Aircraft Survivability Equipment

The Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) program is a critical component of the Army's modernization efforts, specifically supporting the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) platform. The primary objective of this budget line is to procure and integrate advanced survivability systems that protect Army rotary-wing aircraft from a range of battlefield threats, including laser-aided and radio frequency (RF)-guided weapons. The program is managed under the Aircraft Procurement, Army appropriation and falls within the Ground Support Avionics sub-activity. This ensures both active and reserve components have access to these capabilities for homeland defense, emergency response, and support to civil authorities.

ASE Laser Countermeasures is a key subprogram within the ASE budget line. Its main goal is to equip Army aircraft with the AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Set (LDS), which passively detects laser illumination from rangefinders, target designators, and laser beam rider surface-to-air missiles. The system provides 360-degree azimuth and 90-degree elevation coverage, alerting aircrews with prioritized visual and aural warnings based on threat lethality. Funding supports training, technical support, government management, and the installation of CH-47F A-Kits. The procurement objective for this system is set to cover a broad fleet and ensure integration with other ASE systems.

ASE Radio Frequency Countermeasures represents the second major line item, focusing on improving RF survivability for Army aviation assets. The core system, the APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), detects, categorizes, and prioritizes RF emitters, providing timely alerts to aircrews about RF-guided weapon targeting. The program is structured in three phases. Phase 1 involves obsolescence and sustainment upgrades to the APR-39A(V) system. Phase 2A adopts the Navy's APR-39D(V)2 system to enhance threat detection and identification, while Phase 2B introduces the Army-specific APR-39E(V)2 Modernized Radar Warning Receiver, which incorporates further hardware and software upgrades to counter emerging agile threats. Phase 3 will add active RF electronic countermeasures (RF-ECM) capabilities for selected aircraft, pending future material development decisions.

Funding for the ASE Radio Frequency Countermeasures line supports the procurement and installation of APR-39E(V)2 A-Kits and B-Kits, spares, systems engineering, mission data set development, training, fielding, and government management. The procurement objectives for the APR-39E(V)2 are set to ensure a comprehensive upgrade and modernization of the Army's RF survivability suite. The program leverages both Army and Navy acquisition strategies, with Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor for B-Kit production.

The justification for the ASE program is rooted in the evolving threat environment, where adversaries increasingly employ advanced laser and RF-guided weapons. By investing in both laser and RF countermeasures, the Army aims to enhance the survivability of its rotary-wing fleet, reduce vulnerability to targeting, and maintain operational effectiveness in contested environments. The program also aligns with government-wide efficiency initiatives, as evidenced by a reduction in advisory services to promote cost savings and policy alignment with Executive Order 14222.

Procurement planning and execution for both subprograms involve a mix of recurring and non-recurring engineering, hardware and software development, training, logistics, and field support. The Prototype Integration Facility at Redstone Arsenal, AL, plays a central role in A-Kit procurement and installation, while Northrop Grumman's Rolling Meadow, IL facility is responsible for B-Kit production. The program's production schedule is carefully managed to ensure timely delivery and integration, with procurement lead times and manufacturing rates calibrated to meet Army operational needs.