Aircraft Survivability Development

Mission — Aircraft Survivability Development source

This funding line is a key enabler of the Army Modernization Priorities in support of the Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) as well as Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). The Aircraft Survivability Development program includes Projects titled Aircraft Survivability Equipment Development (ER7), Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) (ER8), and Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS) (ITD). This program previously included funding for Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement (JUONS) SO-0010, Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA) Directed Requirement for Advanced Threat Warner (ATW) portion of Phase 3 ATW/Common Infrared Countermeasures Quick Reaction Capability (ATW/CIRCM QRC), and Limited Interim Missile Warning System Quick Reaction Capability (LIMWS QRC). As of FY2025, the ATW and JUONS RDT&E efforts have been completed, and aircraft deployed with JUONS have been de-modified. ER7: Aircraft Survivability Development. The objective of the ASE Development project is to improve Radio Frequency (RF) ASE for Army Aviation. APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) detects, categorizes, and prioritizes RF emitters and provides a visual / aural alert to aircrew members warning them of targeting by RF-guided weapons. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) approved Phases 1 and 2 of a 3-phased path forward. Phase 1, APR-39C(V)1/4, serves as an obsolescence / sustainment upgrade to the Processor Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) for AN/APR-39A(V) RWR implemented to ensure that the currently fielded system remains viable until affordable improved RF ASE capability can be pursued in Phases 2 and 3. Phase 2A is RWR Modernization begins by adopting the United States Navy APR-39D(V)2 system. APR-39D(V)2 will significantly improve the RF threat coverage, automatic detection and identification of threat types, bearing, and lethality. Phase 2B, the APR-39E(V)2, Modernized Radar Warning Receiver (MRWR), is an Army Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to APR-39D(V)2, approved in the Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) signed June 24, 2019. This ECP will implement enhanced hardware and software upgrades to keep APR-39 technically relevant against new and emerging agile threats faced by legacy platforms in a near peer contest. APR-39E(V)2 is part of the suite of ASE mission equipment for FLRAA. Phase 3 adds active Radio Frequency Electronic Countermeasures (RF-ECM) capability for selected aircraft with Material Development Decision (MDD) planned in the future. Justification: FY 2026 Base RDT&E funding of $8.159 million supports APR-39E(V)2 Hardware and Software System Development, and Systems Engineering and Program Management (SEPM). ER8: Common Missile Warning System (CMWS). The CMWS program is a missile warning system that cues both flare and laser-based countermeasures to defeat incoming Infrared (IR)-seeking missiles and will alert aircrews to the presence of certain incoming munitions. The B-Kit consists of the components which perform the missile detection and aircrew notification, munitions detection and aircrew notification, false alarm rejection, and countermeasure employment/cueing functions of the system. The CMWS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives ultraviolet (UV) missile detection data from Electro-Optic Missile Sensors (EOMS), which detect UV signals, and sends a missile alert signal to warn aircrews via on-board avionics. Tier 1 threat missiles detected and tracked by CMWS are subsequently defeated by a combination of missile seeker countermeasures, including decoy flares and IR Laser Jamming (currently Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) -multiple platforms and Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM)-equipped CH-47 platform only). In addition, CMWS ECU receives munitions detection data from the EOMS which it also passes to the aircrew through aural and visual alerts. The aircrew then applies the appropriate Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to break contact or engage the enemy with own-ship ordnance. CMWS Generation 3 (Gen 3) ECU in conjunction with ongoing software development efforts will address outstanding materiel release conditions and ensure protection against emerging IR-guided missile threats. Due to evolving threats, CMWS will remain in the Army inventory until replaced by a future program. Continuing systems engineering, integration, and testing along with software support will maintain capability to rapidly respond as threats evolve in order to ensure protection against IR-guided missile threats. The A-Kit for CMWS includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, cables, and other components necessary to install and interface the mission kit on host aircraft. The A-Kit ensures the mission kit is functionally and physically operational with a specific host aircraft type. As of FY 2025, the ATW and JUONS RDT&E efforts have been completed, and aircraft deployed with JUONS have been de-modified. LIMWS QRC addresses the HQDA Directed Requirement to provide a greater capability than CMWS, the current program, to bridge the gap between CMWS and the future threat detection system, the Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS). LIMWS is required to provide increased detection range, improved detection in clutter, more agile algorithms to rapidly respond to emerging threats, and eliminates the need for sensor alignments. Justification: CMWS/LIMWS QRC: FY 2026 Base RDTE dollars in the amount of $4.681 million will fund Algorithm Analysis, Threat and Vulnerability Analysis, and Systems Engineering and Program Management (SEPM). ITD: Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS). The ITDS (Improved Threat Detection System) budget line includes funding to support the development and integration of improved Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) products onto current US Army Aviation platforms as well as Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and future platforms. ITDS will detect, classify, cue, and declare on existing and emerging Electro-Optical/Infra-red (EO/IR) Guided Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), Class I - IV Drones, Loitering Ammunitions, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG)/ unguided rockets, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Ballistic munitions, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and Lasers. ITDS will provide missile threat handoff to the appropriate countermeasure system (Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) and/or expendable countermeasure). ITDS will explore opportunities to improve the expendable countermeasure system. ITDS will use an incremental approach to align with PM ASE's System of Systems approach, align both agnostic detect and defeat capabilities, implement a modular open system architecture, integrate to the FLRAA digital backbone, improve full coverage against evolving threats in hostile environments, support counter UAS, and incorporate multi-function sensor suite to support other aircraft enabling technologies. Additional key attributes include: Geo-location of threats, Support Degraded Visual Environment and Navigation, Multiple Threat Detection, Declaration for Simultaneous Warning. Justification: ITDS: FY2026 Base RDTE dollars in the amount of $31.342 million will fund design and demonstration testing, prototype application hosting, sensor characterization and flight test, digital simulation modelling assessments, aircraft integration strategies, reliability, prototypes, manufacturing, and technical readiness assessments. References: - Joint Staff, J-8 Deputy Director for Requirements (DOR) memorandum, April 24, 2015 - Phase 2a SOCOM JUONs SO-0010, Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) memorandum, May 29, 2015 - Directed Requirement for the Phase 3 Advanced Threat Warner and Common Infrared Countermeasure Quick Reaction Capability (ATW/CIRCM QRC) to Support Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) SO-0010, CIRCM Critical Intelligence Parameters Breach, December 18, 2015 - Directed Requirement for Limited Interim Missile Warning System to Detect Enemy Man Portable Air Defense Systems, March 26, 2017 - Update to the Directed Requirement for the United States Special Operations Command Joint Urgent Operational Needs SO-0010 Threat Detection and Countermeasures to Enemy Man Portable Air Defense System Capability, November 16, 2018 - Directed Requirement for Limited Interim Missile Warning System to Detect Enemy Man Portable Air Defense Systems, November 16, 2018 - Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) Modernization Fielding Guidance, Change 1, November 19, 2018 - Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) for Radio Frequency (RF) Project Manager Aircraft Survivability Equipment (PM ASE) Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) for Radar Warning Receiver AN/APR39-D(V)2 to AN/APR39-E(V)2, June 24, 2019 by PEO IEW&S. - MDD Request for the ITDS Program of Record, Aviation Capability Development and Integration Directorate (Aviation CDID), 6 July 2021. - MDD Request for the ITDS Program of Record, DCS, G-8, 14 March 2022. - Assignment of an Army Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for the ITDS Capability, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) (ASA(ALT)), 18 April 2022. - Improved Threat Detection Investment Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM), ASA(ALT), 1 July 2024. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.91 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative."

