gc
09-15-2005, 02:52 AM
This is a interesting article on USN aviation procurement over the next few years, and these includes the Super Hornet, Growlers, Knighthawks, V-22s, CH-53X, Advance Hawkeyes, JDAMS, JSOWs, TacToms, Aim-9X and upgrades. ;)
AVIATION PROGRAMS
http://www.news.navy.mil/navydata/testimony/aviation/young050303.txt
The Fiscal Year 2006 President's Budget request balances
continued recapitalization in obtaining new capabilities and
reducing operating costs while simultaneously sustaining the
legacy fleet aircraft that are performing magnificently in
current operations. Taking advantage of multi-year procurement
(MYP) to achieve significant savings in procurement accounts,
the Navy has entered numerous MYP contracts that will define the
future of weapons systems and further investment. The
Department's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request continues MYP
arrangements for the F/A-18E/F (both airframe and engine), the
KC-130J, the MH-60S, the MH-60S/R Common Cockpit, and the E-2C
to maximize the return on our investment. Our proposed plan
will procure 44 tactical, fixed wing aircraft (38 F/A-18E/F
aircraft, 4 EA-18G System Development and Demonstration assets,
and two E-2C aircraft), as well as 26 MH-60S, 12 MH-60R, 9 MV-
22, and 10 upgraded UH-1Y/AH-1Z helicopters. This plan also
continues the development of the F-35, the E-2C Advanced
Hawkeye, the EA-18G, the Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA),
the Aerial Common Sensor (ACS), and the Presidential Helicopter
Replacement Aircraft (VXX), and initiates development of the
Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR, CH-53X) aircraft.
SEA SHIELD
Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA)/P-3C
The future for the Navy's maritime patrol force includes plans
for sustainment, modernization, and re-capitalization of the
force. Results of the P-3 Service Life Assessment Program
(SLAP) have revealed the need for an aggressive approach to P-3
airframe sustainment. Key elements of the sustainment plan are
strict management of requirements and flight hour use, special
structural inspections to keep the aircraft safely flying, and
increased use of simulators to satisfy training requirements.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request reflects $74.5M for Special
Structural Inspections (SSI) and Special Structural Inspections
- Kits (SSI-K), which will allow for sustainment and continued
operation of approximately 166 aircraft. As the sustainment
plan progresses, the inventory may be further reduced to a
number approaching 130 aircraft. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget
request also reflects a modernization budget of $51.3M for
continued procurement and installation of the USQ-78B acoustic
processor and for completion of final installations of Anti-
Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) kits. We are working
on plans for further mission system modernization to allow us to
continue meeting COCOM requirements. To recapitalize these
critical aircraft, the Navy is procuring a MMA. The MMA program
entered System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase in May
2004 and awarded a contract to the Boeing Corporation for a 737
commercial derivative aircraft. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget
requests $964.1M for continuation of MMA SDD. Our comprehensive
and balanced approach has allowed for re-capitalization of these
critical assets.
MH-60R and MH-60S
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $655.5M in procurement and
$48.1M in RDT&E for the replacement of the Light Airborne Multi-
Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III SH-60B and carrier-based SH-60F
helicopters with the new configuration designated as MH-60R.
The procurement quantity was reduced to provide an orderly
production ramp. A Full Rate Production decision is scheduled
during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2006.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $608.7M in procurement and
$78.6M in RDT&E funds for the MH-60S, which is the Navy's
primary combat support helicopter designed to support Carrier
and Expeditionary Strike Groups. It will replace four legacy
platforms with a newly manufactured H-60 airframe. The MH-60S
is currently in the full rate five-year MYP contract with the
Army. The Army and Navy intend to execute another platform MYP
contract commencing in Fiscal Year 2007. Navy's total
procurement requirement was increased from 237 to 271 to provide
a force structure that supports the Navy-approved Helicopter
concept of operations.
AIM-9X
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $ 37.8M for 165 missiles.
AIM-9X continues deployment to operational sites after a
successful Full Rate Production decision last year.
SEA STRIKE
F/A-18 E/F
The F/A-18E/F continues to transition into the fleet, improving
the survivability and strike capability of the carrier air wing.
The Super Hornet provides a 40 percent increase in combat
radius, 50 percent increase in endurance, and 25 percent
increase in weapons payload over our older Hornets. Over 300
F/A-18E/Fs have been procured through Fiscal Year 2005, on track
to complete procurement of the program of record 462 aircraft in
2011. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $2.82B for 38 F/A-18
E/F aircraft for the second year of the five-year MYP contract
(Fiscal Year 2005 to 2009). The Super Hornet has used a spiral
development approach to incorporate new technologies, such as
the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, Advanced Targeting FLIR,
Shared Reconnaissance Pod System and Multifunctional Information
Distribution System data link. The first Low Rate Initial
Production Advanced Electronically Scanned Antenna Radar system
has been delivered to Boeing for installation into an F/A-18 and
will undergo operational testing in 2006.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Our recapitalization plan includes the JSF, a stealthy, multi-
role fighter aircraft designed jointly to be an enabler for
Naval Power 21. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request contains
$2.4B for continuation of System Development and Demonstration
on the JSF. The JSF will enhance the DON's precision strike
capability with unprecedented stealth, range, sensor fusion,
improved radar performance, combat identification and electronic
attack capabilities compared to legacy platforms. The carrier
variant (CV) JSF complements the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G in
providing long-range strike capability and much improved
persistence over the battlefield. The short takeoff and
vertical landing (STOVL) JSF combines the multi-role versatility
of the F/A-18 and the basing flexibility of the AV-8B. The
commonality designed into the JSF program will reduce
acquisition and operating costs of Navy and Marine Corps
tactical aircraft and allow enhanced interoperability with our
Allies and sister Services.
