Aviation Ground Support Equipment

The Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) program, outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605830A, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Army. The primary objective of this program is to test and evaluate ground support equipment that enhances the maintenance and operational readiness of both the Army's enduring fleet of rotary wing aircraft and the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Through the development and modernization of diagnostic, repair, and servicing capabilities, the AGSE program supports the Army's ability to rapidly deploy, operate, and sustain aviation operations in multi-domain environments. This aligns with the National Defense Strategy and National Military Strategy.

A major focus within this program is the Aviation Ground Power Unit Next Generation (AGPU 1.1). The AGPU 1.1 is designed to provide external hydraulic flow and purification, pneumatic, and AC/DC electrical power to meet the servicing requirements of both current and future Army aircraft. Objectives for FY 2025 include integrating product improvements for AGPU 1.1 to specifically support the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative, which encompasses the FLRAA. The transition of AGPU 1.1 from development to production is reflected in the FY 2026 budget, with a shift in focus from R&D to fielding and production.

Another key initiative is the AGSE Product Portfolio Assessment to support FLRAA. This comprehensive study, planned for FY 2026, aims to evaluate the existing portfolio of AGSE products to determine their suitability for supporting the FLRAA. The assessment will identify capability gaps and inform decisions on whether new procurements or modifications to existing products are necessary. The goal is to ensure that the Army's ground support systems can fully support both the enduring fleet and the next generation of aircraft, thereby maintaining high levels of readiness and operational effectiveness.

The AGSE Product Office employs a flexible acquisition strategy, leveraging a combination of contracts and engineering service tasks to complete development and testing. Once systems are validated, the program transitions to production, typically using competitive procurement processes to achieve best value. The contracting approach is tailored to each product, with an emphasis on procuring commercial products from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or leveraging existing products from other Department of Defense agencies when appropriate.

The AGSE program element is funded over multiple fiscal years, with a decrease in FY 2026 funding attributed to revised economic assumptions and the transition of AGPU 1.1 from development to production. The broader AGSE procurement line also supports these efforts, with funding allocated for the acquisition and modernization of ground support equipment necessary for both current and future Army aviation platforms.

Test and evaluation activities are a central component of the AGSE program. For AGPU 1.1, product improvements and modifications are tested to ensure compatibility with FLRAA requirements, with scheduled test and evaluation activities extending through FY 2030. The AGSE Product Portfolio Assessment, beginning in FY 2026, will further inform future RDT&E and procurement priorities by identifying gaps and recommending solutions to support the evolving needs of Army aviation.