Shipboard Aviation Systems

Mission — Shipboard Aviation Systems source

CV Launch & Recover System - This Navy unique project addresses the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) of systems required to recover and launch Navy/Marine Corps Aircraft (Fixed/Rotary Wing and Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing) operating aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and air capable ships. This program element includes the following: (1) Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment Modernization (2) Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Service Life Management program This program is funded under System Development and Demonstration because it includes projects that have passed Milestone B approval and conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirement prior to full-rate production decision.

Mission — CV/CVN Launch and Recover source

This Navy unique project addresses the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) of systems required to recover and launch Navy/Marine Corps Aircraft (Fixed/Rotary Wing and Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing) operating aboard aircraft carriers (CVN), amphibious assault ships and air capable ships. This program includes the following systems under Project 2232, including the funding of production representative models for: (1) Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Modernization: ALRE Modernization encompasses efforts required to ensure continued functional performance, operational relevance, and cybersecurity accreditation for all product lines across the ALRE program. This includes efforts required to resolve emerging obsolescence issues (both hardware and software), implement fleet driven operational capability upgrades, and comply with cybersecurity requirements and computer task order requirements for security threat mitigation. Major categories include Visual Landing Aids (VLA), Information Systems, Launcher, Recovery, Marine Aviation Data Management System (MADMS) and Aviation Data Management and Control System (ADMACS). There are 48 fielded subsystems that are included in the major categories. The ALRE Gold Disk program provides diagnostic test routines for fleet technician troubleshooting capability on faulty circuit cards to identify the problem and perform the repair. VLA Long Range Line-Up (LRLS) is a solid state system required by CVNs Flight Deck Certification and provides visual cues for approaching fixed wing aircraft to ensure safe recovery of all platforms in all environments. Marine Aviation Data Management System (MADMS) is an integrated shipboard information system that provides near real-time situational awareness to key work centers by reducing data replication and provides discreet communications in support of air and surface operations on amphibious assault ships with process automation, distribution and display of information, and integration of key operational systems like weapons, combat cargo/surface ops, shipboard planning, flight ops, and flight deck management. (2) Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Service Life Management Program (SLMP): The ALRE SLMP for Launcher and Recovery is required to sustain carrier aviation operations of higher energy aircraft launch and recoveries that are increasing loads on the ALRE systems, and that are affecting availability, maintainability and cost. This program will consist of service life assessment and extension initiatives and will establish the design foundation (structural, reliability, and maintainability analyses), permit appropriate assessment, track and focus design changes where most needed. Two SLMP prototypes were procured in FY 2018. The Nimitz class aircraft carriers operate Mark 7 arresting gear systems to capture and arrest Navy aircraft. The Mark 7 systems use a classic linear-piston cylinder setup to convert the kinetic energy of the aircraft into storage energy. Specifically, a control system is used to apply correct logic to piston-cylinder closing parameters depending upon the aircraft type that is being arrested. This is called Advanced Recovery Control (ARC). The current ARC system was designed with early 2000's technology and components that have reached their end-of-life and are not compliant with current cybersecurity protocols. To support continued operations through 2060, a series of developmental engineering changes are required for modernized control components, technology and cybersecurity. This is the ARC Block Upgrade.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)