The JSF has completed the third year of its development program,
and the program continues working to translate concept designs
to three producible variants. Manufacture/assembly of the first
flight test aircraft conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) is
underwayand roughly 40% complete, with assembly times much less
than planned. Two thousand engine test hours have been
completed through mid-January 2005. Detailed design work
continues for the CTOL and STOVL variants. First flight is
scheduled for 2006. The JSF program has aggressively addressed
the performance issues associated with weight and airframe
design. The STOVL variant weight has been reduced by 2500 lbs.
through design optimization. Installed thrust improvements and
aerodynamic drag reduction as well as requirements tailoring are
being incorporated to further improve aerodynamic performance.
All three variants are projected to meet Key Performance
Parameter requirements.
The JSF program is completing a replan effort that began
approximately a year ago. The software block plan and test plan
are being reviewed consistent with the revised schedule and
Service needs. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reflects the revised
System Development and Demonstration and production schedule.
V-22
The MV-22 remains the Marine Corps' number one aviation
acquisition priority. The Osprey's increased range, speed,
payload, and survivability will generate transformational
tactical and operational capabilities. Ospreys will replace the
aging Marine fleets of CH-46E and CH-53D helicopters beginning
in Fiscal Year 2005, which will provide both strategic and
tactical flexibility to meet emerging threats in the GWOT.
Utilization far above peacetime rates, and the physical demands
of continuous operations in the harsh conditions of Iraq and
Afghanistan, are accelerating the deterioration and increasing
operating costs of the legacy aircraft that the MV-22 will
replace. These factors make a timely fielding of the MV-22
critical.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request includes $1.3B for nine MV-
22s, trainer modifications and retrofits and $206.4M for
continued development, testing and evaluation. The V-22 Osprey
resumed flight-testing in May 2002, and it has flown in excess
of 4900 hours. The Commander Operational Test and Evaluation
Force (COTF) Letter of Observation was completed in February
2005 to support Section 123 Certification to Congress to allow
the program to increase production above minimum sustaining rate
of 11 aircraft. Operational Evaluation will begin in March 2005
leading to Full Rate Production in early Fiscal Year 2006.
Heavy Lift Replacement Program (HLR, CH-53X)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $272M RDT&E to begin the
SDD phase of the HLR program that will replace the aging fleet
of CH-53E platforms. The Marine Corps' CH-53E continues to
demonstrate its value as an expeditionary heavy-lift platform,
with significant assault support contributions in Afghanistan,
the Horn of Africa and Iraq. Vertical heavy lift will be
critical to successful operations in anti-access, area-denial
environments globally, enabling force application and focused
logistics envisioned within the joint operating concepts.
The CH-53E requires significant design enhancements to meet
future interoperability requirements, improve survivability,
expand range and payload performance, improve cargo handling and
turn-around capabilities, and reduce operations and support
costs. An Analysis of Alternatives determined that a "new
build" helicopter would be the most cost-effective solution.
The Operational Requirements Document defining HLR capabilities
was approved in December 2004. The HLR will fill the vertical
heavy lift requirement not resident in any other platform that
is necessary for force application and focused logistics
envisioned in Sea Basing and joint operating concepts. With the
ability to transport 27,000 pounds to distances of 110 nautical
miles under most environmental conditions, commanders will have
the option to insert a force equipped with armored combat
vehicles or two armored High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicles
(HMMWVs) per sortie. To sustain the force, the HLR will be able
to transport three independent loads tailored to individual
receiving unit requirements and provide the critical logistics
air connector to facilitate sea-based operations. This
reliable, cost-effective heavy lift capability will address
critical challenges in maintainability, reliability, and
affordability found in present-day operations supporting the
GWOT.
F/A-18 A/B/C/D
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request contains $422.4M for the
continuation of the systems upgrade programs for F/A-18
platform. As the F/A-18 program transitions to the F/A-18E/F,
the existing inventory of over 900 F/A-18A/B/C/Ds will continue
to comprise half of the Carrier Strike Group until 2012.
