Common Ground Equipment

The Common Ground Equipment program is dedicated to enhancing the Navy's aircraft support capabilities by procuring various ground support equipment. This includes Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), aircraft systems trainers, training aids, and the Consolidated Automated Support System Family of Testers (CASS FOT). The program focuses on transitioning existing Test Program Sets (TPSs) to modern systems like CASS, RTCASS, and eCASS to improve operational readiness and extend testing capabilities. These efforts are essential for maintaining the functionality of both legacy and current aircraft systems.

A primary goal of this program is acquiring and modifying common ATE to replace outdated equipment and incorporate necessary improvements for reliability and maintainability. This involves addressing fleet-reported issues through engineering investigations and quality deficiency reports. Additionally, the program supports acquiring ancillary assets that enhance the testing capabilities of CASS family testers, ensuring they meet Unit Under Test (UUT) requirements without needing a complete inventory upgrade.

The program also highlights the development of mobile maintenance facilities for Marine expeditionary forces, which are crucial for providing deployable logistics support in various environments. These facilities are designed to be adaptable and meet international standards for structural integrity, offering a 20-year service life with environmental control units for heating and cooling. Investing in these mobile facilities aligns with strategic plans to enhance expeditionary aviation logistics support across different domains.

Moreover, the Common Ground Equipment program includes initiatives for general skills training through advanced training systems not tied to specific aircraft platforms. This encompasses upgrades to air combat training systems, air traffic control simulators, and survival training programs. By investing in these training systems, the program aims to equip Navy and Marine Corps personnel with the skills necessary to maintain operational readiness in diverse mission scenarios.