PEO Aviation Update / By Mr. Patrick H. Mason: It is an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your Program Executive Officer for Army Aviation. Our sincere gratitude to MG Thomas and Tracy Todd for their tremendous leadership of the PEO over the last three years.
Aviators from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, conduct final pre-mission checks for a night air assault mission during operational tests of the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter. The UH–60V updates the UH-60L analog architecture with a new digital, glass cockpit to replace the current analog dial instrumentation. The upgrades improve the enduring aviation fleet’s interoperability and survivability on the Multi-Domain Battlefield./ Aviators from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, conduct final pre-mission checks for a night air assault mission during operational tests of the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter. The UH–60V updates the UH-60L analog architecture with a new digital, glass cockpit to replace the current analog dial instrumentation. The upgrades improve the enduring aviation fleet’s interoperability and survivability on the Multi-Domain Battlefield.
Through his 23 years of service with the PEO, leading at every level, MG Todd established an unparalleled standard of excellence and delivered asymmetric capabilities for our Soldiers. His strategic vision and expertise firmly set us on a path to design, develop, and deliver leap-ahead capabilities while also ensuring the continued readiness of our enduring fleet. Our best wishes to the Todd’s in their next assignment; it was an honor to serve with them.
As we focus on Large Scale Combat Operations and build a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) ready and capable force, PEO Aviation remains oriented on applying an adaptive acquisition framework that delivers advanced capability at rapid speed. Key to achieving these goals is the ability to work seamlessly across the entire Army Modernization Enterprise and in alignment with our Aviation Branch Chief, the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (FVL CFT), Aviation and Missile Command, and Department of the Army Management Office–Aviation. Additionally, we must pursue creative ways to identify and accelerate the fielding of innovative technologies for our enduring systems and the future force, all in support of achieving an MDO capable force in 2028.
Industry Day
To that end, the PEO hosted our first ‘”Design for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Suitability” industry day on 12 February. This event engaged both traditional and non-traditional vendors where we presented ongoing portfolio objectives and challenged industry to identify innovative aviation solutions for MDO. The broad topic areas included architecture, interoperability, survivability, suitability, and aircrew effectiveness. Our goal was to identify promising technologies that facilitate targeted modernization for the enduring fleet and potential integration into the FVL ecosystem. The event was executed in conjunction with the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium with the ability to quickly receive white papers and initiate a transaction agreement. We plan to conduct similar events in the future as we continue collaboration on requirements, identification of affordable solutions, and accelerate capability to the field.
CABAIL
PEO Aviation has also created an environment on Redstone Arsenal where combat developers, users, government engineers, and industry teams can assess systems and technologies in an operationally representative environment. Known as the Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) Architecture Integration Lab (CABAIL), this facility fuses live, virtual and constructive simulations allowing for rapid integration of potential product solutions. The teams can then evolve, develop, and evaluate capabilities and the potential operational impact in support of MDO. As CABAIL capabilities evolve, we will integrate modular open system architecture methodologies that will ensure the interoperability of the future and enduring fleets.
As you read the updates from six of our Project Managers, you will note how the PEO is operating across the span of time and geography. The PMs for Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook provide insight into what they are doing to support you today and ensure our readiness tomorrow. Our Multi-National Aviation Special Project Manager highlights our continued role in building partner capacity across the globe in support of the National Defense Strategy. Our Future Vertical Lift Project Managers also cover how we are teamed with the FVL CFT and focused on delivering the future of Army Aviation. Finally, we introduce CW5 Travis Dixon, the first PEO Aviation Command Chief Warrant Officer. His article highlights the critical link he maintains between programs and those who fight and maintain our combat aviation platforms.
Again, it is a tremendous honor to serve as your PEO and work with incredible teammates in support of Soldiers. The PEO workforce, our greatest strength, is an exceptional group of professionals – mission focused, values based, and incredibly passionate about Army Aviation and our Soldiers. While many complex tasks lay ahead, I have no doubt the team will excel, overcome every challenge, and deliver for our Army.
Mr. Patrick H. Mason is the Program Executive Officer, Aviation located at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