Included in this request is the continued procurement of
recently fielded systems such as Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
System, Advanced Targeting FLIR, Multi-Function Information
Distribution System, and Digital Communications System. The
Marine Corps continues to upgrade 76 Lot 7-11 F/A-18A and C to
Lot 17 F/A-18C aircraft capability with digital communications
and tactical data link. The Marine Corps anticipates programmed
upgrades to enhance the current capabilities of the F/A-18C/D
with digital communications, tactical data link and tactical
reconnaissance systems. This upgrade ensures that our F/A-18s
remain viable and relevant in support of Tactical Air
Integration and Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare. The Marines
expect the F/A-18A+ to remain in the active inventory until
2015. The Marines are also employing the LITENING targeting pod
on the F/A-18A+ and D aircraft in OIF. When combined with data
link hardware, the LITENING pod provides real time video to
ground forces engaged with the enemy. The capabilities of the
LITENING pod with data link are highly effective for Marine
Corps expeditionary F/A-18 operations. The Fiscal Year 2006
Budget request also includes procurement of Center Barrel
Replacements to extend service life of F/A-18A/C/Ds seven years
to meet fleet inventory requirements until 2022.
Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reflects $7.6M in RDT&E to continue
the development of the IDECM Block III (ALQ-214 w/ the ALE-55
(fiber optic towed decoy)) that will undergo Operational Test
and Evaluation (OPEVAL) in Fiscal Year 2006. Additionally,
$86.5M in Aircraft Procurement funding is included for the
procurement of 55 ALQ-214 systems.
EA-18G
The E/A-18G continues development as the Navy's replacement for
the EA-6B Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) aircraft. The Navy
is using the F/A-18E/F multi-year contract to buy four Systems
Design and Development aircraft in Fiscal Year 2006 to install
and integrate Northrop Grumman's in-production Improved
Capabilities (ICAP)-III AEA system. These aircraft will support
EA-18G operational testing and allow the department to deliver
the next generation (AEA) capability at reduced cost and in the
shortest possible timeframe. The Marine Corps initiated studies
to examine options for replacing their electronic attack
aircraft.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request reflects $409M for Systems
Design and Development. The Systems Design and Development
continues on schedule with construction underway of the two
development aircraft. First flight is scheduled for the fourth
quarter of Fiscal Year 2006. A total quantity of 30 systems
will be procured in LRIP with a planned Fiscal Year 2009 IOC and
Fiscal Year 2012 FOC. The EA-18G will replace carrier-based
Navy EA-6B aircraft by 2012.
AH-1Z / UH-1Y
The H-1 Upgrades Program will remanufacture 180 AH-1W and 100
UH-1N helicopters into state-of-the-art AH-1Z and UH-1Y models.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $307.5M APN funds to
procure 10 UH-1Y/AH-1Z aircraft and $42.0M RDT&E funds to
complete the H-1 Upgrades Engineering and Manufacturing
Development phase. The development program is over 90 percent
complete with five aircraft being readied for OPEVAL, which will
begin this summer. Work on the first LRIP lot, awarded to Bell
Helicopter in December 2003, is progressing well and the second
LRIP lot will be awarded by the end of March 2005. The program
is seeking opportunities to reduce unit cost and minimize the
negative impact the remanufacture strategy could have on ongoing
military operations. Regarding the latter point, we anticipate
that some number of airframes will be newly fabricated instead
of remanufactured in order to reduce the amount of time aircraft
would otherwise be out of service. The optimum mix of
remanufactured and newly fabricated aircraft is being evaluated
with the results to be reflected in future budget requests.
The H-1 Upgrade Program is a key modernization effort designed
to resolve existing safety deficiencies, enhance operational
effectiveness of both the AH-1W and the UH-1N, and extend the
service life of both aircraft. The program will provide 100 UH-
1Ys and 180 AH-1Zs with 10,000 hour airframes. Additionally,
the commonality gained between the AH-1Z and UH-1Y (84 percent)
will significantly reduce life-cycle costs and logistical
footprint, while increasing the maintainability and
deployability of both aircraft.
AV-8B
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $15.5M RDT&E funds to
support development of the Engine Life Management Plan
(ELMP)/Accelerated Simulated Mission Endurance Testing, Tactical
Moving Map Display, and Aircraft Handling initiatives. The
Fiscal Year 2006 Budget also requests $36.6M procurement funding
for Production Line Transition efforts, procurement of Open
Systems Core Avionics Requirement, ELMP upgrades, and the
Readiness Management Plan which addresses aircraft obsolescence
and deficiency issues associated with sustaining the AV-8B until
JSF transition.
EA-6B
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request of $ 120.6M reflects the
total budget for wing center section modifications and
procurement of three Improved Capability (ICAP) III systems. The
aging EA-6B has been in ever-increasing demand as DoD's only
tactical radar jamming aircraft that also engages in
communications jamming and information operations. EA-6B
operational tempo has continued at extremely high levels during
the past year. Safety considerations, due to wing center
section and outer wing panel fatigue, have reduced aircraft
available to the fleet from 95 to 85. Aircraft inventory is
projected to return to above 95 by the end of Fiscal Year 2005.
