The United States Navy

NAVY-MARINE CORPS ACQUISITION

The requirements that shape the Navy-Marine Corps Team's investment strategy originate with operating forces, and execution of the strategy to develop, acquire, and support a modern, technologically superior, ready force structure is the responsibility of the Navy's Systems Commands and Program Executive Officers. The following organizations work with industry on behalf of the operating forces to develop, test, acquire, and deliver operationally superior and affordable ships and aircraft, combat systems, related equipment, support, and supplies to the Fleet:

U.S. Navy Systems Commands,Direct-Reporting Program Managers (DRPMs), and Program Executive Officers (PEOs), January 1999

As the stewards of the acquisition and life-cycle support processes, Systems Commands, DRPMs, and Program Executive Officers are responsible for furnishing high-quality systems and support matched to the requirements and priorities of the operating forces, while providing the necessary high return for America's taxpayer investment. The Navy is instituting fundamental changes to the way the Systems Commands, DRPMs, and PEOs operate in order to downsize at a rate commensurate with, or greater than, the Navy's operating forces, while retaining the ability to be both smart buyers and smart supporters of the Navy's hardware, and keeping America's naval forces capable and ready.

DOD ACQUISITION SYSTEM

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition (USD/A) has established a defense acquisition policy directing the Service Secretaries and Defense Department Component Heads to execute a single, standardized, Defense Department-wide acquisition system. The Under Secretary chairs the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB), the senior decision forum for major acquisition programs. Program costs determine Acquisition Categories (ACAT I-IV), with ACAT I having the most significant resource needs. Five milestones and phases, from early mission need determination through production, deployment, operations, and support categories, apply to all programs. Milestone 0 through Milestone IV mark key approval and decision points before the program moves to the next phase of the acquisition process. Reference to these Milestones and to common acronyms used to describe program phases are made in the program summaries of this chapter. Brief definitions of these terms (in chronological order) are shown below.

Acquisition Milestones

Pre-Milestone 0 Requirement or Agency Need
Milestone 0 Concept Studies Approval
Phase 0 Concept Exploration and Definition
Milestone I Command Project Acceptance
Phase I Program Definition and Risk Reduction
Milestone II Development Approval
Phase II Engineering and Manufacturing Development
Milestone III Production Approval
Phase III Production, Deployment, and Operational Support

Common acronyms used throughout this chapter include:

ADM Acquisition Decision Memorandum
AOA Analysis of Alternatives
COEA Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis
CDR Critical Design Review
COTS Commercial Off-The-Shelf
ECP Engineering Change Proposal
EMD Engineering and Manufacturing Development
FOC Full Operational Capability
FYDP Future Years Defense Plan
GOTS Government Off-The-Shelf
IOC Initial Operational Capability
LFT&E Live Fire Test and Evaluation
LRIP Low-Rate Initial Production
NDI Non-Developmental Item
OPEVAL Operational Evaluation
ORD Operational Requirements Document
PD&RR Program Definition and Risk Reduction
P3I Pre-Planned Product Improvement
R&D Research and Development
RDT&E Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation
TECHEVAL Technical (Developmental) Evaluation
UOES User Operational Evaluation System

The remainder of this chapter provides program summaries of key elements of the Navy's investment in capabilities to meet national needs and to continue its transformation for the future. The major program summary sections are as follows:

  • Platforms
    		•
  • Weapons
    		•
  • Sensor,
    Electronics, and
    Information
    Warfare Systems
    		•
  • Command,
    Control,
    Communications,
    Computers, and
    Intelligence
    		•
  • Mine Warfare
    Programs
    		•
    - Aircraft
    - Submarines
    - Surface Ships,
    Craft & Logistics
    Systems


    		 - Airborne
    - Submarine
    - Surface




    		- Airborne
    - Subsurface
    - Surface




    		 - Joint-Service/
    Navy-Wide
    Systems
    - Airborne
    - Submarine
    - Surface