Mission — Aircraft Survivability Equipment Development source

This funding line is a key enabler of the Army Modernization Priorities in support of FLRAA. The objective of the ASE Development project is to improve RF ASE for Army aviation. APR-39 RWR detects, categorizes, and prioritizes RF emitters and provides a visual / aural alert to aircrew members warning them of targeting by RF-guided weapons. The MDA approved Phases 1 and 2 of a 3-phased path forward. Phase 1, APR-39C(V)1/4, serves as an obsolescence / sustainment upgrade to the Processor LRU of APR-39A(V) RWR implemented to ensure that the currently fielded system remains viable until affordable improved RF ASE capability can be pursued in Phases 2 and 3. Phase 2A is where RWR Modernization begins by adopting the United States Navy APR-39D(V)2 system. APR-39D(V)2 significantly improves the RF threat coverage, automatic detection and identification of threat types, bearing, and lethality. Phase 2B, the APR-39E(V)2, MRWR, is an Army ECP to APR-39D(V)2, approved in the ADM signed June 24, 2019. This ECP implements enhanced hardware and software upgrades to keep APR-39 technically relevant against new and emerging agile threats. APR-39E(V)2 is part of the suite of ASE mission equipment for FLRAA and the Enduring Fleet. Phase 3 adds Radio Frequency Electronic Counter Measures (RFECM) focusing on detecting and jamming incoming RF signals. RFCM will provide aircraft with an extra level of security against RF threats to include UAS/Drone technology. Justification: FY 2026 Base RDT&E funding of $8.159 million supports APR-39E(V)2 Hardware and Software System Development, and Systems Engineering and Program Management.

