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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 2 February 28, 2015 10 Contents February 28, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 2
TO THE FIELD 18 12 PEO Aviation Update By BG Robert L. Marion 14 Aviation Logistics Officer Update By CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr.
16 Branch Command Sergeant Major By CSM Eric C. Thom
20 Reserve Component Aviation Update By COL Mark W. Weiss
22 128th Aviation Brigade Update 20 By SFC Dean A. Hess
24 AMRDEC Tech Talk By Peter Rao
26 Ask the Flight Surgeon By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar
SPECIAL FOCUS — Rotary Wing PM Updates
28 Apache Helicopter Project Office Update By COL Jeffrey E. Hager with COL (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer 30 32 Armed Scout Helicopter Project Office Update By COL James R. Kennedy and Ms. Christian Sumner
36 Cargo Helicopter Project Office Update By COL Robert L. Barrie, LTC M. Reese Hauenstein, and LTC Calvin J. Lane 40 Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft Project Office: 2015 – Mission Evolution By COL James B. Brashear and LTC (Ret.) Scott J. Hoffmann 44 Utility Helicopters Project Office Update – “Maximum Effect” By COL Thomas H. Todd III 40
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 3 February 28, 2015 47 60 Contents February 28, 2015, Vol. 64, No. 2
SPECIAL FOCUS — TRADOC Capability Manager Updates
48 46 TRADOC Capability Manager for Reconnaissance and Attack (TCM-RA): Aligning With Strategic Guidance and Focusing on Aviation Branch Priorities By COL Jeffrey W. White 48 TRADOC Capability Manager for Lift Update By COL Erskine R. Bentley II FROM THE FIELD 50 Leadership Through a Positive Attitude in Your Little Corner of the World 50 By COL Jimmy F. Blackmon 52 Why Future Vertical Lift By LTC Edwin C. Brouse and LtCol Alison Thompson DEPARTMENTS AAAA NEWS AAAA President’s Cockpit ...... 8 AAAA VP Chapter Affairs ...... 56 Chapter News ...... 57 AAAA VP Membership ...... 58 New Members ...... 59 AAAA Family Forum ...... 60 60 AAAA Legislative Report ...... 68 AAAA Scholarship Foundation ...... 61 ARMY AVIATION COMMUNITY NEWS Advertisers Index ...... 66 Art’s Attic ...... 70 Briefings ...... 6 Calendar ...... 67 Hall of Fame ...... 71 Historical Perspective ...... 54 Industry News ...... 66 In Memoriam ...... 69 Letter to the Editor ...... 62 64 News Spotlight ...... 23 People on the Move ...... 64
ARMY AVIATION is the official journal of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA). The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors, not the Department of Defense or its elements. The content does not necessarily reflect the official U.S. Army position nor the position of the AAAA or the staff of Army Aviation Publications, Inc., (AAPI). Title Reg® in U.S. Patent office. Registration Number 1,533,053. SUBSCRIPTION DATA: ARMY AVIATION (ISSN 0004-248X) is published monthly, except May and September by AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806. Tel: (203) 268-2450, FAX: (203) 268-5870, E-Mail: [email protected]. Army Aviation Magazine E-Mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.quad-a.org. Subscription rates for non-AAAA members: $30, one year; $58, two years; add $10 per year for foreign addresses other than military APOs. Single copy price: $4.00. ADVERTISING: Display and classified advertising rates are listed in SRDS Business Publications, Classification 90. POSTMASTER: Periodicals postage paid at Monroe, CT and other offices. Send address changes to AAPI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806.
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 5 February 28, 2015
HAR_AirborneRadio_ArmyAviation_121514.indd 1 12/15/14 11:43 AM Briefings Publisher / William R. Harris Jr. zLate Breaking News - Announcements - Notes
Editor / CW4 (Ret.) Joseph L. Pisano Sr. Former Branch Chief March 27 Deadline to Apply [email protected] Honored for Test Pilot School Director of Design & Production On January 16, Anne H. Ewing 2015, at the [email protected] Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Web Edition / Trudy Hodenfield California, MG [email protected] (Ret.) Carl H. Contributing Editor / Mark Albertson McNair Jr. was [email protected] inducted by actor and avia- Family Forum Editor / Judy Konitzer AVIATION OF LIVING LEGENDS PHOTOS COURTESY tor John Travolta [email protected] as a Living Legend of Aviation. The BDE. AVN. CBT. ARMORED DIV. 1ST BY SGT JOSE RAMIREZ, ARMY PHOTO U.S. first Army Aviation Branch chief, past An Officer Personnel Management Advertising Director / Robert C. Lachowski Directorate board will convene April 6 at [email protected] national president of AAAA and the AAAA Scholarship Foundation Board of Governors, Human Resources Command (HRC) to Advertising Manager / Erika Burgess and Army Aviation Hall of Fame inductee select officers for the Experimental Test [email protected] was recognized for his impacts on the Pilot Program. Those selected will attend development of Army Aviation as a branch an 11-month course at the Naval Test Pilot Marketing Director / Jennifer Chittem over his 32-year Army career and his School in Patuxent River, MD. Commissioned [email protected] accomplishments with DynCorp and as a officer applicants must be members of the current member of the board of Air Methods, Aviation career branch or Army Acquisition VP Business Development / Sal D. Lucci Corps and be in year groups 2007-2009; [email protected] the largest civilian MEDEVAC operator in the world. Another Legend, actor Harrison Ford, additionally, they must have completed Circulation Department was on hand to add his congratulations. a key developmental assignment in their Deb Cavallaro The “Living Legends of Aviation” are current rank, and have at least 700 flight Debbie Coley 91 remarkable people of extraordinary hours. Warrant officer applicants must be in Elisabeth Mansson accomplishment in aviation including: the grades of CW2, or higher; have at least Barbara McCann entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, 1,000 flight hours, and have enough time Corey Stokes astronauts, record breakers, pilots who have remaining in their careers to complete a four- Sue Stokes become celebrities and celebrities who have year service obligation upon completion of training. Contact your HRC career manager Web Master / Mary Seymour become pilots. They meet yearly to recognize [email protected] and honor individuals who have made for information and how to apply. significant contributions in aviation. Editorial Address On-the-Spot Cash Award 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806 Beyard Tapped as Maryland Cap Doubled to $500 Tel: (203) 268-2450 / Fax: (203) 268-5870 Top Enlisted Army Secretary John McHugh has approved www.quad-a.org The Adjutant General a policy change in the Incentive Awards Pro- for Maryland, Brigadier gram that doubles the top-tier payout for “on- General Linda Singh, the-spot cash awards” to $500. OTSs are announced her selec- small cash incentives that may be given by On The Cover tion of CSM Thomas supervisors for the day-to-day accomplish- B. Beyard as the Se- ments of subordinate employees. The eligible nior Enlisted Leader of population includes career Army civilians, in- PAID ADVERTISEMENT: From prototype the Maryland National cluding Senior Executive Service members, and fabrication through complex Guard effective Janu- direct-hire foreign nationals, and non-career modification and integration, SES is GUARD PHOTO NATIONAL MARYLAND ary 21, 2015. A former Army civilians, including presidential appoin- ready today with trained personnel, over 29th Combat Aviation Brigade CSM and tees. While soldiers are not eligible for OTS most recently assigned as the Maryland awards, officers and noncommissioned of- 124,000 SF of newly expanded hangar Army National Guard Command Sergeant ficers frequently supervise civilians, and can space, and the equipment needed to Major, Beyard brings more than 32 years recommend spot-cash awards. AR 672-20 is be the business of choice for Aviation, of service and experience in the National the governing regulation. Ground Systems, and International Guard to his new Senior Enlisted Leader Government Customers. SES: The Right duties. He replaced Chief Master Sergeant Correction: Team. The Right Experience. The Right Glenn Hart, who will continue in his role as On page 64 of the December issue, the Choice.Caption provided by the advertiser. State Command Chief of the Maryland Air author’s first name is Edwin. We apologize National Guard. for the typographical error.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 6 February 28, 2015 Colonel John W. Marr, Retired May 1, 1918 - January 19, 2015 MARR FAMILY PHOTO PHOTO MARR FAMILY
AAA is saddened to announce the passing COL John Marr receives his rank insignia from wife, Willa, and of a great American, WWII Paratrooper, BG John J. Tolson, the Army Staff Director of Aviation, during his A promotion ceremony at the Pentagon in July 1964. Army Aviation Hall of Fame member, past AAAA National President, and past AAAA Scholarship Foundation President, COL (Ret.) John W. Marr, awards and decorations include the Distinguished on January 19, 2015 at the age of 96. Service Medal, two Silver Stars, two Legions of Born in Johnson County, Missouri in May 1918, Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze he was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1941. Stars, the Purple Heart, and nine Air Medals. He When he heard of a new, specialized unit, the retired with the rank of Colonel in January 1974 paratroops, which would give him twice his monthly after more than 32 years of service. pay, he decided that was for him. After earning his John served as AAAA National President from jump wings he went to O cer Candidate School and 1981-1983, and Scholarship Foundation President became a Lieutenant. He was assigned to Company from 1996-1997. He was inducted into the Army G of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and Aviation Hall of Fame in 1980. Please see the on June 6th, 1944 he was dropped at night behind awards tab at www.quad-a.org for John’s Hall of enemy lines with the 82nd Airborne Division. Fame citation. Lieutenant Marr saw action almost immediately after In his later years, he led several eld trips back landing near Ste.-Mère-Église where he led a platoon to Normandy. In 2014, on the 70th Anniversary in what has been called one of the costliest small-unit of D-Day, he joined other veterans to share his actions in United States Army history, at the Battle of recollections through video interviews in the the La Fière Causeway. History Channel documentary – D-Day in HD. In After ghting in Normandy, Marr was put in addition, you can watch John speaking about the command of Company B of the 507th during D-Day jump and ensuing combat on YOUTUBE the Battle of the Bulge and continued to lead the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0OWBbjL6Jc company as it was the spearhead for Operation He was preceded in death by his beloved Varsity, his second combat jump, crossing the Rhine wife Willa just two months earlier in November River, on March 24, 1945. He returned to the U.S. 2014. ey will be interred at Arlington National in September 1945, married his sweetheart, Willa, Cemetery later this year. and continued his career in the Army, earning his He is a shining example of the nest in a U.S. Army Aviator wings and eventually commanding Army Soldier, Aviator, leader, and a humble member the 17th Combat Aviation Group in Vietnam. His of the “Greatest Generation.”
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 7 February 28, 2015 President’s Cockpit z
Army Aviation – Engaged around the World What will it look like in the future? WIKIPEDIA PHOTO WIKIPEDIA PHOTO
hirteen years of high-intensity ground combat came to President Obama addressing the United States Congress, Washington D.C. T a close in December 2014. But many troops across the Army are still grinding like it’s 2009, with individuals seeing very little, if any, decline in the overall operational tempo.
at is especially true in Army Aviation support of the ground commander and and Afghanistan, combined with mount- where almost no mission is conceived, the joint and combined team. But, what ing pressure on the Pentagon’s budget, planned, and launched without comple- kind of Aviation force will deploy in sup- is forcing the military to make steep re- mentary aviation assets. e Ebola mis- port of those commanders? ductions in the size of the force. In the sion in West Africa is the latest example. In 2004 the Chief of Sta of the Army Army, nearly 22,000 soldiers departed In this month’s issue General (Ret.) provided guidance to make Army Aviation in 2014 and it’s not yet clear when those Dick Cody and members of his AAAA a capabilities-based maneuver arm opti- reductions will stop. e Army has shed Strategic Planning Committee provide mized for the joint ght with a shortened more than 60,000 soldiers since it began a thoughtful discourse on the strategic logistics tail. I believe that has been accom- a drawdown in 2010 and faces the pos- value of Army Aviation. e value of such plished and the proof is clearly evident in sibility of losing 80,000 more by the end versatile, exible and adaptable capabili- the support Aviation has provided since. of the decade. ties will no doubt be called upon again in However, the end of the wars in Iraq We see the impact of such reductions
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 8 February 28, 2015 in Army Aviation as the 159th is presently conducting its drawdown and is expected to case its colors later this year. e 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will re- semble any other light division; what dis- tinguished this historically signi cant unit, its vast array of aviation capabilities, will be reduced and one could postulate that the Division should be renamed in order to re- move its ‘Air Assault’ designation. Unfortunately, as ill-advised as Aviation force structure dilution may appear, it is the resultant action of budgetary pressures emplaced upon the military by Congress. Our current Aviation leaders have taken the prudent action of dictating the reshap- ing of the Branch rather than leaving it up to programmers in the Pentagon or pro- fessional staers on Capitol Hill. e un- relenting and deafening rhetoric pertain- ing to Apache reallocation misses the mark as had Aviation leaders not taken proactive measures, the Branch would have been far Join Us at the worse o. e question we should all be asking of the nation is…what capabilities do we 2015 Army Aviation want from our Army and by extension our Aviation force; and why are the resources Mission Solutions Summit that provide for that desired capability be- ing eliminated? March 29-31, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville TN Concomitant with force structure re- duction is the reduction in resources to train and maintain. Future OPTEMPO Don’t Miss Out! for ying hours will be at an all-time low, regardless of Component. ere is no sub- Networking, Professional Development & stitute for demanding and realistic train- Education There will be many opportunities ing. Leader development and individual/ to network and learn from the best! The crew training is the foundation for every- 1 mobile app, 15SUMMIT, will provide up-to-the-minute thing our Army accomplishes. Aviation information daily on networking events and sustainment will suer as the resources to reset, repair and/or replace will diminish professional & educational sessions. Don’t miss it! and we see a reduction in readiness. e resourcing decisions being forced onto the State of the Art Helicopter Exhibits Branch today could have signi cant and Enter our Technology Learning Center far reaching consequences in the future. (Exhibit Hall) daily to see the latest aircraft Aviation force structure and unit com- 2and future technology. Both U.S. and foreign petency cannot be created after the emer- gency arises. It takes months, even years, exhibitors will be there! to develop. Strengthening Army Aviation and investing for a successful future reaf- Social Events and Recognition rms to our Soldiers and the nation that only the best equipment and capabilities Look for the Soldier Café, a Photo Safari of put into the hands of the nest Aviation Nashville, industry partner receptions, a formal 3Hall of Fame induction banquet and informal Soldier Soldiers in the world will be brought to bear for that next mission wherever and Appreciation Dinner featuring Martina McBride. whenever called upon.
BG Howard W. Yellen, Ret. Quad-a.org/2015Summit 31st President, AAAA Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! [email protected] Sponsored by the Army Aviation Association of America
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 9 February 28, 2015 AAAA News z The Enduring Value of Army Aviation A White Paper by members of the AAAA Strategic Planning Committee U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY SSG DI GIOVINE GUARD PHOTO ARMY NATIONAL U.S.
s we have officially ended our ground combat and Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, South Carolina Army National A Army Aviation operations in Iraq, and our combat Guard, load a UH-60 Black Hawk onto a C-17 Globemaster III during drill weekend at McEntire operations in Afghanistan, the world still remains a Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C., Jan. dangerous place for America. 10, 2015.
e Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant lies. China is establishing closer ties to spond to either security threats or natural (ISIL) threatens to violently establish an Iran, and exing its military muscle in disasters has demonstrated time and again Islamic State across Syria and Iraq for Asia challenging neighbors over disputed that Army Aviation is a critical part of our starters with grand aims of a larger ca- territories rich with natural resources. nation’s global response. As the nation liphate. Syria is engaged in a civil war North Korea continues unpredictable and deals with this dangerous world, it is vir- that threatens its neighbors. e Taliban provocative behavior and continues as tually certain that Army Aviation’s strate- has not relented in attacking Afghanistan a threat to South Korea and the United gic, operational and tactical value will be from its stronghold in Pakistan. Al Qa- States. Northern Africa is threatened by called upon again. eda remains a violent destabilizing force rising Islamic terrorism and failed or cor- throughout Asia and Africa. Iran contin- rupt governments while most of sub-Sa- Strategic Implications ues with its nuclear program against the haran Africa is threatened by pandemics Already, Army ground units and wishes of the international community. of Ebola and HIV/AIDS. Army Aviation complementing aviation are being called Hatred between the Israelis and Arabs has demonstrated its value to the nation forward for missions with strategic im- continues to are in Gaza. Russia has in the past dozen years while the Army’s plications. An Army Aviation task force annexed the Crimea, invaded Eastern conventional and Special Operations is engaged in Africa supporting 101st led Ukraine, threatened to cut o energy to Forces (SOF) have been engaged in the eorts in the ght against Ebola signaling Europe and is causing signi cant security nation’s longest wars. e ability of Army U.S. resolve to support our African neigh- concerns for our NATO eastern ank al- Aviation to rapidly deploy globally to re- bors. Black Hawks have been deployed as
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 10 February 28, 2015 part of small Army contingents to Esto- gade combat team elements to find, fix as “an expansion of the traditional con- nia to show U.S. support to our Eastern and destroy the enemy. Black Hawks and cept of combined arms.” This concept NATO allies, a strategic move designed Chinooks are sustaining the fight through also includes “whole of government” ac- to send a message to Russia. Recent ex- the air movement of supplies, person- tions necessary to “accomplish the mis- ercises demonstrating the flexibility and nel and saving coalition lives conducting sion” where Army Aviation has always had adaptability of Army Aviation to operate aerial medevac. At home, Army Aviation an historic role. JCAO further describes a from aircraft carriers in the Pacific signals units stand ready to continue to execute future where Joint teams using the “tenet the seriousness of U.S. resolve to pivot homeland security missions from fight- of initiative” and “expeditionary maneu- to Asia, a message for our Pacific allies. ing forest fires to assisting in disaster re- ver” dictate the terms of the operation… Many recall the rapid aviation support lief. Army aviation is an integral part of ”over wide areas” while simultaneously provided to Pakistan to assist them with how the U.S. Army fights today and since “integrating intel” to develop “situational humanitarian assistance following their our designation as a Branch in 1983 we understating through action.” The op- devastating earthquake. Army Aviation have become the default third maneuver erating concept requires future forces stands ready to perform humanitarian branch of the Service. to possess the “mobility to concentrate assistance and disaster relief not just at The irreplaceable value of Army Avia- rapidly” and “adaptability to anticipate home but in support of strategically key tion – reflected in the breadth of its tasks, dangers” while “adjusting operations to allies and friends. the flexibility of its employment, and seize, retain and exploit the initiative.” No the quality of its Soldiers – can be seen other Branch in the Joint force operates in Operational Capabilities through the lens of ADRP 3-0, the Army’s the middle ground between ground and Army Aviation has contributed sub- foundational publication of operational air forces and has the situational under- stantially to the operational capabilities doctrine. Army Aviation is essential to standing, technology and culture needed of America’s ground forces and continues each of the four elements of Decisive Ac- to exploit these tenets in this new operat- to do so today. Engaged in the fight with tion. In Offensive Operations, through its ing concept. Army Aviation stands ready ISIL, Army Apaches are contributing to reconnaissance (RQ-7, OH-58D), direct to embrace the Operating Concept with the air war against ISIL in Iraq. SOF Avi- fires (AH-64), tactical mobility (UH-60), unmatched capabilities in support of our ation is also engaged in the fight against and logistical support (CH-47), Army ground and air forces, as we write the next ISIL, the Taliban, and terrorists in Yemen Aviation is the indispensable combat mul- chapter of our Branch’s development. and other Middle Eastern countries. The tiplier. This was demonstrated daily dur- Through 2014, Army Aviation aviators 160th Special Operations Aviation Regi- ing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, have flown over 6 million flight hours in ment (SOAR) is supporting hostage res- whenever ground commanders took the multiple theaters of operation performing cue operations across the globe against fight to the enemy. Similarly, in Defensive a wide range of missions in support of the terrorists holding U.S. and ally citizens. Operations, Army Aviation contributes to ground commander across the spectrum Aviation brigades and task forces stand each of the six elements of combat pow- of conflict from major combat operations ready to conduct operational maneuver er during defensive operations: Mission to homeland defense. They have proven to of their assigned brigade combat teams Command (UH-60), Protection (HH- be an indispensable part of the Joint Air in Kuwait and Afghanistan while those 60), Sustainment (CH-47), Fire Support Ground Team and possess valued capa- at home are rehearsing operational and (AH-64), Intelligence (RQ-7, OH-58D), bilities for application at the strategic, op- tactical maneuver in support of assigned Movement & Maneuver (UH-60). Cur- erational and tactical levels of military op- ground forces. Army manned and un- rent plans for the defense of Korea are erations. Aviation Soldiers are in the fight manned fixed wing intelligence, surveil- thoroughly laced with Army Aviation sup- today. Their versatile, flexible and adapt- lance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets are port. In Stability Operations, Army Avia- able capabilities will no doubt be called in the fight providing ISR from theater to tion helps with civil security and control, upon again in support of the ground com- division level intelligence. Army C-12s restoration of essential services, support to mander and the joint and combined team. and UC-35s are moving critical supplies governance, and support to economic and The world today is a dangerous place for and key Joint leaders within theater to infrastructure development. Operations in America and our allies. We may not know command and control the joint fight. Bosnia and Kosovo could not have been exactly what the situation will be when At the tactical level, in Afghanistan in accomplished without the support of our Army Aviation will be called again, but support of their ground brethren, Army assault, cargo, and MEDEVAC helicopter this versatile force must continue to be Aviation is engaging the enemy with close formations. And in Defense Support of best equipped, best trained and best led. combat attack and air-ground manned- Civil Authorities, Army National Guard unmanned teaming (MUM-T) recon- Aviation performs these missions near- GEN (Ret.) Richard A. Cody is chairman naissance, intelligence, surveillance and daily. Whether rescuing Americans from of the AAAA Strategic Planning target acquisition (RSTA) operations. As rooftops after Hurricane Katrina, or fight- Committee; LTG (Ret.) J. Mark Curran, they say, nothing moves in Afghanistan ing wildfires in California, the image of BG (Ret.) William H. Forrester Jr., COL without Army Aviation. Unmanned air- Army helicopters offering hope and relief (Ret.) Robert L. Godwin, and COL craft systems (UASs) teamed with Kiowa nationwide is indelibly etched in our col- (Ret.) Samuel J. Hubbard serve on that Warriors and Apaches are conducting lective consciousness. committee as well. In addition to the listed reconnaissance and attack missions as In the recent publication of the bylined authors, AAAA Strategic Planning manned unmanned teams and are just Army’s new Operating Concept, TRA- Committee members COL (Ret.) Randy scratching the surface of what this team- DOC Pam 525-3-1, “Win in a Com- Rotte, COL (Ret.) Shelley Yarborough, and ing promises in terms of effectiveness. plex World,” the idea of Joint Combined BG (Ret.)Tim McHale also contributed to UASs are also conducting RSTA for bri- Arms Operations (JCAO) is introduced this article.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 11 February 28, 2015 PEO Aviation Update z Publisher’s Note: For this Rotary Wing Project Manager special focus issue, the branch chief, MG Michael Lundy, has coordinated having the Program Executive O cer for Aviation, BG Robert L. Marion, provide the lead, “To the Field,” article.
