Common Ground Equipment

The Common Ground Equipment program, part of the Army's Aircraft Procurement initiative, aims to enhance the operational readiness and maintenance capabilities of Army aviation assets. Managed by the Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) Product Office, this program focuses on procuring and modernizing essential ground support equipment. Its primary goal is to support both current and future vertical lift aircraft by providing necessary diagnostic, repair, and servicing capabilities. This effort is crucial for maintaining Army Aviation readiness and ensuring that aircraft are prepared for various missions.

A key objective of the program is to address critical capability gaps identified by the Army Requirement Oversight Committee (AROC). One such gap involves the maintenance and operational needs of the CH-47 and AH-64 fleets. To bridge this gap, the program plans to procure a significant number of Aviation Ground Power Unit (AGPU) 1.1 systems. These systems are vital for supporting homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities as outlined in Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.

In addition to AGPU 1.1 systems, the program also prioritizes equipment such as the Aircraft Cleaning and Deicing System (ACDS). The AGSE Product Office manages over 20 fielded products that contribute to these efforts. The aim is to ensure that all equipment meets the evolving needs of Army aviation units while maintaining a high level of service readiness across active and reserve components.

The Common Ground Equipment program represents a strategic investment in support infrastructure that enhances the Army's ability to maintain its aviation fleet effectively. By focusing on both procurement and modernization efforts, this program ensures that critical ground support equipment remains capable of meeting current demands while being adaptable for future requirements.