Aviation Rocket System Product Improvement and Development

The Aviation Rocket System Product Improvement and Development program (PE 0607142A) is an Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on enhancing the performance, safety, and operational effectiveness of aviation rocket systems, particularly the Hydra-70 2.75 inch rocket and associated launchers. The program's primary goals are to modernize munitions and launchers, integrate advanced technologies, and ensure compliance with statutory and Department of Defense (DoD) requirements regarding insensitive munitions and operational capabilities for both manned and unmanned Army aviation platforms.

A key objective of this program is to address performance improvements for the Hydra-70 rocket system to comply with US Code Title 10, Section 2389 on insensitive munitions, as well as DoD directives and Army requirements. These improvements include the design, qualification, and integration of precision guidance capabilities, increased lethality, better target suppression, extended standoff range, reduced minimum engagement range, improved pre-launch and communication features, increased reliability, and reduced environmental impact. The program also aims to reduce Warfighter workload and enhance system survivability against unplanned stimuli.

Within this program, efforts specifically fund the optimization and integration of air-to-ground rocket variants on platforms such as the Apache helicopter. Activities include the design and construction of all-up-round containers, environmental qualification testing, ground firings, software updates for aviation platforms, technical support for integration and testing, and the development of training and maintenance materials. The goal is to support Army Materiel Release and ensure these guided munitions meet operational and safety standards.

Support for modular weapon systems and their integration with fielded launchers and aviation platforms is also provided. This effort leverages in-house expertise, collaboration with other government agencies, and partnerships with the defense industry to conduct technical assessments, risk reduction, technology maturation, engineering design, and integration for both manned and unmanned Army aviation platforms. The objective is to ensure that modular weapon systems remain compatible with evolving operational requirements and technological advancements.

Upgrading and enhancing launcher components to support current and future munitions is a focus, as outlined in the Army Aviation Weapons, Sub-Systems and Munitions Initial Capability Document and the Air Launched Effects (ALE) Initial Capability Refinement Document. This effort emphasizes the development of nonproprietary, open systems architectures for launcher components, enabling flexible integration with emerging munitions and future weapon systems. The open architecture approach is intended to facilitate rapid adaptation to new technologies and mission requirements.

The acquisition strategy for the Aviation Rocket System Product Improvement and Development program utilizes a combination of in-house expertise, collaboration with other government agencies, and partnerships with the defense industry, including the use of Other Transactional Agreements. This flexible approach allows the Army to respond to urgent operational needs and emerging requirements while maintaining the relevance of the Hydra-70 rocket system and its variants. The program also supports ongoing research studies and system engineering efforts to inform future improvements.