Opportunities for Modernization and Future Capabilities Investments By BG Robert L. Marion U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT PETER SMEDBERG, 10TH CAB BY CPT PETER SMEDBERG, ARMY PHOTO U.S.
ne of our Army’s guiding principles is to maintain A UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter navigates a mountain pass in Afghanistan during a personnel Obalance among readiness, end strength and movement mission. One of the Army’s top modernization; and in our current fiscal environment, tough modernization priorities is the Improved Turbine affordability tradeoffs have to be made across all three. Engine Program, slated to go into the Black Hawk and Apache helicopters and will increase Recognizing the importance of being strategic and decisive fuel efficiency, range and payload to meet the in order to gain as much ‘bang for the buck’ as possible, it Army’s evolving mission requirements. is more essential than ever to focus our resources on what matters most.
Given the realities of our current bud- While we do not have as much funding Modernization Programs get, we in the Program Executive O ce as we would like, we still have a large One of our key modernization for Aviation have taken great consider- budget to manage and execute. Embed- programs is the development of the ation on how we execute our Aviation ded in our current budget is tremendous Improved Turbine Engine Program Branch Chief’s priorities. While we re- opportunity for modernization and in- (ITEP). ITEP will provide the next alize that we cannot have everything we vestments into future capabilities. And as generation engine for Black Hawk need, we must go after as much new ca- an enterprise, we are being diligent when and Apache helicopters and is also pability as possible given our constraints. it comes to modernization. the baseline engine to reduce risk in
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 12 February 28, 2015 a future light helicopter. e ITEP supporting the Soldier and sustaining will also be a key combat multiplier in will bring increased fuel e ciency, our current eet. the combat aviation brigades (CAB). range and payload to meet Army PEO Aviation is partnering with PM UAS has elded the rst Shadow mission requirements with decreased the Aviation and Missile Command platoons in a CAB and will continue maintenance actions. It is Army aviation’s (AMCOM) to divest the OH-58 and elding two to three Shadow Platoons number one modernization program TH-67 eets and cancel the OH-58D per month for the next several years. and will feed into the development of Kiowa Warrior upgrade program. In Other key upcoming modernization new technology for our future eets accordance with the Army’s Execution initiatives include the UH-60V and and allow us to support expeditionary Order in April 2014, we began planning Block II Chinook. operations into the future. for the divestment of these eets over Our challenges in Army aviation are We are on track to transition this eort scal years 2014-2019. complex, but equal are the opportunities from the Science & Technology phase Another key tenant of ARI is the to excel. Army Aviation is an asymmetric into a Program of Record. e Army UH-72A Lakota becoming the new advantage our ground commanders not conducted its Army Systems Acquisition training helicopter. We have already only demand but have come to rely Review Council (ASARC) on October begun transition in 2014, and the upon because of the speed, mobility and 2014, which authorized us to proceed Lakota will be used to conduct both exibility aviation reliably provides time to the O ce of the Secretary of Defense the primary and instrument phase of and again. (OSD) to pursue an approval to release Initial Entry Rotary Wing training as Together, I know we will continue to a Request for Proposal for a Preliminary well as the Basic War ghter phase. ARI equip, train, lead and sustain the world’s Design Review (PDR) contract. also calls for the increased emphasis on nest aviation force. A Milestone B is expected to occur Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) in FY18. e current plan is to begin by teaming Apaches and Shadows to elding the ITEP in FY25. e 3,000 support the Armed Scout mission. BG Robert L. Marion is the U.S. Army shaft horsepower and increased savings Our Shadow UAS becomes part of, Program Executive O cer for Aviation in fuel e ciency will provide our not only the brigade combat teams, but located at Redstone Arsenal, AL. Black Hawks and Apaches the needed power margin to operate in high/hot environments and bridge the gap to Future Vertical Lift (FVL). FVL will produce our next generation of vertical lift aircraft. As such, it is critical that we continue to support the Joint Multi Role program to ensure mature technologies feed into the capabilities of our future eet. Our goal for FVL is to maximize use of common technology and parts to minimize training, logistics, and acquisition costs. FVL will leverage Joint Common Architecture and modular mission equipment to reduce the time and cost associated with modi cation and modernization while also enabling technology insertion. e JMR Technology Demonstration (TD) is the primary Science and Technology initiative that will inform FVL. JMR is well under way and has received the funding necessary to execute the next milestone for an air vehicle demonstration and ight tests through FY19. ARI Our Aviation Branch Chief has kept all of us aligned toward the continuation of Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI) execution, to include force structure realignment, aircraft elding and eet modernization. Army Aviation must preserve operational capability and exibility, modernize across the aviation eet while maintaining its focus on
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 13 February 28, 2015 Aviation Logistics Officer Update z Airworthiness Sustainment, Information Management, and Maintenance Policy By CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr.
he often-discussed ‘quality’ triangle T (fast, cheap, or right) is a delicate balance that must be achieved when sustaining an airworthy aircraft. Often made synonymous with safety, airworthiness is sometimes misconstrued. Airworthiness information mangement ties all these entities together.
Webster’s dictionary de nes airworthiness lectors, condition indicators, while other reducing soldier burden. simply as “ t to y.” e Army de nes it actions, dictated by the technical manu- e current Standard Army Infor- in AR 70-62 as “a demonstrated capability als for a speci c platform are performed, mation Management System (STAMIS) of an aircraft or aircraft subsystem or com- and then recorded in accordance with DA does not aord the aviation enterprise ponent to function satisfactorily when used PAM 738-751. No, it is not a “forms and the opportunity to leverage technology, and maintained within prescribed limits.” records” manual. e process and proce- and exploit gains. It is a dated business- Although an aircraft can y, does not mean dures outlined for documenting the sus- enterprise incapable of meeting the fast- it is ‘airworthy;’ therefore, understanding tainment actions completed on an aircraft, paced development of modern technolo- the aviation maintenance policy and the and dissemination of that information is gy instead of maintaining a war ghting way Army Aviation captures, gathers, trans- vital to the airworthiness process. Digital focus. e focus needs to be on what the mits, and stores airworthiness information source collectors, condition indicators, soldier requires to conduct tactical op- is essential to the tactical commander. bus data, and documented actions are all erations, provide eet management data components of gathering of airworthiness at all levels, enable enhanced diagnostics Current Policy information. e information is crucial to and remain intuitive to the soldier while e current aviation maintenance the airworthiness process and provides the supporting airworthiness process. policy and procedures, outlined in TM historical context for our advanced avia- We at PEO-AVN are working closely 1-1500-328-23, and referred to by the tion assets, and is necessary to sustaining with the Concepts and Requirements Di- Army’s maintenance regulation AR 750- an airworthy eet. rectorate (CRD) to merge those war ght- 1, are unable to fully exploit and adapt to ing functions and aviation core competen- emerging technologies. e policy char- Airworthiness Information cies to develop a solution that supports the acteristics inside this technical manual are e information that is gathered, trans- war ghter, reduces cost burdens, exploits currently under revision and are to become mitted, stored and analyzed is crucial to technology gains, and enhances airworthi- AR 95-4 “Aviation Airworthiness Sustain- sustaining an airworthy eet and devel- ness. ese actions reduce system safety ment Policy and Procedures.” e regula- oping sustainment management practices risks and provide the aviation commander tion itself will provide the foundation from which help the commander achieve the more exibility to support the ground which the aviation branch can establish the greatest duration of a maintenance free commander’s scheme of maneuver and maintenance requirements that are unique operating period, inspection to inspection. ability to prosecute the enemy with vigor to Army Aviation due to the airworthiness Additional information allows the Avia- and lethality. We understand that aviation component, leverage the innovative tech- tion community to identify and develop maintenance is not supposed to be a ‘busi- nologies and management practices, and new technologies, improve components, ness solution,’ is not just a logistics func- begin to balance that ‘quality triangle.’ and adjust maintenance eorts in order to tion, but also a component of airworthi- e existing policy centers on a mix of reduce soldier burden, drive costs down, ness sustainment and airworthiness infor- condition-based actions, interval (time- and increase readiness. e application of mation management. based or cycle-based) actions, failure nd- these technologies and re nement of the ing, or run-to-failure policy on platforms process enables the community to meet CW5 Donald L. Washabaugh Jr. is the Avia- or components. Some information is the branch chief’s goal of increasing readi- tion Logistics O cer in the Program Execu- gathered directly from digital source col- ness, decreasing scal commitments, and tive O ce, Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 14 February 28, 2015 Wescam Army Aviation-ad_February 2015_Layout 1 15-01-13 8:36 AM Page 1
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine WESCAM 15 February 28,L-3com.com 2015 Branch Command Sergeant Major z What Happens to Those
We Ask to Leave? By CSM Eric C. Thom
U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SSG MARK MIRANDA ARMY PHOTO U.S.
he willingness with which our young people are likely Soldiers case the unit colors for the 4th Attack to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be Reconnaissance Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment “T during a formation gathered at Watkins Field directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The 4-6 ARS inactivated the Kiowa squadron, Aug. 14, 2014. earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
– General George Washington, November 10th, 1781
Did you know that just one-half of 1 when they knew they could be placed in right now. Investments in our Soldiers percent of Americans served in uniform at harm’s way. Did all of them face life or provide units with enhanced mission ca- any given time during the past decade and a death situations? No, but they all stood pability by recognizing and re ning their half? Add to that, the Budget Control Act, up and volunteered to do just that. Isn’t military speci c training and experience. Sequestration (and for us the Aviation Re- that the type of person you would want is program links and establishes direct structuring Initiative) the Army’s size will working for you? e DOD and the VA correlations of military skills to civilian decrease even further. No wonder there is are working with Congress, industry and sector equivalents by demonstrating that a growing disconnect between mainstream many others to reduce this disconnect training and skills acquired in the military America and the Army. So what happens when it comes to transitioning Soldiers to are on par with those gained through tra- to the Soldiers we ask to leave, not because the civilian work force, but we need to do ditional civilian pathways. Our goal is to they did something wrong or didn’t meet our part as well. provide potential employers of aviation a standard, but just because we no longer Soldiers with an applicant who possesses have a position available for them? What USAACE is Doing civilian industry standard credentials. e After all, these are America’s nest; all First I would like to talk about what way ahead is through the Army Creden- of them either joining or reenlisting to we are doing with civilian credentialing. tialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) serve our country during a time of war It is a primary focus for Army Aviation website. https://www.cool.army.mil. We are
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 16 February 28, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 17 February 28, 2015 in the process of increasing and updating nd out how many credits ACE will oer Tracker https://actnow.army.mil/. ere is current credentialing opportunities. e them. (O cers must use DD form 295) more information on these two sites than Army COOL option is available to Sol- e educational institution will make the I could mention in ten articles. Just as im- diers but requires leadership emphasis and nal decision on what they accept. portant is to remember that these Soldiers support along with the individual’s com- Pioneering eorts to recognize and have already made a commitment and mitment to self-development. document our Soldier’s unique capabili- held up their end. Treat these Patriots with Our Branch has been extremely pro- ties, USAACE has volunteered CMF 15 the dignity and respect they have earned as active in identifying the relationship be- (Aviation) to be the rst career manage- part of our team by helping them through- tween professional military education and ment eld to be incorporated into the out the transition process. Look them in postsecondary education. Created in 1942 digital job book of the Digital Training the eye and thank them for their commit- to recognize the educational value of mili- Management System (DTMS). Recently ment and service. tary training and experience, e Ameri- we have revived the job book in a digital can Council of Education (ACE) has con- format, and released it as part of DTMS Soldiers Responsibilities tinuously evaluated military occupations version 7. With this release, we ask that e reduction in troop strength and (experiential knowledge), schools and you understand that as a 1st generation force structure in every military service af- correspondence courses to determine the prototype, it will require adjustments to ter more than a decade of war isn’t your amount of academic credit each should be make it ours. With your assistance and fault, but if you are one of the Soldiers awarded. Our NCO Academies recently commitment, we will continue to re ne that has been identi ed through di cult went through an accreditation process this product to make it what the Army decisions that will aect our Branch for with ACE. As a stakeholder in academia, and its leaders need. When it is all said years to come, you have a responsibility to USAACE works diligently with ACE team and done, in addition to the many ben- prepare yourself. e country selected our members in enhancing and re ning our e ts for the unit, the digital job book will civilian leadership and that leadership has professional military education courses document a Soldier’s individual capabil- made decisions that they believe are in our to maximize the potential outcome for ity, along with identifying what their next country’s best interest. You need to be pro- our Soldiers, the result is that in our most milestones are in the certi cation process. active and review the sites I have listed in recent evaluation, we experienced an in- the article. ese are not your only sources creased number of upper division bacca- Unit Level Responsibilities of assistance but they will do for a start. laureate degree semester hours for all of our To start with rst line leaders should Remember what it took to get to where courses. New courses and occupations are ensure all Soldiers, not just those prepar- you are at. Most people will never know continually being evaluated by ACE, and ing for transition are aware of and familiar or appreciate what you have accomplished will be added as they achieve recognition. with the Soldier for Life Program http://sol- just to get here. Keep your head high and Soldiers can go to the ATRRS system to dierforlife.army.mil/ and the Army Career walk with pride, because you are a Soldier and Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier… A Soldier for life!
Partners in Industry As potential future employers of these highly skilled Soldiers, I ask you to look into your organizations and see if there is potential in exploiting their talents by recognizing what credentials you may be seeking. In addition, do you have an es- tablished on-the-job-training (OJT) pro- gram or apprenticeship program that this proven talent pool can utilize as they make their transition? ese are trying times for all of us, I understand that and they are far from over, but never underestimate what a highly motivated Soldier can bring to your organization. e bene ts could be vast for you and the applicant. As always, it is an honor to serve as your Command Sergeant Major! Above the Best! CSM om [email protected]
CSM Eric C. om is the command sergeant major of the Aviation Branch and the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, AL.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 18 February 28, 2015 UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET) PHANTOM RES-Q™ LENS
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 19 February 28, 2015 Reserve Component Aviation Update z ARNG Aviation Cover Page By COL Mark W. Weiss U.S. ARNG PHOTO BY CW5 (RET.) BOB FLEMING BY CW5 (RET.) ARNG PHOTO U.S.
elcome back to the ARNG. This edition of my page UH-60 Black Hawks in the hangar at the Colorado Army National Guard Aviation Support W is targeted not at ARNG Soldiers, but at their Active Facility, Aurora, CO. Component (AC) brethren. Here’s why…
About 8,000 Aviation Soldiers will a Cessna 172 for recreation as a civilian disaster in your home State. Who knows, separate from the AC over the next four is one thing. Flying a Black Hawk under that elderly gentleman you rescue o of years. Some of those 8,000 may want to goggles is quite another. And you cer- the rooftop might be your uncle! stay in the Army Aviation business, and tainly can’t re 2.75” Folding Fin Aerial they likely can… in the Army National Rockets in the civilian world. What You Can Expect in Guard (ARNG). If you think you may You can stay “in charge.” Most of us the Guard be in this group, read on. in the Army are high-speed, low-drag, Similar Organizations. An assault Type-A overachievers. We long for a helicopter company in the Guard looks Why You Should Consider challenge. We thrive under pressure. And just like that in the AC…commander, the Guard we savor leadership opportunities. Most 1SG, 10 Hawks, the whole kit. You’ll feel You don’t have to leave the Band of of you in that group of 8,000 folks are right at home. Brothers (and Sisters). I continually hear leaders in the AC, and you can remain a Part time work. 85% of ARNG posi- this from veterans I meet: “I miss the ca- leader in the National Guard. tions are Traditional/M-Day (Man-Day). maraderie.” I can think of no civilian en- You can serve not only the Nation, ese are part-time Soldiers who can ex- terprise that replicates the bonding that but also your community. When you’re pect to work one weekend a month and takes place in the military, and the Guard overseas battling bad guys, you no two weeks during the summer. For avia- can help you maintain that sense of team- doubt derive some satisfaction knowing tion positions, this is supplemented by work, belonging, and purpose that you that you’re protecting the Nation and Additional Flight Training Periods, four- left behind in the AC. You can still y, y its citizens. Consider the satisfaction hour blocks of time for you to accomplish in, or maintain exciting machines. Flying you’ll feel when responding to a natural required aviation training. ere are a
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 20 February 28, 2015 small number of highly competitive full- time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) and Military Technician positions. Identical Aircrew Training Pro- gram (ATP) Requirements. Pilots and Army Aviation nonrated-crewmembers work out of the same Aircrew Training Manual and have the same ATP requirements as their AC Hall of Fame counterparts. 2015 FORMAL INDUCTION BANQUET Growth opportunities. e ARNG receives a robust number of institutional training seats for its Soldiers. So if you’re Monday, March 30, 2015 • 6 - 9 p.m. an ARNG pilot-in-command and you want to become an instructor pilot, we’ll send you back to Ft. Rucker (or to one of our ARNG training sites) for additional training and quali cation. Just like in the AC, you can go as far as your talents and motivation will take you.
Added Bennies Networking. Connections with your ARNG teammates can open doors to civilian employment opportunities, both inside civil aviation (e.g. o-shore, law enforcement) and otherwise. Pay. ARNG pay helps supplement your civilian salary. A seasoned captain might take in more than $20,000 annually. Not bad for doing something I tell folks I would do for free. Retirement. is is a nice piece h LTC Paul A. Bloomquist of security that merits close scrutiny. h CW5 Karl H. Maier Consider that an ARNG MSG/E-8 with 20 years of service (of which 6 were in the h MSG James W. Ponder AC) might pick up a retirement check of about $1,800 per month at age 60 (see https://www.hrc.army.mil/calculators/ retirementcalc.aspx for speci cs). And any nancial expert will tell you that a Buy Your Tickets Today guaranteed retirement check is far better than relying on accrued savings. Formal Hall of Fame Medical. Again, it’s complicated. But Induction Banquet, “google” Tricare Reserve Select and see Monday, March 30 what you might earn. Exchange. You have full-time access to all the on-post privileges you enjoyed while active: PX, commissary, bowling alley…the works. Our ARNG Liaison at Ft. Rucker, COL Steve Nicolucci (who helped with this ar- ticle), will be leading an ARNG road team around a few AC sites in 2015 to see who might be interested in joining the Guard. Engage them, ask them hard questions, and give it some serious thought. After all, we’re about 45% of Army Aviation. Come join us. Fly Safe; y Guard. 2015 ARMY AVIATION MISSION SOLUTIONS SUMMIT March 29-31, 2015 | Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN COL Mark W. Weiss is the chief of the Sponsored by Army Aviation Association of America Army National Guard Aviation and Safety Division located in Arlington, VA. Quad-a.org/2015Summit
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 21 February 28, 2015 128th Aviation Brigade Update z In this issue, SFC Dean Hess gives a breakdown of the newest addition to the armament community… the Light Weight Hell re Missile Launcher… and its impact on routine maintenance requirements. “Above the Best!” COL Rigole, Commander
Industry Steps Up for Launcher Maintainers By SFC Dean A. Hess
or all my fellow Armament Technicians F out there you will be happy to hear there is a new Light Weight Hellfire Missile Launcher in the works. The Modernized M299 Launcher Program, known as the MM299, will consist of the modernized M299A1 four rail, M310A1 two rail Light Weight Hellfire Missile Launchers and the MM299 Direct Current (DC) Launcher Electronic Assembly (LEA).
e launchers which are being built by the Lockheed Martin PHOTO COURTESY LOCKHEED MARTIN Corporation will replace the current missile launchers used on numerous airframes in today’s military. e rst unit to be equipped with the new Light Weight Hell re Missile Launchers will be in 2017. e modernized M299A1 four-rail and M310A1 two-rail launcher is designed to reduce weight by approximately 40 pounds, eliminate obsolescence of the existing LEA components and improve reliability, productivity, and safety of the entire system. ese modernized insertions will be accomplished by leveraging mature and relevant technologies that have already been used successfully in commercial electronics and manufacturing. e Modernized M299 DC LEA will be updated and installed in the legacy M299 Hardback Assembly to ensure compatibility with the legacy launcher assemblies. LOCKHEED MARTIN COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY LOCKHEED MARTIN e maintenance concept for the new launcher is set for two levels (Field and Depot) in order to reduce the transportation time between maintenance events. e Field Level includes Above: Hellfire Launcher troubleshooting, removing, and replacing Line Replaceable Below: M299A1 Light Weight Hellfire Missile Launcher Units (LRU) and selected Shop Replaceable Units (SRU). e Depot Level is for returning parts to the Original Equipment Manager (OEM) which consists of repairing LRU and SRU Scheduled Maintenance Changes using the Interim Contact Support (ICS) Contract with With the modi cation of the launchers, come changes to Lockheed Martin Corporation thus providing an organic scheduled maintenance and test equipment. Daily required transition plan for part exchange. preventative maintenance should not exceed 15 minutes. Phase
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 22 February 28, 2015 maintenance will stay the same using the AN/AWM-101A/B test set for on- N EWS S POTLIGHT aircraft testing and the Launcher Test Station (LTS) for o-aircraft testing. ere will be changes to the software in 21st Cavalry Brigade the test sets to allow for enhanced built- in tests and testing capabilities; however, Farewell Ball the physical characteristics and functions of the test sets will remain the same. e By LTC P. David Rogers bottom line is increased reliability, ease of maintainability, and usability of the same processes and procedures. To ensure industry remains on the contract timetable, there will be an in- depth testing event using real world scenarios with 15Y eld representative maintainers who have just graduated from initial entry training. e testing will be done prior to the elding of the rst new launcher and will focus on the maintainers being able to complete each and every task for the launcher with the skill level and tools identi ed. ere will be no coaching of the maintainers as they complete each task. eir actions will be evaluated by a group of experts to determine if the new Light Weight Hell re Launcher meets all expectations. e test, known in the Acquisition Community as a Logistics Demonstration, will require close coordination between Lockheed Martin Corporation; Project Manager Joint Attack Munitions Systems (PM JAMS), Aviation Missile Command (AMCOM), Aviation Missile Research Development BY ERIN ROGERS ALL PHOTOS Above left: Attendees at the 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) Farewell Ball at the Club Hood, Engineering Center (AMRDEC) and Fort Hood, Texas, November 14, 2014. Above Right: GEN (Ret.) James D. Thurman makes a Boeing. Another purpose of the Logistics point during the keynote address. Bottom:21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) commanders in Demonstration is to capture any and attendance pause for a photo: (left to right) COL (Ret.) Bill Reeder, COL Morgan Lamb, COL Greg all maintenance procedures not in the Brockman, COL (Ret.) Craig Pearson, COL John C. White (current commander), COL(Ret.) Greg existing tasks and have those procedures Walker, COL (Ret.) Doug Eller, LTC (Ret.) Joe Owen (former XO), and COL (Ret.) Malvin Handy. incorporated into the airframe technical manuals. ere are many things involved in he 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) held a farewell ball at Club Hood at Fort introducing new components to the T Hood Texas on November 14, 2014. The unit is scheduled to officially deacti- world of Aviation. ose items include vate on June 1, 2015. contract agreements, publications, Over 250 current and former Soldiers of the brigade were in attendance, as validation and veri cation, Logistics well as the commander and members of the Royal Netherlands Air Force 302 Demonstrations, and safety functions to Squadron, a permanent presence in 21st CAV. Civilian members of the many com- list a few. With all these moving pieces, munities in the Western Training Area, were also in attendance. coordination between the combined GEN (Ret.) James D. Thurman, a former member of the unit, Senior Army Aviator sections is a key factor in executing tasks and most recently commander of U.S. Forces, Korea, was the keynote speaker. He and staying on target. e key to keeping recognized many current and former members of the brigade including more than all these moving parts moving is total 20 former brigade commanders, command sergeants major, and command chief support from our industry partners! warrant officers. Since its inception as the AH-64 Task Force almost 30 years ago the unit has SFC Dean A. Hess is a 15Y senior training been responsible for training, validating, or certifying more than 75 combat avia- developer/writer in the Systems Integration tion units. Many of these units deployed to combat theaters in Iraq or Afghanistan Division, S-3, 128th Aviation Brigade, immediately upon completing a rotation at 21st CAV. Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. There will be a formal deactivation ceremony in the spring. LTC P. Dave Rogers is the deputy commander of the 21st Cavalry Brigade located at Fort Hood, Texas
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 23 February 28, 2015 AMRDEC Tech Talk z Robust Hydraulic Filters will Increase
Aircraft Reliability and Safety By Peter Rao
fter a CH-47 Chinook crashed on its A maiden flight from Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) in 1997, investigations by the Army and Boeing pointed to the need for improved hydraulic housekeeping.
