Common Ground Equipment

The Common Ground Equipment program, as outlined in the Navy's FY 2026 budget request (Line Item 0705), is a comprehensive procurement initiative supporting a wide range of aircraft ground support, maintenance, and training capabilities. Its primary objective is to ensure the operational readiness and sustainment of Navy and Marine Corps aviation assets by funding the acquisition, modernization, and replacement of critical ground equipment, test systems, and training devices. The program is managed by various agencies, including the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Naval Inventory Control Point (NAVICP), and addresses both common and aircraft-specific requirements.

Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) funding supports the transition and modernization of Test Program Sets (TPSs) to advanced systems such as the AN/USM-636 Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS), Reconfigurable Transportable CASS (RTCASS), electronic CASS (eCASS), and the Joint Services Electronic Combat System Tester (JSECST). The goal is to replace obsolete legacy testers, improve reliability and maintainability, and ensure continued support for a broad array of weapon system components. FY 2026 specifically funds the offload of multiple weapon system TPSs to these modern platforms, production of High Speed Subsystem ancillary assets, and support for radar altimeter test equipment, which is critical for the continued flight operations of naval aircraft.

Aircraft Common Support Equipment (CSE) procurement is managed by NAVAIR and NAVICP and focuses on acquiring and sustaining ground support equipment required for aircraft maintenance and handling. The FY 2026 budget includes funding for CRAFT Radio Test Set upgrades, Next Generation Software Loaders, Mobile Nitrogen Gas Generators, LOX/LIN cryogenic tanks, particle counters, air conditioners, crash cranes, and other essential maintenance platforms. These investments are justified by the need to replace aging or unsupportable equipment, address inventory deficits, and incorporate engineering changes to maintain fleet capability and address emerging obsolescence issues.

Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE) addresses the unique needs of out-of-production or specialized aircraft, such as the AV-8B, C-130T, E-2C/D, F/A-18 variants, and others. FY 2026 funds are allocated to fill inventory deficits, replace obsolete PSE, and support new mission requirements, including outfitting expeditionary detachments and supporting adversary training squadrons. The objective is to ensure that all operational and depot-level maintenance activities have the necessary tools and equipment to sustain legacy and specialized platforms.

Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS/eCASS) investments are central to the Navy's strategy for electronic test and diagnostics. FY 2026 provides for the procurement of eCASS Mid-Life Upgrades, Fourth-Generation Electro-Optics (EO4) systems, and associated ancillary equipment. The EO4 program aims to replace aging EO3 consoles used for maintaining advanced targeting and sensor systems, addressing obsolescence and improving system reliability. These upgrades are expected to reduce lifecycle costs, improve weapon system availability, and support the integration of new and emerging avionics technologies.

Mobile Maintenance Facilities (MFs) are tactical shelters designed to provide deployable, scalable maintenance and supply support for Navy and Marine Corps aviation units. FY 2026 funds the procurement of new MFs and associated support costs, ensuring continued capability for expeditionary operations. These facilities are essential for supporting aircraft maintenance in austere environments, reducing the need for military construction, and enhancing the agility and responsiveness of aviation logistics.

Training Systems funding under General Skills Training, TOPSCENE, and Other Flight Training supports a wide range of aviation training devices, simulators, and courseware. FY 2026 investments include upgrades to Air Combat Training System laptops, air traffic control simulators, survival training devices, and modernization of distributed virtual training environments. These efforts are aimed at maintaining training fidelity, addressing technology obsolescence, and supporting integrated, high-end training scenarios for both aircrew and maintainers. The program also funds persistent networked training environments, cybersecurity upgrades, and the integration of new platforms into simulation and mission rehearsal systems, ensuring the Navy and Marine Corps maintain a highly trained and ready aviation force.