan Test Center on Kwajalein Atoll in sup-port of Space and Missile Defense Com-mand.

Two Cessna 182 aircraft are used by theU.S. Military Academy as educational toolsfor mechanical engineering cadets with anaerospace subdiscipline. The aircraft arepart of a mandatory flight laboratory pro-gram, providing students firsthand experi-ence in the concepts of aeronautics flightenvelopes.

The UV-18 DeHavilland DHC-6 TwinOtter is a twin-engine turboprop, shorttakeoff and landing, light utility aircraft pri-marily used for local and off-site tandemand competition team parachute missionsupport for the Army parachute team. TheUV-18 Twin Otter aircraft supports theGolden Knights mission as the Army’s aer-ial ambassadors to the American public, aswell as DoD and DA strategic-level off-sitemissions. C-31A Fokker F-27-400 Friendship pas-

senger aircraft, modified to support para-troop operations, serve as the parachuteteam’s primary vehicle to support two


C-23 Sherpa

demonstration teams at air shows nation-wide. The C-31A is a pressurized aircraftpowered by two Rolls-Royce turboprop en-gines and is sometimes used for tandemjumps in conjunction with demonstrations.

The C-41A, CASA C-212 Aviocar andUV-20A Pilatus PC-6 Porter aircraft are theprimary aircraft used for special operationstraining. These aircraft provide continentalU.S. special operations forces (SOF) withthe institutional training base support forrequired aviation and airborne skill sets, in-cluding the U.S. Army John F. KennedySpecial Warfare Center and School SpecialForces qualification course and militaryfree-fall school. They also support airbornetraining sustainment (static line, free fall,aerial and air land resupply, and unim-proved airfield operations) for all ArmySOF and multiple joint SOF organizationson the Eastern Seaboard.

The Diamond Aircraft Industries DA-40and Learjet model 35/36A aircraft supportPEO Simulation, Training and Instrumenta-tion (PEO STRI), providing threat aircraftsystems and towed target support. The DA-40 provides representative UAS-basedthreat systems, supporting development ofa programmable threat UAS ground controlstation. The Learjet aircraft provide livetowed-target prototypes and productionhardware that closely emulates the signa-ture level and performance of typical threat

aircraft or cruise missiles supporting air de-fense system development.

The following QRC aircraft are still under-going assessment and airworthiness adjudi-cation and fall under the responsibility of theFixed Wing Assistant Project Manager:

The BuckEye Beechcraft King Air pro-vides point target mapping capabilities.BuckEye is an approved acquisition pro-gram candidate poised to become a pro-gram of record.

The Night Eagle Beechcraft King Airprovides change detection capabilities.

The Tactical Reconnaissance and Counter-Concealment Enabled Radar (TRACER)Beechcraft King Air provides foliage-pene-trating capabilities.

The FALCON-I DeHavilland DHC-8 isa joint capabilities technology demonstrationeffort to improve the existing C-12 TRACERwith foliage-penetration capabilities.

The High Altitude Light Detection andRanging (LIDAR) Operating ExperimentBombardier Global Express program pro-vides wide-area mapping capabilities.

The Communication Electronic Attackwith Surveillance and ReconnaissanceBeechcraft King Air program provideselectronic warfare capabilities.

The Joint Airborne LIDAR BathymetryTechnical Center of Expertise BeechcraftKing Air program provides mapping capa-bilities of littoral waters.

Unmanned Aircraft SystemsThe Army’s unmanned aircraft systems

(UAS) fleet consists of four programs ofrecord, directly supporting overseas contin-gency operations. The addition of UAS ca-pabilities bolsters combatant commanderand soldier capabilities, resulting in a moreflexible, adaptable and lethal combinedfighting force. Infantry, scout, intelligence,aviation, artillery, maneuver and medicalunits benefit from the availability and over-all effectiveness of UAS. UAS missions in-clude, but are not limited to, reconnais-sance, surveillance and target acquisition(RSTA); battle damage assessment; target-ing; persistent stare for around-the-clocklethal and nonlethal operations; convoyprotection; route clearance; and antiambush(improvised explosive device). As the Armybecomes leaner and more agile, the UASfleet will be shaped with commensurate ca-pabilities and versatility.