Hydraulic systems use uid power to do work. In most Army helicopters, the hydraulic system is the only link from a pilot’s control inputs (cyclic, collective, anti-torque pedals) to the main and tail rotors. As such, hydraulic systems must operate while dealing with close internal tolerances, extreme pressures, system- induced heat created by pumps, and dynamic forces incurred Figure 1. during ight. Contamination of these systems leads to decreased component life and potential safety of ight concerns. Hydraulic media lters. e ight demonstration program culminated in system contamination is most often found in the form of particu- over 34,000 ight hours on both the AH-64 and UH-60 heli- late matter, water, barium, or chlorine. copter eets. Monthly hydraulic cleanliness sampling of aircraft e results of the investigations following the crash led to the with sampling valves proved the robust lter’s capabilities. e current process of hydraulic puri cation for the CH-47. At phase documented increased Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of inspection, before the ground power cart is ever hooked up for six key hydraulic components on the UH-60 had a projected hydraulic system servicing, it is completely decontaminated and cost savings over $27 per ight hour per aircraft, excluding la- cleaned of particulates, water, and entrained solvents via a pu- bor cost savings. ri er. Consequently, the Chinook hydraulic system is now the e new robust metal media lters are drop in replacements cleanest in the Army’s eet. and interchangeable with existing lters. ey remove and retain After completing these eorts for the Cargo Project Manager particulate matter eectively despite the perturbations in the ow (PM), the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED) was tasked caused by the operating environment of the helicopters, thus in- by the Apache and Utility PMs to conduct further research on creasing and maintaining hydraulic system cleanliness levels as their aircraft. is research led to hydraulic lter improvements as shown in Figure 1. the AED Propulsion Division partnered with lter manufacturers Since the completion of the Fort Rucker Demonstration Pro- to transition ltration technology from the nuclear and polymer gram, two new lter speci cations have been written for the AH- industries to use in Army Aviation hydraulic systems. In addi- 64 (MIL-DTL-8815/31) and the UH-60 (MIL-DTL-8815/32). tion, the work led to a detailed understanding of how the lters e Aviation Ground Support Equipment PM also requested a capture and retain particulate matter in a dynamic environment. new metal media lter be installed in the Aviation Ground Pow- A series of tests were designed to subject the existing ber- er Unit (MIL-DTL-8815/33). Both PM o ces are working to glass and cellulous (paper) lters to dynamic ow (ow with develop the best method of bringing this capability to the eld. direction changes, induced vibration, and hydraulic pump pul- Together with the respective PM o ces and aircraft manufactur- sations) that a lter would see in ight. Every lter tested failed ers, AED continues to research technologies to prevent hydraulic to retain captured particulate matter during maneuvering ight, contamination through detection, ltration, and puri cation. causing a “cloud of contaminates” to ow downstream from the Based on overhaul data of parts removed, the Army currently lter. is phenomenon, known as “silting,” can cause spool spends over $70 million a year on overhaul costs associated with valve locking, un-commanded ight control inputs, or simply 34 distinct hydraulic components across its four helicopter types. increased wear of dynamic components. Because the particulate Improved ltration won’t bring this cost to zero, but will signi - sheds from the lter, the hydraulic lter bypass buttons may cantly reduce it while greatly reducing the probability of hydrau- never pop due to lter loading, therefore indicating a false clean lic system failures in ight. lter and uid condition. Beginning in 2008, ve AH-64 Apache and ve UH-60 Black Mr. Peter Rao, M.S. is an aerospace engineer with the Propulsion Hawk helicopters were modi ed at Fort Rucker, Alabama by in- Division of the Aviation Engineering Directorate of the U.S. Army stalling sampling valves and robust metal media lters. Addition- Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Cen- ally, 120 training aircraft were tted with the new robust metal ter located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 24 February 28, 2015 Reliable ammunition handling for extreme military environments
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 25 February 28, 2015 Ask the Flight Surgeon z
Atrial Fibrillation By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar
I was recently diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation and Workup should include a metabolic Q: prescribed Coumadin (warfarin) and a calcium panel, thyroid panel, echocardiography, channel blocker (Diltiazem) for heart rate control. I saw a and invasive or non-invasive testing for cardiac ischemia based upon calculated cardiologist who took me off the medications, and used likelihood, and a cardiology consult. Also radio-frequency ablation to eliminate the fibrillation, but I still required for waiver submission are an have a high heart rate (118 to 126), don’t have my normal AGXT, and three 24-hour Holter moni- tor studies done at two-month intervals. energy level, and I’m running much slower than usual. A detailed health history to document What’s the next step? any precipitating event, and a six-month observation period o of anti-arrhythmic FS: As in any medical condition, the rst diac output, but in trained athletes it can or rate controlling medications without and most important thing is to take care of be closer to 15%. Blood lying against the recurrence is necessary for waiver. you by treating the condition, and worry walls of the atria for prolonged periods about returning you to ight status after can form a clot called a mural thrombus. Flying Duty your heart rate is back to normal, and you Pieces of the clot can break free causing A single episode of atrial brillation hopefully don’t need to continue medica- pulmonary emboli or a stroke. e Cou- with clearly documented precipitating tion. In this case, since it’s been over two madin was given to you to prevent the factors (e.g. “holiday heart”) is waiverable months since the ablation therapy, and clot from forming, and the calcium chan- for ying duty following a six month that has been unsuccessful, we’ll refer you nel blocker to slow the heart rate down; period of observation to ensure absence back to the cardiologist who has recently other medications can be used to try to of recurrence as well as the elimination of treated you, and is familiar with your case. put the heart back into a regular rhythm. underlying organic sources. In your case, If there is to be a signi cant delay in get- a waiver may be applied for six months ting back to the cardiologist it would seem Risks and Treatment after successful radio frequency ablation, reasonable to re-start the medications you Radio-frequency ablation is done by with a normal post-ablation evaluation were taking before the procedure even inserting very thin wires inside the heart (A b unable to be provoked) on a case- though medical treatment is not compat- through a large vein, nding the tiny by-case basis. Hopefully the second ible with ight status for the time being. areas that are causing the atria to beat attempt will be eective. Waivers are irregularly, and then destroying those not recommended for recurrent cases, or Most capable, best value Physiology tissues with high heat. It is successful cases with signi cant underlying coronary In a normally beating heart, an electri- approximately 74% of the time. artery disease. Initial applicants with a cal impulse is generated near the top of the Atrial brillation is the most common history of A- b are not considered for exception to policy. Safe ying, and see advanced training helicopter. right atrium in the sino-atrial (SA) node cardiac arrhythmia. For every decade of that then travels at a steady rate though life the prevalence doubles, and by the you at the ight line! Doc Puskar the atria causing them to contract, and age of 80-90, 10% of people have it. e then through the atrio-ventricular node at most common cause is hypertension, and Question for the Flight the junction between the atria of the up- other risk factors include hyperthyroid- Surgeon? per heart and the main pumping cham- ism, chronic obstructive pulmonary dis- If you have a question you would like bers the ventricles, causing them to con- ease, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, addressed, email it to [email protected]; tract forcefully in a nicely synchronized rheumatic heart disease, mitral stenosis, we’ll try to address it in the future. See fashion just after the atria that ll them structural heart disease, and pericardial your unit ight surgeon for your personal do. In atrial brillation (A- b), impulses disease. Obesity, heavy alcohol use (“holi- health issues. e views and opinions of- The AW119Kx is the most durable, safe and “forgiving” advanced training are randomly generated in locations other day heart”), and metabolic syndrome also fered are those of the author and research- helicopter on the market today. It features modern avionics and glass cockpit, than the SA node (usually the ends of contribute to the risk. Smoking and heavy ers and should not be construed as an while providing low procurement and operating costs. Plus the AW119Kx offers o cial Department of the Army position the pulmonary veins near the heart) that caeine intake can also be contributing. a ve-hour fuel range with the ability to carry additional students, maximizing cause the atria to contract very irregularly Men are more likely to develop atrial - unless otherwise stated or brillate. is can be asymptomatic, brillation, but it is more dangerous in valuable ight time. Learn more at AdvancedHelicopterTrainer.com. but can cause some people to notice heart terms of outcome for women. All of these Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar is a ight surgeon uttering or palpitations, and some fa- possible causes should be sought out by and the director of the Army Flight Surgeon tigue and weakness as in your case. e the health care team, and any reversible Primary Course at the US Army School of COMMITMENT BUILT IN. “atrial kick” provides roughly 5% of car- ones identi ed and treated. Aviation Medicine at Fort Rucker, AL
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COMMITMENT BUILT IN.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 27 February 28, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Rotary Wing PM Updates
Apache Helicopter Project Office Update
By COL Jeffrey E. Hager with COL (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer U.S. ARMY PM APACHE COURTESY PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY APACHE ARMY PM U.S.
he role of the Apache Attack Heli- commanded by LTC John “Pat” Davis. Reduced-size Crashworthy External Fuel System T copter is growing as the Army’s e second unit equipped, 1-25th (RCEFS) requirements for this exceptional ma- ARB stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado chine evolve in the current operational and commanded by LTC Tammy Baugh, and scal environments. e AH-64D has had one company deployed through- AH-1S Cobras and CH-47D Chinooks. Longbow Apache continues to be the out the Paci c for training while the rest Another part of the battalion that backbone of the Army’s attack helicop- of the 1-25th remained in CONUS to didn’t deploy in the Paci c assisted the ter eet. With the doubling or tripling support unit training and Apache test Apache Project O ce in the execution of normal ying conducted by deployed requirements. In the Paci c, Company of the AH-64E Capability Lot 4 Fol- units, the Apache eet exceeded 4 mil- A, with eight AH-64E Apache aircraft, low-on Operational Test & Evaluation lion ight hours this year resulting in deployed rst to Wheeler Army Air (FOT&E) from 4-14 Aug. 14 at Eglin units and aviators that are more pro- Field in Hawaii for over-water operation Air Force Base, Florida. Twenty-one (21) cient at maintaining and ying the training with the 25th Infantry Division reconnaissance and attack pro le mis- Apache than ever before. e new kid ground brigade. Next, they participated sions were conducted in varying condi- on the block, the AH-64E, is making its with U.S. and coalition ships in the Rim tions (day/night, maritime, counter-air) presence known as well. of the Paci c (RIMPAC) training exer- to assess the bene t of three capabilities: cise, conducting blue water operations Link 16 communications, Reduced- Initial Unit Fieldings and live re gunnery. After RIMPAC, size Crashworthy External Fuel System e units with the initial elding of the the unit trained with both Indonesia and (RCEFS), and the System Level Embed- AH-64E have been busy. e rst unit Japanese forces. In Indonesia, 4 Apaches ded Diagnostic Software Tool for the equipped, 1-229th Attack Reconnais- participated in exercise Garuda Shield Aviation Maintenance Picture (SLED- sance Battalion (ARB) at Joint Base Lewis- with the Indonesia armed forces and STAMP). Link-16 is a communication McChord (JBLM), Washington, recently conducted a combined live re operation standard that has been in use by both the returned from conducting combat op- with Indonesian Mi-35 attack helicop- U.S. Air Force and Navy for years but erations. As of November 2014, 25,866 ters. From Indonesia, these 4 Apaches is only utilized by Army Aviation on the ight hours were completed by their E deployed to exercise Orient Shield in Apache, giving Army Aviation increased model eet, almost 11,000 of those were Japan where they trained with the Japan capability in the Joint ght. ough ex- combat hours own by the Tigersharks Ground Self Defense Force and Japanese ternal fuel systems are not new to the
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 28 February 28, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 29 February 28, 2015 in September 2014. e MRFI is an obsolescence mitigation program that also adds additional capability including passive ranging (geometric calculation of an enemy’s location without giving away our position) and frequency exten- sion (ability to detect enemy radar from greater distances). MRFI will also be op- erationally tested as part of the FOTE II event in 2017-2018 timeframe. e MRFI and MDSA capabilities will be cut-in to the AH-64E production line as part of the overall Version 6 con gura- tion starting in 2019. 1-101st ARB deployed with MUMT- 2 as an AH-64D unit and based on that past experience, requested MUMT-2 be installed on their AH-64E aircraft as well.
U.S. ARMY PM APACHE COURTESY PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY APACHE ARMY PM U.S. rough the outstanding eorts of the U.S. Army Acquisition Executive, Ms. Heidi Shyu (left), and GEN Dennis L. Via, commanding general of 1-101st (Ft. Campbell, KY), industry U.S. Army Materiel Command, are briefed by 1-229th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion in Afghanistan, teams, and multiple Government agen- March 2014. cies, the MUMT-2 capability was inte- grated onto the AH-64E in less than nine months. With little funding and an ex- tremely aggressive schedule, the teams Apache, the new RCEFS is certi ed Apache Sensors Product Office worked together and currently all 24 AH- and speci cally designed to enable the In 2015, the Apache Sensors Prod- 64E aircraft will have MUMT-2 installed Apache to continue to operate in its at- uct O ce will continue building on the prior to 1-101’s deployment early next year. tack ight pro le. success of the Modernized Day Sensor Apache’s other MUM system, the e third unit equipped, 1-101st Assembly (MDSA), Modernized Radar UAS Tactical Common Data Link As- ARB, is currently preparing for deploy- Frequency Interferometer (MRFI), and sembly (UTA), also deployed with the ment. Fort Rucker, Alabama will receive Manned/Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) AH-64E First Unit Equipped (1-229 additional AH-64E models in 2015. capabilities. For MDSA and MRFI, the out of JBLM) in early 2014. e PM will e Project O ce is gearing up to begin Product O ce will shift its focus from continue elding MUMT-2 and UTA to elding and training 3-101st, the fourth development and testing to aircraft in- AH-64E battalions in 2015. unit to receive AH-64Es later in 2015. tegration and production. For MUMT, e elding of the AH-64E model the Product O ce will continue pro- aircraft in the eld today is not mission Next Technology Insertion duction of its two legacy MUM systems complete. ere is much to do in order While these units and the Longbow while starting development of a future to produce the nal design, which will eet remain heavily committed in today’s MUM solution that promises to meet be complete with the incorporation of environment, the Product O ce for De- all user requirements while reducing the the two technology insertions. All de- velopment continues to prepare for the unit cost compared to legacy systems. velopment and production programs next technology insertion. e AH-64E Flight testing of the MDSA was are on track, with paths forward for any model program was designed with two completed during the summer of 2014. bumps in the road. e goal of the whole technology insertions to make the pro- Testing was performed at multiple loca- Apache Team is to provide soldiers with gram aordable over the life cycle of pro- tions including Redstone Arsenal, AL a remarkable, maintainable, and safe at- duction and elding. Follow-on Test and (Aviation Flight Test Directorate) and at tack aircraft. Evaluation (FOTE), conducted with as- Yuma Proving Grounds. e feedback Attack! sistance from 1-25th ARB, con rmed the from the testing was extremely posi- rst technology insertion, Capability Lot tive. MDSA will be operationally tested COL Jerey E. Hager is the project manager 4. Work is in progress to transfer these ca- as part of the FOTE II event in 2017- for the Apache Project O ce, Program Exec- pabilities from the developmental and test 2018 timeframe. e MDSA is an ob- utive O ce for Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, phase to the production lines. solescence mitigation program that also AL; Mr. Michael Ski Horrocks is the deputy e next technology insertion, Capabil- provides color video in the cockpit, an sensors product director in the Apache PO ity Lot 6, will focus on sensor improve- Ultra Narrow Field of View (increased and also contributed to this article. COL ments, including the Fire Control Radar, range / zoom level), a Laser Pointer on (Ret.) Robin D. Cofer is a support contrac- Maritime Targeting Mode, Multi-Mode the MTADS for improved accuracy, tor with S3 Inc., Huntsville, AL supporting laser and upgrade of the Interactive “XR” picture-in-picture capability, less the Apache Project O ce. Maintenance Support System Ground wiring, and improved failure diagnostics Analysis Software. ese capabilities are to reduce O&S costs. in development and will be cut into the e Sensors team successfully com- production lines in the future. pleted initial ight testing of the MRFI
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0188_Revise_MyMiltope_Mach1_X1a.indd 1 8/5/149:42 AM 9:42 AM SPECIAL FOCUS u Rotary Wing PM Updates ASH PHOTO BY JAMES BAMBURG ASH PHOTO
Armed Scout Helicopter Project Office Update By COL James R. Kennedy and Ms. Christian Sumner
he Armed Scout Helicopter Proj- Above: Divested OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, 309th T ect O ce (ASH) began 2014 fully Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group engaged in sustaining the OH-58A/C/D (AMARG), Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 2014. Kiowa Warrior (KW) and TH-67 eets, managing OH-58D KW Wartime Re- placement Aircraft (WRA) production, and executing the ight test program for Army issued an Execution Order (EX- the OH-58F KW – the next generation ORD) directing ASH to begin planning in the OH-58 attack scout series. Con- for the divestment of the OH-58A/C/D currently, ASH was monitoring the scal KW and TH-67 eets over Fiscal Years environment and preparing to execute a BY SSG MARK MIRANDAS ARMY PHOTO U.S. 2014-2019 (FY14-19). new mission as the Army considered fu- Casing of the Colors, 4th Attack Reconnaissance ture Aviation needs in an age of sequestra- Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, August 2014. Shifting to a New Mission Set tion and budget constraints. As it became OH-58F KW termination began clear that ongoing sustainment of aviation with contract closeout actions, property modernization programs, force levels, and inventory and disposition planning, and training across all three components was DEMIL and static display screening of not supportable, the Army’s re-evaluation Apache teamed with the Shadow un- the OH-58F prototypes. Limited 58D of the aviation strategy lead to the Avia- manned aircraft system (UAS) as an in- KW WRA work-in-progress was autho- tion Restructure Initiative (ARI). terim solution for the armed scout mis- rized to complete in support of ongo- Under ARI, divesting the OH-58 and sion, and called for the UH-72 to assume ing operations while contracts for new TH-67 eets and cancelling OH-58D the Army Initial Entry Rotary Wing WRA production were terminated. OH- KW upgrade and eet replenishment (IERW) training mission. Accordingly, 58A/C/D KW and TH-67 divestment programs would enable re-purposing the Army terminated the OH-58F KW planning began by de ning a balanced of funding to support other Army pri- upgrade program and the OH-58D KW approach to minimize taxpayer cost, orities. e initiative also identi ed the WRA eort in March. In early April, the support the industrial base, and enhance
