Aviation Improvements

The PE 0205633N: Aviation Improvements program is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative under the Operational Systems Development budget activity. Its primary objective is to enhance the readiness, reliability, maintainability, and safety of in-service naval aviation systems through targeted modernization, technology insertion, and sustainment efforts. The program encompasses projects addressing obsolescence, support equipment, avionics, propulsion, corrosion prevention, and maintenance process improvements. These efforts ensure that both legacy and current platforms remain effective and affordable throughout their service lives.

Project 0357: IFDIS Fault Detection focuses on reducing intermittent faults in the Electrical Wiring Interconnect System (EWIS) of aircraft. The goal is to improve aircraft readiness and decrease non-value-added maintenance costs by conducting trade studies, evaluating the effectiveness of current test equipment, and identifying capability gaps. The project leverages systems engineering expertise at NAWCAD Patuxent River and employs a non-ACAT acquisition strategy based on market surveys and cooperative opportunities.

Project 0601: Aircraft Handling & Service Equipment aims to modernize common ground support equipment and address obsolescence across multiple Navy aircraft systems. Objectives include the development and fielding of the Engine Test Instrumentation Replacement System (ETIRS) for post-maintenance engine testing and the Aviation Maintenance Advancement Solutions (AMAS), which integrates digital maintenance tools and cyber-secure portable devices for maintainers. The project also addresses cyber vulnerabilities identified by the Cyber Warfare Detachment and supports joint procurement opportunities with other services.

Project 0852: Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) is responsible for the development and modernization of the Navy's automatic test systems, including the electronic CASS (eCASS) and associated test program sets. Objectives are to increase material readiness, reduce life cycle costs, improve tester sustainability, and provide test capabilities for both legacy and emerging avionics and electro-optic weapon systems. The project also includes the development of organizational-level testers to replace aging flight line test equipment, ensuring continued support for advanced platforms.

Project 1041: Aircraft Equipment Reliability/Maintainability Improvement Program (AERMIP) is the Navy's program dedicated to RDT&E support for in-service, out-of-production aircraft equipment. Goals are to increase readiness by improving the reliability and maintainability of installed systems, address obsolescence, and reduce total ownership costs through flight-test support and fleet evaluation. The program also funds high-priority flight testing not covered by other acquisition efforts and promotes standardization and commonality across platforms.

Project 1355: Propulsion and Power Component Improvement Program (CIP) provides engineering support to resolve safety, reliability, and maintainability deficiencies in Navy and Marine Corps aircraft propulsion systems. Priority is given to safety-of-flight issues, with efforts directed at reducing in-flight aborts, safety incidents, and maintenance costs. The program covers a range of propulsion systems, including engines, transmissions, propellers, and auxiliary power units, and is structured to provide rapid engineering response to fleet-identified problems throughout the system's life cycle.

Project 1356: Corrosion Prevention Improvements supports efforts to enhance the resilience of weapon systems to corrosion, thereby increasing operational availability. Funding enables the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Corrosion and Finish (CoECF) Training, validation of advanced repair techniques such as solid state structural repair and cold spray powders, and demonstration of laser ablation for corrosion removal. These initiatives are managed by the Naval Aviation Enterprise Corrosion Management Board and are intended to improve material readiness and maintenance proficiency among Sailors and Marines.