    		- Dedicated Mine
    Countermeasures
    Systems
    - Naval Mining
    - Organic Mine
    Countermeasure
    Systems

    PLATFORMS

    Aircraft

    AH-1Z Super Cobra and UH-1Y Huey Upgrade

    Description: The AH-1 Super Cobra is a two-place, twin-engine attack helicopter capable of land- or sea-based operations. It provides rotary-wing close air support (CAS), anti-armor/anti-helicopter, armed escort, armed and visual reconnaissance, and supporting arms coordination (SAC) during day/night and adverse weather conditions. The UH-1 Huey is a combat utility helicopter that provides airborne command and control, SAC, medical evacuation, maritime special operations, and search and rescue, also during day/night and adverse weather conditions.

    The H-1 upgrade program involves conversion of both the AH-1 and UH-1 from a two-bladed rotor system to a four-bladed system, and redesignation to AH-1Z and UH-1Y, respectively (formerly referred to as "4BW" and "4BN," respectively). The upgrade program is designed to resolve existing safety issues in both aircraft, zero airframe time, reduce life-cycle costs, significantly enhance combat capability, and achieve 85% commonality between aircraft. Major modifications include a new rotor system with semi-automatic blade fold, new composite main and four-bladed tail rotor, upgraded drive system and landing gear, and pylon structural modifications. These aircraft will have increased maneuverability, speed and range, and payload capability. Additionally, both aircraft will incorporate a newly designed, fully integrated, common cockpit that will reduce operator workload and improve situational awareness.

    Program Status: The Preliminary Design Review was approved in June 1997; the Critical Design Review was completed in September 1998. Low-Rate Initial Production will begin in the second quarter FY 2002, and Milestone III is slated for the second quarter FY 2004. Five Engineering and Manufacturing Development aircraft will be produced, four of which will eventually become fleet assets and one aircraft (absent integrated avionics suite) will be used for Live Fire Test and Evaluation.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas.

    AV-8B Harrier II+ Tactical Aircraft Remanufacture

    Description: The AV-8B Harrier is a single-seat, light attack aircraft that provides offensive air support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). By virtue of its Vertical/Short Take-Off or Landing (V/STOL) capability, the AV-8B can operate from a variety of amphibious ships, rapidly constructed expeditionary airfields, forward sites (e.g., roads), and damaged conventional airfields. This makes the aircraft particularly well-suited for providing dedicated close air support.

    Three variants of the aircraft are in service: the Day Attack, Night Attack, and Radar/Night Attack Harrier. The Night Attack Harrier improved upon the original AV-8B design through incorporation of a Navigation, Forward-Looking InfraRed (NAVFLIR) sensor, a moving map, night vision goggle compatibility, and a higher performance engine. The current Radar/Night Attack Harrier, or Harrier II+, has all the improvements of the Night Attack aircraft plus the AN/APG-65 multi-mode radar. The fusion of night and radar capabilities allows the Harrier to be responsive to the MAGTF's needs for expeditionary, night and adverse weather, offensive air support.

    The ongoing "remanufacture" program, in which 72 Day Attack aircraft from the existing inventory are being rebuilt to the Radar/Night Attack standard, extends the service life of these Harrier aircraft into the next century, and greatly improves their warfighting capabilities. Existing Harriers are also being upgraded through the use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf technology. The Open Systems-Common Architecture program will replace the existing Harrier mission computer with a COTS system that is affordable and easily upgraded and maintained.

    Program Status: The AV-8B is scheduled to remain in service until the introduction of replacement aircraft in 2015. Twenty-eight new Marine Corps Harrier II+ aircraft have been delivered. To remain responsive to fleet needs, older Day Attack AV-8Bs are being remanufactured to the Radar/Night Attack Harrier II+ standard. Plans call for 72 Harriers to undergo remanufacture through FY 2001, reusing major assemblies and components of the Day Attack aircraft in combination with new production structure, systems, and engines. In addition, the Marine Corps is considering remanufacture of an additional 24 aircraft, to be completed by 2003.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, St. Louis, Missouri.