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BELLV280.COM ARMY AVIATION Magazine 33 February 28, 2015 U.S. international partnerships through also began in 2014; these inducted into test, production, training, and elding foreign military sales (FMS). RASM West for part and component of three training Iraqi 407s and 26 fully Executing the divestment mission harvest to support sustainment of the con gured IA 407s in only 45 months. is essentially like a elding in reverse – remaining active component eet. Shortly after receiving the divestment early coordination with divesting units is Training Devices: After OH-58D order, ASH began collaborating with the the key. Whether aircraft leave an OCO- KW institutional training ceased at the United States Army Security Assistance NUS or CONUS unit, extensive plan- end of FY14, all training devices were Command (USASAC) and the AM- ning precedes the transfer of aircraft – a deemed excess defense articles in Oc- COM Security Assistance Management precise event ASH executes in a matter of tober. Training device divestment be- Directorate (SAMD) to de ne the OH- days. Under the approved ASH Aircraft gan promptly, with twelve maintenance 58D FMS program. At the beginning of Disposal Plan, all divestment involves training aircraft transferred to other ac- October, USASAC issued a world-wide adherence to a Federally-mandated pri- tivities and uses by the end of 2014. survey to gauge international interest in oritized screening for transfer to other the OH-58D as an Excess Defense Ar- services, agencies, parts reclamation, Divestment 2015-2019 ticle (EDA)/FMS platform. Initial re- FMS, historical artifact static display, or ASH is coordinating with the Army to sponses were very strong. In 2015, ASH disposal. ASH also began planning to de ne a unit-by-unit divestment sched- will continue coordination with USA- complete the targeted elding of safety- ule in a series of follow-on Fragmentary SAC and SAMD to maximize KW reuti- critical upgrades necessary to support the Orders (FRAGOs) to the April EXORD. lization across the global community in OH-58D KW elded eet through the Although the entire divestment mission an eort to Build Partnership Capacity. end of the KW divestment schedule. will execute over a ve-year period, the majority of remaining KW divestment is Preparing the ASH Portfolio Final Divestment in 2014 planned for FY15-16, with the nal unit Chapter OH-58D Kiowa Warrior: Shortly scheduled to stand down in FY17. Active e OH-58 and TH-67 training eets after the April EXORD, the Army iden- Component OH-58A/C and training began producing Army rotary wing pilots ti ed the rst group of 26 KWs to divest device divestment will continue through over 20 years ago. Most Army helicopter from the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry FY19. ASH is closely coordinating with pilots ying today learned to do so in a Regiment CAV in Fort Wainwright, AK. USAACE to develop the TH-67 divest- Kiowa or a Creek. OH-58 development By early May, ASH stood up a two-tier ment schedule, and ensure that the divest- has also shaped the future of Army ro- divestment team to coordinate with the ment aligns with the elding schedule of tary wing operation with innovation and owning unit and the designated stor- the UH-72s. TH-67 divestment will be- cutting-edge modernizations that have age, screening, and divestment facility, gin in FY15 with the remaining TH-67 proliferated across the rotary wing port- the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and divestment occurring over FY16-19. folio. Consider the digital cockpit, Blue Regeneration Group (AMARG), Davis- Force Tracker (BFT), and most recently, Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, AZ. Bringing an Era to a Close full-spectrum CAB manned-unmanned e teams executed aircraft and equip- e OH-58 community experienced teaming (MUM-T) in combat opera- ment inventory, strategic airlift load-out many bittersweet milestones in 2014. tions – an operational model pioneered via a C-17 at Ft. Wainwright, aircraft OH-58A/C NGB divestment marked by the OH-58D that will be utilized acceptance, and transfer into AMARG, the end of an Army service record span- across Army Aviation as UAS continues completing the process for all 6-17 CAV ning 45 years. e 4th Attack Recon- to integrate across the portfolio. KWs in two weeks. ASH implemented naissance Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regi- As the Pride of the Cavalry, the OH- a similar process for KWs at the U.S. ment, the rst KW unit to deactivate, 58D KW is considered the ground com- Army Aviation Center of Excellence cased its colors in August. A month later, mander’s best friend. e OH-58, in all (USAACE), Fort Rucker, AL, in Octo- Class 14-002 completed training at Ft. its variants, has not only met every mis- ber, although the KWs transported via Rucker and graduated the nal class of sion call, without fail, across the world self-deployment, rather than cargo air- KW pilots. 2014 closed with the last for over 40 years – it has given rise to a craft. A total of 81 KWs divested from OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helos depart- tightly-knit family of CAV troopers span- units and USAACE in 2014. e major- ing Afghanistan, ending 11 years of con- ning three generations. Kiowa Pilots and ity entered AMARG with a small group tinuous combat operation support in the Maintainers have proudly passed con- deemed uneconomically repairable, Global War on Terrorism. trols, wrenches, and institutional knowl- and inducted for parts-harvest into ei- edge from father to son to grandson and ther the Regional Aviation Sustainment OH-58D FMS granddaughter over the past 45 years. Maintenance (RASM) West, Fort Hood, As the KW prepares to leave Army An operational tenure is coming to an TX or the Corpus Christi Army Depot service, the FMS community has ex- end, but an impressive legacy lives on. (CCAD), Corpus Christi, TX. pressed extensive interest in the future OH-58A/C: All remaining National of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior – hardly COL James R. Kennedy is the Armed Guard Bureau (NGB) OH-58A/Cs di- a surprise considering the KW’s proven Scout Helicopter Project Director, and Ms. vested in 2014. Most were received by operational tempo (OPTEMPO), op- Christian Sumner is the Kiowa Warrior the Law Enforcement Support O ce erational readiness rates, and continu- Helicopter Operations O cer. Both are as- (LESO) to begin a second life in sup- ous combat record. ASH has a history signed to Redstone Arsenal, AL. porting law enforcement agencies across of successful FMS programs, most re- the country; just a few went to parts cently completing the Iraqi Armed 407 harvest or historical artifact display. Ac- (IA 407) FMS program. As lead system tive component OH-58A/C divestment integrator, ASH managed the design,
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 35 February 28, 2015
BOS79609A_108741.indd 1 6/4/14 11:50 AM SPECIAL FOCUS u Rotary Wing PM Updates
Cargo Helicopter Project Office Update By COL Robert L. Barrie, LTC M. Reese Hauenstein, and LTC Calvin J. Lane
he Cargo Helicopter Project O ce our eet, and planning for the future. to serve our talented, committed, well- T (CHPO) had a banner year in We will also sustain our international trained and well-led Soldiers, civilians and 2014. e CHPO continued delivery of engagement in support of numerous contractors serving throughout the world. CH-47F production aircraft, completed foreign military sales (FMS) oppor- CH-47F fielding to the Active tunities. Most importantly, we’ll CH-47F Component (AC), and developed a continue to stay linked with the greater e CH-47F is the U.S. Army’s only blocking strategy to maintain the CH-47 Chinook community through forums heavy lift helicopter and continues to be as the Army’s premiere heavy lift that maximize the exchange of ideas and vital to Overseas Contingency Operations helicopter through 2060. In 2015, we experiences. (OCO) and our nation’s Homeland will continue supporting our deployed We remain committed to our tradition Security needs. In Afghanistan, the CH- forces, elding CH-47F to the Guard of responsive support to the world-wide 47F is a critical asset for transporting and Reserve Components, modernizing Chinook community. We are honored troops, supplies, and providing various
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 36 February 28, 2015 Soldiers with Delta Company, 2nd Aviation Additionally, we delivered the rst Assault Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, aircraft in our Multi-Year 2 production prepare to hook up a sling-load to a CH-47F contract con guration three months Chinook as part of a downed aircraft recovery team training exercise, Kandahar Airfield, ahead of schedule. Afghanistan, Nov. 11. e CH-47F Product O ce reached yet another milestone by completing New Equipment Training (NET) for the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, Honduras, signaling completion of NET operations and CH-47F elding for all thirteen AC combat aviation brigades lectors, T55-GA-714A engine, Common (CABs). e Product O ce continues Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), to utilize two CH-47F NET teams, Air Warrior, Common Missile Warning providing concurrent operator and System (CMWS), Infrared Suppression maintainer training at Savannah, GA for System (IRSS), enhanced air transport- National Guard (NG) units and at New ability, Digital Automatic Flight Control Century, KS for Reserve Component System (DAFCS), an Extended Range (RC) units. Fuel System II for self-deployment mis- e Product O ce remains on sions, and is compatible with joint digi- schedule to complete RC elding tal connectivity requirements. e air- in FY15 and NG elding in FY 16. craft continues to prove itself every day Additionally, the Product O ce recently in deployed locations around the globe. completed NET, installation and elding During this past year the Product of CAAS V9.2 to the 25th CAB, Hawaii O ce achieved several milestones. is and the Hawaii National Guard and will year marked the beginning of the elding continue to provide CAAS V9.2 NET to of the CAAS V9.2 software which all Chinook units. provides the aircraft with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and CH-47 Modernization Area Navigation (RNAV) capability. e Modernization Product O ce We also began elding of the APX- continues to focus on both near and long 123 transponder. is new con guration term improvements for the Chinook allowed the CH-47F to become the Fleet. e Modernization Product O ce rst aircraft to achieve AIMS (Air executes Chinook FMS eorts and has Tra c Control Radar Beacon System, delivered the CH-47F and CH-47D to Identi cation Friend or Foe, Mark international partners in support of the
U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT ADAN CAZAREZ BY CPT ARMY PHOTO U.S. XII/Mark XIIA, Systems) certi cation. U.S. strategic mission. Additionally, the
combat support, and combat service support operations. Secondary missions include MEDEVAC, aircraft recovery, parachute drops, disaster relief, and search and rescue. e CH-47F and Boeing Team de- livered the 308th CH-47F in December 2014. e CH-47F aircraft incorporates AFFAIRS ARMORED DIVISION PUBLIC 1ST BRIGADE, AVIATION COMBAT BY SGT JOSE RAMIREZ, ARMY PHOTO U.S. key reliability and maintainability im- Soldiers from Task Force Iron Knights, 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation provement modi cations such as a new Brigade, 1st Armored Division, based out of Roberts International Airport, Monrovia, Liberia, load machined airframe, vibration reduction, electrical and building material into a CH-47F Chinook helicopter for an Ebola treatment unit in Ganta, corrosion protection, digital source col- Liberia, Dec. 9, 2014.
ARMY AVIATION Magazine 37 February 28, 2015 through the planned service life of 2060. A cornerstone of the rst block upgrade, known as Block II, is an improvement to the rotor blade system – the Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade – which will signi cantly improve the performance of the helicopter in high-hot atmospheric conditions. e PM is exploring other modi cations as well. Examples are airframe modi cations that will increase aircraft maximum gross weight up to 54,000 lbs. and a fuel system modi cation that improves reliability and allows for 80 additional gallons of fuel. e Army is conducting an analysis to determine the appropriate technologies to carry forward into the Block II program and the Project O ce is seeking approval to enter the acquisition process in early 2015. Cargo On/Ooad System (COOLS) is the number one requirement from our Soldiers. COOLS allows the CH- 47 cabin and ramp oor to be easily and quickly converted from the troop (at oor) con guration to the cargo (rollers)
CARGO HELICOPTER PROJECT OFFICE COURTESY PHOTO CARGO HELICOPTER PROJECT OFFICE COURTESY con guration. e COOLS oor system has an underoor A CH-47F departs Redstone Army Airfield, Redstone Arsenal, AL, on lightweight ballistic protection system and the typical transition December 16, 2013 as part of a ferry mission that delivered a group of CH- time from troop to cargo con guration is less than 15 minutes. 47F aircraft to Ft. Carson, CO. COOLS is now installed on aircraft coming o the factory assembly line and has been retro tted onto eighty previously elded aircraft in support of current operations. e Cargo Platform Health Environment (CPHE) for the Product O ce is responsible for the GSA sales program that CH-47F is now being installed on production aircraft at the successfully divested 14 CH-47D aircraft to U.S. industry. Boeing factory. CPHE is an integrated system that provides Over the past year, the PM has achieved many key development rotor track and balance solutions as well as timely and reliable and elding milestones. vibration and parametric data. CPHE provides the CH- e CHPO is planning a block-upgrade strategy to the CH- 47F maintenance community with the aircraft-speci c tools 47F Chinook designed to aordably maintain platform relevance and technology needed to evolve the CPHE system into the Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) solution for the CH- 47F eet. ACESSYSTEMS.COM Bene ts to the soldier include: light weight refreshed Mass Memory Server with greater storage capabilities; logbook interface with automated data transfers; collection and storage of aircraft parametric data; collection and storage of aircraft vibration data; enhanced vibration trouble-shooting functionality for the aircraft drive-train; and active processing of collected data to provide accurate and timely information on the condition and health of the aircraft’s systems and components. e PM is incorporating software updates developed from lessons learned during a recently completed Vibration Problems? system demonstration conducted with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
COL Robert L. Barrie is the project manager of the Cargo Helicopter Project O ce, Program Executive O ce, Aviation; LTC M. Reese Hauenstein is the CH-47F Product Manager, and LTC Calvin J. Lane is the CH-47 Modernization Product Manager; all located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 38 February 28, 2015 295mm in. Bleed 295mm in. 285mm Trim 285mm 245mm Live
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ARMY AVIATION Magazine 39 February 28, 2015
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&OLHQW)URQWOLQH&RPPXQLFDWLRQV-RE9HU$'& &\DQ 0DJHQWD Non-Standard Rotary Wing Aircraft Project Office: 2015 – Mission Evolution By COL James B. Brashear and LTC (Ret.) Scott J. Hoffmann THE BOEING COMPANY COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY THE BOEING COMPANY he Non-Standard Rotary Wing Air- (ANSF) ability to support ground Above: AH-6i Light Attack / Reconnaissance T craft (NSRWA) Project Manage- combat operations, and conduct Helicopter ment O ce (PMO) was originally es- counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics tablished in January 2010 by the Under and other aviation special operations Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- missions in Afghanistan. e capability to transition pilots, aircrews, and nology and Logistics (USD (AT&L)) to is critical since the U.S. exit strategy in maintainers to a dierent platform would consolidate the Department of Defense’s Afghanistan involves building partner require a minimum of three years. e fragmented approach to non-standard nation capacity. It is encouraging to actions of the NSRWA PMO to procure rotary aircraft procurement and sustain- note that the ANSF eet of Mi-17 the 63 new militarized Mi-17V5 aircraft, ment. In just 4 years of existence, the aircraft allows the ANSF to prosecute spare parts, training and engineering PMO has delivered 124 new helicopters their missions independent of U.S. and services necessary to strengthen the to Iraq, Afghanistan and other partner coalition air assets. Afghan Air Force and Special Mission nations on schedule and within cost. e Mi-17 provides the outer ring Wing security and stability postures Although the PMO’s initial focus was of security essential to the safety of our will enable the accomplishment of the procurement and sustainment of Mi- personnel and our commanders have U.S. and Coalition Forces missions in 17 helicopters, the emphasis now shifts stated that the “loss of Mi-17 capability Afghanistan. to partnering with U.S. aviation industry would have a catastrophic eect on and original equipment manufacturers. the military campaign.” Therefore, Transitioning to U.S. Platforms Success is de ned as providing a rotary continued utilization and sustainment of The transition from Operation wing capability to our Partner Nations the existing Mi-17 capability remains the Enduring Freedom to Operation while helping to strengthen the Ameri- least risky approach and there is no plan Freedom’s Sentinel in support of can aviation industry. to transition to an alternate platform. NATO’s Resolute Support Mission While there have been considerations requires the Afghan Air Force (AAF) Mi-17 Helicopters for transitioning, in the longer term, to provide close air support (CAS) in e Mi-17 eet has greatly improved to a U.S. manufactured platform, it is 2015. e AAF is not yet fully prepared the Afghan National Security Force’s acknowledged that the eort required to assume the CAS mission. e United ARMY AVIATION Magazine 40 February 28, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 41 February 28, 2015 15-0003-MD-530G-Ad.indd 2 1/30/15 12:17 PM and quali ed prior to installation on the helicopters. e elding of the 12 MD-530F Cayuse Warrior aircraft to Afghanistan will commence less than 6 months after contract award. Subsequent to the elding, the ve MD-530F training helicopters cur- rently in the AAF inventory will also be converted to the Cayuse Warrior con guration. e MD 530F was selected to ll the gap over other helicopters because of its aordability, agility, proven performance in Afghanistan and existing sustainment activities in Afghanistan. e AAF currently has aircraft mechanics and experienced instructor pilots on the MD 530F. e program will deliver twelve new armed MD-530F Cayuse Warrior MD HELICOPTERS, INC. COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY INC. MD HELICOPTERS, aircraft and modi cations of the existing MD-530F Cayuse Warrior ve aircraft. e current delivery schedule calls for an initial delivery States Air Force program to acquire and Security Assistance Forces (COMISAF) of 6 new aircraft in the 2nd quarter of eld the Light Air Support Aircraft (A- submitted an urgent and compelling Fiscal Year (FY) 15 and a 2nd delivery 29) will provide an initial operational request in June 2014, to procure of 6 aircraft in 3rd quarter of FY15. e CAS capability with aircraft, trained twelve new MD-530F helicopters modi cation of the 5 existing aircraft pilots and maintenance personnel at the con gured for CAS. Concurrent with must occur in the United States and beginning of 2016, completing elding the production of the aircraft, an the entire armed MD 530F eet will over a two year period. As an interim armaments mission equipment package reach fully operational capability during solution, the Commander International (A-MEP) is being developed, integrated calendar year 2015. e NSRWA PMO is working with the Armed Scout Helicopter (ASH) Proj- ect O ce to transition program manage- new awr approved ment of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior eet to the NSRWA PMO. Although the OH-58D eet is being divested by the h-60m cushions Army, there is plenty of interest in the from foreign military sales community and there are more than 300 airframes avail- able for partner nation’s use. e Boeing AH-6i Scout/Light At- tack helicopter program for the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) is an- other exciting eort which has long-term implications for the NSRWA PMO. e SANG AH-6i program consists of an initial 24 Scout/Light Attack helicopters, spare parts package, initial transition 6a-0251-101 training (pilot, instructor pilot, mainte- 6a-0251-105 nance test pilot and maintainer) with an option for 12 additional aircraft. 6a-0251-103 ere have been several other coun- Back Cushions available with Lumbar Support. Wool/Sheepskin Covers or Fabric Covers. tries that have expressed interest in the Seat Cushions are available for other Military Aircraft. View our full range of U.S. Army AWR approved products on our website. aircraft. e government/contractor OASTAL team is working the weapons integration C and airworthiness activities and the pro- duction contract was recently awarded. e aircraft will be delivered in calendar SEAT CUSHIONS, INC. years 2016 and 2017. The Exclusive worldwide distributer of Oregon Aero Seat Cushion Systems for military fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft Working with U.S. OEMs (954) 980-6929 • Fax (772)673-0200 • www.CoastalSeatCushions.com • [email protected] Unlike legacy program/project o ces that have decades of experience and known ARMY AVIATION Magazine 42 February 28, 2015 production schedules, every new program executed by the NSRWA PMO has to be negotiated with the suppliers including U.S. original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). To address the challenges of ful lling urgent requirements, the NSRWA PMO is working with American aviation industry partners to create a more e cient and eective way to deliver assets that are adaptive and responsive to the challenges of the soldier and partner nations while supporting national security interests. e discussions with Industry focus on improving partner nation capabilities through modernization and sustainment, with speci c attention given to the importance of responsiveness, cost control, and creating the mechanisms to expedite acquisition and transfer of critical capabilities to partner forces. One possible solution currently being explored is the use of Basic Order Agreements (BOA) between the NSRWA PMO and the U.S. OEMs. A BOA is a written instrument of understanding, negotiated between an agency and contains; terms and clauses applying to future contracts; a description, as speci c as practicable, of supplies or services to be provided; methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders. A basic ordering agreement is not a contract but a method to expedite contracting for uncertain requirements. Under proper circumstances, the use of these procedures can result in economies in ordering parts for equipment support by reducing administrative lead-time, inventory investment, and inventory the current prime contractor and that eventual withdrawal from countries in the obsolescence due to design changes. the ANSF rotary wing assets are main- Middle East and Southern Asia, the need tained to the highest level possible. for rotary wing capability is essential to en- Sustainment Contracts e F2AST contract is a bridging eort sure our Partner Nations have the resources For the last four years, the NSRWA while the NSRWA PMO develops a lon- available to meet their internal defense and PMO has used legacy Space and ger-term sustainment approach and awards security requirements while simultane- Missile Defense Command contracts the Worldwide Logistics Services and Sup- ously strengthening the American aviation which were originally established by port (WLSS) contract. e WLSS contract industry. the Department of Defense Counter- will be a multiple award inde nite delivery, terrorism Technology Program O ce for inde nite quantity (IDIQ) contract con- aircraft sustainment, modi cations and sisting of four pillars: training, depot level COL James B. Brashear is the project overhaul. ese contracts have come to services, contractor logistics support, and manager for Non-Standard Rotary Wing the end of their respective life-cycle and parts. All four will be competitively award- Aircraft, Program Executive O ce for the NSRWA PMO is in the process of ed during the next 40 months. Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL; and LTC transitioning sustainment eorts to the (Ret.) Scott J. Homann works for Intuitive Air Force’s Future Flexible Acquisition Conclusion Research and Technology Corporation and & Sustainment Tool (F2AST) Program. Despite the challenges, the NSRWA supports the NSRWA PMO Strategic Plans Under the F2AST contract, the NSRWA PMO has continued to deliver critically- and Communications. PO awarded a prime contract to needed rotary wing capability. e PMO Lockheed Martin (LM) for one initial remains committed to resolving safety, year and two option years of support. maintenance, airworthiness, and training e NSRWA PMO and LM recently issues facing Soldiers operating non-stan- held a contract kick-o transition meet- dard rotary wing aircraft. ing to ensure a seamless transition from As U.S. Forces plan and execute the ARMY AVIATION Magazine 43 February 28, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u Rotary Wing PM Updates Utility Helicopters Project Office Update – “Maximum Effect” By COL Thomas H. Todd III MULTINATIONAL BATTLE GROUP-EAST (KFOR) COURTESY PHOTO GROUP-EAST (KFOR) COURTESY BATTLE MULTINATIONAL ur National security demands that is currently in the engineering and manu- Above photo: A UH-60 MEDEVAC crew assigned O we remain mindful of history and facturing development (EMD) phase. to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation alert to the future. ese imperatives are It heavily leverages existing government Regiment, Louisiana Army National Guard, practices rescuing an individual during hoist in force continuously and thus we are furnished equipment (GFE) for commu- training with German and Swiss counterparts, tasked to meet America’s security needs nication, navigation, and interoperabil- Feb. 26, 2014 in Kosovo. to the “maximum eect” possible in ity requirements. ese common Aviation spite of funding constraints or uncer- GFE components comprise approximately tainty. Accordingly, our Aviation Branch eighty percent of the line replaceable units Chief has asked his material developers (LRU) for the UH-60V program. e to focus our resources on these four attri- government-owned, government-operated Army Depot beginning FY18. During butes: aviation survivability / navigation, (GOGO) facility’s prime contractor ex- production, these aircraft will be tted mission command / networking, chal- ecuted a full and open competition for the with the L-Digital kit and upon comple- lenging ight environments and turbine selection of non- GFE avionics hardware, tion, be designated as a UH-60V and power improvements. What follows are anticipated to be approximately twenty elded. e H-60V program will convert some examples of how the Utility He- percent of the kit, along with the associ- 760 viable H-60L airframes into H-60V licopters Project O ce (UHPO) is ad- ated software. e program currently plans aircraft with a fully digitized architecture dressing these war ghting concerns. to develop ve production representative that looks, feels and acts like the current aircraft during the EMD phase which is eet of H-60M aircraft; ultimately com- UH-60V scheduled to be completed in FY18. pleting 100% digitization of the U.S. On February 28, 2014, only 14 months Additionally, in order to e ciently pre- Army Black Hawk eet. after receipt of initial requirement, the pare the existing eet for conversion, the UH-60L Digital Product O ce success- Product Director for H-60V is undertak- Common Engine fully achieved a Milestone B Decision from ing an initiative to establish a standardized Powering our eet of attack and lift the Army Acquisition Executive. On July con guration on all UH-60L aircraft that helicopters, the T700 family of turbine 25, 2014, the UH-60L Digital was formal- are scheduled to be inducted into the re- engines continue to pull their weight ly designated the UH-60V. e program capitalization program at Corpus Christi in reliability and performance. e op- ARMY AVIATION Magazine 44 February 28, 2015 erational requirement for early -700 well as future Global Air Tra c Manage- and -701 engines of the 70s and 80s has ment (GATM) upgrades to the H-60M given way to a mature -701D eet of continue to grow our Army’s Black Hawk aircraft and engines. Retirement for the eet now and into the future. -700 is only around the corner as more UH-60s modify to the more reliable and MEDEVAC powerful -701D con guration. As of December 2014 Product Di- e Improved Turbine Engine Program rectorate MEDEVAC elded 154 In- (ITEP) is developing the next generation terim Medevac Mission Support Systems JONES GARY BY MR. ARMY PHOTO U.S. engine for the Black Hawk, Apache and (IMMSS), 74 hoist, 6 Talon FLIR, and The first UH-60L is delivered to the Prototype Integration Facility at Redstone Arsenal for future aircraft eets to provide signi - 35 Sa re II FLIR and made great head- conversion to UH-60V. cantly increased operational capability in way in reducing medical equipment high/hot environments. It will provide package con gurations from 23 to 18. increased fuel e ciency, range and power is consolidation into standard, eec- to meet Army mission requirements with tive con gurations will signi cantly im- decreased maintenance actions. ITEP is prove mission success as well as reduce the a direct result of a successful science and sustainment burden for the MEDEVAC technology transition to achieve combined eet. Looking forward, PD MEDEVAC goals of increased power and fuel e cien- is beginning work on an improved patient cy. Most recently, an Analysis of Alterna- handling system (PHS) called IMPACCT tives (AoA) was completed con rming the (Improved MEDEVAC Paramedic and need for a new development engine. ITEP Critical Care Transport). IMPACCT will UH-72A PO MARLA, PATRICIA BY MS. ARMY PHOTO U.S. remains aligned with the Army’s eorts in focuses on the needs of the Critical Care The first UH-72A training aircraft arives at Cairns Operational Power and Energy Strategy, Emergency Medical Technician – Para- Army Airfield, Fort Rucker, AL. the DoD Operational Energy Strategy, medic (CCEMT-P) and Enroute Critical and the National Defense Strategy. ITEP Care Nurse (ECCN) for point of injury will make current and future attack and (POI) and trauma transport, with the ca- movements, command and control, recon- utility helicopter eets more eective and pability for expansion to 4-6 patients for naissance, and medical evacuation. e cient on the battle elds of tomorrow. missions requiring mass casualty support. e entire UH-72A eet is being IMPACCT will provide commanders modi ed with dual Wide Area Augmen- UH-60M with a lighter-weight, modular solution tation System (WAAS) enabled Garmin e H-60M Product O ce continues that can be tailored to suit any MEDE- 430Ws. e Garmin 430Ws will allow to lead our Army Aviation Black Hawk VAC mission. It will incorporate a POI the UH-72A to comply with Global Air- Fleet. e program delivered 111 H-60M module (that will cover 95% of the mis- Tra c Management (GATM) naviga- on-time or early during FY14. Over the sions), a Trauma Transport module (for tional requirements and supports nation- past 12 months, the H-60M Product Of- those long-haul critical care missions), al airspace transition to terrestrial based ce completed the 25th Combat Aviation and a maximum-density module (for navigational aids. e Garmin 430W in Brigade’s (CAB) New Equipment Train- the relatively small percentage of mis- the UH-72A will enable the aircraft to ing (NET) in Hawaii and then quickly re- sions requiring that con guration). Each use Global Positioning System (GPS) consolidated at Hunter Army Air eld and module will be optimized for that mis- for all phases of ight, including preci- conducted the 3rd CAB NET which was sion set, and will incorporate years of sion approaches to any airport within its completed in early December 2014. Over suggestions and lessons-learned from the coverage area with a published WAAS the past year, the H-60M Product o ce War ghter. Ultimately PD MEDEVAC approach (LNAV/VNAV or LPV). is has provided the 128th Aviation Brigade will provide improvements to today’s upgrade along with the decision to maxi- with several new training devices designed MEDEVAC aircraft while supporting mize the use of Lakotas across many dif- to increase the training value provided to constantly evolving new requirements ferent Army mission sets, makes it an ef- the aviation Soldier. e newly elded identi ed by our MEPD partners. fective and e cient choice as we look to training devices include M model versions the future of Army Aviation. of the Black Hawk Maintenance Trainer Lakota (BHMT), Black Hawk Electrical Trainer As a part of the Army’s Aviation Restruc- Conclusion (BHET), Black Hawk Avionics Trainer turing Initiative (ARI), the UH-72A is re- Across many platforms and missions the (BHAT), and the Cockpit Academic placing the TH-67 and OH-58A/C as the Utility Helicopter Project O ce remains Procedures Tool Enhanced (CAPT-E). Army’s primary ight trainer at Fort Ruck- committed to providing our Soldiers the Collectively, these training devices have er, AL. In addition to transitioning to the best platforms Aviation has to oer. ese both increased training capacity and en- training eet, the Active Component will short vignettes provide a glimpse of just riched the actual learning environment by maintain a number of UH-72As for spe- some of the many eorts that the men and bringing the most relevant training aides ci c missions such as combat training cen- women of the UHPO strive to achieve daily to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) ter observer controller and opposing force so our nation and our Soldiers can achieve Soldiers. At the same time, the H-60M aircraft. e Army National Guard eet of “maximum eect” at home and abroad. Product O ce supported numerous for- MEDEVAC, general support, and security eign military sales cases as well as other & support aircraft are spread throughout COL omas H. Todd III is the Utility Heli- Department of Defense and government 45 states and territories, conducting mis- copters Project Manager, Program Executive agency procurements. All these eorts, as sions such as counter drug operations, air O ce for Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, AL. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 45 February 28, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u TRADOC Capability Manager Updates TRADOC Capability Manager for Reconnaissance and Attack (TCM-RA) U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CW2 JOSEPH C. WANKELMAN, 1-229TH ARB 1-229TH WANKELMAN, BY CW2 JOSEPH C. ARMY PHOTO U.S. Aligning With Strategic Guidance and Focusing on Aviation Branch Priorities By COL Jeffrey W. White “ e Army Operating Concept is the ety of stakeholders throughout the Avia- A 1st Battalion (Attack Reconnaisance), 229th start point for developing the future tion Enterprise including program manag- Aviation Regiment (first unit-equipped) AH-64E returns from a training flight at Joint Base Lewis force…the tenant of innovation ers (PMs), operational units, industry part- McChord, WA. challenges us to anticipate changing ners, appropriate sta sections in HQDA, conditions to ensure that Army forces the Joint Sta, and OSD. Maintaining are manned, trained, and equipped, open communication is an important part focused on modernization of the AH- to overmatch enemies in order to seize, of our responsibility to facilitate the eld- 64D Apache eet by way of signi cant retain, and exploit the initiative.” ing of recon and attack capabilities syn- upgrades, creating the newest Army attack – GEN David G. Perkins chronized across doctrine, organization, aircraft, the AH-64E. AH-64E equipped training, material, leader development, units will aord supported commanders As the TCM-RA, we are chartered by personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) executing joint combined arms opera- the TRADOC Commanding General to framework. Our current priorities of ef- tions a greater ability to operate decisively manage manned reconnaissance and at- fort within TCM-RA support the Aviation across the full spectrum of operations in tack aircraft requirements and capabilities. Restructuring Initiative (ARI) and the re- every domain. We are collectively pursu- As such, we organize our directorate to cently released U.S. Army Operating Con- ing increased capabilities to expand on focus on three primary lines of operation: cept: Win in a Complex World as described the success of the AH-64A/D programs, attack, reconnaissance, and weapons in or- in TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1. upgrading the entire Apache eet to the der to develop and/or re ne requirements latest E-model as an integral part of ARI. nested with current strategic guidance and Apache Impacts e AH-64E program, which started aligned with Aviation Branch priorities. As Both the Army Operating Concept and delivering Lot 1 aircraft in 2011 and is requirement developers, our other addi- evolving guidance shaping current ARI scheduled to complete elding a total tional responsibilities are to maintain open eorts serve as the basis of TCM-RA ini- of 690 E-models by 2026, includes sig- lines of communication with a wide vari- tiatives. Current TCM-RA initiatives are ni cant improvements in ight perfor- ARMY AVIATION Magazine 46 February 28, 2015 Small Guided Munitions (SGMs). ese eorts are focused on increasing lethality, countering escalating threat capabilities, addressing legacy weapon stockpile reliabil- ity issues, and adding complementary ca- pabilities to existing Hell re (HF) and un- guided rocket suite of munitions. Amongst other features, JAGM will add a dual- mode seeker, combining both semi-active laser (SAL) and millimeter wave (MMW) capabilities in each missile. JAGM is speci cally designed to defeat more so- U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT CARTER JOHNSTON, TCM-RA JOHNSTON, BY CPT CARTER ARMY PHOTO U.S. phisticated traditional armor threats and Team Apache in front of two Lot 4 AH-64Es used for Follow-On Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) in August advancing threat countermeasures while 2014 at Eglin AFB, FL. enhancing abilities to destroy emerging non-traditional threats (littoral/fast attack mance – combining an improved drive bilities that already exist in both AH-64D boats and counter-UAS) and targets in ad- system, composite main rotor blades, and and AH-64E equipped units with several verse weather/poor visibility. In addition enhanced fuel controls with T700-701D elded systems. e eventual goal is to to JAGM, we are working closely with engines. In addition to full Instrument eld one MUMT system integrated in the stakeholders to eld a limited quantity of Flight Rules (IFR) certi cation, AH-64E entire AH-64E eet capable of Level of In- precision-guided rockets in order to satisfy aircraft leverage an aircraft open system teroperability (LOI) 2 control (receipt of deployed units speci c operational needs. architecture (OSA) to incorporate soft- full motion video/data) on C/L/S bands We are developing a training support pack- ware upgrades and increased computer and LOI 4 control (direct control of UAS age (TSP) including recommended tactics, processing necessary for integrating com- payload and route of ight) on Ku/TCDL techniques, and procedures (TTPs) as munication, weapon, sensor, and sustain- band. We will not only focus on the ma- part of this limited, short-term precision- ment enhancements into the aircraft. terial solution but add emphasis to train- guided rocket elding. In the long-term, Some of these system enhancements in- ing, doctrine, leader development, and we will incorporate observations, insights, clude integration of Small Airborne Link more robust simulation devices as part of a and lessons learned as we develop a com- 16 Terminal (SALT), System Level Em- long-term comprehensive MUMT strate- prehensive SGM strategy that will then in bedded Diagnostics (SLED), Fire Control gy. e ongoing Future Vertical Lift (FVL) turn inform future requirements for this Radar (FCR) improvements, moderniza- attribute study will guide future armed re- complementary capability. tion of the Radar Frequency Interfer- connaissance requirements. As we strive to develop our future ometer (M-RFI), Day Sensor Assembly force, our Army continues to overcome (M-DSA), and Cognitive Decision Aid- FVL numerous challenges in order to ac- ing System (CDAS) to name a few of the While divesting OH-58A/C, Kiowa complish our many missions. As GEN AH-64E upgrades. In addition to upgrad- Warriors, and TH-67 aircraft in the Army Perkins alluded to in the Army Operat- ing the Apache eet, the Army will divest as part of ARI, we are participating in ing Concept, the future “environment the all OH-58 aircraft as part of ARI. an ongoing Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Army will operate in is unknown.” e attribute study to guide the eventual de- future will not only be complex but full OH-58 and TH-67 velopment of a next generation armed re- of opportunities that our most precious Another key component of ARI is to connaissance aircraft. e FVL attribute resource – our Soldiers – will continue divest all OH-58 and TH-67 aircraft (in- study will highlight the combination of to work to our advantage. Undoubted- cluding OH-58D Kiowa Warriors) in or- attributes suitable to best enable armed ly Army Aviation will continue to play der to reduce operating and sustainment reconnaissance in 2025 and beyond guid- a vital role, adding to the legacy of our costs. e divestiture of these aircraft is ed by the Army Operating Concept. Once Branch as we collectively develop ho- ongoing and will continue through at least these attributes are identi ed as a prod- listic approaches to harness technology 2019. e loss of Kiowa Warriors from uct of the FVL study, we will prioritize and expand attack, reconnaissance, and both the Active and Reserve Components and develop requirement documents to weapon capabilities for employment in will increase an armed reconnaissance ca- guide our material developer and industry an increasingly challenging operational pability gap that exists in the Army. With- partners in long-term eorts (beyond 20 environment now and in the future. in Army Aviation, we will mitigate risks years) to produce a capable and aordable associated with this gap through the mid- armed reconnaissance aircraft. is study COL Jerey W. White is the U.S. Army term with manned-unmanned teaming will form the foundation for induction of Training and Doctrine Command Capa- (MUMT) coupled with re-organization these requirement documents in the Joint bility Manager for Reconnaissance and At- of force structure in each combat avia- Capabilities Integration and Develop- tack, with the U.S. Army Aviation Center tion brigade (CAB) to align manned and ment System (JCIDS) process. e third of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL. unmanned units. MUMT combines in- TCM-RA line of operation is weapons. herent capabilities of AH-64D/E aircraft operating simultaneously with unmanned Weapons aircraft systems (UAS), most notably the We are working with stakeholders to Army RQ-7 Shadow and MQ1-C Gray upgrade Aviation weapons including the Eagle. ere are limited MUMT capa- Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) and ARMY AVIATION Magazine 47 February 28, 2015 SPECIAL FOCUS u TRADOC Capability Manager Updates TRADOC Capability Manager for Lift Update By COL Erskine R. Bentley II U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CW2 JOSEPH C. WANKELMAN, 1-229TH ARB 1-229TH WANKELMAN, BY CW2 JOSEPH C. ARMY PHOTO U.S. he TRADOC Capability Manager tion on the Improved Turbine Engine and CW4 Mike Eger (left), a pilot with 2nd Battalion, T for Lift (TCM-Lift) is the user ad- the Future Vertical Lift programs. 135th Aviation Regiment, and CW4 Troy Parmley, vocate for Army Aviation capabilities a pilot with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 148th that enable our Aviation formations to UH-60 Aviation Regiment, both Colorado Army National Guard, fly a UH-72 Lakota helicopter over flood- support the ground commander. We TCM-Lift has several key projects that ed areas as part of relief and recovery operations do this by closely coordinating with the are actively working with lasting impacts near Ft. Collins, CO, Sept. 18, 2013. Aviation units throughout the Army, sis- for the future of Army Aviation. e most ter Services and our counterpart project prevalent project, which will greatly en- management o ces (PMO) within the hance the Army’s largest eet of helicop- Program Executive O ce for Aviation at ters – the H-60 Black Hawk –, is the digi- capabilities to meet civil airspace require- Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. tization of the aging H-60A and L analog ments known in the Army as Global Air Our priorities are air assault and air architectured aircraft. e Army’s objec- Tra c Management (GATM). e Army movement of troops, equipment and sup- tive size of the H-60 eet is 2,135 aircraft is also highly focused on developing new plies; airborne medical evacuation; air- with a programmed 1,375 new produc- technologies designed to improve opera- borne command and control; intra-theater tion H-60M “Mike models.” e new tions in the degraded visual environment air movement of key leaders; and sustain- program approved last year by the Army (DVE) for both the H-60 Black Hawk ment and support to law enforcement and Acquisition Executive will recapitalize the and the CH-47F Chinook. e Army’s other government agencies across the Unit- remaining 760 analog H-60A/L to a new- “Trident” approach to resolving combat ed States and throughout the world. e ly designed H-60V and while doing so, operations in DVE promises advanced Aviation Weapon Systems portfolio that add capability so they match the digital science and technology development in we represent includes the UH-60 Black performance and Pilot-Vehicle-Interface aircraft ight controllability; synthetic Hawk, the CH-47 Chinook, the UH-72 of the H-60M. Other improvements to vision though sensors and sensor fusion; Lakota, the Mi-17, and all the Army’s xed the entire H-60 eet include upgrades and symbology, cueing and heads-up dis- wing aircraft. We are also leading the capa- to integrate new worldwide communica- play systems allowing crews to “see” and bilities development eorts for Army Avia- tions, navigation and surveillance airspace operate in any visual environment. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 48 February 28, 2015 UH-72A TCM-Lift is facilitating the integration of the UH-72A Lakota as the next Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training air- craft at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and the redistribution of Lakota helicopters throughout the Army’s force structure. e Aviation Restructuring Initiative (ARI) called for a major restructuring of the UH-72A. Of the Army’s programmed 427 Lakota helicopters, 187 are being relocated to USAACE to become the primary, instrument, and basic war ght- ing skills training aircraft. TCM-Lift also works closely with the Army National Guard to make sure that the six battalions of security and support, general support, and MEDEVAC equipped Lakotas con- U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SGT DANIEL P. SHOOK BY SGT DANIEL P. ARMY PHOTO U.S. tinue to meet their mission of supporting Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak shield their faces from both Title 10 Homeland Security needs as flying debris after loading a wounded commando on a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a well as the Title 32 needs of the 54 states, village clearing operation in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. territories and the district. a xed wing utility aircraft replacement support of Department of Defense Secu- CH-47 for the eet of aircraft comprised mostly rity Assistance-Afghanistan, aircraft eld- TCM-Lift continues the eort to up- of C-12s and a small number of UC-35 ing, management, sustainment and train- grade the Army’s oldest active airframe, and C-26 aircraft. ese aircraft support ing. Recent accomplishments include the the CH-47 Chinook. We expect the Chi- our theater aviation battalions organized procurement, elding, accreditation and nook to be a critical war ghting asset for into fourteen companies of eight aircraft training integration of the institutional the Army beyond its 100th anniversary in each. As each C-12 in our xed wing eet training base’s rst Mi-17 Cockpit Proce- 2062. Since the rst heavy lift company’s becomes more expensive to sustain than dural Trainer and Mi-17 Flight Training initial operational capability (IOC) in to replace, the Army will have a capability Device at the Goodhand Simulator Com- 2007, the Army’s CH-47F has been one document that de nes the requirements, plex, Ft. Rucker on September 22, 2014. of the success stories of the modernized which will allow our Army Acquisition Army Aviation eet. is platform has Corps to procure a newly manufactured FVL signi cantly expanded the capabilities of replacement aircraft. TCM-Lift is also chartered as the the Army’s premiere cargo helicopter eet. Army lead for developing the capabil- e “Fox” model allows the completion of ITEP ity requirement for Future Vertical Lift missions not otherwise possible with the e Improved Turbine Engine (ITE) is (FVL) – which de nes the Department earlier CH-47D. To ensure the continued a multi-platform design that will replace of Defense’s next generation family of relevance of the CH-47F on the changing all the T-701 engines throughout the Black Joint vertical lift aircraft. Capable of battle eld, TCM-Lift and Cargo Heli- Hawk and Apache eets. ITEP increases enroute speeds and distances over two copter Project Management O ce have engine power up to approximately 3,000 times greater than the majority of the developed a program strategy that will en- shaft horsepower and will enable HH-60s, current vertical lift eet, the Joint FVL sure aircraft performance and capabilities UH-60s and AH-64Es to meet all of their eet of light, medium and heavy aircraft continue to meet emerging Army needs. combat con gured mission loads at the will create revolutionary advances across e necessary capability improvements most severe altitude and temperature envi- the Joint battle eld. Closely linked to are collectively referred to as the CH-47F ronmental conditions. e engine’s mod- the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) technology Block II. e Block II Chinook is planned ern design will also achieve signi cant fuel demonstrator program, JMR-TD will to have an increased max gross weight savings and improved time-on-wing as conduct demonstration ights in 2017 with a strengthened airframe; an advanced compared to the current T-701D engine. and FVL is scheduled to begin low rate rotor blade; a new twin, single tank fuel Improved Turbine Engines could start to initial production as early as 2034. system; improved drive train; improved be elded in 2024 if the program remains ight controls; improved avionics; and on its current course. COL Erskine R. Bentley II, is the U.S. Army improved electrical systems. We anticipate Training and Doctrine Command Capabil- conducting test ights of a CH-47F Block Mi-17 ity Manager for Lift, U.S. Army Aviation II in late 2018 or early 2019, with a poten- TCM-Lift is also the Army’s centralized Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, AL. tial IOC in the 2020 timeframe. system manager and user representative for Mi-17 Non-Standard Rotary Wing Fixed Wing Aircraft (NSRWA) TCM-Lift assists the On the xed wing front, TCM-Lift has NSRWA Project Management O ce in continued to champion a capability docu- meeting the current and future operation- ment that will allow the Army to procure al force commander’s capability needs in ARMY AVIATION Magazine 49 February 28, 2015 From the Field Leadership Through a Positive Attitude in Your Little Corner of the World By COL Jimmy F. Blackmon U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY 2LT LEVI LEONARD BY 2LT ARMY PHOTO U.S. ome of the most meaningful lead- Seymour. We served together in 4th Soldiers from 159th Combat Aviation Brigade S ership lessons impressed upon me Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment prepare fuel blivets for sling load operations. were learned while on the job, not in the at Fort Bliss, Texas. Our hangars were classroom. Classroom environments tend huge buildings originally built to house to be too esoteric, causing some young Air Force bombers. Our troop command sergeant. 