Aircraft Avionics

The PE 0604201A: Aircraft Avionics program is a key Army Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget line focused on the modernization and integration of avionics systems for Army aviation platforms. The overarching goal is to ensure that Army aircraft are equipped with advanced, resilient, and interoperable avionics capabilities to support evolving operational requirements, particularly in contested and multidomain environments. This program element funds both system development and demonstration activities, with a particular emphasis on engineering, manufacturing development, and integration of new technologies.

C97: ACFT Avionics is a major project within this program element, dedicated to developing and qualifying alternate Position, Navigation, and Timing (ALT-PNT) solutions for Army aircraft. The primary objective is to provide precise navigation and timing capabilities during Multidomain Operations (MDO), especially in scenarios where GPS signals are denied or degraded. This is achieved through research and development of Vision Based Navigation (VBN) and Alternate Navigation (ALT-NAV) methods, leveraging high-grade onboard sensors and signals of opportunity.

The project aligns with the Army's Assured PNT modernization priority and complies with Section 1611 of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates resilient and survivable PNT capabilities. In FY 2024 and FY 2025, C97 focused on the EAGLE Navigation System A-PNT Integration, including the development of software and hardware airworthiness qualification artifacts and conducting Safety of Flight test demonstrations for the ALT-PNT Fusion Engine. The project utilized Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) standards to facilitate rapid and affordable integration of new technologies and to ensure adaptability against adversarial advancements. Congressional adds in FY 2024 provided additional funding for the AltNav Capability, accelerating development and testing of these critical navigation systems.

VU3: Networking And Mission Planning is another significant line item under PE 0604201A, supporting the development and integration of networking and mission planning systems for Army aircraft. The central component is the Improved Data Modem (IDM), which digitizes Army Aviation by enabling secure digital air-to-air and air-to-ground connectivity, situational awareness data management, and mission command messaging. IDM interfaces with aircraft mission computers, data-capable radios, and the Tactical Internet, supporting protocols such as AFAPD and VMF for interoperability across platforms.

VU3 also encompasses the transition to the General-Purpose Computing Platform (GPCP), a next-generation computing environment designed to host a wide array of software applications for communication, navigation, sensing, and weapon system deployment. The GPCP, built on MOSA and Open Systems Architecture (OSA) principles, will support the future Common Digital Backbone for Army Aviation, enabling growth for flight-critical capabilities and Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2). Development of the GPCP is scheduled to begin in FY28, with production targeted for FY31.

Additional objectives within VU3 include the enhancement of the Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS), which automates mission planning, risk assessment, and data transfer for aviation units. Efforts are underway to migrate AMPS capabilities to mobile, hardware-agnostic platforms, improving synchronization between air and ground forces and enabling continuous mission updates. The program also supports modernization of the AN/ARC-220 High Frequency Radio, including development of an Airborne Radio Control Manager (ARCM) driver to improve interoperability and operational effectiveness.

The acquisition strategy for PE 0604201A leverages a mix of contract methods, including coordination with original equipment manufacturers, use of University Affiliated Research Centers, and collaboration with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center. This approach ensures efficient development, integration, and testing of avionics systems, while maintaining compliance with Army directives and software/cloud activity funding policies. The program is structured to deliver advanced avionics capabilities that enhance the resilience, interoperability, and operational effectiveness of Army aviation platforms.