    C-40A
    Navy-Unique Fleet Essential
    Airlift Replacement Aircraft

    Description: The Naval Reserve Force provides 100% of the Navy's organic intra-theater logistics airlift capability. The majority of these services have been performed by 27 aging C-9B aircraft. Congress, through National Guard and Reserve Equipment Appropriations, has begun the replacement process of the C-9s with Boeing 737-700 series aircraft, designated the C-40A. A Commercial Off-The-Shelf acquisition, this state-of-the-art aircraft will transport 121 passengers or 40,000 pounds of cargo over 3,000 miles, at 0.8 Mach cruise speed, while meeting all domestic and international flight requirements. Flexibility is maximized through the ability to mix cargo pallets and passenger configurations. Features include a new wing with advanced- technology airfoil, a high-capacity auxiliary power unit operable to 41,000 feet, advanced- technology CFM56-7 engines rated at 24,000 pounds of thrust (sea level) each, and strengthened structures and cargo doors. Maximum gross take-off weight is 171,000 pounds.

    Program Status: The Navy is scheduled to take delivery of the first C-40A in January 2001.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, Seattle, Washington.

    CH-60
    Fleet Combat Support Helicopter

    Description: The CH-60 Fleet Combat Support Helicopter will complement and eventually replace the Navy's aging fleet of H-46 helicopters. As a result of the advanced airframe life of the H-46 fleet, the Navy's logistics helicopter force is experiencing a near-term inventory shortfall. The replacement aircraft must satisfy all the requirements of the current aircraft and remain compatible with all current and future CLF ships. This will be a Non-Developmental Item program that will provide commonality with existing integrated logistics systems and fleet trainers. The CH-60 is the future aircraft for organic mine countermeasures operations, combat search and rescue, special operations, and logistics helicopter forces in the Navy. Combining the tested and battle- proven U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk fuselage and Navy SH-60 Seahawk dynamic components, the CH-60 promises to be a superb aircraft. The commonality bred into the helicopter not only contributes to mission effectiveness, but will provide logistics and acquisition efficiencies. The CH-60 is the linchpin of the Navy Helicopter Master Plan. Out-year buys of additional aircraft will replace H-46s as they retire and increase standardization for training, maintenance, and operations as older SH-3s, UH-1Ns, and potentially MH-53s are replaced.

    Program Status: The first demonstration aircraft was built in FY 1997 and first flew in October 1997. Preliminary testing has completed and the demonstration aircraft met all expectations. The Navy has since joined in a multi-service, multi-year procurement with the Army. Production development began in FY 1998, and the Navy will take delivery of its first CH-60 in late FY 1999. The Navy plans to buy up to 237 of these aircraft; 13 have been requested in FY 2000.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Sikorsky, Stratford, Connecticut; General Electric, Lynn, Massachusetts; and Lockheed Martin, Oswego, New York.

    E-2C Hawkeye
    Airborne Early Warning Group II Program

    Description: The E-2C Hawkeye is the Navy and Marine Corps airborne surveillance and command-and-control platform, providing battle management and support of decisive power projection at sea and ashore in a joint operational architecture. In addition to current capabilities, the E-2C has an active and extensive upgrade and development program to prepare it to be a critical element in an overall joint theater and missile defense program. The Hawkeye force is keeping pace with changing tactical environments via two major upgrades: the E-2C Group II upgrade, and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). The most advanced Hawkeye variant currently in production, the E-2C Group II, features:

    The next upgrade, the Hawkeye 2000, will install a Mission Computer Upgrade (MCU) and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), enhancing the E-2's capabilities in the multiple threat environment anticipated in the 21st century. The MCU will improve target detection and tracking, and enable the incorporation of CEC. In turn, CEC-equipped Hawkeyes the E-2C is the first aircraft in the U.S. aviation arsenal to incorporate this system will significantly extend the engagement capability of surface forces. The CEC-equipped Hawkeye is the key to early cueing of the Aegis Weapon System, dramatically extending the lethal range of the Standard Missile (SM-2) against airborne low-altitude/low-radar cross section targets.

