Army Aviation Transformation

Army,  Jan 2004  by Bergantz, Joseph L

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Recapitalization, Modernization and Reconstitution

Aviation weapon systems continue to be a relevant combat multiplier, now more than ever. Although the current systems are operating extremely well in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world, we shall continue to modernize our current aviation fleet and rapidly introduce new technologies that will make the difference in the next fight. The DoD, with our industry partners, is committed to providing our soldiers with technically superior systems that are capable, survivable and sustainable.

In Afghanistan, our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been essential combat multipliers, providing critical reconnaissance on an asymmetric battlefield. The CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk provide unparalleled movement of troops and supplies in an extended battle-space, while the AH-64 Apache effectively provides close-combat attack and armed escort to air and ground units. CH-47D Chinooks equipped with T-55-GA-714A engines proved essential in delivering troops and cargo to high altitude sites that had once been a refuge for Taliban and al Qaeda forces. Gallant Apache crews provided close air support for ground maneuver forces, while sustaining small arms damage, demonstrating the robust survivability characteristics of this aircraft. Although these aircraft are being flown three times the normal mission levels in hot and sandy environments, mission, capable rates have not significantly decreased, a credit to our mechanics and maintenance managers. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the Black Hawk, Apache and Chinook flew at a very high operating tempo, racking up roughly 6,000, 12,500 and 7,500 flight hours respectively.

The AN/ARC-220 high frequency radio provides secure non-line-of-sight communications and aircraft position reporting. High frequency tracker software added to aviation tactical operations centers (AVTOCs) depicts aircraft locations at distances of over 300 miles in mountainous terrain. The AVTOC then forwards these reports to the global command and control system via the tactical airspace integration system, where they become part of the overall common operating picture shared by all commanders. Since Operation Enduring Freedom, this system has been deployed to several sites in Iraq providing the AVTOCs the same non-line-of-sight tracking capability.

In Iraq, our manned and unmanned aircraft continue to operate successfully in the hostile desert environment. As in Operation Enduring Freedom, aircraft in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are operating at three times their normal levels. The Black Hawk, Apache, Chinook and Kiowa Warrior have logged in excess of 73,000, 24,800, 12,000 and 38,000 flight hours respectively. Our utility and heavy lift aircraft successfully performed the longest air assault operation in history, saved numerous lives evacuating injured soldiers and conducted aerial command and control during combat operations. Our light and heavy attack aircraft have destroyed thousands of high-priority targets in open and urban areas with deadly precision and aerial security for ground forces. The sound of approaching aircraft, whether to engage the enemy or evacuate the injured, continues to provide confidence to all our forces. As for our UAVs, the Hunter has completed 585 sorties (up to 14 hour missions) while the Shadow 200 has completed 667 sorties.

Our UAVs have emerged as a huge success by providing sustained reconnaissance of critical areas in high threat environments. Both systems are in high demand and have proven themselves reliable. Army fixed-wing aircraft (RC-12, C-12, C-23 and UC-35) are providing intelligence and electronic warfare, logistical support and personnel transport missions daily. They have flown over 14,000 hours while maintaining a combined mission capable rate of 85 percent.

Numerous aircraft enhancements and new systems have been rapidly developed and instailed/fielded to OEF and OIF units. Most important, aircraft survivability equipment upgrades are being installed on both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. The hot temperatures and sand have reduced component life. Sand ingestion reduces engine life by 50 percent on aircraft without engine filters, costing millions of dollars. Today, all aircraft in theater are scheduled to have engine filters installed. Because almost 75 percent of aircraft accidents in theater are related to brown-out flight conditions encountered during take-off or landing, hover cues and day heads-up displays will be installed into the UH-60 and CH-47D aircraft as a near-term solution. An automatic hover hold with improved low-speed control will be implemented in the mid-term. The latest Apache Longbow crew trainer (LCT) includes improvements to permit brownout training, and fielded LCTs and Apache combat mission simulators are being upgraded to add the brownout capability. Other Apache modifications include air transportability blade folding kits, 100-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tanks and rocket pod boresight kits. Raven hand-held UAVs have been fielded to OEF units and soon will be provided to OIF units to provide short-range aerial reconnaissance at the platoon level.