1SG Seymour put his nger to leaders to believe that inspiration will en- post and o ces were located upstairs, his lips, signaling for me to keep quiet. ter their o ce like a cool mountain breeze while our crew chiefs worked out of a He then stepped to the side of the door and descend gently upon them. en, long, skinny plywood room on the hangar where he could listen in unobserved. when adequately moved, young leaders oor. “ e Army is so f---ing stupid,” we will address their soldiers with hopes of One afternoon I nished up some heard my platoon sergeant say. He kept raising their spirits to great heights. work at my desk and headed down the belaboring the point that the Army Do not misunderstand me; in no way stairs to see my soldiers. was f---ed up, but assured them that he do I mean to discredit the study of both “L.T.-where you going?” 1SG Seymour would take care of them. “You can count the art and science of leadership. Lord asked in his distinctive Hispanic accent. on that. I’ll take care of you guys, so just knows I’ve done my fair share of study, “I’m going down to check on my guys, stick with me,” he assured them. both in and out of academia. We gain 1SG.” After he felt that he had heard enough, leadership knowledge through the study “Hold up. I’ll go down with you,” he 1SG Seymour began to visibly change. of great leaders, but we need tangible said. He looked over at me, and then as if he experiences to help us more clearly 1SG Seymour and I made small talk had suddenly been possessed by a demon understand the application of leadership. as we walked down the stairs and across of some sort, he contorted his face into What I suggest is that the most powerful the hangar oor. As we approached the an expression of intense rage. Veins moments of instruction and illustration crew chief shack, we noticed that the two popped out on his forehead and neck as frequently occur when we watch leaders double doors were not completely closed, his face glowed red. I took a step back with their soldiers. as they normally were. We could see the as he centered himself on the double When I was a scout platoon leader, crew chiefs sitting on their toolboxes in doors. He then rocked back and kicked my rst sergeant was a second-generation a semicircle with their backs to us. e the doors open with his right foot. e American from Texas named Allen men were gathered around my platoon explosion of the doors sent every crew ARMY AVIATION Magazine 50 February 28, 2015 chief scrambling for cover – and then the in here and complain all day and wallow world. ey will be the ones who see the lesson began. in your misery. e choice is yours.” And challenges of the future as exciting new 1SG Seymour walked straight to my with that he turned and walked out. opportunities. ey will control their platoon sergeant and poked him in the at event took place over twenty destiny. I want to be on their team. chest with his nger. “Do you know years ago. I’ve told it literally hundreds I’m grateful for a sage lesson taught what’s f---ed up?” and then answered if not thousands of times since. It had through the actions of a wonderful NCO. his own question. “You are what’s f---ed a profound impact on me. I realized I am also thankful to have learned early up! And do you know why?” he belted that a positive attitude aected almost on that one of the most important things out as he surveyed the trembling men. everything we did. It has been the basis a leader should do is to observe others. “Because you ARE the Army. And if the of my leadership philosophy at every I do not believe that the power of this Army is f---ed up then that means YOU level from troop to brigade command. lesson could have been experienced in are f---ed up.” We have challenging times ahead in the classroom. It stuck with me because I en I watched in amazement as he our Army. We will resize and restructure could feel the emotion of a caring leader. began to slowly decrease his volume and while simultaneously transforming from is is but one lesson that I have intensity. “You men control your little an Army at war to an Army preparing for learned from quality NCOs, o cers, war- corner of the world,” he said. “If you war. Units will move, shift, resize, even rant o cers and fellow soldiers. is par- want to have a good place to work, a fun inactivate. ere will be plenty of things ticular lesson stuck with me because it was place to work, that’s up to you. You get that our soldiers do not understand or about attitude. With a positive attitude to make that decision.” with which they do not necessarily agree. and climate we open the door to learn- Suddenly, his face relaxed and he Some soldiers will choose to sit around ing so many other meaningful lessons. began speaking in a fatherly tone. He was the command post or crew chief shack Because of 1SG Seymour’s inuence, I lled with obvious care and compassion. and dwell on everything that they think have spent my career optimistically look- Every eye was rmly xed on him. “Are is screwed up with the plan. ey’ll ing forward to the future knowing full you going to get taskings from time to wallow in their misery and inevitably well that whatever changes came my way time that may not be fun? Sure you are, make everyone around them miserable. – and will continue to come – that I, too, but if you are working with people you Others will move forward with a purpose have a choice. enjoy being with, positive people who knowing that they will make the best of you like hanging out with, you will every situation. ey are the ones that COL Jimmy F. Blackmon is the commander still enjoy working together. You have a understand that THEY are the Army, of the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, choice. You can make this a good place and they have a choice as to how they 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), to come to work every day, or you can sit will inuence their little corner of the Fort Campbell, KY. ® HH/UH-60M HUPP KIT HKH60M-PMI1 - 360-HR PMI All New: HKH60M-PMI2 - 720-HR PMI HUPP In Stock For Immediate Delivery! AEROSPACE / DEFENSE www.HuppAerospace.com 1690 Summit Street, New Haven, IN 46774, Phone: 260•748•8282 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 51 February 28, 2015 From the Field Why Future Vertical Lift By LTC Edwin C. Brouse and LtCol Alison Thompson hat is Future Vertical Lift? Is it another helicopter An Evolving Approach W program that will get canceled? Is it another Joint As the FVL eort continued to evolve, leaders understood program that will be too complicated, too expensive, and take that it would have to have an atypical construct to avoid the too long? ese are some of the questions and comments you pitfalls of other Joint programs and to capitalize on work that had hear when you bring up the Department of Defense’s Future already been done. A key element to this construct is to take a Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative. Having the bene t of lessons portfolio approach to vertical lift capabilities. Instead of placing learned from previous Joint and vertical lift programs, there all the requirements onto one aircraft making it too complicated, are many aspects of the Future Vertical Lift eort that make expensive, and large, a portfolio approach allows the FVL team to it decidedly dierent. By having early Joint requirements deliberately examine the requirements and align them where they development and industry partnership, incorporating common produce the most eective and aordable solution set. systems and open architecture, and by considering logistics Another way FVL is proceeding dierently is through the and training e ciencies, the Department can make tradeos early integration of the science & technology (S&T), require- to ensure delivery of capable and aordable platforms – in ments, and acquisition communities. By bringing these com- procurement and throughout its life cycle. munities together early via working groups, the FVL team is In 2008, Congress tasked the Secretary of Defense and able to do the analysis that will lead to informed choices at the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Sta to carry out a Capabilities right time. e FVL team is able to look at desired air vehicles Based Assessment (CBA) outlining joint approach to the attributes, critical technologies, and is able to focus them and future development of vertical lift aircraft and rotorcraft for all modify timelines so leadership can make informed decisions on of the Armed Forces. With that Congressional mandate, the acquisition risk and cost versus requirements. Department of Defense established the FVL working group. Key to assessing technologies is FVL’s unique and robust S&T e group conducted a comprehensive CBA, published in eort. e Army, as the S&T lead, is working with industry to 2009 which identi ed 55 capability gaps across the Services design and build an experimental aircraft whose technologies will for FVL to mitigate. Following the CBA, the working group inform future FVL programs. Since the late 1960’s, very few pro- wrote an FVL Strategic Plan that provides an overall strategy grams have focused on non- xed wing vertical lift. Hence, we are for developing and elding the next generation of Joint vertical in the 3rd generation of vertical lift while work is underway on lift aircraft. 6th generation tactical ghters. e Joint Multi-role Technology Since its inception in 2008, FVL has extensive Joint Demonstrator (JMR-TD) is examining critical technologies and involvement as requirements were developed. e FVL team con gurations necessary for the next generation of vertical lift air- consists of all the Services, United States Special Operations craft by building two experimental aircraft or X-planes. ese X- Command (USSOCOM), O ce of the Secretary of Defense planes will help to mature vertical lift technologies, inform, and (OSD) Sta, and the Joint Sta. While there is a strong reduce the associated risk in the FVL eort. perception that FVL is an Army program, it is neither solely To further ensure decisions are well informed and not made in an Army eort, nor is it a single platform. Rather, it is a Joint isolation, the FVL team is casting a wide net across not only DoD, initiative for a Family of Systems. but the government, think tanks, academia, and industry for in- ARMY AVIATION Magazine 52 February 28, 2015 put and feedback. ese o ces include, Cost Assessment and tical/strategic point of view, the increase of range and speed that Program Evaluation, Test and Evaluation, Military Industrial Base FVL will possess will change the way the Joint War ghter ghts. Policy, Materiel Readiness and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Additionally, through the Vertical Lift Consor- The Next Generation tium, which is comprised of over 60 large and small manufactur- Although the idea of designing, producing and elding the ers and universities, FVL can leverage their incredible knowledge next generation of vertical lift aircraft seems daunting, and some and analytical processes. In this way, the FVL team can identify say impossible, it was a little over thirty years ago the Depart- potential challenges and pitfalls while nding the most advanced ment of Defense was ying AH-1, CH-46, CH-47C, H-3, OH- yet aordable solutions. 58 A/C, SH-2, and UH-1H helicopters. Over those thirty years, through many administrations and changing scal environments, Assessing Affordable Solutions the United States has a fully modernized vertical lift eet that is Aordable solutions cannot refer to only procurement costs. the envy of the world and has played an indispensable role across Operations and sustainment costs constitute 70-75 percent of the full spectrum of military operations. But we cannot become life-cycle costs. Commonality is central to FVL’s aordability. complacent, our adversaries and allies alike are aggressively pursu- Today, the Services and USSOCOM have dierent aircraft, com- ing the same performance capabilities FVL is targeting. ponents, logistics systems, training programs, and stovepipe sup- FVL is important to the Joint war ghter and important to port structures. When the Services deploy, each takes its support our nation. In order for the United States to continue to have the structure and repair parts for each platform. e e ciencies, sav- most dominant and survivable vertical lift eet, the Department ings, and battle eld exibility gained by commonality are crucial of Defense must deliver on the promises to provide the best capa- to enable a technologically superior, yet aordable eet. rough bilities to the nation’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. e commonality the Services and USSOCOM will be able to mate- Future Vertical Lift eort through its Joint involvement, early rially support each other’s aircraft across the area of operations. To integration of all the FVL partners, and robust S&T supporting implement commonality, the FVL team established a Common eort will deliver what the nation needs when it needs it. System Integrated Product Team (CIPT). e CIPT’s charter is to identify components for commonality where it makes sense. Another comment you hear around the Pentagon is that FVL LTC Edwin C. Brouse is the director for the Future will take too long and the technology will be obsolete by the time Vertical Lift Joint Coordination and Integration the aircraft is built. is point is germane if discussing a laptop Cell at Fort Rucker, Al; and LtCol Alison ompson computer or smartphone, but is it a relevant discussion point for is a CH-53E pilot currently serving as an O ce of a major weapons system? From a purely academic point of view, the Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology the technology may arguably not be cutting edge, but from a tac- & Logistics vertical lift sta specialist. AHS International – The Vertical Flight Technical Society 71st Annual Forum & Technology Display • 250+ technical presentations • Talks by 25+ leaders in industry and government • Interact with the world's leading May 5-7, 2015 vertical flight experts Virginia Beach, VA • See the latest breakthroughs in vertical flight www.vtol.org/forum technology Transforming Vertical Flight Technology ARMY AVIATION Magazine 53 February 28, 2015 From the Archives u Reprinted from the June 30, 1986 edition of ARMY AVIATION ARMY AVIATION Magazine 54 February 28, 2015 From the Archives u Reprinted from the June 30, 1986 edition of ARMY AVIATION ARMY AVIATION Magazine 55 February 28, 2015 AAAA Chapter Affairs LTC (Ret.) Jan Drabczuk z I appreciate the support from MAJ Rob Walker, the underbird Chapter President, for providing and sharing this information to our membership. Jan Drabczuk The Thunderbird Chapter - Up and Running By LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk he Thunderbird Chapter was established in late 2012 T and has worked vigorously since then to be an active and relevant chapter that supports the Army Aviation Soldier and Family. In its two years of existence the chapter has made tremendous strides in serving its members and the Oklahoma Army National Guard Aviation program. e underbird chapter has an aggres- aviation community for their outstand- $12,000 in 2013 and $9,000 in 2014 sive fundraising program that has al- ing and seless service to Army Aviation. through fundraising eorts. ey have lowed it to sponsor and contribute to the Since the chapters inception they have an active activities/fundraising program AAAA scholarship program, an Aviation presented nine Order of Saint Michael that consists of an Annual underbird branch ball, deployment ceremonies, Bronze awards, one Knight of the Order “Straight Up” Golf Tournament and An- owers and meals for grieving family and of Saint Michael, and three Our Lady of nual Army Aviation Veteran’s Day 5K friends, and care packages for deployed Loreto awards. ese presentations ac- Race. e chapter has greatly increased its Aviation Soldiers. knowledge and reward dedication, ser- visibility within the local community and vice, and hard work for Army Aviation, among aviation Soldiers through these Saint Michael’s Ball while greatly increasing the awareness and events. e funds raised create the ability e 1st Annual underbird Chapter knowledge of the AAAA awards program to provide greater support to the AAAA and Oklahoma Army National Guard among underbird Chapter members. Scholarship fund and the OKARNG Aviation Command Saint Michael’s Ball Aviation Soldier and Family. Since its was held February 2, 2013. ere where Supporting the Family and inception, the underbird chapter has over 250 Aviation Soldiers, family and Soldier contributed $7,500 in matching funds to guests assembled to celebrate chapter ac- e chapter rmly believes one of the AAAA Scholarship fund. complishments, supported units, deployed the main ways to support the Army Soldiers and Army Aviation. is was the Aviation Soldier and Family is through Summary rst opportunity many Soldiers had to funding certain unit and Family Readi- e AAAA underbird Chapter experience a military ball. e event en- ness Group (FRG) functions. ey pro- strives to live out the AAAA purpose of hanced the camaraderie and esprit de vided this support with funds to help supporting the US Army Aviation Sol- corps within the chapter’s various aviation cover the cost of mailing Christmas care dier and Family. In a little over two years units. e interactions of family members packages to the unit while deployed to the underbird chapter has grown from made them feel a part of something larger Afghanistan in support of OEF. is was nothing to a vibrant chapter with over 200 than just being an Aviator’s spouse, and a blessing to the Soldiers who received members that conducts monthly board strengthened relationships built during the packages from home over the holi- meetings, semi-annual chapter meetings, a the hardship of deployments. e chapter days, as well as the family members back Saint Michael’s Ball, a golf tournament, 5K continued this new tradition in 2014 and home who were able to express their love race, and has an active web site www.thun- is in the nal preparation phase for the 3rd and support. When one of their recently derbirdaaaa.org and Face Book account. Saint Michael Ball in 2015. Each year the retired aviators was killed in a civilian Feel free to contact me if you need help underbird chapter sponsors the Okla- MEDEVAC helicopter crash, the chap- for your chapter, Executive Board support, homa Army National Guard (OKARNG) ter purchased catering for the family to would like your chapter featured in the Aviation Soldier of the Year and their date assist with feeding family and guests fol- AAAA magazine or to obtain clari cation to the St. Michael’s Ball. lowing services; and on other occasions of National procedures. I look forward to has sent owers on behalf of the chapter working with you and supporting AAAA. Chapter Recognition as a symbol of concern, care and sympa- Annually the underbird chapter thy for the loss of a loved one. LTC (Ret.) Jan S. Drabczuk recognizes several members within the e underbird chapter raised over AAAA VP for Chapter Aairs ARMY AVIATION Magazine 56 February 28, 2015 AAAA Chapter News NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT New Chapter Officers Flying Tigers Chapter Tennessee Valley Chapter Air Assault Chapter President, COL Hawk Ruth, Ret. Secretary, CW5 Robert Huffman, Ret. Treasurer, CW5 Ivan Murdock, Ret. CHAPTER GRAPHIC VP Industry Sponsorship, CW5 Dave Cooper, Ret. VPs Membership Recruiting, CSM Donnie The Flying Tigers Chapter located at Fort Calvery, Ret. Knox, Kentucky recently held elections and CSM Clifton O’Brien, Ret. concurrently approved a new chapter logo. RICHEY JAMES M. (RET.) BY LTC CHAPTER PHOTO Bavarian Chapter As reported on January 19, the chapter Mr. B. Keith Roberson (left), director of the VP Membership, CW3 David Facio officers are: President, LTC Roger F. Deon Jr.; Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Senior Vice President, COL Charles W. Durr; Logistics Center (ALC), and Mr. Gary Nenninger Corpus Christi Chapter Secretary, CW5 Dan S. Youngerman; Treasurer, (right), Tennessee Valley Chapter president, VP Membership, Jutta Welschoff-Burt MAJ Brian C. Angell; VP Membership, CSM induct Mr. Bruce J. Metzger, director of the VP Activities, Tammy Tuttle Franko J. Antolovich; VP Scholarships, SFC Logistics Support Facility (LSF) of the AMCOM VP Publicity, Roger Ceballos Michael D. Newport; VP Awards, CW5 John ALC into the Bronze Honorable Order of Saint W. Bailey; VP Industry Relations, CW4 (Ret.) Michael during a December 19 ceremony at Flying Tigers Glen Phelps; Historian, CW5 (Ret.) Kevin Redstone Arsenal, AL. Metzger has been in Chapter Kristen; and Sergeant at Arms, CW5 John W. charge of the LSF for the past seven years Bailey. Proudly chartered by 8th Battalion, during which time over two dozen major 229th Aviation Regiment (Flying Tigers) and aviation modification programs have been President, LTC Roger Deon expanded by 11th Theater Aviation Command, successfully executed. Senior Vice President, COL Charles Durr Company F (MEDEVAC), 1st Bn., 214th Avn. VP Membership, CSM Franko Antolovich Regt., B Co, 6-52nd Fixed Wing & Human Historian, CW5 (R) Kevin Kristen Resources Command, members include Treasurer, MAJ Brian Angell Aviation professionals from Active Duty, USAR, VP Scholarships, SFC Michael Newport and retirees of all ranks. VP Awards, CW5 John Bailey Order of ST. Michael Don’t Miss Out! High Desert and Our Lady of Chapter Loreto Awards Recently, a number of AAAA members have not seen critical messages from Senior Vice President, LTC Henry Perry Iron Mike Chapter us about the Martina McBride Dinner Morning Calm Chapter Concert on 31 March 2015, the AAAA Senior VP, CSM Estevan Sotorosado Annual Summit hotel rooms/ housing links and the 2015 Summit Proffer Mount Rainier Chapter acceptance among others. In many Treasurer, 1LT Michael Chiaia cases the email is being filtered directly Rising Sun Chapter to your spam filters. Senior VP, CW3 Blake Leibach Treasurer, SGT Christina Fryer Add @quad-a.org to your email Safe Senders list. If you are not sure how to ShowMe Chapter do this, go to quad-a.org for detailed Treasurer, CPT Benjamin Hansen U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SFC THADDIUS DAWKINS BY SFC ARMY PHOTO U.S. instructions based on what email pro- Flight Oper- CW5 (Ret.) David C. Beishline, gram you are using. Thunderbird ations Officer for the U.S. Army Special Operations Chapter Aviation Command (USASOAC) is inducted into the Bronze Honorable Order of Saint Michael by USASOAC commanding general, BG Erik C. AAAA VP Member at Large, CW2 Kyle Watkins Want to change your VP Membership, CW2 Michael Gobble Peterson, during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC on December 17, 2014. Beishline was recognized Chapter A liation?A liation Washington Potomac for his outstanding continuous support to Army No Problem — Chapter Aviation over the span of more than 47 years of Call 203-268-2450 VP Membership, LTC David George combined military and federal service. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 57 February 28, 2015 AAAA Membership CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper z The Membership Corner n mid-December 2004 a C-23 Sherpa made a daylight I approach and landing at TQ [Al Taqaddum], Iraq. There was nothing extraordinary about the approach. The landing was another matter. For once the weather guessers got it 101st CAB. ese air tra c control right. Unfortunately, their prediction (ATC) Soldiers man the control towers included rain and low ceilings! e at Ft. Campbell as well as the ight weather is well above minimums but following ATC entity known as Eagle certainly this ight will be no easy task. Radio. e Soldiers use a combination Your training mission for this evening is of old fashion ground reporting points to move an artillery piece, its crew and to track aircraft ying around the U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPT GINA M. THACHER ARMY PHOTO BY CPT GINA M. U.S. ammunition to the other side of post. reservation as well as state of the art radar SPC Luke Pirtle. e aircrews are briefed and ready. e to ensure ight safety. pre-ight went well. Now if you and One of the 6th Battalion’s outstanding your ight of three can get the mission Soldiers is Specialist Luke Pirtle. His completed without incident… hard work and dedication led him to You are a member of the world’s only being signed o as an air tra c controller SPC Pirtle will have completed his service air assault division. Ft. Campbell, KY is at Eagle Radio. SPC Pirtle said, “It took to the nation. He is considering applying where the 101st Airborne Division (Air years of training to get here, but the to the Federal Aviation Administration Assault) Screaming Eagles train and aircrews deserve it.” as an Air Tra c Controller. Whether call home. It is currently home to two When I called his company he stays Army or chooses the FAA, he combat aviation brigades (CAB), the commander looking for an ATC Soldier will continue to bring the calm, steady 101st and 159th, as well as 3 battalions to interview for this article, CPT Ashley reassurance that de nes air tra c of special operations aircraft from the Olds, a.k.a. Skymaster 6, knew exactly controllers everywhere. 