Aircraft Certification

The Aircraft Certification program is a critical element of the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support portfolio. Its primary goal is to ensure the safe flight operation of nearly 20,000 Army aircraft, both manned and unmanned, through technical design approval and qualification of aviation systems to rigorous airworthiness standards. This program is mandated by Army Regulation 70-62 and is the only legal mechanism for establishing certification criteria for priority research areas supporting the Army Modernization Strategy.

The Aircraft Certification line item supports independent airworthiness qualification for all developmental and in-production Army aircraft. It encompasses a range of engineering functions, including design analysis, testing, demonstrations, and compliance verification with system specifications. The program also manages and executes the Army Military Airworthiness Certification Criteria (AMACC) program, providing airworthiness approval for new systems and materiel changes across all assigned Army aircraft systems.

A significant objective of the program is to provide airworthiness engineering support for major development, modification, and future systems and subsystems requirements. This includes supporting the Program Executive Officer for Aviation and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command's Technology Applications Program Office. The program also manages test and evaluation processes integral to the airworthiness qualification process, ensuring that new and modified aircraft meet established safety and performance standards.

The initiative focused on certification requirements and studies for force modernization aircraft, future aircraft, and advanced aircraft technologies conducts studies and technical assessments to support airworthiness certification for current and future Army aviation systems. This includes refining the AMACC document, performing qualification assessments for platforms such as the AH-64E, UH-60M, MH-47G, and MH-60M, and evaluating requirements for advanced technology transition programs like the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft and Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems. These efforts are essential for understanding and applying new certification criteria, standards, and compliance methods for emerging aviation technologies.

The design standards component supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of Army Aeronautical Design Standards and airworthiness procedures. This includes the creation and upkeep of qualification documentation and engineering tools necessary for consistent and effective certification processes. By maintaining up-to-date standards and procedures, the Army ensures that its aircraft fleet remains compliant with evolving safety and performance requirements.

The program also addresses aircraft fleet airworthiness certification advancement and synchronization by supporting participation in national and international airworthiness committees and working groups. This engagement helps synchronize Army certification practices with those of other services and allied nations, including activities with the National Airworthiness Council, NATO Airworthiness working groups, and the Air Force Interoperability Council. Such collaboration is vital for maintaining interoperability and safety across joint and coalition operations.

Work under this program is primarily conducted by the United States Army Futures Command and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The FY 2026 budget request reflects reductions aligned with government efficiency initiatives, including decreased funding for advisory services and civilian personnel. The Aircraft Certification program is foundational to the Army's ability to safely integrate advanced technologies and maintain a modern, capable aviation fleet.