Program priorities are current readiness and successful fleet
introduction of the ICAP III selective reactive jamming system.
Precision Guided Munitions (PGM)
The U.S Navy weapons programs of the 21st Century are evolving to
address the challenges of a dynamic and unpredictable enemy.
New weapon systems are planned or have been developed and
delivered to the Combatant Commanders to provide new options to
engage enemy forces in support of the GWOT. The Navy's Fiscal
Year 2006 Budget supports PGM programs that continue to allow
domination of the maritime environment, support in-land
operational forces, and enhance the overall department strategy
to deter and dissuade potential adversaries while supporting our
allies and friends.
Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)
JDAM has been the Department's weapon of choice for OEF/OIF. In
October 2004, the U.S. Navy provided an Early Operational
Capability and accelerated deliveries for a 500 lb JDAM variant
(GBU-38) for Navy F/A-18 A+/C/D platforms. After approving
production of this variant, we immediately deployed it in order
to meet an urgent warfighter need to employ precision munitions
with limited collateral effects in the congested urban
environments of Iraq. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request of
$82.6M procures 3,400 DON JDAM tail kits for all variants, thus
supporting all current and projected warfighter requirements.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reduces procurements to 1,500 kits
per year starting in Fiscal Year 2008; however, the Department
will closely monitor all JDAM variant requirements and combat
expenditures in order to make any necessary adjustments.
Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)
A new variant of the JSOW called JSOW-C was approved for Full
Rate Production in December 2004. Similar to the new 500 lb
JDAM program, this capability is in demand by the warfighter to
provide new options for precision attack against point targets
vulnerable to blast fragmentation effects and hardened targets.
The new JSOW-C variant employs an augmenting charge with a
follow-through penetrator bomb for hard targets that can also be
set to explode both payloads simultaneously. This lethal
package is coupled with an Imaging Infrared Seeker and GPS/INS
to provide the standoff precision attack capability in demand by
the warfighter. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget fully funds JSOW-C
production and support. It also shifts funding from production
of a submunition variant of JSOW to all JSOW-C's until there is
resolution of unexploded battlefield ordnance issues that are of
concern to the Department and our allies. The Navy/contractor
JSOW Team is dedicated to reducing acquisition costs.
Specifically, we are expecting to achieve a unit cost reduction
of more than 25% by 2006 due to the implementation of lean
initiatives, innovative processes, and engineering changes.
Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request continues the development of
a next generation defense suppression weapon system, the AARGM.
AARGM ensures continued air dominance and multi-mission
flexibility to the F/A-18 and EA-18 aircraft across suppression
and defeat of enemy air defenses, strike, and electronic warfare
missions. The Department recently entered into international
partnership negotiations with our NATO partner Italy, and we
plan an Initial Operating Capability for F/A-18 C/D during
Fiscal Year 2009.
The Navy is dedicated to developing new means by which the Joint
warfighter can defeat time critical strike targets in anti-
access scenarios, address counter-WMD missions, and improve our
ability to fight the GWOT. Towards that end, we are working
with the other Services, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the
Combatant Commanders to begin studies that may afford
opportunities for the possible development of the next
generation of affordable weapons. We envision that these
weapons may allow us to employ long-range standoff weapons in
direct attack roles via advanced high-speed propulsion and
deployment of a variety of lethal packages.
Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget supports the Navy's commitment to
replenish our precision-guided munitions inventories utilizing
the Navy's first MYP contract for a weapon. TACTOM entered Full
Rate Production in August 2004. We completed our second and
final remanufacture program, converting all available older
Tomahawk airframes to the latest Block III configuration. The
Firm Fixed Price five year contract (Fiscal Years 2004 - 2008)
for TACTOM will save the taxpayer ~12 % over annual
procurements. TACTOM's advanced design and manufacturing
processes have cut procurement cost to $729K or half the cost of
a Block III missile and maintenance costs by half of the cost of
its predecessor. TACTOM provides a more capable missile with a
15-year product warranty and a 15-year recertification interval.
This approach mitigates price growth of follow-on procurements
by providing incentive for the contractor to manage for
obsolescence, which will control future price growth on follow
procurements.
SEA BASE
KC-130
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $1,093M for 12 KC-130J
aircraft. These aircraft will be procured under an existing Air
Force multi-year contract. The Marine Corps has taken delivery
of 16 KC-130J aircraft to date, with five more deliveries
scheduled for Fiscal Year 2005. Twelve aircraft are planned for
procurement in Fiscal Year 2006 to bring the total number of KC-
130J aircraft to 33. The KC-130 fleet once again proved itself
as a workhorse during operations in Iraq. The KC-130J provides
major enhancements to the current fleet of KC-130s, extending
its range, payload, and refueling capabilities. The first KC-
130J squadron (12 aircraft) has achieved IOC and will
immediately be deployed in support of the GWOT. Bold steps in
simulator training and joint flight instruction place the KC-
130J program on the leading edge of the transformation
continuum. Additionally, we have continued to ensure the
tactical capability of our existing KC-130F, R and T series
aircraft by installing night vision kits and upgraded aircraft
survivability equipment.
