Aircraft Survivability Development

The Aircraft Survivability Development program (PE 0605051A) is a critical Army Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the survivability of Army aviation platforms against evolving threats. The program supports Army Modernization Priorities, particularly in the development and integration of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) for both current and future platforms, including the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). The budget request for this program is distributed across three primary projects: Aircraft Survivability Equipment Development (ER7), Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) (ER8), and Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS) (ITD).

Aircraft Survivability Equipment Development (ER7) is focused on improving Radio Frequency (RF) ASE for Army aviation, with particular emphasis on the APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) series. The project's objectives are to detect, categorize, and prioritize RF emitters, providing timely alerts to aircrews about RF-guided weapon targeting. The development follows a three-phased approach: Phase 1 addresses obsolescence and sustainment of current systems; Phase 2A modernizes the RWR by adopting the Navy's APR-39D(V)2, enhancing threat coverage and detection; Phase 2B introduces the APR-39E(V)2, which implements advanced hardware and software upgrades to counter emerging agile threats. Phase 3 will add active RF Electronic Countermeasures (RF-ECM) capabilities. Funding supports continued hardware and software development as well as systems engineering.

Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) (ER8) is designed to provide missile warning and cueing for countermeasures against infrared (IR)-seeking missiles and certain munitions. The system integrates missile and munitions detection, false alarm rejection, and countermeasure deployment (flares and IR laser jamming) to protect aircrews. The CMWS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) processes data from Electro-Optic Missile Sensors (EOMS) and alerts aircrews via avionics. The program also includes the Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS) Quick Reaction Capability (QRC), which bridges the capability gap between CMWS and future systems by providing increased detection range, improved clutter performance, and more agile algorithms. Funding is allocated for algorithm analysis, threat and vulnerability analysis, and systems engineering.

Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS) (ITD) represents the Army's next-generation approach to aircraft threat detection. ITDS aims to detect, classify, and cue countermeasures against a wide spectrum of threats, including Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR)-guided Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), drones, loitering munitions, RPGs, ATGMs, ballistic munitions, UAS, and lasers. The system will provide missile threat handoff to countermeasures such as the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) and expendable systems. ITDS is being developed with a modular open system architecture to facilitate integration with FLRAA and other platforms, and to support multi-function sensor suites and geo-location capabilities. Funding supports design and demonstration testing, prototype development, sensor characterization, digital simulation, integration strategies, and technical readiness assessments.

The Aircraft Survivability Development program is managed by Project Manager Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PM ASE) and leverages a phased acquisition strategy to align with user priorities and affordability. The program's structure allows for incremental capability improvements, ensuring that both legacy and future aviation platforms remain protected against rapidly evolving threats. The acquisition approach includes competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts for ITDS, and a combination of government and industry partnerships for system integration and testing across all projects.

Justification for continued investment in these projects is driven by the increasing sophistication and proliferation of threats to Army aviation, including advanced RF and IR-guided weapons, drones, and loitering munitions. The program's objectives are to maintain technological relevance, ensure rapid response to emerging threats, and provide comprehensive protection for aircrews. The budget reflects an increase in funding, particularly for ITDS, as the program transitions from technology demonstration to engineering development and prototype manufacturing.