160th Special Operations Aviation who I should talk to. She said, “SPC SPC Pirtle is a brand new member of Regiment (Airborne). If all the units are Pirtle is an outstanding Soldier and a AAAA. We are excited to have him join at Ft. Campbell (which is a rarity over the great air tra c controller.” our ranks. last 14 years) that equates to more than SPC Pirtle’s service includes tours “Air Assault!” 450 helicopters and unmanned aircraft in the U.S. as well as an overseas tour systems (UAS). While Ft. Campbell is in Germany. He enjoyed Europe and 106,700 acres it can seem small when knows a few things about helicopter multiple formations of helicopters are crews ying in marginal weather. His CW5 (Ret.) Dave Cooper training. is is especially true at night professionalism and steady voice have AAAA Vice President for Membership in poor weather during gunnery and air reassured many aircrews. He is married assault exercises. to the love of his life, Stacey, and their Author’s Note: e interview was set up on e task of keeping track of all these children keep them fully occupied. a day the unit was preparing to go to the aircraft is the mission of a dedicated When he does have free time, he enjoys eld. is author appreciates the time both company of Soldiers from the 6th woodworking at the craft shop. CPT Olds and SPC Pirtle took out of their Battalion (General Support Aviation), By the time this article is published busy schedule to speak with me. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 58 February 28, 2015 AAAA New Members NETWORK z I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT New Lifetime Greater Atlanta Chapter CW3 Jacinto Gonzalez CDT William Garrett Holmes Michael Dukes Members CW3 Albert Gerald Hill, Ret. Julieta Randall Andrew Jackson SPC Steven Dye BG Howard W. Yellen, Ret. MAJ Kenneth Shields Tarheel Chapter Dennis M. Keating SPC Kyleand J. Ellis Greater Chicago Chapter 1LT Brandon Greene SFC Dexter Leon Nevels SGT Remy Esteva New Members CDT Sean David Mogan John Karkoski No Chapter Affiliation CPT Joshua R. Ewing Air Assault Chapter High Desert Chapter Brian Riso BG John Chesley Adams, Ret. CW4 John Foley SFC Jeremy Wayne Buzzard CPT Wyatt Britten Tennessee Valley Chapter SSG Kyle W. Alley WO1 Ryan Gallups CW2 Charles Montgomery Idaho Snake River Chapter CW4 Todd Buller John Burger SGT Kelly A. Garcia MAJ Jonathan Robert Peifer CW2 David Patterson Ashley Erickson MAJ Sara L. Carlson SGT Richard M. Glenn Jr. CPT Merritt Thomas Iron Mike Chapter Charles Walker Garrett Monika Crannell SGT Epigmenio Gomez Jr. SSG William Thompson CPT Matthew Niagro Dave Herrell Marlene Fox-McIntyre SFC Orville C Gross Shawn Woodman Jimmy Doolittle Chapter Rod Hill CDT Kyle Fredrickson PFC Kyle A. Henrickson Aloha Chapter SFC Marc A. Steele William Hooper CDT Ashlee Fuhrken SSG Zachary Hight SGM Danny Davis Keystone Chapter SFC Charles Lohr, Ret. CW5 David K. Harvey SSG Andrew D. Hill Chris Calhoun Josiah T. McCullough MSG Preston B. Johnson SPC Daniel L. Hill 1SG Keith Nakahara Ryan C. Walt SGT Terry D Mills David Pashen SPC Nathan O. Hrinko SGT Joshua N. Rodriguez MacArthur Chapter Tamara Olson CW2 Brendan Jerome Powers SGT Louberto Huertaslopez Arizona Chapter Steve Phillips Novella Parsons SGT Jonn Raymond, Ret. PFC Brandon Hull William Kaml Mid-Atlantic Chapter Joshua Preusser Jeffrey S. Sears SPC Carlos E. Inzunzacarvajal Armadillo Chapter MSGT Ron Bricker Lindsey Sherrill CDT Hali Smith SPC Emmanuel Jandres CDT Jordan Blanchard Mike Thompson Tearah IC Smith CW2 Chapin Thoma Tara L. Jones Aviation Center Chapter Robert C. Winkopp Joshua E. Smothers SSG Norberto L. Limos Jr. SGM Terri Denton, Ret. Morning Calm Chapter Kenneth Sokolowski Lost Members CPT Douglas T. Lindsay 2LT Ryan Oneal Ford Paul Bush Leigh B Thigpen Help AAAA locate a lost SPC Anthony Mach Brian Swensen Mount Rainier Chapter Troy Allen Wesson member on this list and SPC Jered A. Martin Badger Chapter Marvin Black Blackshear Thunderbird Chapter receive a free one month SPC Phillip P. Martin Lt. Col. Robert Hesselbein, Ret. 1SG Jonathan Gibson CW2 Michael Gobble extension to your AAAA SPC Andrew T. Miller James John Zentner CPT Cody L. Killmer SPC Samuel Earl Grooms membership! Daisuke Mitsumori Bavarian Chapter North Texas Chapter Chris Moody CPT Samantha L. Muchmore CPT Eddie Walker Jr. Brooke King Utah Chapter SPC Jonathon C. Alarcon SPC John M. Nephew George Norman Wimpy Old Tucson Chapter William Douglas Bullock SPC Brandon E. Albert CW4 Anthony Nwafor Black Knights Chapter SPC Daniel Dan Becker SGT Norman S. Serrano, USAF SPC Frank J. Bailey LTC Bryan K. Phillips 2LT Samuel Jacob Anderson Oregon Trail Chapter Volunteer Chapter Frank Barone SPC Stephan J. Poulin Jr. CDT Alexis Lexie Blair SSG Jason van Mourik SSG Johnathan Bryan Haynes MAJ Brad Bertinot PFC Kseniya Richards CDT Austin Brown Phantom Corps Chapter Washington-Potomac PFC Jared M. Blandford 1SG Timothy John Ros CDT Kevin Carlin MAJ Paul Fugere Chapter SPC Geoffrey A. Borgmeier SGT Frederick L. Sanderson CDT Nathan Degen CW3 Luis Iglesias Gregg Beardsley PFC Daniel Cajigas SGT Adam A. Schaefer CDT Stephanie Eldridge Rio Grande Chapter CW5 Chad Cambron SPC John I. Caminiti PV2 Justin T. Sims CDT Lyle Finley SPC Christopher B. Dennis Scott Hasken SPC Cameron Campbell SPC Jhonny Stroman CDT Matthew Siu-Hock Khoo CW3 Edwin Rivas Therman Medlin SGT Laura A. Clair SPC Jorge L. Torres Jr. CDT Tyler Korellis Bryon Scott Williams Roxanne M. O’Brien WO1 Jessica A. Cochran PFC Alexander R. Villarreal CDT Matthew Martz Nielsen Savannah Chapter James Jim Punelli Keith R. Conaron MSG Paul Wade CDT Cody Noonan SFC John C Woodie Phuong T. Tran PFC Raymond A. Cooper PFC Trevor W. Walters 2LT Cale Pratt-Cordova Southern California Wright Brothers Chapter Carlos Cuesta Rick Watts Bluegrass Chapter Chapter LTC Michael Dykes PFC Taylor K. Davis SPC Aaron Yeazle WO1 George Gadberry Raju Chandra SGT Justin Fosnaugh PFC Andrew K. Dubois CW3 Bryan Keith McCoy Melvin David Sloan CPT Jonathon Wesely Cedar Rapids Chapter Heather Robertson Central Florida Chapter Christine Jane Limsiaco Colonial Virginia Chapter Networking Happens SFC Terrence L Coel SSG Thomas Albert Featsent SFC Joshua J. Fulghum SSG Jeffrey Gunnoe SFC Jonathan Wade Hoesley Recognition Happens CW5 William Mentges Cowboy Chapter LTC Stacy Roth Flint Hills Chapter SPC Dwayne A. Hayman Jr. Quad-a.org/2015Summit WO1 Tory A. Kirk Flying Tigers Chapter WO1 George Gadberry CPT Alan S. Moss LTC Edmund Gerard Naughton AAAA Summit CPT Jonathon Wesely CW5 Daniel S. Youngerman ARMY AVIATION Magazine 59 February 28, 2015 AAAA Family Forum Judy Konitzer z Adjusting to Coming Home By Judy Konitzer may be “preaching to the Ichoir” as I expound on some expectations that military families have when coming together again after a long deployment, however research and accompanying data have made observations and suggestions that have proved timely and valuable. PHOTO BY SGT WILLIAM BEGLEY, 3RD CAB PUBLIC AFFAIRS 3RD CAB PUBLIC WILLIAM BEGLEY, BY SGT PHOTO A few months ago I also requested some A Soldier from Company E, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, is reunited with his family in time for the holi- help from the eld to share the highs days at a ceremony at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, GA, Dec. 19. and lows of enduring repeated deploy- ments, but garnered limited responses. My thought was our seasoned service- ence of their deployment, and yet may and spending time with their spouse; member spouses could write the book on also expect extra attention and support and teenagers can seem distant as they how-tos. Hopefully, this will elicit a re- for some time after their return. continue activities with their friends. sponse from many and in a future article we can share the positives and negatives Understanding the Adult Understanding the Family of how to “survive” the deployments that Stayed at Home Couples may nd that deployment has from our Aviation community families. At the same time, life has gone on at strained their relationship, and problems In the meantime, I will just share a few home and the spouse and other family that existed before the deployment fre- facts for those new to the service that members have had to take over functions quently reappear after the return when hopefully will prove valuable. that were normally performed by the de- “absence made the heart grow fonder.” For ployed family member. Some problems those who have chosen to return to their Understanding the Return- that were handled could be a big surprise. “home” communities and thereby received ing Family Member And the stay at home adult may expect support and service from members of their Military deployments, especially in a extra attention and credit for what they extended family such as grandparents, combat zone, can signi cantly change an did. ey might even expect their Sol- aunts and uncles, it may prove di cult to individual’s life. What is taken for grant- dier to automatically accept the family as rede ne this role once the deployed ser- ed in a home setting but then transferred it now exists, which could prove to be vicemember returns and perhaps relocates to a war zone involves loss of personal uncomfortable. the family to another location. contact with family, uncomfortable liv- ing conditions, no time for relaxing, Understanding the Children Give Everyone Time sometimes lack of a variety of favorite Children’s responses are inuenced by Every family situation is dierent and foods, not to mention hard work and their developmental level and it is im- every family member will have dierent enormous responsibility and the con- portant that if children seem anxious or expectations and most families will have stant threat of loss of life or injury. Upon uncertain about the reunion, it should changed. And all family members regard- returning home, servicemembers may not be misinterpreted or taken personal- less of age, sex, rank or time in service, have suered physical or emotional in- ly. Toddlers may be shy; school age chil- number of deployments, education levels, juries or worse yet a disability. ey can dren may not understand the returning spousal employment, number of children, also seem preoccupied with the experi- parent’s need to take care of themselves as well as extended family and friends will ARMY AVIATION Magazine 60 February 28, 2015 AAAA Scholarship Foundation NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I z SUPPORT Thank You to Our Scholarship Fund Donors AAAA recognizes the generosity of the following individuals, chapters and organizations that have donated to the Scholarship Foundation Inc., since the previous quarter through January 31, 2015. The list includes donations received for all scholarships, as well as the General Fund which provides funding to enable the chapter, corporate, heritage and individual matching fund programs as well as national grants and loans. Donors marked with an * are partially or totally donating to the newly established Families of the Fallen Scholarship. Every penny donated to the Scholarship Foundation goes directly to a grant or loan as a result of the Army Aviation Association of America subsidizing ALL administrative costs! 7th Sqdn., 17th Cavalry Reg. Assoc. Gran M. Hendrix Tommy L. Marks Jaros C. Rickemeyer Ameripack, Inc. BG (Ret.) James & Joyce Hesson Barbara & Kenneth McCann Richard Sherlock David J. & Joan L. Ashcraft Larry D. & Julianne S. Holcomb * MG (Ret.) Carl H. & Jo Ann W. Kenneth M. & Linda Slye BAE Systems COL (Ret.) James E. & M. Roberta McNair, Jr. CW4 (Ret.) Angelo Spelios Bank of America Employees Hyers Donald T. Munsch Tarheel AAAA Chapter * Elisabeth Cassel Baugh Arlo & Mary Janssen Clifton P. O’Brien Tennessee Valley AAAA Chapter The Boeing Company William A. & Andrea J. Johns Kevin O’Brien David & Pauline Thill Paul Bradtmueller COL (Ret.) Larry M. & Faye Jonas Oregon Trail AAAA Chapter Transportation Corps Aviation James L. Brown MG (Ret.) Richard & Virginia Kenyon Piesecki Foundation Association Jon C. Eidem Amo Linder Alton G. Post Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Anthony J. Gentile George Leaf Living Trust Diana B. Radspinner Washington Potomac AAAA Chapter * Thomas M. & Katrina B. Harrison Stephen J. & Debra S. Lyding Marie Luise E. Ramsey For more information about the Foundation or to make a contribution, go online to www.quad-a.org Contributions can also be mailed to: AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468. need time to adjust to the changes that accompany the return of a deployed fam- ily member. e goal is to form a healthy new life together, and we are very fortu- nate that a myriad of resources have been generated both within the military as well as throughout our civilian communities Your Voice Happens to help families successfully reunite with a minimum of problems. And if problems should arise, the stigma of seeking help from a quali ed mental health profes- sional is becoming a thing of the past. Support Happens ose of us who were part of the Viet- nam era did not have the bene ts of today’s research and shared knowledge about expectations and what is the “new normal.” How good it would have been to know that what we were experienc- ing after deployment, good and bad, was Quad-a.org/2015Summit something we could share. Knowledge is so important in building resiliency, and by sharing our stories we can help to meet the challenges of our lives as we continue to embrace our pride in be- longing to the Army Aviation family. Judy Konitzer is the family forum editor AAAA Summit for ARMY AVIATION; questions and suggestions can be directed to her at judy@ quad-a.org. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 61 February 28, 2015 AAAA Awards NETWORK I z RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT New Order of St. Michael Recipients u Letters to the Editor We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to [email protected]. Submissions should be exclusive to ARMY AVIATION – we do not publish open letters or third-party letters. Submissions should be 150 to 175 words, should refer to an article that has appeared in the current or most previous issue, and must include the writer’s name, address, email address, and phone numbers. We regret that because of the volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge unpublished letters other than by an auto- mated e-mail reply. Letters may be edited and shortened for space. Joe Pisano, Editor January 5, 2015 aviation community will fall behind most of the modern World’s vertical lift Army Aviation’s future is through industry. The elimination of three entire ARI. We will no longer be the World’s Silver fleets of legacy aircraft can go a long vertical lift leader if we fail to execute CW4 Robert J. Metoyer way towards maintaining our vertical lift the Aviation Restructuring Initiative. LTC Andrew J. Chevalier leadership in the near term, as well as ARI is a comprehensive approach to set the conditions for the deep future. CW3 William T. Missiewicz Army aviation reorganization that is ARI accomplishes this by investing COL Brian C. Trapani focused on those mission capabilities the dollars that would have been SFC Neil P. Moran that Homeland Security and Regional used to maintain the legacy fleet into LTC John D. Stahl Combatant Commanders expect from modernizing the aviation personnel and Army Aviation. Bronze the existing advanced digitized aircraft. Every aspect of our military’s Joint COL Martin D. Kerkenbush As the Army moves toward 2025, Vertical lift future, from technology 1SG William C. Howard ARI is designed to increase and to funding, hinges on a successful LTC Michael W. Weaver modernize Army Aviation capability execution of ARI. ARI allows us to CPT Clinton D. Hooker with less aviation structure. If we reduce risk in the near term by CPT Richard S. Button II chose to not execute ARI and adopt an continuing the aerial scout mission CW4 Christopher D. Peters incremental approach to reorganization rather than delaying it until the Future we in essence will divest ourselves Vertical Lift (FVL) Scout is fielded. of the World’s leadership in vertical New Order of St. 13 years of sustained combat has lift. It is critical that the Army aviation Michael Knight developed Unified Ground leaders that community supports ARI. Recipients will not let the aviation aerial scout Ralph R. Scruggs mission go away. And, rightly so! LTG Dan Petrosky, U.S. Army, Retired Rick Isaacs FVL as currently envisioned is funded and supported. There are two January 9, 2015 New Our Lady of major areas of concern that can impact FVL; ARI and Sequestration. The near I am disappointed to see in the Loreto Recipients December 2014 issue of ARMY AVIATION Regina M. Curtis term capabilities of Army Aviation are supported and funded by divesting the Medal of Honor recipient, CW3 Michael Doreen Vandal legacy fleet of OH58 A/C, TH67 training Novosel, referred to as having “won” the Judi Laughlin helicopters, and the OH 58 Kiowa Medal of Honor. I see this mistake a lot. I Jamie Scholberg Warrior. This legacy fleet has served us am not aware of any award that is worn Juliana Blas well for decades. However, continuing to on a service member’s uniform that is keep this fleet in the force would be a won – using the term “win” makes it waste of tax payer funds. The money not sound like a prize. Soldier of the Month While a very young lieutenant I had SPC Dwayne A. Hayman Jr. used to maintain this legacy fleet will be the pleasure of meeting Mr. Novosel Flint Hills Chapter used to transition active, National Guard, and Army Reserve crew members to at flight school and later when I was modernized aircraft as well as maintain stationed at the hospital at Ft. Rucker the modernized fleet, to include UAS. getting to know him a little. He was a And, ARI will help fund the Army’s initial great man. role in FVL science and technology. If CPT John H. Green Jr., Deputy the Army is forced to keep the structure Surgeon, 1st Sustainment Command of the legacy aircraft then the Army (Theater) ARMY AVIATION Magazine 62 February 28, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 63 February 28, 2015 People On the Move NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT Aviation General Officer Warrant Officer Selections Promotions/Assignments CY 2015 Warrant SSG Brandon Kitch Officer Candidate 2LT Andrew Koskela The chief of staff, Army announced on Selection Board SSG Russell Kosloske Jan. 9 the assignment of BG William Results SPC Daniel Kroll K. Gayler, director, Officer Personnel SPC Jacob Loftis Management Directorate, U.S. Army The Army released the names on SPC Stephen Marsh Human Resources Command, Fort Jan 16, 2015 of those service SGT Seth Mattox Knox, Kentucky, to deputy commanding members selected to attend the SSG Darren Maye Warrant Officer Candidate Course SGT Nathanial Mckeown general, U.S. Army Europe and Seventh SPC Michael Miller Army, Germany. in 2015. AAAA congratulations the following 55 enlisted and SSGT Jason Missenheim officers who were selected for SGT Pierre Mitchell U.S. ARMY PHOTO U.S. military occupational specialty SFC Cray Morse (MOS) 153A, Rotary Wing Aviator. SFC Christopher Nehl SSG Nicholas Okelly Awards SGT Gerald Bacoats SGT Ross Olson Zayas Awarded Air Medal with V SSG Benjamin Barczak SSG Kevin Omalley SSG Joshua Bone SSGT Tyler Otto SSG Jeremiah Bruce 1LT Justin Owen SFC Ryan Cahill 1LT Neil Pallotta SFC Rex Clayton SGT John Rivera SSG William Clotfelter SGT Juan Rivera-Colon SFC Jonathan Cole SSG Joseph Ryan SGT Christopher Connell SSG Robert Sherwood SSG Matthew Cooke SSG Adam Snyder SGT Stephen Culver SPC Paul Spallino SSG Shawn Dickson SSG Adam Starkey SSG Christopher Didway SSG Justin Suina * SSG Michael Dowd 1LT Nathanael Tramm 1LT Caleb Frazier CPT Nicholas Wall SGT Zane Fulton SPC Terril Williams SSG Mitchell Gabbert 2LT Brian Wolfe SSG Shane Hawkins SFC Stefanie Wood SGT Daniel Holmes SSG Bernard Horne 1LT Taylor Hurd * * = AAAA Member U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY TSGT ARKEISHA LAWRENCE – SMW SOAG PHOTOGRAPHER ARKEISHA LAWRENCE TSGT BY ARMY PHOTO U.S. SFC Ian Kalgren + = Life Member COL Donald G. Fallin (left), commander of the Special Mission Wing (SMW), Special Operations Advisory Group (SOAG), NATO The Following AAAAFunctional Awards Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan (NSOCC-A), presented the Air Medal for Valor to CPT (P) Russell D. Zayas, J-3 Are Open For Nominations Now! Operations Officer assigned to the SMW during a Jan. 24 ceremony at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan. On November 11, 2014, n Aviation Mission Survivability an Afghan National Army recon patrol conducting combat operations Officers (AMSO) Award in Northern Afghanistan was pinned down by enemy fire. Operational n Aircraft Survivability Detachment A (ODA) 3335 was activated as the quick reaction force Equipment (ASE) Award (QRF) along with elements of the Special Mission Wing lead by Zayas. n Avionics Award Acting as the air mission commander, Zayas conducted the QRF n Donald F. Luce Depot infiltration with a flight of 3 Mi17s under intense enemy machine gun Maintenance Artisan Award fire. While conducting the infil, two aircraft sustained major damage from those fires. Following the successful infil, Zayas was able fly his Suspense:July 1. own damaged aircraft, together with the rest of the flight of Mi17s, Send in Your Nominations Today! safely back to the forward operating base without further damage. Nomination forms for all of the AAAA Awards are The Special Mission Wing is a Joint Command that partners with and available from the AAAA National Office, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468-2806 mentors the Afghanistan Special Security Forces in Mi-17 helicopter Telephone: (203) 268-2450 and PC-12NG intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) FAX: (203) 268-5870 and www.quad-a.org fixed wing aircraft in support of all Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 64 February 28, 2015 People On the Move NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT AAAA provides standard aviator wings to all graduates and sterling silver aviator wings to the distiguished graduates of each flight class ... another example of AAAA’s SUPPORT for the U.S. Army Aviation Soldier and family. Flight School IERW UH-60 Track LT Barton Steffy * LT Stephen Sollenberger * LT Joshua Bounds Graduates LT Krystal Harper LT Nicholas Tubbs * LT Alexis Thorne * LT Zachary Cahalan * LT Patrick Martin WO1 Corey Wadsworth WO1 Stephen Tucker * LT Liza Dye AAAA congratulates the WO1 Jason Nolda * LT Kenneth Jackson * following officers gradu- 43 Officers, January 29 IERW CH-47F Track WO1 Daniel R. Jimenez Sr. ating from the Initial En- IERW UH-60A/M Track LT Paul Johnson * LT Joseph Krehel try Rotary Wing (IERW) LT Taylor Frye – DG IERW AH-64D Track WO1 Dustin Moll * LT John Lambert * courses at the U.S. Army WO1 Reid Gaskin – DG LT Dak Kibler * – DG LT Trevor Sherba WO1 Daniel Lupo Aviation Center of Excel- LT Mark Morrissett * – HG WO1 Louis Siciliano – DG WO1 Brandon Williams * LT Spencer Payne lence, Fort Rucker, AL. LT Bryan Cunningham WO1 William Carlson–HG LT Stephen Rowland * WO1 Joshua Deuel * LT Ryan Webb * – HG IERW UH-60 Track LT Peter Schlatter * 27 Officers, January 15 LT Kenneth Fischer * WO1 Bryan Bentley * LT Joshua Robinson *–HG LT Richard Schuessler WO1 Adam Garrison * LT Craig Cowell * LT Dustin Allard * LT Jacob Tappe * IIERW CH-47D Track LT Steven Gundlach * LT Tyler Federwisch * WO1 Bruce Beideman * LT Nicholas Thurston * WO1 Timothy Govea* –DG WO1 Travis Heckelsberg WO1 Matthew Goins * WO1 Jason Honeycutt LT Freddy Wojtkowski–DG LT Kyle Kilroy * WO1 David Knadle * LT Adam Kruse * DG = Distinguished LT David Keeley LT Philip Knoetgen WO1 Joseph Lochridge * Graduate LT Stephen Meinholz LT Timothy Ko * LT Christopher Malachosky * IERW UH-60A/M Track HG = Honor Graduate WO1 Jantzen Taylor LT Brett Kroll * WO1 Ryan McDonald LT Tyler Peck – DG * = AAAA Member WO1 Wiley Seals * WO1 James P. Metler, Jr. LT Benjamin Potter * LT Alex Duncan * – HG + = Life Member LT Wayne Pak * LT Phillip Savoie * LT Russell McIntyre – HG UNMANNED SPC Jose V. Melendezberrios SGT Tyler J. Gaede AIRCRAFT SPC Victor J. Medley SGT William M. Himes SYSTEMS (UAS) SPC Joel Perez-Lorenzo PFC Joshua D. Jones GRADUATIONS PV2 Patrick S. Roberts SPC Brandon M. Orr PV2 Dakota J. Scharver SPC Juma N. Wallace UAS OPERATOR PV2 Jacob M. Schollian SPC Ben Jr. Adams AAAA congratulates the fol- SGT David J. Gugin lowing graduates of the Un- UAS REPAIRER SPC Derek A. Mercer * manned Aerial