AVIATION PROGRAMS
http://www.news.navy.mil/navydata/testimony/aviation/young050303.txt
The Fiscal Year 2006 President's Budget request balances
continued recapitalization in obtaining new capabilities and
reducing operating costs while simultaneously sustaining the
legacy fleet aircraft that are performing magnificently in
current operations. Taking advantage of multi-year procurement
(MYP) to achieve significant savings in procurement accounts,
the Navy has entered numerous MYP contracts that will define the
future of weapons systems and further investment. The
Department's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request continues MYP
arrangements for the F/A-18E/F (both airframe and engine), the
KC-130J, the MH-60S, the MH-60S/R Common Cockpit, and the E-2C
to maximize the return on our investment. Our proposed plan
will procure 44 tactical, fixed wing aircraft (38 F/A-18E/F
aircraft, 4 EA-18G System Development and Demonstration assets,
and two E-2C aircraft), as well as 26 MH-60S, 12 MH-60R, 9 MV-
22, and 10 upgraded UH-1Y/AH-1Z helicopters. This plan also
continues the development of the F-35, the E-2C Advanced
Hawkeye, the EA-18G, the Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA),
the Aerial Common Sensor (ACS), and the Presidential Helicopter
Replacement Aircraft (VXX), and initiates development of the
Heavy Lift Replacement (HLR, CH-53X) aircraft.
SEA SHIELD
Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA)/P-3C
The future for the Navy's maritime patrol force includes plans
for sustainment, modernization, and re-capitalization of the
force. Results of the P-3 Service Life Assessment Program
(SLAP) have revealed the need for an aggressive approach to P-3
airframe sustainment. Key elements of the sustainment plan are
strict management of requirements and flight hour use, special
structural inspections to keep the aircraft safely flying, and
increased use of simulators to satisfy training requirements.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request reflects $74.5M for Special
Structural Inspections (SSI) and Special Structural Inspections
- Kits (SSI-K), which will allow for sustainment and continued
operation of approximately 166 aircraft. As the sustainment
plan progresses, the inventory may be further reduced to a
number approaching 130 aircraft. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget
request also reflects a modernization budget of $51.3M for
continued procurement and installation of the USQ-78B acoustic
processor and for completion of final installations of Anti-
Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) kits. We are working
on plans for further mission system modernization to allow us to
continue meeting COCOM requirements. To recapitalize these
critical aircraft, the Navy is procuring a MMA. The MMA program
entered System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase in May
2004 and awarded a contract to the Boeing Corporation for a 737
commercial derivative aircraft. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget
requests $964.1M for continuation of MMA SDD. Our comprehensive
and balanced approach has allowed for re-capitalization of these
critical assets.
MH-60R and MH-60S
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $655.5M in procurement and
$48.1M in RDT&E for the replacement of the Light Airborne Multi-
Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III SH-60B and carrier-based SH-60F
helicopters with the new configuration designated as MH-60R.
The procurement quantity was reduced to provide an orderly
production ramp. A Full Rate Production decision is scheduled
during the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2006.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $608.7M in procurement and
$78.6M in RDT&E funds for the MH-60S, which is the Navy's
primary combat support helicopter designed to support Carrier
and Expeditionary Strike Groups. It will replace four legacy
platforms with a newly manufactured H-60 airframe. The MH-60S
is currently in the full rate five-year MYP contract with the
Army. The Army and Navy intend to execute another platform MYP
contract commencing in Fiscal Year 2007. Navy's total
procurement requirement was increased from 237 to 271 to provide
a force structure that supports the Navy-approved Helicopter
concept of operations.
AIM-9X
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $ 37.8M for 165 missiles.
AIM-9X continues deployment to operational sites after a
successful Full Rate Production decision last year.
SEA STRIKE
F/A-18 E/F
The F/A-18E/F continues to transition into the fleet, improving
the survivability and strike capability of the carrier air wing.
The Super Hornet provides a 40 percent increase in combat
radius, 50 percent increase in endurance, and 25 percent
increase in weapons payload over our older Hornets. Over 300
F/A-18E/Fs have been procured through Fiscal Year 2005, on track
to complete procurement of the program of record 462 aircraft in
2011. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $2.82B for 38 F/A-18
E/F aircraft for the second year of the five-year MYP contract
(Fiscal Year 2005 to 2009). The Super Hornet has used a spiral
development approach to incorporate new technologies, such as
the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, Advanced Targeting FLIR,
Shared Reconnaissance Pod System and Multifunctional Information
Distribution System data link. The first Low Rate Initial
Production Advanced Electronically Scanned Antenna Radar system
has been delivered to Boeing for installation into an F/A-18 and
will undergo operational testing in 2006.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Our recapitalization plan includes the JSF, a stealthy, multi-
role fighter aircraft designed jointly to be an enabler for
Naval Power 21. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request contains
$2.4B for continuation of System Development and Demonstration
on the JSF. The JSF will enhance the DON's precision strike
capability with unprecedented stealth, range, sensor fusion,
improved radar performance, combat identification and electronic
attack capabilities compared to legacy platforms. The carrier
variant (CV) JSF complements the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G in
providing long-range strike capability and much improved
persistence over the battlefield. The short takeoff and
vertical landing (STOVL) JSF combines the multi-role versatility
of the F/A-18 and the basing flexibility of the AV-8B. The
commonality designed into the JSF program will reduce
acquisition and operating costs of Navy and Marine Corps
tactical aircraft and allow enhanced interoperability with our
Allies and sister Services.