    The Radar Modernization Program is developing an advanced demonstration radar for the Hawkeye that will bring over-the-horizon precision, overland detection, and tracking to the battle group. This, coupled with CEC, will fully integrate the Hawkeye into the Theater Ballistic Missile and Cruise Missile Defense (TBMD/CMD) role. This precision tracking capability, in conjunction with the Aegis and upgraded Standard Missiles (SM-2 Block IVA and SM-3), will allow the battle group to deploy an organic, theater-wide cruise missile and theater ballistic missile defense umbrella for protection of high-priority defended areas and U.S. and coalition forces. Additionally, the E-2's systems are fully interoperable with the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and ground-based systems for a seamless transition to a full joint architecture.

    The Navy is ensuring that the E-2C continues as the "eyes and ears" of the Fleet as it applies the aircraft's capabilities in the integrated joint, overland, theater-wide air, and missile defense environment. Many of the technological improvements being incorporated in the Hawkeye represent leading-edge improvements, not just in the Navy's theater air and missile defense posture, but in that of all U.S. forces.

    Program Status: Milestone III for production restart and Milestone III/II for the MCU were approved in FY 1994. Procurement of 18 aircraft is planned from 2000 to 2003. Aircraft with MCU are undergoing testing at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland. Technical and Operational Evaluations are scheduled to begin in 1999. Initial Operational Capability for the MCU is scheduled for 1999.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman, Bethpage, New York.

    E-6A/B Mercury
    Airborne Command Post/TACAMO Aircraft

    Description: The E-6A/B platform, derived from the Boeing 707, provides National Command Authority and the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, with command, control, and communications (C3) capability through which execution and direction of strategic forces can be accomplished. Designed to support a robust and flexible nuclear deterrent posture into the 21st century, the E-6A is currently incorporating Airborne National Command Post (ABNCP) equipment from retired U.S. Air Force EC-135Cs. The new E-6B aircraft configuration provides greater endurance and lower operating costs than the EC-135. The first modified aircraft was delivered to the fleet on 14 October 1997. Additionally the E-6A/B retains the "Take Charge and Move Out" (TACAMO) mission providing multiple C3 links for Emergency Action Message (EAM) relay. The E-6A/B receives and transmits secure and non-secure voice and data message traffic on multiple frequency spectrums. The aircraft's primary mission is accomplished at very low/low frequencies (VLF/LF) and also via ultra high frequency (UHF) line-of-sight and satellite communications systems. The E-6A/B can deploy a 28,000-foot trailing-wire antenna and a 5,000-foot short trailing-wire antenna for VLF communications. With in-flight refueling, the aircraft is capable of providing up to 72 airborne hours of decision-level conferencing, force management, situation monitoring, and communications support. The E-6B retains all E-6A capabilities and adds:

    Program Status: E-6As became fully operational in 1992, and the E-6B Initial Operational Capability occurred in October 1998. Sixteen E-6Bs are scheduled for completion by 2003.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, Seattle, Washington; and Raytheon, Waco, Texas.

    EA-6B Prowler
    Electronic Warfare Aircraft

    Description: The EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare (EW) aircraft which played a key role in suppressing enemy air defenses during Operation Desert Storm enhances the strike capabilities not only of carrier air wings but of U.S. Air Force and allied forces as well. The decision to retire the Air Force EF-111A Raven EW aircraft and to assign all Department of Defense radar jamming missions to the Prowler adds to the significance of the EA-6B in joint warfare. With its jamming and High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) capability, the Prowler is a unique national asset that will be deployed from land bases and aircraft carriers. Its ability to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum and actively deny an adversary's use of radar and communications is unmatched by any airborne platform worldwide.