Mission — Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) source

The Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) program is a missile warning system that cues both flare and laser-based countermeasures to defeat incoming Infrared (IR) seeking missiles and will alert aircrews to the presence of certain incoming munitions. The B-Kit consists of the components which perform the missile detection and aircrew notification, munitions detection and aircrew notification, false alarm rejection, and countermeasure employment/cueing functions of the system. The CMWS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives ultraviolet (UV) missile detection data from Electro-Optic Missile Sensors (EOMS), which detect UV signals, and sends a missile alert signal to warn aircrews via on-board avionics. Tier 1 threat missiles detected and tracked by the CMWS are subsequently defeated by a combination of missile seeker countermeasures, including decoy flares and IR Laser Jamming (currently Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) and Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) equipped CH-47 platform only). In addition, CMWS ECU receives munitions detection data from the EOMS which it also passes to the aircrew through aural and visual alerts. The aircrew then applies the appropriate Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to break contact or engage the enemy with own-ship ordnance. The CMWS Generation 3 (Gen 3) ECU in conjunction with ongoing software development efforts will address outstanding materiel release conditions and ensure protection against emerging IR-guided missile threats. Due to evolving threats, CMWS will remain in the Army inventory until replaced by a future program. Continuing systems engineering, integration, and testing along with software support will maintain capability to rapidly respond as threats evolve in order to ensure protection against IR-guided missile threats. The A-Kit for CMWS includes mounting hardware, wiring harnesses, cables, and other components necessary to install and interface the mission kit on host aircraft. The A-Kit ensures the mission kit is functionally and physically operational with a specific host aircraft type. As of FY 2025, the ATW and JUONS RDT&E efforts have been completed, and aircraft deployed with JUONS have been de-modified. Phase 4 Limited Interim Missile Warning System Quick Reaction Capability (LIMWS QRC) addresses the Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA) Directed Requirement to provide a greater capability than CMWS, the current Program of Record (POR), to bridge the gap between CMWS and the future threat detection system, the Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS). LIMWS is required to provide increased detection range, improved detection in clutter, more agile algorithms to rapidly respond to emerging threats, and eliminates the need for sensor alignments. CMWS/LIMWS QRC: FY 2026 Base RDTE dollars in the amount of $4.681 million will fund Sensor and Algorithm Analysis, Threat and Vulnerability Analysis, and Systems Engineering and Program Management (SEPM).

Mission — Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS) source

The ITDS (Improved Threat Detection System) budget line includes funding to support the development and integration of improved Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) products onto current US Army Aviation platforms as well as Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and future platforms. ITDS will detect, classify, cue, and declare on existing and emerging Electro-Optical/Infra-red (EO/IR) Guided Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), Drone Class I - IV, Loitering Ammunitions, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG)/ unguided rockets, Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Ballistic munitions, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and Lasers. ITDS will provide missile threat handoff to the appropriate countermeasure system (Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) and/or expendable countermeasure). ITDS will explore opportunities to improve the expendable countermeasure system. ITDS will use an incremental approach to align with PM ASE's System of Systems approach, align both agnostic detect and defeat capabilities, implement a modular open system architecture, integrate to the FLRAA digital backbone, improve full coverage against evolving threats in hostile environments, support counter UAS, and incorporate multi-function sensor suite to support other aircraft enabling technologies. Additional key attributes include: Geo-location of threats, Support Degraded Visual Environment and Navigation, Multiple Threat Detection, Declaration for Simultaneous Warning. Justification: ITDS: FY2026 Base RDTE dollars in the amount of $31.342 million will fund design and demonstration testing, prototype application hosting, sensor characterization and flight test, digital simulation modelling assessments, aircraft integration strategies, reliability, manufacturing, and technical readiness assessments. References: - MDD Request for the ITDS Program of Record, Aviation Capability Development and Integration Directorate (Aviation CDID), 6 July 2021. - MDD Request for the ITDS Program of Record, DCS, G-8, 14 March 2022. - Assignment of an Army Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for the ITDS Capability, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) (ASA(ALT)), 18 April 2022. - Improved Threat Detection Investment Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM), ASA(ALT), 1 July 2024.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)