The JSF has completed the third year of its development program,
and the program continues working to translate concept designs
to three producible variants. Manufacture/assembly of the first
flight test aircraft conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) is
underwayand roughly 40% complete, with assembly times much less
than planned. Two thousand engine test hours have been
completed through mid-January 2005. Detailed design work
continues for the CTOL and STOVL variants. First flight is
scheduled for 2006. The JSF program has aggressively addressed
the performance issues associated with weight and airframe
design. The STOVL variant weight has been reduced by 2500 lbs.
through design optimization. Installed thrust improvements and
aerodynamic drag reduction as well as requirements tailoring are
being incorporated to further improve aerodynamic performance.
All three variants are projected to meet Key Performance
Parameter requirements.
The JSF program is completing a replan effort that began
approximately a year ago. The software block plan and test plan
are being reviewed consistent with the revised schedule and
Service needs. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reflects the revised
System Development and Demonstration and production schedule.
V-22
The MV-22 remains the Marine Corps' number one aviation
acquisition priority. The Osprey's increased range, speed,
payload, and survivability will generate transformational
tactical and operational capabilities. Ospreys will replace the
aging Marine fleets of CH-46E and CH-53D helicopters beginning
in Fiscal Year 2005, which will provide both strategic and
tactical flexibility to meet emerging threats in the GWOT.
Utilization far above peacetime rates, and the physical demands
of continuous operations in the harsh conditions of Iraq and
Afghanistan, are accelerating the deterioration and increasing
operating costs of the legacy aircraft that the MV-22 will
replace. These factors make a timely fielding of the MV-22
critical.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request includes $1.3B for nine MV-
22s, trainer modifications and retrofits and $206.4M for
continued development, testing and evaluation. The V-22 Osprey
resumed flight-testing in May 2002, and it has flown in excess
of 4900 hours. The Commander Operational Test and Evaluation
Force (COTF) Letter of Observation was completed in February
2005 to support Section 123 Certification to Congress to allow
the program to increase production above minimum sustaining rate
of 11 aircraft. Operational Evaluation will begin in March 2005
leading to Full Rate Production in early Fiscal Year 2006.
Heavy Lift Replacement Program (HLR, CH-53X)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $272M RDT&E to begin the
SDD phase of the HLR program that will replace the aging fleet
of CH-53E platforms. The Marine Corps' CH-53E continues to
demonstrate its value as an expeditionary heavy-lift platform,
with significant assault support contributions in Afghanistan,
the Horn of Africa and Iraq. Vertical heavy lift will be
critical to successful operations in anti-access, area-denial
environments globally, enabling force application and focused
logistics envisioned within the joint operating concepts.
The CH-53E requires significant design enhancements to meet
future interoperability requirements, improve survivability,
expand range and payload performance, improve cargo handling and
turn-around capabilities, and reduce operations and support
costs. An Analysis of Alternatives determined that a "new
build" helicopter would be the most cost-effective solution.
The Operational Requirements Document defining HLR capabilities
was approved in December 2004. The HLR will fill the vertical
heavy lift requirement not resident in any other platform that
is necessary for force application and focused logistics
envisioned in Sea Basing and joint operating concepts. With the
ability to transport 27,000 pounds to distances of 110 nautical
miles under most environmental conditions, commanders will have
the option to insert a force equipped with armored combat
vehicles or two armored High Mobility Multi Wheeled Vehicles
(HMMWVs) per sortie. To sustain the force, the HLR will be able
to transport three independent loads tailored to individual
receiving unit requirements and provide the critical logistics
air connector to facilitate sea-based operations. This
reliable, cost-effective heavy lift capability will address
critical challenges in maintainability, reliability, and
affordability found in present-day operations supporting the
GWOT.
F/A-18 A/B/C/D
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request contains $422.4M for the
continuation of the systems upgrade programs for F/A-18
platform. As the F/A-18 program transitions to the F/A-18E/F,
the existing inventory of over 900 F/A-18A/B/C/Ds will continue
to comprise half of the Carrier Strike Group until 2012.
