Mission Processor Upgrade (MPU), Program Number 846
Abstract
This specialized equipment must be capable of worldwide rapid deployment and operations in contested or anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments in support of Multi-Domain Operations. MPU provides for non-recurring engineering, systems engineering/testing, and future aircraft architecture studies that support replacement and upgrade of the current mission and video processors for all Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) rotary wing aircraft; upgrading all internal processors increases the processing power to support critical functionality and emerging technologies that will be integrated into the aircraft operational flight program. MPU enables the enhancement in processing and memory resources required to incorporate future functionality within the aircraft; this includes replacement of ground-based navigation aids, advanced large area displays, processors with greater computing power, secured & removable storage, machine learning capabilities, precision timing devices in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environment, further advancement of cognitive decision aiding system that fuses information on threat, route, weather, terrain, and friendly forces, instantaneously adjusting an aircraft’s route to protect the flight crew in hazardous weather, low level conditions, night conditions, and the next generation ARSOA cockpit. MPU also furnishes the progression to protect aircraft and aircrew from cyber security threats from real-time flight monitoring and prevention capabilities. Tactical Mission Networking (TMN) focuses on the technology development of platform software and hardware systems and facilitates advanced radio waveforms and communications equipment to ensure interoperability. Upgrading antennas, processors, radios and other enabling communications equipment will be a persistent requirement as the environment becomes increasingly more complex. The Army intends to upgrade its networks every two years – this funding will ensure Special Operations Aircraft can adapt and keep pace with both SOF and conventional forces’ communications and networking improvements/upgrades. This Special Operations Aviation Mission Equipment is a commodities product shared across the Special Operations Rotary Wing aircraft and ensures the Special Operations Rotary Wing aircraft are safely able to provide long-range, high speed, all weather, close air support (CAS), precision strike, reconnaissance, infiltration (infil), exfiltration (exfil), and resupply of SOF teams in hostile, denied, and politically sensitive areas that allows the Joint Force to be more agile and responsive to combat missions, Irregular Warfare and Military Operations Other than War (MOOTW) as stated in the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Beginning in FY 2025 funding for MPU and TMN have been consolidated under the MPU funding line to accurately reflect funding execution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- e00f4a1a0570b38a101c56fe025506ed
Related Documents
- Root: Aviation Systems