In the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, Army Aviation continues to play a pivotal role in supporting ground operations, providing essential capabilities, and ensuring mission success. As the nature of conflict evolves and technology advances, Army Aviation requirements and priorities must continually adapt to meet the challenges of the future. 

With the expanding reliance on advanced aviation technology, the necessity for state-of-the-art aerospace solutions has reached new heights. As a distinguished industry expert, Greenwood Aerospace takes great pride in our unwavering commitment to supporting the aviation requirements of the military. Armed with extensive experience and unmatched proficiency, we stand ready to enhance the capabilities of these exceptional units.

In this article, we will discuss the ever-changing Army Aviation requirements, shedding light on the strategic initiative aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and maintaining a decisive edge on the battlefield. We’ll also explore how Greenwood Aerospace’s innovative and modern solutions can support leaders in the aerospace industry. 

Join us as we discuss: 

  1. The priorities of U.S. Army Aviation
  2. Army Aviation requirements and roles in national defense 
  3. Army Aviation requirements for specific aircraft
  4. Greenwood Aerospace’s military support services

To learn more about how Greenwood Aerospace can help you achieve your mission objectives, contact us today to request a quote or discuss your specific needs. 

What Are the Priorities of U.S. Army Aviation?

The priorities of U.S. Army Aviation are constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing defense landscape. The Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation is responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and supporting advanced aviation capabilities to reduce the burden on troops and ground forces. 

The most recent set of PEO Aviation priorities, released in 2022, outlined three key areas of focus: 

  1. Build the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Ecosystem 
  2. Ensure the Readiness and Relevance of the Enduring Aviation Fleet
  3. Build Partner Nation Capacity

One of PEO Aviation’s main challenges is how to use finite resources to simultaneously develop and field the FVL capabilities while maintaining the enduring fleet’s readiness and relevance to “fight tonight.” The agency achieves this balance by ensuring that investments in emerging and breakthrough technologies are prioritized, in order to incrementally improve existing platforms and systems. 

Let’s look at the current key priorities of U.S. Army Aviation, as outlined by PEO Aviation. 

Build the Future Vertical Lift Ecosystem

One of the key priorities for U.S. Army Aviation is to build the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem. FVL aims to develop and acquire next-generation vertical lift aircraft that will replace the aging fleet of helicopters. The goal is to enhance capabilities in areas such as: 

  • Speed
  • Range
  • Payload capacity
  • Agility
  • Survivability

The FVL ecosystem includes multiple programs, such as the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). These programs focus on developing advanced technologies, platforms, and systems that will provide a significant leap in aviation capabilities for the Army’s priority missions. By investing in FVL, the U.S. Army Aviation aims to ensure it remains at the forefront of vertical lift technology and maintains a decisive edge in future conflicts.

In December 2022, the U.S. Army announced that it was making its largest helicopter award in 40 years, securing a huge deal worth up to $1.3 billion to replace roughly 2,000 UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters as part of the FLRAA program. The contract was granted to Bell Textron’s V-280 Valor, which beat out Sikorsky and Boeing’s Defiant X. 

FLRAA is not designed to serve as a one-for-one replacement for existing Army aircraft. Instead, it will take over the roles of the Black Hawk by around 2030, long the workhorse of the Army for getting troops to and around the battlefield. The FVL ecosystem will also replace around 1,200 Apache attack helicopters and other legacy aircraft as part of the FLRAA program. 

Ensure the Readiness and Relevance of the Enduring Aviation Fleet

While the Army focuses on developing future capabilities, it also prioritizes maintaining the readiness and relevance of its existing fleet of enduring aviation assets. This includes platforms such as the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, the UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, and the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. 

The Army invests in sustaining and modernizing these platforms to ensure their operational effectiveness and readiness to meet current and future mission requirements. Upgrades may include: 

  • Improvements to avionics
  • Enhanced sensors
  • Upgrades to weapons systems
  • Survivability enhancements
  • Replacing aircraft parts as necessary

Additionally, the Army places significant emphasis on training and maintaining a highly skilled and proficient workforce of pilots, crew members, and maintenance personnel. Through rigorous training programs and continuous professional development, the Army ensures its aviation personnel are ready to operate and maintain the enduring aviation fleet effectively.

Build Partner Nation Capacity

Army Aviation recognizes the importance of building partner nation capacity in order to enhance regional security and foster multinational cooperation. This priority involves strengthening partnerships with allied and partner nations by sharing expertise, providing training and equipment, securing foreign military sales contracts, and conducting joint exercises and operations. 

By building partner nation capacity, the U.S. Army Aviation aims to improve interoperability, information sharing, and collective response capabilities. This cooperative approach helps address shared security challenges and promotes stability in various regions. It also enables partner nations to enhance their own aviation capabilities, thereby contributing to broader security efforts and regional stability.