Included in this request is the continued procurement of
recently fielded systems such as Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing
System, Advanced Targeting FLIR, Multi-Function Information
Distribution System, and Digital Communications System. The
Marine Corps continues to upgrade 76 Lot 7-11 F/A-18A and C to
Lot 17 F/A-18C aircraft capability with digital communications
and tactical data link. The Marine Corps anticipates programmed
upgrades to enhance the current capabilities of the F/A-18C/D
with digital communications, tactical data link and tactical
reconnaissance systems. This upgrade ensures that our F/A-18s
remain viable and relevant in support of Tactical Air
Integration and Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare. The Marines
expect the F/A-18A+ to remain in the active inventory until
2015. The Marines are also employing the LITENING targeting pod
on the F/A-18A+ and D aircraft in OIF. When combined with data
link hardware, the LITENING pod provides real time video to
ground forces engaged with the enemy. The capabilities of the
LITENING pod with data link are highly effective for Marine
Corps expeditionary F/A-18 operations. The Fiscal Year 2006
Budget request also includes procurement of Center Barrel
Replacements to extend service life of F/A-18A/C/Ds seven years
to meet fleet inventory requirements until 2022.
Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reflects $7.6M in RDT&E to continue
the development of the IDECM Block III (ALQ-214 w/ the ALE-55
(fiber optic towed decoy)) that will undergo Operational Test
and Evaluation (OPEVAL) in Fiscal Year 2006. Additionally,
$86.5M in Aircraft Procurement funding is included for the
procurement of 55 ALQ-214 systems.
EA-18G
The E/A-18G continues development as the Navy's replacement for
the EA-6B Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) aircraft. The Navy
is using the F/A-18E/F multi-year contract to buy four Systems
Design and Development aircraft in Fiscal Year 2006 to install
and integrate Northrop Grumman's in-production Improved
Capabilities (ICAP)-III AEA system. These aircraft will support
EA-18G operational testing and allow the department to deliver
the next generation (AEA) capability at reduced cost and in the
shortest possible timeframe. The Marine Corps initiated studies
to examine options for replacing their electronic attack
aircraft.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request reflects $409M for Systems
Design and Development. The Systems Design and Development
continues on schedule with construction underway of the two
development aircraft. First flight is scheduled for the fourth
quarter of Fiscal Year 2006. A total quantity of 30 systems
will be procured in LRIP with a planned Fiscal Year 2009 IOC and
Fiscal Year 2012 FOC. The EA-18G will replace carrier-based
Navy EA-6B aircraft by 2012.
AH-1Z / UH-1Y
The H-1 Upgrades Program will remanufacture 180 AH-1W and 100
UH-1N helicopters into state-of-the-art AH-1Z and UH-1Y models.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $307.5M APN funds to
procure 10 UH-1Y/AH-1Z aircraft and $42.0M RDT&E funds to
complete the H-1 Upgrades Engineering and Manufacturing
Development phase. The development program is over 90 percent
complete with five aircraft being readied for OPEVAL, which will
begin this summer. Work on the first LRIP lot, awarded to Bell
Helicopter in December 2003, is progressing well and the second
LRIP lot will be awarded by the end of March 2005. The program
is seeking opportunities to reduce unit cost and minimize the
negative impact the remanufacture strategy could have on ongoing
military operations. Regarding the latter point, we anticipate
that some number of airframes will be newly fabricated instead
of remanufactured in order to reduce the amount of time aircraft
would otherwise be out of service. The optimum mix of
remanufactured and newly fabricated aircraft is being evaluated
with the results to be reflected in future budget requests.
The H-1 Upgrade Program is a key modernization effort designed
to resolve existing safety deficiencies, enhance operational
effectiveness of both the AH-1W and the UH-1N, and extend the
service life of both aircraft. The program will provide 100 UH-
1Ys and 180 AH-1Zs with 10,000 hour airframes. Additionally,
the commonality gained between the AH-1Z and UH-1Y (84 percent)
will significantly reduce life-cycle costs and logistical
footprint, while increasing the maintainability and
deployability of both aircraft.
AV-8B
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $15.5M RDT&E funds to
support development of the Engine Life Management Plan
(ELMP)/Accelerated Simulated Mission Endurance Testing, Tactical
Moving Map Display, and Aircraft Handling initiatives. The
Fiscal Year 2006 Budget also requests $36.6M procurement funding
for Production Line Transition efforts, procurement of Open
Systems Core Avionics Requirement, ELMP upgrades, and the
Readiness Management Plan which addresses aircraft obsolescence
and deficiency issues associated with sustaining the AV-8B until
JSF transition.
EA-6B
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request of $ 120.6M reflects the
total budget for wing center section modifications and
procurement of three Improved Capability (ICAP) III systems. The
aging EA-6B has been in ever-increasing demand as DoD's only
tactical radar jamming aircraft that also engages in
communications jamming and information operations. EA-6B
operational tempo has continued at extremely high levels during
the past year. Safety considerations, due to wing center
section and outer wing panel fatigue, have reduced aircraft
available to the fleet from 95 to 85. Aircraft inventory is
projected to return to above 95 by the end of Fiscal Year 2005.
Program priorities are current readiness and successful fleet
introduction of the ICAP III selective reactive jamming system.
