Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program

The Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative under the Army's budget, managed by the United States Army Futures Command (AFC) and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The primary goal of this program is to develop, test, and qualify improvements to aircraft engine components, with a focus on correcting deficiencies identified during service, improving flight safety, enhancing readiness, and reducing operating and support (O&S) costs. The program also supports the Army's Critical Safety Item (CSI) program by providing test vehicles for required testing and qualification efforts.

A significant objective of the program is to address both program-specific and non-program-specific issues related to Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The program seeks to improve safety and readiness across these platforms by identifying and mitigating root causes of component failures that could impact operational effectiveness or safety. This includes supporting investigations into UAS safety and readiness issues, which are increasingly important as unmanned systems become more prevalent in Army aviation operations.

Within the program, the in-house support line item provides ongoing engineering support for UAV engine CIP programs. The objective is to maintain an internal capability to analyze, design, and implement improvements to UAV engine components. For FY 2025 and FY 2026, the program plans to continue this support, reflecting a slight increase in funding due to economic assumptions. This ensures that the Army retains technical expertise and responsiveness to emerging engine component issues, supporting the broader goals of safety and reliability.

Another key component is the UAS Fuel System Component Evaluation initiative. This effort is aimed at improving aircraft readiness and reliability by investigating and mitigating the root causes of common component failures in critical UAV subsystems, such as Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADECs), fuel injectors, and high-pressure fuel pumps. Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued investigations to support airworthiness, reliability, and performance improvements. These efforts are designed to address performance anomalies observed during aircraft operation, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and safety of Army UAVs.

The acquisition strategy for the program involves implementing improved designs through Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and follow-on procurement or modifications to production contracts. This approach allows the Army to introduce upgraded hardware into the fleet efficiently, ensuring that improvements identified through RDT&E activities are rapidly transitioned into operational systems. The strategy emphasizes both cost-effectiveness and timely fielding of critical safety and performance enhancements.

Funding for the program in FY 2026 reflects an increase from previous years, primarily due to adjustments for civilian manpower affordability and realignment of funds from other program elements. The budget supports both in-house engineering and external product development activities, with ongoing efforts at DEVCOM AvMC and the Army Research Lab at Aberdeen Proving Ground. These organizations are responsible for executing the technical work required to achieve the program's objectives.