These priorities reflect the U.S. Army Aviation's commitment to remaining at the forefront of aviation technology, maintaining readiness and relevance, and strengthening partnerships. By focusing on achieving these goals, U.S. Army Aviation aims to fulfill its role as a capable, adaptable, and globally responsive aviation branch. 

Army Aviation Requirements and Roles in National Defense 

Army Aviation plays a significant role in the overall U.S. national defense landscape. Specifically, Army Aviation requirements and roles in national defense include: 

  1. Close Air Support (CAS)
  2. Reconnaissance and Surveillance 
  3. Troop and Cargo Transport
  4. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)

As we look at each in detail, you can see that these unique and critical requirements fulfilled by Army Aviation add an extra dimension to the overall U.S. national defense strategy. 

Close Air Support 

Close Air Support (CAS) is one of the vital roles of Army Aviation aircraft in national defense. Army Aviation assets, such as attack helicopters like the AH-64 Apache, are specifically tasked with providing direct and immediate air support to ground forces engaged in combat. Close Air Support missions involve engaging enemy targets in close proximity to friendly forces, including enemy positions, armored vehicles, or other threats that pose a danger to ground troops. 

Army Aviation platforms excel in these missions, utilizing advanced targeting systems, precision munitions, and firepower to protect and support ground forces. The ability to conduct close air support operations in coordination with ground units greatly enhances the effectiveness and survivability of troops in the field.

Reconnaissance and Surveillance

Reconnaissance and surveillance play a critical role in national defense, and Army Aviation is instrumental in conducting aerial ISR operations. Using helicopters and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Army Aviation assets collect real-time data on enemy positions, terrain, infrastructure, and other relevant factors. 

This information is crucial for situational awareness, early warning, target identification, and operational planning. Army Aviation's ability to operate at low altitudes, maneuver in diverse environments, and hover over specific areas makes it particularly effective for ISR aircraft tasks. 

By providing commanders with accurate and timely intelligence, Army Aviation enhances decision-making, enables effective targeting, and contributes to mission success.

Troop and Cargo Transport 

The transport of troops, equipment, and supplies is another vital requirement of Army Aviation in national defense. Army helicopters, such as the UH-60 Black Hawk and the CH-47 Chinook, serve as essential platforms for troop and cargo transport. These helicopters provide rapid and flexible transport capabilities, facilitating the movement of personnel and critical equipment to and from the battlefield. 

Whether in combat operations or non-combat scenarios like humanitarian assistance or disaster relief missions, Army Aviation's ability to conduct air assault operations and deliver troops and supplies to otherwise inaccessible or remote locations greatly enhances the mobility and operational reach of ground forces. This capability enables swift deployments, enhances logistics in aviation, and facilitates the execution of a wide range of military operations.

US Army troop transport helicopter
Image Source

Medical Evacuation 

Medical Evacuation, or MEDEVAC, is another crucial role of Army Aviation. Army Aviation platforms equipped with specialized medical equipment and personnel, such as the UH-60 Black Hawk and the HH-60M MEDEVAC variant, are tasked with evacuating injured or wounded personnel from the battlefield to medical facilities for prompt medical treatment. 

These MEDEVAC helicopters are capable of operating in challenging environments and provide rapid, lifesaving transport for casualties. The speed and agility of Army Aviation assets, coupled with their ability to access remote or austere locations, ensure that wounded soldiers receive critical care in the shortest possible time. MEDEVAC operations conducted by Army Aviation contribute significantly to the well-being and support of troops in combat situations.

Army Aviation Requirements for Specific Aircraft 

Specific Army Aviation requirements for each aircraft can vary depending on the mission, operational needs, and any modifications made to meet the Army's specific requirements. Here’s an overview of the Army Aviation requirements for various military transport, training, MEDEVAC, and ISR aircraft. 

C-12 Huron

As a versatile twin-engine turboprop aircraft, the C-12 Huron is used by the U.S. Army for a variety of missions, including: 

  • Transport
  • Command and control
  • Liaison
  • Aerial surveillance

The C-12 military transport is primarily used for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of Army operations. It must have a sufficient payload capacity and range to meet the Army's logistical requirements. 

This craft is also often utilized as a command and control platform, providing aerial communication and coordination capabilities for military leaders. It must be equipped with secure communication systems and have the necessary command center configurations to support these functions.

The C-12 Huron can also be outfitted with sensor equipment for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Army may require specific sensor packages and data transmission capabilities to support intelligence-gathering operations. Greenwood Aerospace ensures top-grade aircraft sustainment for your C-12 Huron aircraft.