    Program Status: In the coming years, the Prowler fleet will be modernized and upgraded to keep the aircraft and its systems abreast of evolving threats and to maintain aircraft safety. The Block 89A upgrade program (which is currently in testing and is expected to reach Initial Operational Capability in FY 2000) will address structural and supportability problems associated with aging aircraft, and includes numerous avionics improvements for safety of flight and joint interoperability. Later improvements to the Prowler's AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system including the Improved Capabilities (ICAP) III upgrade (which is entering development and is expected to reach IOC in early FY 2004), new high and low frequency transmitters, and continuing structural enhancements will ensure that the EA-6B remains the world's premier tactical electronic warfare platform and a force multiplier for years to come.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman, Bethpage, New York.

    EP-3E Aries II
    Signals Intelligence Aircraft

    Description: The EP-3E is the Navy's only land-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft. The 12 aircraft in the Navy's inventory are based on the Orion P-3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real-time tactical SIGINT. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the EP-3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within hostile territory.

    Program Status: The Aries II is currently undergoing a Sensor System Improvement Program (SSIP) that will significantly enhance its connectivity over a range of command-and-control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) links. In addition, mission software improvements will link off-board and on-board sensors, creating a fused tactical picture of the battlespace that can be used by the crew or sent in near real-time to other warfighters. One European Command EP-3E is also serving as the Department of Defense prototype for the high-band subsystem of the Joint SIGINT Avionics Family (JSAF). The JSAF program builds on SSIP connectivity to provide the EP-3E with an open-architecture, state-of-the-art collection and dissemination system capable of exploiting threat emissions beyond the year 2020. The SSIP will be completed by early FY 2001. JSAF commences limited production in FY 2001, with one aircraft per year through FY 2002, and thereafter at a rate of two aircraft per year until completion in FY 2007.

    Developer/Manufacturer: SSIP: Raytheon, Waco, Texas.

    F-14A/B/D
    Tomcat Strike-Fighter Aircraft

    Description: The F-14 Tomcat continues to be the Navy's premier long-range fighter. The Tomcat's "Roadmap for the Future" a plan to incorporate significant performance improvements during the next two years makes the Tomcat a superb complement to the Navy's current F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The F-14 will enable the Navy to maintain the desired force structure of strike-fighter aircraft on each carrier deck until it is replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

    The Tomcat has been configured as a potent precision strike-fighter with the incorporation of the Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night (LANTIRN) system. With LANTIRN, the Tomcat has an accurate, autonomous designation and targeting capability for the delivery of laser-guided bombs. This system is effective during day or night and at high altitudes. The first LANTIRN-equipped Tomcat squadron, VF-103, deployed in June 1996 on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and all deploying battle groups now have LANTIRN-capable Tomcats.

    In addition to its precision strike capability, the F-14 is being outfitted with enhanced defensive countermeasure systems (BOL chaff and AN/ALR-67 Radar Warning Receiver), night vision capability, and Global Positioning System (GPS). These systems significantly enhance the capability of the Tomcat in the strike-fighter role.

    The F-14 outfitted with the Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) will continue to provide a manned tactical reconnaissance capability. The F-14's "Roadmap" includes the incorporation of a digital imaging and data link capability in 24 TARPS pods to provide battle group, joint force, and allied commanders with near real-time imagery for the detection and identification of tactical targets, and immediate threat and bomb damage assessment.

    The F-14's critical role in maintaining air superiority and its ability to launch precision-guided munitions has ensured that the aircraft will remain a vital player in the Navy's inventory until its retirement.

    Program Status: The F-14D has completed production and is successfully deployed to the Fleet. The F-14B upgrade continues until FY 2000, with six aircraft requested in FY 2000. The strike enhancement program began in FY 1995 and will complete with seven aircraft requested in FY 2000.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman, Bethpage, New York.

