Air Crew Systems Development

PE 0604264N: Air Crew Systems Development is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) program focused on the engineering and manufacturing development of advanced aviation life support systems and aircrew safety technologies. The goal of this program is to enhance the protection, survivability, and operational effectiveness of Navy and Marine Corps aircrew and flight deck personnel against a range of current and emerging threats. These threats include directed energy weapons, chemical/biological/radiological agents, ballistic projectiles, temperature extremes, low oxygen environments, high dynamic forces, hearing loss, and high G forces. The program also aims to improve survivability during isolated personnel events and emergency egress scenarios.

Aircrew System Development (0606) encompasses a broad portfolio of projects designed to address validated capability gaps and deficiencies in aviation life support equipment. Key objectives include the development and integration of Enhanced Visual Acuity systems for advanced day/night vision and helmet-mounted displays, Head and Neck Injury Mitigation technologies for vibration damping in cockpit seats, and the Improved Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System for digital color-capable helmet displays. Additional efforts focus on the Next Generation Survival Radio for secure communications, Recovery Locator Device for precise distress signaling, Aircrew Hearing Protection for hearing conservation and speech intelligibility, and Survival Vest System Improvement for upgraded vest systems with life support and armor carrier capabilities.

Physiological Episodes (9099) addresses the need to monitor and mitigate physiological risks to aircrew, such as loss of consciousness or performance degradation during flight. The Physiological Monitoring initiative develops and fields systems that track aircrew physiological and cognitive parameters, providing early warnings of health or performance issues. The Helmet Mask Regulator project focuses on improving helmet, mask, and regulator designs to reduce the occurrence of physiological episodes. These efforts are guided by the Root Cause & Corrective Action team's findings and are essential for restoring confidence in aircraft systems and ensuring aircrew safety.

Parachute Survival Ensemble, Cold Weather/Anti-Exposure Systems, and Next-Generation Rotary Wing Helmet are new Department of the Navy requirements funded in FY 2026. The Parachute Survival Ensemble program aims to modernize parachute survival gear by reducing size and weight and improving accessibility for in-flight bladder relief, which enhances comfort and egress during bailout. Cold Weather/Anti-Exposure Systems focus on designing and qualifying improved cold weather and anti-exposure gear that reduces thermal burden, increases mobility, and improves water resistance, thereby supporting extended mission endurance and survivability. The Next-Generation Rotary Wing Helmet seeks to mitigate back and neck injuries with lighter-weight helmets and improved center of gravity, while also serving as a platform for future digital helmet-mounted display solutions.

Aircrew Safety Improvement Program provides ongoing development and qualification of solutions to emergent aircrew systems deficiencies, obsolescence, and readiness issues. This program is responsive to fleet demand signals and prioritizes efforts that enhance safety and survivability across the aircrew systems portfolio. It ensures that high-priority safety and performance issues are addressed in a timely manner, supporting force readiness.

Acquisition and Contracting Strategies for PE 0604264N leverage commercial-off-the-shelf and non-developmental items where feasible, utilize full and open competition, and employ cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts when technical complexity warrants. The program is managed primarily by the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Patuxent River, MD, with additional support from other Navy research and medical units. These strategies are intended to expedite the introduction of new products, reduce costs, and promote commonality across Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms.

Justification and Funding Details highlight that the program is funded under System Development and Demonstration due to its focus on engineering and manufacturing development tasks for projects that have passed Milestone B approval. The FY 2026 budget increase reflects new requirements for Parachute Survival Ensemble, Cold Weather/Anti-Exposure Systems, and Next-Generation Rotary Wing Helmet, as well as additional funding for Survival Vest System Improvement, Recovery Locator Device, Aircrew Hearing Protection, Enhanced Visual Acuity, and Aircrew Safety Improvement Program to address deficiencies and support continued development. The program's approach ensures that aircrew systems remain effective, resilient, and aligned with evolving operational needs and safety standards.