Cessna UC-35

The Cessna UC-35 is a twin-engine jet aircraft used by the U.S. Army for transport, MEDEVAC, and personnel movement. The UC-35 can be configured as a medical evacuation aircraft, equipped with medical equipment and personnel to transport injured or wounded personnel. 

Army Aviation may have specific requirements for medical equipment, patient capacity, and aeromedical support systems. The UC-35 must have a sufficient seating capacity and range to meet the Army's transportation needs.

Gulfstream C-37

The Gulfstream C-37 is a long-range, high-speed executive transport aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force and occasionally by the U.S. Army for VIP transport and other mission requirements. Given that the C-37 is utilized to transport high-ranking officials and dignitaries, it must provide a comfortable and secure environment, with the necessary communication systems and support facilities for VIP missions.

AH-64 Apache

The AH-64 Apache is a highly capable attack helicopter that plays a crucial role in Army Aviation. The specific requirements for the AH-64 Apache include:

  1. Attack capabilities 
  2. Survivability
  3. Network integration 

The Apache is designed to provide close air support and engage enemy targets on the battlefield. It must be equipped with advanced sensors, target acquisition systems, and weapon systems to effectively engage and neutralize enemy threats, including armored vehicles, enemy positions, and other high-value targets.

This aircraft operates in hostile environments, and its survivability is of utmost importance. It must possess advanced defensive systems, such as radar warning receivers, infrared countermeasures, and chaff/flare dispensers, to protect against enemy air defenses and threats.

The Apache is integrated into the Army's network-centric operations, which require seamless communication and information sharing. It must be capable of transmitting and receiving critical battlefield information, including situational awareness, target data, and communications with ground forces and other aviation assets.

UH-60 Black Hawk

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile utility helicopter used for a wide range of missions. The specific requirements for the UH-60 Black Hawk include:

  1. Transport capability
  2. MEDEVAC
  3. Multi-mission flexibility 

The Black Hawk serves as a primary troop transport helicopter for the Army. It must have a sufficient seating capacity, cargo capacity, and range to transport troops, equipment, and supplies to and from various locations, including combat zones and non-combat environments.

This helicopter is also often utilized for MEDEVAC missions, evacuating injured or wounded personnel from the battlefield. It needs to have the necessary medical equipment, patient capacity, and specialized configurations to provide critical care and ensure the safe transport of casualties to medical facilities.

The Black Hawk is adaptable to various mission requirements, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and VIP transport. It must be capable of being reconfigured quickly for different roles, including the installation of specialized equipment or mission-specific payloads.

Greenwood Aerospace’s Military Support Services

Greenwood Aerospace is committed to delivering thorough support to Army Aviation units through parts procurement, aircraft sustainment, and MIL-SPEC packaging. For more than four decades, Greenwood Aerospace has been a trusted expert in government procurement and aerospace programs. 

Our Qualifications and Expertise Set Us Apart

Greenwood Aerospace stands as a highly qualified and experienced supplier in supporting Army Aviation programs, with a proven track record that sets us apart. Our AS9120B certification highlights our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in quality management systems, ensuring that our customers receive products of exceptional quality. 

We work closely with our clients, monitoring and implementing new industry requirements to stay at the forefront of advancements. This proactive approach allows us to ensure the integrity of the products and services we deliver, meeting the evolving needs of our customers and the Army Aviation community.

Our additional qualifications include: 

  • System for Award Management (SAM) registration
  • ITAR registration and ITAR DDTC export compliance
  • HUBZone certification

These qualifications further solidify our capabilities in providing comprehensive support and innovative solutions to Army Aviation programs.

Greenwood’s Military Support Services 

Greenwood Aerospace stands as a trusted and invaluable resource for government and military customers, offering a comprehensive range of military support services. With our extensive capabilities and expertise, we provide tailored solutions that meet the unique requirements of organizations operating in the defense and aerospace sectors, including:  

Greenwood Aerospace delivers the highest quality services, making us your trusted supplier in the defense and aerospace sectors.

Turn to Greenwood for Your Army Aviation Requirements

Backed by decades of experience and a proven track record, Greenwood Aerospace stands ready to provide unparalleled support in navigating the modern challenges faced by Army Aviation units. 

We understand that the efficiency and effectiveness of your aviation program require reliable parts supply and optimal aircraft availability. Our dedication to meeting the stringent demands of the aerospace industry ensures that you receive the highest standard of service, tailored to your specific aerospace needs.

Our team of industry professionals possesses the knowledge and experience to address the unique challenges faced by Army Aviation units. Whether you require quality aircraft parts, comprehensive support services, or aircraft leasing options, we have the capabilities to meet your needs.

Contact Greenwood Aerospace today to request a quote, discuss your requirements, or learn how our team can deliver tailored solutions aligned to your mission objectives.