Aviation Systems Advanced Development

Abstract

This project provides for the development, rapid prototyping, demonstration, and integration of current and maturing technologies for Special Operations (SO)-peculiar (SO-p) aviation and training requirements to transform the foundation of future SOF aviation for the Joint Force in order to support the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Timely application of SO-p technology is critical and necessary to meet requirements in areas such as: Aviation Engineering Analysis (AEA), Electronic Warfare (EW)-Radio Frequency Countermeasures (RFCM), High Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL), High Energy Laser (HEL), MC-130J Amphibious Capability (MAC), Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E), MH-47G and MH-60M SOF Common Terrain Following (TF)/Terrain Avoidance (TA) Silent Knight Radar (SKR), and Precision Strike Package (PSP). The AEA provides engineering analysis, market research, and designs to address aircraft survivability needs such as signature management, situational awareness (SA), and versatile mission platform/equipment (payloads, communication, and weapons) to achieve SOF objectives. The EW-RFCM supports development, integration, and test activities to provide EW capability against Radio Frequency (RF) threats for SO-peculiar AC/MC-130J aircraft. The HSVTOL supports development and demonstration of agile and responsive air mobility capabilities to support runway independent operations, increased speed of maneuverability, and provide the ability to penetrate anti-access (A2)/anti-denial (AD) environments. The HEL supports development of an AC-130J laser weapons system for Low Probability of Detection (LPD) use in complex environments to enable joint/coalition SOF operations against targets such as communication nodes, light-to-medium duty vehicles, and power infrastructures. The MAC supports development and demonstration of amphibious capabilities on a C-130J to support runway independent operations and provide the ability to operate in logistically constrained environments. MH-47G and MH-60M SOF Common TF/TA SKR supports development, integration, and testing of SOF Common TF/TA Multi-Mode Radar (MMR) that provides Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and LPD capabilities for MH-47G and MH-60M aircraft. The PSP supports systems engineering, analysis, development, and enhancement of the baseline PSP for integration, installation, and test on SOF AC-130J aircraft and other SOF aviation platforms.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
SF100_1160403BB_7_0400_PB_2025

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics

Related Documents