Aviation ground support equipment: the forgotten enabler: since its establishment in December 2003, PM AGSE has taken a number of steps to improve the condition of the Army's aviation ground support equipment

Army Logistician, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Robert H. Lunn, Roderick A. Bellows

Battle Damage Assessment and Repair

Battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR) kits include electrical repair tool and consumable kits, high-and low-pressure fluid-line repair kits, and fuel cell or skin repair kits. Eleven sets were procured, assembled, and shipped within 30 days to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sixteen kits for unit-level maintainers were procured during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004. A full-rate production review with decision authority is scheduled for the first quarter of fiscal year 2005.

Aircraft Cleaning and Deicing System

The aircraft cleaning and deicing system (ACDS) is a self-contained, stand-alone, portable, lightweight, low-pressure aircraft and engine cleaning and deicing system. It is designed to collect and filter water runoff as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The system operates at 4 gallons per minute and 300 pounds per square inch, making it safe for all aircraft, and can use virtually any water source, including salt water. Testing was conducted in fiscal year 2004. Production is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.

Aviation Vibration Analyzer 11

The aviation vibration analyzer (AVA) II will provide a rugged, portable, and safe means of performing helicopter maintenance for both main and tail rotors. It will measure, record, and process vibration and blade position information to diagnose and correct rotor vibration-related faults. Procurement of a new aviation vibration analyzer is based on vibration management enhancement program technology. The circuit card assembly of the current system is outdated. Procurement of the new system will begin in the third quarter of fiscal year 2005.

Digital Aircraft Weight Scales

The digital aircraft weight scale (DAWS) is a nondevelopmental, commercial off-the-shelf item available through the General Services Administration. It is structured to provide a lightweight, man-portable scale that gives aviation unit maintenance and aviation intermediate maintenance organizations the capability to weigh Army helicopters without first leveling the aircraft. This speeds weighing and deployment operations. Production and fielding of the DAWS was completed in fiscal year 2003.

Nondestructive Test Equipment

Nondestructive test equipment (NDTE) is a set of four electronic test instruments that can be used to inspect aircraft components and structures for defects, corrosion, or the presence of foreign objects without having to completely disassemble or remove components from the aircraft. Each set consists of one industrial X ray, two eddy current testers, two harmonic bond testers, and two ultrasonic testers.

The NDTE is a commercial off-the-shelf item procured either through an Air Force-Navy contract or directly from the manufacturer. Because of obsolescence, the eddy current testers, harmonic bond testers, and ultrasonic testers were replaced between fiscal years 2003 and 2004.

Centers of Excellence

The PM AGSE maintains both the Nondestructive Test Center of Excellence and the Corrosion Prevention Control Center of Excellence. The Nondestructive Test Center of Excellence provides technical support to the Army engineering community as well as to the warfighter in the field. It also provides technical support to all current weapon platforms by developing inspection procedures, conducting onsite technical assistance visits, and training the Army National Guard on nondestructive testing. The Corrosion Prevention Control Center of Excellence provides a unified approach to corrosion prevention control by standardizing procedures and corrosion prevention compounds, providing technical expertise and coordination, maintaining a clearinghouse for depot maintenance work requests and technical manual updates, and supporting the Army Materiel Command's corrosion program.