Army aviation seeks innovative tech for future threats

The Army’s Program Executive Office for Aviation is seeking white papers from industry on readily available technology to address future force challenges.

A May 5 request for information says the "demands of increased threats, the rapid pace of technology change and reduced budgets compel the use of more innovative approaches for exploring and integrating mature technologies and capabilities into Army Aviation formations."

The new technologies will be assessed in the aviation office's Combat Aviation Brigade Architecture Integration Laboratory, or CABAIL, which includes high-fidelity virtual aircraft systems integration labs and representative constructive simulation of aircraft.

"The CABAIL will explore technologies and capabilities individually and collectively as a system of systems in a virtual Army Aviation environment and conduct concept explorations, ascertain the effectiveness and efficiencies of maturing technologies and capabilities with respect to form, fit, function, and interoperability in a relevant and representative environment," according to the notice.

The service is looking for new software and line replaceable units, including software for communications such as line-of-sight, navigation, sensors and survivability technology. The capabilities should be technology readiness level 8 or higher and "suitable for exploration in a lab environment," according to the notice.

Industry members should submit white papers by June 15.