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAS providesreal-time responsive capability to conductlong-dwell, wide-area RSTA; communica-tions relay; signals intelligence; and attackmissions (up to four Hellfire missiles). Itwill be the mainstay of the division/corpscommander’s battle set for land warfareoperations. The program is in the produc-tion and deployment phase, with two QRCunits deployed in support of operations inAfghanistan.


The approved company configuration al-lows three platoons to operate from separatelocations, increasing operational flexibilityand survivability. The most notable attrib-utes of the Gray Eagle UAS are: 3,600-poundmaximum gross weight, electro-optical/in-frared, laser range finder/designator, syn-thetic aperture radar/ground moving targetindicator, dual automatic takeoff and landingsystems, triple redundant flight processors,redundant flight controls, near-all-weathercapability, and a heavy fuel engine. Gray Ea-gle has successfully demonstrated up to levelof interoperability (LOI) 4 with the AH-64Apache Block III during recent training sce-narios and evaluations at National TrainingCenter, Calif.; Dugway Proving Ground,Utah; and El Mirage, Calif. Gray Eagle hasalso executed numerous Hellfire missions inAfghanistan either autonomously or collabo-ratively, by launching a missile for remotedesignation or providing target designationfor another shooter.

The MQ-5B Hunter UAS is the Army’slongest-serving UAS and was used in Ko-sovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Opera-tion Enduring Freedom. In conjunction withoperations in multiple theaters, Hunter hasbeen the workhorse for integration anddemonstration efforts. The Army has in-stalled, demonstrated or tested more than 23different payloads on the Hunter, making itone of the most versatile UAS in the inven-tory. The Hunter air vehicle is a fixed-wing,twin-tail boom aircraft with a dual rudderand is capable of an 18-hour flight durationwith an EO/IR sensor or eight hours with a

250-pound payload. The EO/IR—the mainpayload for the Hunter—provides eyes ontarget and laser designation to supportmanned/unmanned teaming operations.

Hunter is a system of many firsts: first toprovide a heavy fuel engine to the comman-der in support of a common fuel on the bat-tlefield; first Army weaponized UAS plat-form; and first to provide communicationrelay payloads and signals intelligence tothe fight, making it one of the most soughtafter aircraft on the battlefield. This flexibil-ity comes from a center-wing section with

hard points that support 130 pounds each,facilitating weapons or additional pay-loads. When not utilized for payload, thecenter wing can be loaded with 110 liters offuel to increase endurance.

The Sky Warrior A and Gray Eagle Block0 aircraft are preproduction systems to theArmy Gray Eagle program of record. Theinitial Sky Warrior A systems were pro-duced in 2003 and fielded within six monthsafter contract award. The Gray Eagle Block0 systems became operational in Iraq in latespring 2008. The systems consist of two un-manned aircraft, a single ground control sta-tion, and associated ground support anddata-link equipment. The systems providethe commanders up to 22 hours a day of op-erations, can carry more than 450 pounds ofpayload and have a service ceiling of 25,000feet mean sea level. Since initial deploy-ment, these aircraft have seen a number ofupgrades, including beyond line of sight(BLOS), weaponization and reliability modi-fications. The systems carry a number of dif-ferent payloads and are used daily for restreduction efforts for the programs of record.

The RQ-7B Shadow Tactical UAS is theArmy brigade commander’s UAS. TheArmy’s Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, has di-rected that every maneuver brigade inAfghanistan be equipped with the tacticalUAS system.