    F/A-18C/D Hornet
    Fighter/Attack Aircraft

    Description: The F/A-18 Hornet is Naval Aviation's principal strike-fighter. This state-of-the-art, multi-mission aircraft serves in both the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the armed forces of several allied and friendly countries. Its reliability and safety records, high performance, and multiple weapons delivery capability have highlighted the Hornet's success. Programmed improvements to the original Hornet A/B/C/D variants provide significant warfighting enhancements in the near term, including the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), Link 16, AIM-9X Sidewinder/Helmet Mounted Cueing System, Combined Interrogator Transponder, Joint Direct Attack Munition/Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JDAM/JSOW) delivery capability, and a Digital Communication System for close air support. The aircraft's weapons, communications, navigation, and Defensive Electronic Countermeasures systems will also continue to be upgraded.

    Program Status: The F/A-18C/D is ending production and existing aircraft are being upgraded to enhance their current weapons, communications, and reconnaissance systems capabilities and to ensure their continued service into the 21st century.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, St. Louis, Missouri; and General Electric, Lynn, Massachusetts.

    F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
    Fighter/Attack Aircraft

    Description: The introduction of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the Fleet in 2000 will provide critical growth capacity, weapon bring-back improvements, survivability enhancements, and range/payload improvements, all of which are required to keep the strike-fighter force lethal and viable well into the 21st century. There will be extensive commonality with weapons systems, avionics, and software between F/A-18 variants. The infrastructure needed to support the Super Hornet will build upon existing organizations. Ultimately, the F/A-18E will replace older F/A-18s while the two-seat F/A-18F will replace the F-14. The lethality, flexibility, reliability, and survivability of the F/A-18E/F will make it the right aircraft to fulfill the majority of missions associated with regional and littoral conflicts.

    Program Status: The F/A-18 E/F program concludes its three-year Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase in May 1999. Aircraft E-1 completed its first flight on 29 November 1995. The Super Hornet successfully completed sea trials and its first carrier landing in January 1997. Low-Rate Initial Production was approved in March 1997. The seven test aircraft on site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, have completed more than 2,600 test flights and more than 3,900 flight hours as of December 1998, and has tested the aircraft to Mach 1.75 and altitudes higher than 50,000 feet. The Navy has requested 36 Super Hornets in FY 2000. The first deliveries are scheduled for FY 2001. The Navy is proposing a six-year multi-year procurement, beginning in FY 2000, that will enable the acquisition of 222 aircraft at the cost of 200.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, St. Louis, Missouri.

    JSF
    Joint Strike Fighter

    Description: The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, formerly the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program, will develop and field a tri-service family of next-generation strike aircraft with an emphasis on affordability. The "family of aircraft" concept allows a high level of commonality while meeting unique service and allied needs. The United Kingdom is a collaborative partner in the program; Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, and Canada are associated partners. This joint approach to the JSF's development is anticipated to produce significant savings when compared to the costs of separate programs. The government and industry team is converging on a design concept that, when coupled with other technology "building blocks," will result in continuing U.S. technological superiority at an affordable price.

    The focus of the JSF effort is to reduce the costs of developing, producing, and owning these aircraft. The program is accomplishing this by facilitating the services' development of fully validated, affordable operational requirements, and by lowering technical risk by investing in and demonstrating key leveraging technologies and operational concepts prior to the start of Engineering and Manufacturing Development in FY 2001.

    Program Status: In November 1996, the designs from Lockheed Martin and Boeing were selected to compete in the JSF Concept Demonstration Phase. This phase is ongoing and is designed to lead to an affordable and low-risk transition to the EMD phase in FY 2001. The first operational aircraft will be delivered in FY 2008 (Marine Corps A/STOVL variant).

    Developer/Manufacturer: Weapon system concept definition and design: Boeing, Seattle, Washington; and Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, Texas. Propulsion system: Pratt & Whitney, Palm Beach, Florida; and Allison Engine Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.

