Current Issue Articles
Efficient, Effective and Reliable
Fixed Wing Aviation / By COL Steven B. Clark and Ms. Tracey Ayres: The Fixed Wing Project Office (FWPO) continues to emerge as a multi-faceted organization transitioning from its traditional sustainment role of a diverse fleet of niche capabilities to the full-on modernization and life cycle management of the Army’s fleet of transport and manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. “The fixed wing fleet is dynamic and diverse; it affords the Army increased capabilities,” said BG Robert “Bob” Marion, the Program Executive Officer for Aviation. “From providing executive transport for the Army’s key personnel to conducting aerial ISR missions...
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U.S. Army Reserve Aviation /By BG Troy D. Kok: As I wind down my time here as the commanding general of the 11th Theater Aviation Command (11th TAC), located at Fort Knox, KY, I would like to share some of the key reasons for our success as the home of United States Army Reserve (USAR) Aviation. USAR Aviation is a complex enterprise whose success relies on its multiple partners that include the Department of Defense (DOD), State, Federal, and private industry. Due to the current fiscal realities, Army Aviation is undergoing a transformation. Aviation is consolidating its number of locations,...
Learn MoreStill Engaged in the Away Game
Army National Guard Aviation / By COL Mark Weiss and COL (Ret.) Kevin Scherrer: A recent case study of an air traffic controller who developed type II (neurologic) decompression sickness (DCS) after a series of four consecutive training SCUBA dives illustrates the dangers of DCS for military and civilian divers and aviators. On final approach into El Dorado International Airport, Bogata, Colombia. / ALL PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Despite the end of IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, your Army National Guard force is still engaged in the Away Game, and contributing on multiple fronts. Most visible is our...
Learn MoreType II Decompression Sickness
Ask the Flight Surgeon / By Dr. (LTC) Joseph Puskar: A recent case study of an air traffic controller who developed type II (neurologic) decompression sickness (DCS) after a series of four consecutive training SCUBA dives illustrates the dangers of DCS for military and civilian divers and aviators. Soldiers inside the hyperbaric chamber wearing oxygen masks.Aircraft designed and built specifically for military usage require lengthy schedules for design, manufacturing, and testing. A relatively small production quantity results in a high unit cost. When Army operational requirements can be satisfied by modifying a readily available COTS aircraft, the warfighter is provided...
Learn MoreThe Airworthiness Process
For Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Aircraft AMRDEC Tech Talk / By Dr. Robert Vaughan: The Army’s fleet of fixed wing aircraft is a testament to the Army’s ability to purchase Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type-certificated COTS aircraft, qualify extensive modifications under the Army’s Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED), and maintain these aircraft under unique and challenging operational requirements. Beech B-300 King Air / AMRDEC AED PHOTO Aircraft designed and built specifically for military usage require lengthy schedules for design, manufacturing, and testing. A relatively small production quantity results in a high unit cost. When Army operational requirements can be satisfied by modifying...
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