Precision Guided Munitions (PGM)
The U.S Navy weapons programs of the 21st Century are evolving to
address the challenges of a dynamic and unpredictable enemy.
New weapon systems are planned or have been developed and
delivered to the Combatant Commanders to provide new options to
engage enemy forces in support of the GWOT. The Navy's Fiscal
Year 2006 Budget supports PGM programs that continue to allow
domination of the maritime environment, support in-land
operational forces, and enhance the overall department strategy
to deter and dissuade potential adversaries while supporting our
allies and friends.
Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)
JDAM has been the Department's weapon of choice for OEF/OIF. In
October 2004, the U.S. Navy provided an Early Operational
Capability and accelerated deliveries for a 500 lb JDAM variant
(GBU-38) for Navy F/A-18 A+/C/D platforms. After approving
production of this variant, we immediately deployed it in order
to meet an urgent warfighter need to employ precision munitions
with limited collateral effects in the congested urban
environments of Iraq. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request of
$82.6M procures 3,400 DON JDAM tail kits for all variants, thus
supporting all current and projected warfighter requirements.
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget reduces procurements to 1,500 kits
per year starting in Fiscal Year 2008; however, the Department
will closely monitor all JDAM variant requirements and combat
expenditures in order to make any necessary adjustments.
Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)
A new variant of the JSOW called JSOW-C was approved for Full
Rate Production in December 2004. Similar to the new 500 lb
JDAM program, this capability is in demand by the warfighter to
provide new options for precision attack against point targets
vulnerable to blast fragmentation effects and hardened targets.
The new JSOW-C variant employs an augmenting charge with a
follow-through penetrator bomb for hard targets that can also be
set to explode both payloads simultaneously. This lethal
package is coupled with an Imaging Infrared Seeker and GPS/INS
to provide the standoff precision attack capability in demand by
the warfighter. The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget fully funds JSOW-C
production and support. It also shifts funding from production
of a submunition variant of JSOW to all JSOW-C's until there is
resolution of unexploded battlefield ordnance issues that are of
concern to the Department and our allies. The Navy/contractor
JSOW Team is dedicated to reducing acquisition costs.
Specifically, we are expecting to achieve a unit cost reduction
of more than 25% by 2006 due to the implementation of lean
initiatives, innovative processes, and engineering changes.
Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget request continues the development of
a next generation defense suppression weapon system, the AARGM.
AARGM ensures continued air dominance and multi-mission
flexibility to the F/A-18 and EA-18 aircraft across suppression
and defeat of enemy air defenses, strike, and electronic warfare
missions. The Department recently entered into international
partnership negotiations with our NATO partner Italy, and we
plan an Initial Operating Capability for F/A-18 C/D during
Fiscal Year 2009.
The Navy is dedicated to developing new means by which the Joint
warfighter can defeat time critical strike targets in anti-
access scenarios, address counter-WMD missions, and improve our
ability to fight the GWOT. Towards that end, we are working
with the other Services, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the
Combatant Commanders to begin studies that may afford
opportunities for the possible development of the next
generation of affordable weapons. We envision that these
weapons may allow us to employ long-range standoff weapons in
direct attack roles via advanced high-speed propulsion and
deployment of a variety of lethal packages.
Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM)
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget supports the Navy's commitment to
replenish our precision-guided munitions inventories utilizing
the Navy's first MYP contract for a weapon. TACTOM entered Full
Rate Production in August 2004. We completed our second and
final remanufacture program, converting all available older
Tomahawk airframes to the latest Block III configuration. The
Firm Fixed Price five year contract (Fiscal Years 2004 - 2008)
for TACTOM will save the taxpayer ~12 % over annual
procurements. TACTOM's advanced design and manufacturing
processes have cut procurement cost to $729K or half the cost of
a Block III missile and maintenance costs by half of the cost of
its predecessor. TACTOM provides a more capable missile with a
15-year product warranty and a 15-year recertification interval.
This approach mitigates price growth of follow-on procurements
by providing incentive for the contractor to manage for
obsolescence, which will control future price growth on follow
procurements.
SEA BASE
KC-130
The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget requests $1,093M for 12 KC-130J
aircraft. These aircraft will be procured under an existing Air
Force multi-year contract. The Marine Corps has taken delivery
of 16 KC-130J aircraft to date, with five more deliveries
scheduled for Fiscal Year 2005. Twelve aircraft are planned for
procurement in Fiscal Year 2006 to bring the total number of KC-
130J aircraft to 33. The KC-130 fleet once again proved itself
as a workhorse during operations in Iraq. The KC-130J provides
major enhancements to the current fleet of KC-130s, extending
its range, payload, and refueling capabilities. The first KC-
130J squadron (12 aircraft) has achieved IOC and will
immediately be deployed in support of the GWOT. Bold steps in
simulator training and joint flight instruction place the KC-
130J program on the leading edge of the transformation
continuum. Additionally, we have continued to ensure the
tactical capability of our existing KC-130F, R and T series
aircraft by installing night vision kits and upgraded aircraft
survivability equipment.