    JPATS
    Joint Primary Aircraft Training System

    Description: JPATS is a joint Navy-Air Force program to replace the existing Navy T-34C and the Air Force T-37 aircraft and simulators with a common primary undergraduate pilot training system. The Navy will use this new training system for service-unique intermediate undergraduate pilot training, as well as the primary and intermediate training of Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) and Air Force navigators. (In 1996 the Navy assumed full responsibility for training all Air Force primary and tactical navigators.) The JPATS aircraft has been designated the T-6A Texan II, and is an improved version of the Pilatus PC-9. The T-6A will accommodate more than 90% of the eligible pilot population.

    Program Status: The Air Force is the lead service for JPATS. The program passed Milestone II in August 1995 and is scheduled for Milestone III in December 1999. The first production T-6A was completed in 1998 and will be delivered to the Air Force in 1999 once testing is completed. Air Force Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for FY 2001 and Navy IOC is planned for FY 2003. The Air Force and Navy are scheduled to procure 740 aircraft with the last aircraft being delivered to the Navy in 2017. The Ground Based Training System (GBTS), with its overarching Training Integrated Management System (TIMS), is scheduled to be operational for both services by 2001.

    Developer/Manufacturer: T-6A Aircraft: Raytheon Aircraft, Wichita, Kansas. GBTS: Flight Safety Service Corporation, Littleton, Colorado.

    KC-130J
    Hercules Tactical Tanker and Transport

    Description: The KC-130 is a multi-role, multi-mission tactical tanker and transport aircraft, well-suited to the mission needs of the forward-deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The Hercules is the only long-range assault support capability organic to the Marine Corps. This aircraft provides both fixed-wing and rotary-wing tactical in-flight refueling; rapid ground refueling of aircraft or tactical vehicles; assault air transport of air-landed or air-delivered personnel, supplies, and equipment; command-and-control augmentation; pathfinder and battlefield illumination; tactical aeromedical evacuation; and search and rescue support. The new KC-130J, with its increase in speed and range, improved air-to-air refueling system, night systems, and survivability enhancements, will provide the MAGTF commander with a state-of-the-art, multi-mission, tactical aerial refueler/transport well into the 21st century.

    Program Status: The KC-130J is a Commercial Off-The-Shelf aircraft. Initial delivery is planned for FY 2000.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Marietta, Georgia.

    P-3C Orion
    Sustained Readiness Program (SRP) and
    Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP)

    Description: The P-3C Orion provides effective undersea warfare, anti-surface warfare, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities to naval and joint commanders. The current force of 12 active and seven reserve squadrons supports the theater and fleet commanders' requirements for 40 P-3Cs continuously forward-deployed. Orions provide long-range, high-endurance support to aircraft carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups.

    The Navy's P-3 modernization plan is focusing on providing a more tailored force optimized for regional and littoral conflict. The key elements of the plan are mission system upgrades, sustaining inventory, and reducing multiple configurations. The specific programs include:

    Program Status: 25 Block Modification Upgrade III kits converting P-3C Update II/II.5 configurations into Common Configuration Aircraft were funded beginning in FY 1997 and ending in FY 2001. AIP was originally planned to modify 146 P-3C aircraft. However, through FY 1999, only 42 aircraft modifications have been funded and four are requested in the FY 2000 budget. SRP and SRP/SLEP are planned for 221 aircraft out to FY 2010.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Update III: Lockheed Martin, Manassas, Virginia. SRP: Raytheon Systems, Greenville, Texas. AIP: Lockheed Martin, Eagan, Minnesota and Greenville, South Carolina.

    S-3B
    Viking

    Description: The S-3B Viking provides multi-mission support to battle group and joint commanders in the anti-surface, electronic surveillance, overland strike support, mine warfare, and aerial refueling roles. Ongoing service-life initiatives will allow the Viking to remain in service until FY 2015.

    The current avionics upgrade program replaces obsolete, high-maintenance safety-of-flight avionics systems. This effort includes the replacement of autopilot and flight control systems, electronic flight instruments, UHF/VHF/SATCOM communications equipment, Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System, Stores Management System, and tactical display replacement. Additionally, the aircraft will have its obsolete Drum Memory System replaced by the AYK23 Central Computer, and will receive Global Positioning System (GPS) and USH42 Video Data Recorder System for fatigue-life monitoring.

