Network And Mission Plan

The Network And Mission Plan line item (LI 8658AA0712) in the Army's Aircraft Procurement budget supports a suite of integrated aviation mission planning and networking capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to modernize and sustain the Army's aviation mission planning systems, enabling digital connectivity, interoperability, and enhanced command and control across rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft platforms. The program is managed under the Army's Transformation Initiative and is aligned with requirements for both active and reserve components. It supports homeland defense, emergency response, and military support to civil authorities.

Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS) is a core component of this line item, providing pre-mission planning and rehearsal capabilities such as route planning, communications planning, and aircraft configuration. AMPS aggregates data from multiple sources and digitally loads it onto aircraft via Data Transfer Devices, initializing communications, navigation, and weapons systems. The program's funding is transitioning to the Force Development - Communications (FDC) portfolio, with future funding contingent on the definition of Office of Coordinating Responsibility (OCR) roles by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology).

Improved Data Modem Open System REMAN (IDM OSR) serves as the Army's standard for digitizing aviation platforms. IDM OSR provides digital air-to-air and air-to-ground connectivity, situational awareness, and command and control messaging using legacy radios and cryptographic equipment. The budget supports IDM OSR production, airworthiness certification, and integration of software applications such as the Interoperability Software Application (ISA), Aviation Radio Control Manager (ARCM), and Aircraft Survivability Equipment B-Kit Emulator. These efforts are essential for integrating new radios and supporting mission command modernization, with compliance to cybersecurity requirements.

Aviation Data Exploitation Capability (ADEC) is designed to enhance post-mission data analysis and exploitation. ADEC includes workstation and server kits, software enhancements, and data management tools to support the rapid processing and dissemination of aviation mission data. The program's objectives include improving the Army's ability to leverage mission data for operational insights and decision-making. Ongoing systems engineering and test activities are managed by the AMRDEC Software Engineering Directorate.

Aircraft Notebook (ACN) provides digital tools for aircraft maintenance, flight records, and operational status tracking. ACN supports the Centralized Aviation Flight Records System (CAFRS), which manages aircrew flight hours, qualifications, and training records. The architecture is evolving toward a web-based solution to improve accessibility and efficiency. Funding for CAFRS is scheduled to end after FY25 as resources shift to support Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) requirements.

Aviation Mission Common Server (AMCS) is being developed as the General-Purpose Computing Platform (GPCP) for future Army Aviation fleets. AMCS/GPCP will provide a modular, open systems computing environment capable of hosting diverse software applications for communication, navigation, sensing, and weapons deployment. The platform is designed to support the future Common Digital Backbone and enable Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) capabilities, with development beginning in FY28 and production scheduled for FY31.

The Aviation Status Dashboard Congressional Add supports software development for real-time status tracking and operational dashboards. This tool is intended to improve situational awareness and fleet management by providing commanders and maintainers with up-to-date aircraft status information. The Network And Mission Plan line item addresses critical modernization, interoperability, and digital transformation goals for Army Aviation, ensuring readiness and adaptability in multi-domain operations.