Vehicle Op- AAAA congratulates the fol- SPC Christopher A. Pflaum erator Course, MOS 15W, at lowing Army graduates of the SSG James C. Smith Fort Huachuca, AZ. Unmanned Aircraft Systems SSG Cory L. Menshouse Repairer Course, MOS 15E, SPC Stephen M. Katz Shadow UAV Operator at Fort Huachuca, AZ. SGT Riley E. Cummings Course PFC Juan Carlos Heredia 25 Graduates, January 7 Shadow UAS Repairer SPC Vincent E. Elom Army Aviation SSG Andrew W. Silver- DHG Course PFC Robert H. Baller-HG 8 Graduates, January 8 Shadow UAS Repairer Association SPC John W. Mattinson -HG SSG William A. Course of America PFC Vincent L. McNemar -HG Domanowski – DHG 8 Graduates, January 29 PFC Slade P. Adkins PFC Ricardo C. Bello PFC Dylan N. Nickisch – 2016 PV2 Thomas E. Blair PFC Kristopher W. Keeton DHG PV2 Ryan D. Bowles PFC Darryl K. Lee PFC Pedro D. Avalos PV2 Carlos R. Canaba PFC Ryan J. Letendre SFC Jason M. Duncan * Hall of Fame PVT Christopher C. Catron PFC Justin N. Quezada PFC Andres D. Hill Send in Your Nomination PFC Travis L. Collins PFC Sandra Segura PFC Gabriel R. Strehl SPC Anthony J. Cortopassi PFC Nathanael C. Williams PFC Austin L. Winkles Today! SPC Stephen A. Damron PFC Dondre L. Young PV2 Spencer O. Gawkoski Gray Eagle UAS Repairer Suspense: June 1 SPC Gillian M. Kacsuta Course * = AAAA Member Nomination forms for the AAAA Awards are available from PV2 Isaac T. Khamlanokaew 19 Graduates, January 15 DHG = Distinguished Honor the AAAA National Office, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT PFC Daniel J. Kosinski SGT Christopher M. Bulen Graduate 06468-2806 (203) 268-2450 FAX: (203) 268-5870 SPC Mark W. Kurvach SGT Francisco J. HG = Honor Graduate SPC Jamie R. Lock Camachoquinones quad-a.org PV2 Jonathan R. Mangosing SGT Daniel D. Carter ARMY AVIATION Magazine 65 February 28, 2015 Industry News l Announcements Related to Army Aviation Matters NETWORK I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT Editor’s note: Companies can send their Army Aviation related news Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL, was awarded a $28,246,765 firm- releases and information to [email protected]. fixed-price foreign military sales (Korea, Indonesia, Qatar, Singapore) multi-year contract with options for 320 Launchers and 4 Launcher Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. Awarded NASA Electronic Assembly (LEAs) in support of the Joint Attack Munitions Contract Systems (JAMS) M299 HELLFIRE launchers, spares and engineering support; work will be performed in Orlando with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2017. M7 Aerospace, LLC, San Antonio, TX, was awarded a $9,842,453 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for continued logistics support for C-26 fixed wing aircraft; work will be performed in Madison, WI; Columbus, OH; Otis Air National Guard Base, MA; NASA has awarded the Aircraft Maintenance and Operations contract Clarksburg, WV; Ft. Belvoir, VA; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Columbus, SC; to Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama. The services will Dobbins Air Force Base, GA; Little Rock, AR; Buckley Air National support NASA’s aircraft scientific research missions based at the Guard Base, CO; Wheeler Air Force Base, HI; and San Antonio with an agency’s Wallops Flight Facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. This is a estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015. cost-plus-fixed-fee core contract with a cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Inc., Sierra Vista, AZ, delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) portion. The basic core and IDIQ was awarded two contract modifications: contract value is $33.4 million and the basic period of performance - a $24,345,692 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for began on Dec. 21 and extends through Sept. 30, 2016. Option I is Hunter unmanned aircraft system contractor logistics support; work $37.5 million with a two-year period of performance and Option II is will be performed in Sierra Vista (25 percent), and in Afghanistan (75 $24.1 million with an approximately 15-months period of performance. percent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2015; and, Including all options, the total value will not exceed $95 million. This - a $37,080,474 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contract was awarded under the Total Small Business Set Aside continued contract logistics services for unmanned aircraft systems; program. Pinnacle will provide labor, material/parts and equipment to work will be performed in Sierra Vista and Afghanistan with an support a wide range of aircraft maintenance and operations support estimated completion date of Jan. 14, 2016. services. The aircraft are operated to meet both center and agency platform, research, and support aircraft requirements for scientific research missions. We are pleased to partner with NASA on this program and to expand our capabilities as an aerospace company,” Advertisers Index Mike Durant, President of Pinnacle Solutions said. “This was our second NASA multi-year prime contract win in 2014 and we are ACES Systems/TEC Aviation Division ...... 38 proud to have been selected for such an important program.” Advanced Turbine Engine Company, ATEC ...... 72 Contracts – (From various sources. An “*” by a company BAE Systems ...... 29 name indicates a small business contract) Bell Helicopters ...... 33 Boeing Co., Mesa, AZ, was awarded a $14,583,600 modification to a Boeing Defense, Space & Security ...... 39 contract to increase the quantity of AH-64E Apache full rate production BOSE Corporation ...... 35 Lot 5 aircraft. The modification adds additional advance procurement Coastal Seat Cushions, Inc...... 42 funding to purchase of long lead items; work will be performed in Mesa Columbia Helicopters, Inc...... 2 with an estimated completion date of March 20, 2015. Finmeccanica North America ...... 27 L-3 Communications Corp., Madison, MS, was awarded a Harris Corporation...... 5 $60,320,578 modification to a contract to support maintenance for the Helicopter Association International ...... 63 Army’s fleet of C-12/RC-12/UC-35 fixed wing aircraft; work will be per- formed in Madison with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2015. Hupp Aerospace Defense ...... 51 L-3 Wescam ...... 15 L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, MS, was awarded two contract modifications: MD-Helicopters ...... 41 - a $15,634,434 modification for a six month extension of the current Meggitt Defense Systems ...... 25 bridge contract at Corpus Christi Army Depot, Corpus Christi, TX, to PIC ...... 18 provide highly specialized aircraft production indirect labor services Phantom Products Inc...... 19 augmenting the civilian workforce; and, Science and Engineering Services, SES, Inc...... 1 - a $16,445,946 modification for a six month extension of a second current bridge contract at Corpus Christi Army Depot to provide highly USAA ...... 17 specialized aircraft production direct labor services, which augment UTC Aerospace Systems ...... 13 the CCAD civilian workforce. The estimated completion date for both VT Miltope Corporation ...... 31 modifications is July 28, 2015. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 66 February 28, 2015 AAAA News NETWORK z I RECOGNITION I VOICE I SUPPORT UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2015 Upcoming Special Focus Mar. 2-5 HAI Heli-Expo, Orlando, FL March/April 2015 Mar. 5-7 Women In Aviation International (WAI) 26th Annual Conference, 2015 AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solution Summit Dallas TX Army Aviation Leadership Mar. 29-31 AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, Annual Updates Nashville, TN. quad-a.org/2015SUMMIT 2014 Photo Contest Winners MAY 2015 AAAA Chapter Directory May 2015 May 1 Submission Deadline – Scholarship Applications 2015 AAAA Army Aviation Mission Solution Summit Recap JUNE 2015 Guard/Reserve Aviation June 1 Submission Deadline – Hall of Fame Nominations Fixed Wing Update Contact: Bob Lachowski [email protected] or Erika Burgess [email protected] 203. 268.2450 The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association is soliciting nominations for the Robert N. Tredway Award. The award honors the late Col. Robert N. Tredway who had a distinguished military career as well as an exceptional post-military career, including notable service to veterans with the Wounded Warrior project, as a Founding Member of CHPA and numerous other community and veterans organizations. The Robert N. Tredway Award is given by the Combat Helicopter Pilots Please contribute to the Association in recognition of an individual or corporation for demonstrated AAAASFI through the accomplishments in support of: Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) program. n the United States Military Helicopter Community; n United States Military Veterans with an emphasis on helicopter veterans; The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. n for an individual, signi cant accomplishment in his/her professional area; provides a variety of annual scholarships to n the Combat Helicopter Pilots Association and, hundreds of students seeking higher n the community at-large. education: Soldiers, NCOs, warrant and commissioned officers and to their family The nomination must be in writing and contain the Name, Address and members. Your tax-deductible donation helps other contact information for both the nominee and the individual making make a difference to those looking to further the nomination. In addition the nomination shall include a written narrative their educational opportunities. presenting the accomplishments that qualify the nominee for the award. Contribute to #10516. See your unit CFC representative for details on participating in Please send all nominations to: the 2015 CFC Program. Hon. Stephen M. Reilly The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. 43 Calle Ventoso West 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 06468-2806 Email: [email protected] Nominations must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2015. (203) 268-2450 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 67 February 28, 2015 AAAA Legislative Report NETWORK I RECOGNITION I z VOICE I SUPPORT By COL (Ret.) William H. Morris AAAA Representative to The Military Coalition (TMC) [email protected] State of the Union 2015 during his speech after siting the recent budget, provides funding for psychologists On January 20th President Barrack attacks by North Korea as a major catalyst and psychology students who work for the VA Obama delivered his sixth State of the Union Congress should use to introduce new with transitioning Veterans, and a centralized address to the country projecting a bold legislation that would allow more opportunity web site that provides information on stance toward a Republican majority in both for information sharing and other agencies resources available to Veterans. The bill also the House and Senate. The president noted like the Department of Homeland Security. calls on the Department of Defense and the that he had no more elections to run so his VA to conduct a complete review of their focus for the next two years would be to House Passes Suicide current suicide prevention programs and to promote his agenda whether through using Prevention Bill report back to Congress. bills or Executive Order. Highlights included In what can only be categorized as one a mix of tax cuts and increases intended of the tragic realities of the 21st century in Anticipated Changes to to provide the middle and lower income the United States, prevention of Veterans Military Compensation taxpayers a break while increasing taxes on suicide, which is estimated to take 22 The Congressionally mandated Military those individuals and corporations in the top Veteran lives each day as reported by the Compensation and Retirement Modernization earning levels of the tax code. Additionally, Veterans Administration last year, continues Committee (MCRMC) is set to release its the president touted his intent to continue to be a congressional topic of interest. The results on personnel compensation and to press the military campaign of coalition House, for the second time in two months, retirement during the first week of February airstrikes against ISIS which he noted, passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention 2015. Already, there is debate on how these “This effort will take time. It will require for American Veterans Act on January 12th. new reforms will take place, as both Senator focus. But we will succeed.” The tone and The bill which boosts funding and resources John McCain (R-AZ), the new Chairman of demeanor of his speech concerning ISIS to combat suicide prevention was rejected the Senate Armed Services Committee and would indicate that this operation will not by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the new Chairman be over quickly and that the administration (SVAC) in December 2014 as then Senator of the House Armed Services Committee, remains prepared to continue strikes for an Tom Coburn (R-OK) torpedoed the bill agree that there must be reform but that undetermined amount of time that could based on his claim that there were already these contemplated changes should look at be measured in years rather than months. existing VA programs that supported suicide the quality of the fore as a whole, focusing Previously reported in this column, many prevention. on recruitment and retention, rather than members of the Republican-led Congress Many organizations, to include The just looking at savings that can be realized oppose the administration’s interpretation Military Coalition, expressed their dismay to reduce the Federal deficit. of the authority to legally take action against to the committee and with the beginning Both Sen. McCain and Rep. Thornberry do ISIS based on past legislation taken in the of the 114th Congress this became the agree in principle though those changes to wake of 9/11. first tabled bill before the SAVC in 2015. compensation should not be levied against President Obama’s point to request autho- The bill passed unanimously through the those currently serving or retired. This was rization for use of military force (AUMF) from SVAC on January 21st and will be voted on also echoed by MCRMC committee member Congress during his speech shows that this by the full Senate within the coming week. former OSD Comptroller Dov Zahkeim who continues to be a priority focus of the admin- Corporal Clay Hunt served with distinction stated that the recommendations would not istration’s foreign policy stance in the foresee- in the United States Marine Corps in both affect those currently serving. Other than able future. To bolster his position for AUMF, Iraq and Afghanistan and took his life at 28 Mr. Zahkeim’s comment, the findings and the president noted that U.S. national power, after lobbying for Veterans issues on Capitol recommendations of the committee are to include the military element was critical to Hill. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), the being kept tightly under wraps until released. stemming the tide of ISIS advances through- committee chairman assured the press that At the same time, with sequestration out the region. He also noted that without the this measure would be passed by the full ready to take effect at the end of 2015, the support of a broad coalition that includes Arab, Senate and signed by President Obama as chairmen know that they must come up with European and Asian Nations, the campaign the first law of the year. a comprehensive plan that shapes future against ISIS could potentially turn into another The House version of the bill instructs the personnel compensation outlays while at the protracted U.S. led ground war. VA to provide the necessary funds for suicide same time keeping National security at the Cyber defense was also front and center prevention within its current operating forefront of and discussion of reductions. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 68 February 28, 2015 In Memoriam Major General Joseph N. “Jim” Jaggers, Retired It is with great sadness that AAAA announces the passing of MG (Ret.) Joseph N. “Jim” Jaggers from heart failure at his home in Carlsbad, CA on January 16, 2015. He was 85. A 2007 Army Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, he played a key role in fostering Army Aviation as a combat commander, earning two Silver Stars, ve Distinguished Flying Crosses and 45 Air Medals, developing tactical doctrine, elding the Huey Cobra and in the procurement of the Ad- vanced Attack Helicopter. After commanding a rie company in the Korean War, he earned his wings in 1957 and, at Ft. Benning, Georgia, organized and commanded the Army’s rst experimental Aerial Reconnais- sance and Security Troop. While in Vietnam, he commanded the 68th Aviation Company (re- ARMY AVIATION HALL OF FAME PHOTO HALL OF FAME AVIATION ARMY designated the 197th), evolving from the legendary Utility Tactical Transport (UTT) Company. His near-single handed orchestration of a major airmobile operation in Hau Nghia province, near the village of Duc Hoa, resulted in the197th being recognized for conspicuous bravery and, in May of 1965, being awarded the rst Presi- dential Unit Citation in the Vietnam War. He developed “Cardinal Rules” for armed helicopter tactical employment, the basis for a new Army eld manual. Be- tween Vietnam tours, he was the DA Special Sta O cer for the elding of the AH-1G Cobra. Back in Vietnam, he commanded the 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry operating in the Central Highlands, and made a brilliant combat assault into Cambodia. He was assigned to Project MASSTER, where he directed key developmental tests involving aerial scouts, followed by command of the 3d Brigade, First Cavalry Division. After promotion to BG, he became the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Cav. He served as Chairman of the Advanced Attack Helicopter Source Selection Board and then Chairman of the TADS/PNVS Source Selection Board re- sulting in the development and procurement of the AH-64 Attack Helicopter. He accumulated more than 1,600 combat ying hours and a total of over 5,000 hours. His leadership and contributions to Army aviation have been inspirational. A memorial service was held February 21st in Austin, Texas, where he and his wife resided before moving to California, at Camp Mabry, headquarters of the Texas National Guard. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. May he rest in peace. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 69 February 28, 2015 Art’s Attic By Mark Albertson Art’s Attic is a look back each month 25 years ago and 50 years ago to see what was going on in ARMY AVIATION Magazine. Art Kesten was our founder and first publisher from 1953 to 1987. He was also the founder of the AAAA in 1957 and served as its Executive Vice President. Each month contributing editor Mark Albertson will select a few key items from each historic issue. The cartoon, right, was done back in 1953 by LT Joe Gayhart, a friend of Art’s and an Army Aviator, showing the chaos of his apartment-office in New York City where it all began. 25 Years Ago 50 Years Ago February 28, 1990 February 1965 Just Cause “Space Utilization,” CPT Gerald Army Aviation played a signi cant D. MacDowell role in Panama during OPERA- LTC Benjamin S. Silver’s 228th As- TION JUST CAUSE ying 1,200 sault Support Helicopter Battalion missions, to the tune of 4,500 com- at Fort Ben- bat hours; such missions as Attack, ning, GA, has Recon, Assault and Resupply. Of eected space- note is the damage assessment: At its height, some 167 heli- saving solutions aboard the CH-47A Chi- copters were committed. Forty- ve were damaged, mostly by nook. For overhead storage they borrowed small arms re. Of from the typical inner-city bus. Instead of these, 40 were re- racks, though, they used litters from the air- turned to service, craft litter kit for ceiling storage. Behind the and within a period troop seats, along the sides, tie-downs were of 24 hours or less. employed to secure ammo boxes, PRC 25 e four aircraft radios, eld cook sets, survival kits… Truth be told, Madison Av- lost were of the enue bus driver, Ralph Kramden of “Honeymooners” fame, could Scout or Scout/At- have learned a thing or two about space utilization on his bus tack variety. from LTC Silver’s Winged Warriors. ARNG and War on Drugs “Hot Cycle” In 1983, only four states utilized ARNG assets for Drug January 28, 1965, the XV-9A Enforcement operations. In FY 89, some 53 states and territories “Test Bed” ew; developed for committed ARNG assets to the War on Drugs; up from 32 states USARECOM by Hughes Tool in FY 88. A total of 1,811 missions were logged, representing Company’s Aircraft Division, 107,348 man-days performed by over 1,000 ARNG troops. Culver City, CA. e XV-9A, DEA/ARNG counterdrug operations provide an opportunity AKA “Hot Cycle,” is based on a for two government agencies to wield their capabilities and principle by which hot gases are talents against a scourge in American society… illicit drugs. jetted from blade-tip louvers; a concept designed to dispense MD 530N with the heavy gear boxes An MD 530N helicopter took to the air for the rst time on associated with normal shaft December 29, 1989. is McDonnell Douglas oering, which engine aircraft. e “Hot Cycle” principle is supposed to enable features the NOTAR anti-torque system, is reputed to be the a helicopter to be able to hoist more than twice its empty weight rst conventional, single main-rotor helicopter without a tail ro- in cargo or passengers. tor for anti-torque direc- tional control. NOTOR- Calling it a Career equipped helicopters, MG Clifton F. von Kann, CG, U.S. Army Avia- which will be available in tion Center and commandant of the U.S. Army both MD 530N and MD Aviation School, announced his retirement from 520N con gurations, are the Army, eective February 28. He began his the latest versions of the career as a regular in 1938. He came to Fort MD 500, which rst ew Rucker in August 1963, following command of in 1963. the 1st Cavalry Division. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 70 February 28, 2015 Army Aviation Hall of Fame Chief Warrant Officer Four The Army Aviation Hall James T. Burnette of Fame, sponsored by Army Aviation Hall of Fame 1989 Induction the Army Aviation Association of America, W4 James T. Burnette was inducted Inc., recognizes those Cinto the Army Aviation Hall of Fame for individuals who have made his extraordinary contributions as a leader, innovator, manager, and mentor in the an outstanding contribution aviation logistics eld. One of those rare “non- to Army Aviation. rated” Aviation Maintenance O cers who have routinely been the mainstay of aviation maintenance and supply operations, he devoted The actual Hall of Fame his entire 28 years of service to the not so glorious, behind-the-scenes world of aviation is located in the logistics. His truly exceptional devotion to Army Aviation Museum, duty, superlative leadership, tenacity, and innovativeness produced dramatic improvements to eet readiness, and most of all, the sustained professional Fort Rucker, Ala. respect of subordinates, peers, and superiors throughout Army Aviation. An exceptional aviation mechanic, he quickly assumed demanding positions early in his career, serving as maintenance section chief of a VIP L-23 detachment and liaison to the USAF’s Southern Air Material Area The deadline for at Clark AFB, Philippines, where he supervised contract maintenance and depot programs for all Army aircraft throughout the Far East. nominations for the Promoted to WO1 in 1963, Mr. Burnette deployed to Vietnam where 2016 induction is with the 73rd Aviation Company, he established one of the rst aviation support activities in USARV. Following a second tour as Detachment 5 June 1, 2015 Commander, Company A, 15th Transportation Battalion, his reputation became legendary because of his unit’s awless record on accidents or incidents attributed to material failure or aircraft maintenance oversight. Contact the AAAA His later key positions included tours with the 11th Air Assault Division’s National Office for details 228th Helicopter Battalion and the Cheyenne project management o ce in DA. He was a platform instructor and authored many programs and nomination forms at of instruction while at U.S. Army Transportation School and the USA (203) 268-2450 or visit WO College at Ft. Rucker, AL, prior to earning BS (Avn Repair Facility Management) and MA degrees. www.quad-a.org During ‘70-’80, he distinguished himself as administrator of TWA’s maintenance contract servicing all USA aircraft in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa. On his last active duty tour, he managed a theater level intermediate/limited depot facility in Europe where his initiatives resulted in great cost savings and e ciencies. ARMY AVIATION Magazine 71 February 28, 2015 ARMY AVIATION Magazine 72 February 28, 2015