Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)

The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) Program is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative under Program Element (PE) 0604530N, focused on developing and fielding a next-generation aircraft arrestment system for aircraft carriers. The primary goal of the AAG program is to replace the legacy Mark 7 arresting gear with a modern system capable of safely and efficiently recovering all current and future carrier-based, tail hook-equipped aircraft. This program supports the Navy's strategic objective of maintaining robust carrier aviation capabilities while improving operational effectiveness and reducing long-term operating and support costs.

A key objective of the AAG program is to address system safety, obsolescence, and reliability through targeted research and engineering efforts. This includes the development of Software Stability improvements, which are designed to resolve software deficiencies and reliability issues identified in a System Safety Risk Assessment (SSRA) and an independent review by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) team. The program aims to mitigate risks associated with non-deterministic software behavior and latency, which have contributed to serious hazard ratings. To achieve this, the AAG team is modernizing and re-architecting the software, implementing higher standards of rigor and process control, and conducting System Requirements Reviews (SRR) and Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) in FY 2026.

Another major component is Depot Planning, which focuses on establishing the infrastructure and processes needed for long-term sustainment and maintenance of the AAG system. This includes analysis and development of test benches, depot repair support equipment, logistics product updates, maintenance task analysis, and the creation of overhaul work instructions and intervals. Depot Planning is ongoing, with efforts to finalize requirements and prepare for depot standup procurements. These activities are essential for ensuring the system's maintainability and readiness throughout its service life.

The program also funds the Software Support Activity (SSA), which is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive software test and support strategy for AAG. The SSA ensures that all software test activities and procedures are properly implemented, supporting both initial deployment and ongoing updates. This high-level hybrid planning document is critical for maintaining software reliability and addressing issues as they arise during operational use.

Reliability improvements are addressed through the development of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), such as those for charging power supply and water twister drain and fill kits. These ECPs are designed to resolve production impacts and enhance the overall reliability and performance of the AAG system. The program also includes an alternative solution for the energy absorption subsystem on Ford Class carriers, which reduces the need for costly retrofits and improves energy management during aircraft recovery operations.

The acquisition strategy for the AAG program involved competitive contracts for technical development, followed by a single award to General Atomics for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. This phase included the development and demonstration of a production-representative AAG system at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The program has transitioned from design and development into concurrent production and sustainment, with ongoing system improvements funded in FY 2026 to address depot planning, software stability, SSA, reliability ECPs, and further development of alternative energy absorption solutions.