Aircraft Industrial Facilities

The Aircraft Industrial Facilities program within the Navy's FY 2026 budget request is designed to ensure the operational effectiveness, reliability, and modernization of aviation support infrastructure. This line item, identified as LI 0715, is part of the Aircraft Procurement, Navy appropriation, specifically under the Aircraft Support Equipment & Facilities budget activity. The program's primary objectives are to procure, upgrade, and maintain the calibration equipment and industrial support systems necessary for the repair, overhaul, and maintenance of Navy aircraft, engines, and components.

One major component of this line item is the Metrology/Calibration (METCAL) Program. The METCAL program's goal is to maintain the required accuracy and consistency in Navy measurements, which is critical for ensuring the reliability of Test and Measurement Systems and Aviation Support Equipment. Funds are used to procure Calibration Standards and ancillary equipment for Fleet Intermediate Calibration Activities, Fleet Training Activities, Navy Calibration Laboratories, and the Navy Primary Standards Laboratory. These procurements replace obsolete equipment, expand technical measurement capabilities, and automate calibration procedures. This approach helps reduce turnaround times and cost of ownership for Naval Air Systems Command.

Within the METCAL program, several categories of calibration standards are funded, including Automated/Interface Calibration Standards, Low Frequency AC/DC Calibration Standards, Physical Dimension/Optical Calibration Standards, RF/Microwave Calibration Standards, and Resistance/Impedance Calibration Standards. Each category addresses a unique technical requirement for the calibration of measurement devices and systems used in aviation maintenance. RF/Microwave Calibration Standards support the calibration of high-frequency systems, while Physical Dimension/Optical Calibration Standards are essential for precision measurements in aircraft component manufacturing and repair.

The second major component is the Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC) Support Equipment/Industrial Equipment Investment Program. The objective is to increase the number of Ready Basic Aircraft by enhancing the agility, capability, and capacity of FRCs to perform critical repair and overhaul missions. Funding supports the procurement of industrial equipment, both peculiar and common ground support equipment, as well as tooling and test equipment necessary for depot-level repairs. This includes replacing obsolete or irreparable equipment, modernizing facilities, and expanding technical capabilities to increase throughput and reduce production bottlenecks.

Specific FRC sub-line items include Divestiture Support, Equipment Purchase, Equipment Installation, and Acquisition Support. Equipment purchases in FY 2026 are increasing due to the requirement for a Fluid Cell Press, which is part of the Fleet Readiness Center Infrastructure Optimization and Modernization Plan. Installation costs are also rising in line with the expanded infrastructure needs. Acquisition support costs cover contracting administration and procurement functions, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of equipment and services.

The program also supports the Fleet Infrastructure Optimization Plan, which aims to replace obsolete or irreparable equipment and enhance FRC throughput. Funding is allocated for both the procurement and installation of new equipment, as well as for acquisition support labor at key FRC locations such as COMFRC, FRCE, FRCSE, and FRCSW. This comprehensive approach is intended to sustain and modernize the Navy's organic industrial capacity to meet current and future operational requirements.