Stand-To!- Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

[admin]

SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING

"Since the Army's founding on June 14, 1775, much has changed. Weapons have changed, uniforms have changed, technology has changed and certainly, medicine has changed. But one thing that has not changed at all is the centerpiece of your Army and the nation's defense: the Soldier, and the bedrock for that Soldier, the Soldier's family." Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, speaking to Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on June 13.
TODAY'S FOCUS

Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter

What is it? The Armed Reconnaissance (ARH) is the replacement aircraft for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. It is a combination of a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) airframe integrated with a non developmental item (NDI) mission equipment package (MEP). It will provide a robust reconnaissance and security capability for the Joint / Combined arms air-ground maneuver team.

What has the Army done? Designated an Acquisition Category (ACAT) ID program at Milestone B in July 2005, a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract was immediately awarded. The Critical Design Review (CDR) was completed in January 2007. Since July 2005, four SDD prototype aircraft have been produced and flown. The fourth SDD aircraft crashed on its initial flight on February 21, 2007 due to the improper installation of a key component in the aircraft's fuel system. This SDD aircraft will not be flown again. However, it will be utilized for other program requirements. Due to SDD contract cost and schedule issues, the Army held an ARH Special Army Systems Acquisition Review Council (ASARC) on May 18, 2007. During the ASARC, the Army evaluated numerous options with regard to satisfying the ARH requirement. The result of the ASARC, however, was the decision by the Army to continue with Bell Helicopter/Textron Inc. as the prime contractor for the ARH.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future? The Product Management Office for the ARH is developing a detailed program replan. Once this replan is approved by Army and OSD leadership, the key acquisition milestones will be made available.

Why is this important to the Army? The ARH will be fielded to support current forces in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and will possess the growth potential to bridge the capability gaps to the Future Force. It is the only planned replacement aircraft for the ageing OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, which is no longer in production.

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

* 2007 Strategic Communication Guide - Be Army Strong, and Army Smart. Read the 2007 Army Strategic Communication Guide.

NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY

• Medical Models Cut Time, Risk for Walter Reed Patients (ARNews)
• Overhauls Equip Stryker Vehicles for Next Mission (EB | NB)
• Guard Running Low on Equipment (USAT)
• No Change Planned, for now, in Fort Lewis' Memorials (EB | SPI)

WAR ON TERROR NEWS

• Curfews and Pleas for Unity Keep Sectarian Retaliation at Bay in Baghdad (EB | NYT)
• Taliban Suspects Killed, Captured (AFIS)
• U.S. Pessimistic About Two Iraq Laws That Could Win Over Sunnis (EB | EXM)
• Iraq Relatively Calm After Rival Mosque Attacks (SAS)

OF INTEREST

• Army Team Hits Midway Point for Countdown to Championships (ARNews)
• Army Birthday Bash Features New, Emerging Technology (AFIS)
• Army Colonel Helps Afghan Air Corps Fly Again (ARNews)
• Raid Fruitless, but Necessary Task of War (SAS)

WORLD VIEW

• U.S. Officer Faces Court Martial (PTV | Story)
• U.S. Says Iraq Troop Surge Complete (AWT | Story)
• U.S. Prepares for a Coup by Arming Iraqi Factions (GN | Story)
• U.S. Army Adds 25 Percent More Staff to Help Soldiers with Mental Problems from War (IHT | Story)

WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS

• From Lost Cause To....... (BF)
• Buy Coffee and Support the Troops (GAF)
• Rolling Victory Fast Update: 15 June 2007 (MG)
• Go Mom - When Lady Medics Take Care of our Guys (SAM)