The Shadow system consists of four un-manned aircraft with day/night EO/IR,laser range finder/designator and com-munications relay payload capabilities,two ground control stations mounted onHumvees with ground data terminals, one portable ground control station withportable ground data terminal, two tactical


RQ-20A Puma All Environment Capable Variant SUAS

MQ-5B Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System

automated landing systems, two launchersand two unmanned aircraft transportsmounted on Humvees. Personnel and addi-tional ground support equipment are trans-ported in four additional Humvees andthree trailers. The tactical UAS platoon con-sists of 22 personnel with the ability to sus-tain flight operations on a 24-hour basis.The unmanned aircraft (UA) takes off froma launcher and lands autonomously in anarea slightly longer than a soccer field. An-notated imagery can be transmitted in near-real time to support the commander’s mis-sions. The system can be deployed viaC-130s. A contractor logistics support team,transported in a mobile maintenance facil-ity within a sheltered Humvee and trailer,supports the system.

The RQ-11B Raven Small UAS (SUAS) isan important reconnaissance and surveil-lance asset for U.S. combat forces. Raven, abattery-operated, hand-launched, 4.5-poundaircraft fielded throughout the U.S. Army,provides organic company- and platoon-level RSTA. The systems are widely de-ployed with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghan-istan. The Raven system consists of threeaircraft, two control stations, modular pay-loads (high-resolution color day cameraand infrared (IR) night sensors with IR laserilluminator), batteries, RSTA kit, and spareparts. The system is rucksack-portable by dismounted soldiers. Raven uses tworugged cases for storage and transport. Thesystem is interoperable with the One Sys-tem Remote Video Terminal and with re-ceivers in manned aircraft. An FY 2012 up-grade provided a single fully gimbaledpayload incorporating day and night sen-sors and the IR illuminator.

The RQ-20A Puma All Environment Capable Variant (AECV) SUAS is a 13-pound, 9-foot-wingspan aircraft supportingforward deployed BCTs. The Puma em-ploys a fully gimbaled payload carrying ahigh-resolution camera, an IR sensor andan IR laser illuminator. The Puma is hand-launched and provides lower-echelon unitswith an organic RSTA asset capable of up totwo hours’ endurance and a 15-kilometerrange. The Puma AECV system includesthree aircraft, three payloads, batteries, twocontrol stations, an RSTA kit, spare partsand rugged transport cases. The rapidequipping force originally procured Pumain response to an urgent requirement. Sub-sequent requirements led to procurementfor route clearance patrols and each maneu-ver company within BCTs supporting OEF.

The One System Remote Video Terminal(OSRVT) provides commanders and sol-diers at all echelons a tool for gaining andmaintaining dominant situational under-standing continuously throughout an opera-tion. It enables the user to achieve battlefieldvisualization and situational understandingthrough full-motion video (FMV) and atstandoff ranges never before available.

OSRVT collects and processes live videosources in real time. These video streamscan be viewed immediately, recorded forquick playback and analysis, or exported toanother storage device for extended record-ing and video archiving or to another useron the network to enhance situationalawareness.

The OSRVT program uses commercialand government off-the-shelf (COTS andGOTS) technologies. Specific applicationsare acquired, integrated onto test modelsand evaluated, first in a test facility andthen in an operational setting. COTS/GOTStechnology and a flexible test bed are pro-gram approaches to minimize research anddevelopment, use proven technologies, andfield iterative capabilities in the short term.

The Universal Ground Control Station(UGCS) provides a common set of hard-ware and software functionality to supportUAS interoperability with Army, joint andallied forces. The UGCS performs UAS mis-sion planning, UA launch, mission execu-tion, UA recovery and post-UAS missionsupport. A UGCS consists of two S-788 con-figuration or three S-280 configuration crewstations, with each crew station able to per-form all UGCS functions. The UGCS opera-tors will each be able to perform either UAcontrol functions or mission payload func-tions, or both.

In support of the operational and com-munication functions, the UGCS will per-form data processing functions (includingthe ground-based portions of guidance,control, navigation functions, and ArmyMission Command network and systems)and will include electric power backup anddistribution equipment. An environmentalcontrol function will support the crew andequipment inside the UGCS. The UGCS

will be capable of operating and interfacingwith other UAs within the Army UAS fam-ily and with other intelligence gatheringand support systems without causing mu-tual interference or operational degrada-tion. The GCS subsystem also consists of ashelter and/or portable transit cases, andenvironmental conditioning capability toprotect the GCS subsystem’s functionalityfrom the physical environment.


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