    Program Status: All avionics programs have been approved for Limited-Rate or Full-Rate Production. Installa tions for GPS and USH42 began in October 1997, with all systems installations scheduled to complete by FY 2005.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, Texas.

    SH-60R
    Multi-mission Helicopter Upgrade

    Description: The conversion of all SH-60B and SH-60F helicopters to SH-60R will provide a true multi-mission helicopter force. The SH-60R upgrade involves the remanufacture of existing Seahawk variants into an aircraft that will carry the Navy's tactical helicopter community through 2020. Along with a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the airframe, the SH-60R will incorporate an advanced multi-mode, Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), the Airborne Low Frequency (dipping) Sonar (ALFS), and an upgraded computer suite that will significantly improve the multi-mission ability of the SH-60 weapons system.

    Program Status: Milestone II approval was granted in July 1993. An Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract was awarded in August 1993. Production is planned to begin in FY 1999, and Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for FY 2002.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Prime contractor/avionics and system integration: Lockheed Martin, Owego, New York. Airframe modifications: Sikorsky, Stratford, Connecticut.

    T-45TS
    Undergraduate Jet Pilot Training System

    Description: The T-45TS provides Naval Aviation with a totally integrated jet pilot training system combining computer-based academics, simulators, T-45A Goshawk aircraft, and contractor-supplied maintenance and logistics support. The Goshawk replaces the T-2C and TA-4J trainer aircraft. The T-45TS represents the first time the Department of Defense has applied such a total concept to training military aviators.

    Program Status: The T-45TS is fully operational at Naval Air Station (NAS), Kingsville, Texas. Procurement of the T-45C (digital configuration) is scheduled for 15 aircraft per year with associated ground training systems and support until 2003, for a total of 187 aircraft and 17 simulators. Eighty-two T-45As and 16 T-45Cs have been accepted by the Navy through calendar year 1998. The T-45Cs are based at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, and training in the T-45C began in August 1998. All T-45As will be retrofitted to the digital configuration starting in FY 2004.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Boeing, St. Louis, Missouri; and Rolls-Royce, Bristol, United Kingdom.

    V-22 Osprey
    Joint Advanced Vertical Aircraft

    Description: The MV-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor, Vertical/Short Take-Off or Landing (V/STOL) aircraft designed as the medium-lift replacement for the aging CH-46E and CH-53D helicopters. The MV-22 design incorporates advanced technologies in composite materials, survivability, airfoil design, fly-by-wire controls, digital avionics, and manufacturing. The MV-22 is capable of carrying 24 combat-equipped Marines or a 10,000-pound external load, and has a strategic self-deployment capability of 2,100 nautical miles with a single aerial refueling. The MV-22's 38-foot rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle mounted on each wingtip allow it to operate as a helicopter for take-off and landing. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, converting the MV-22 into a high-speed, high-altitude, fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft. The MV-22 represents a revolutionary change in aircraft capability to meet expeditionary mobility needs for the 21st century. A Special Operation Forces variant, CV-22, is also under development.

    Program Status: The program is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing and Development phase. Four EMD aircraft have been built to support continued Developmental Tests and Operational Assessments. Testing accomplishments include successful completion of OT-IID, and preparation is underway in early 1999 for sea trials, the final operational assessment prior to Operational Evaluation scheduled for the fall 1999. The first five fleet aircraft are being built as part of the first (of four) Low Rate Initial Production runs. Total planned procurement is 360 MV-22 aircraft for the Marine Corps and 50 CV-22 aircraft for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM, U.S. Air Force procurement). Initial Operational Capability for the Marine Corps' MV-22 is scheduled for FY 2001; the planned IOC for the USSOCOM's CV-22 is FY 2004.

    Developer/Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas; Boeing Defense and Space Group, Helicopter Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Allison Engine Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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