Life Support Systems

The Life Support Systems program (PE 0604706F) is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Air Force under Budget Activity 5: System Development and Demonstration (SDD). Its primary goal is to develop, upgrade, and field advanced aircrew flight equipment and combat support systems to ensure safe and effective mission execution. The program addresses deficiencies in existing equipment, integrates new technologies, and conducts Safe-to-Fly tests and certifications to meet validated operational requirements prior to full-rate production. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) leads these efforts, focusing on both engineering and manufacturing development tasks.

A major objective within this program is the development and sustainment of Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for aircrew, aiming to enhance mission performance, safety, and survival. Efforts include anthropometric data collection to ensure equipment fits a diverse aircrew population, and the development of flight suits, bladder relief systems, helmets, ejection seats, survival systems, G-suits, body armor, oxygen masks, and restraint systems. Active projects include technical insertion for aircrew laser eye protection, next generation fixed wing helmets, low profile parachutes, and nuclear flash blindness goggles. The program also tests and certifies commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to address real-time capability gaps.

Another significant line item is the effort to qualify, procure, and field upgraded ejection seat escape systems for ACES II-equipped aircraft. The new system is designed to safely accommodate a broader range of aircrew weights and sitting heights, including a larger portion of the female pilot population, and supports the use of helmet mounted displays. The upgraded ejection seat aims to reduce the risk of injuries during ejection, particularly to the limbs, neck, and spinal column. Planned activities include completing qualification testing and production readiness for certain aircraft, with future plans involving awarding integration and production readiness contracts for additional platforms.

The Test and Evaluation component of Life Support Systems funds program tests for ejection seats, helmets, and other equipment, ensuring that new and upgraded systems meet stringent safety and performance standards. These tests are conducted at various locations and are critical for certifying equipment prior to fielding. The program also supports management services and program administration, primarily executed by AFLCMC at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, to oversee project execution and ensure alignment with Air Force priorities.

Funding for Life Support Systems is allocated across product development, support, test and evaluation, and management services. The program employs a streamlined acquisition strategy, prioritizing the use of Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) and COTS items when practical, with characterization, verification, and qualification testing to adapt these products for military use. Traditional engineering and manufacturing development approaches are used for more complex projects. The program also includes necessary civilian pay expenses to manage and deliver weapon system capability, supplementing other program elements as needed.

Budget adjustments for FY 2025 and FY 2026 reflect shifts in Air Force priorities and efforts to promote government efficiency, including reductions for advisory and assistance services in alignment with Executive Order 14222. Congressional actions, reprogrammings, and transfers, such as SBIR/STTR, have also impacted funding levels. The program's schedule extends through FY 2030, with ongoing efforts in aircrew performance, helmet development, ejection seat upgrades, and nuclear flash blindness protection.