# Aviation Improvements — Program Element 0205633N

**Program element:** 0205633N  
**Component:** U.S. Navy  
**Appropriation:** 1319 — RDT&E, Navy  
**Budget Activity:** 7 — Operational System Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0205633N

## Summary

U.S. Navy funding falls 22% to a $108.5M request in FY2027 (down from a FY2026 peak), sustained across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House cut 10.0% (to $97.7M); the Senate funded it in full; House appropriators added 16% (to $126.0M). NAWCAD leads the industry work.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 134.4 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 138.5 |
| FY2027 | Request | 108.5 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 128.3 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 127.2 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 123.0 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 125.1 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 108.5 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 97.7 | −10.9 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 108.5 | +0.0 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 126.0 | +17.5 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (6)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1355 | Propulsion and Power Component Improvement Program | 106.3 | 104.8 | 89.9 | −14% |
| 0852 | Consolidated Auto Support System | 8.7 | 8.1 | 7.9 | −3% |
| 1041 | Aircraft Equipment Reliability/Maintainability Improvement Program (AERMIP) | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.6 | −2% |
| 0601 | Acft Handling & Service Equip | 9.1 | 7.5 | 4.5 | −41% |
| 1356 | Corrosion Prevention Improvements | 5.4 | 2.2 | 1.6 | −27% |
| 9999 | Congressional Adds | 0.0 | 11.1 | 0.0 | −100% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project 1355 — Propulsion and Power Component Improvement Program

The Propulsion and Power (P&P) Component Improvement Program (CIP) provides the only source of critical design and development engineering support to resolve safety, reliability and maintainability deficiencies of in-service Navy and Marine Corps aircraft propulsion systems. The highest priority issues P&P CIP addresses concern safety-of-flight deficiencies, which account for approximately 80% of P&P CIP efforts. The program also corrects service-revealed deficiencies, improves Operational Readiness and Reliability and Maintainability, and reduces platform Life Cycle Cost. Budgets are allocated across platform-specific teams and multi-platform product support teams based upon long term strategies to achieve safety and affordable readiness goals; the R-3 exhibit details annual portions of those long-term strategies. P&P CIP tasks have reduced the rate of in-flight aborts, safety incidents, non-mission capable rates, scheduled and unscheduled engine removals, maintenance work hours, and overall cost of ownership. This is accomplished through the maintenance and validation of specification performance, testing to qualify engineering changes, verifying life limits, and improving the inherent reliability of the propulsion and power systems as an integral part of Reliability Centered Maintenance initiatives. Historically, the missions, tactics, and environmental exposure of military aircraft systems change to meet new threats or operational demands, and often result in unforeseen problems, which if not corrected, can cause critical safety/readiness degradation, such as those experienced during OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM due to sand erosion. In addition, new problems arise through actual fleet deployment and usage of the aircraft. System development programs, while geared to resolve as many problems as possible before deployment, cannot duplicate actual operations or account for the vast array of environmental and usage variables, particularly when aircraft missions vary from those that the aircraft was designed to perform. Therefore, it has been found that P&P CIP can provide an immediate engineering response to these flight-critical problems and accelerated engine testing can avoid potential problems.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** General Electric (29.9, 33%), NAWCAD (27.5, 31%), UTC Pratt & Whitney (20.1, 22%), Rolls Royce (6.2, 6.9%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| P3, E2, C2, C130 (T56) | 6.3 | 6.3 | 7.2 |
| E2/C2/C130/P3 (Props) | 3.8 | 3.8 | 2.0 |
| SH-60B/F, HH-60H, MH-60R/S (T700) | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| H-1 (T400/T700) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| AV-8B (F402) | 3.7 | 3.7 | 0.9 |
| H-53/H-46/H-3 (T58/T64) | 3.0 | 3.0 | 0.9 |
| F-18 C/D/E/F (F414/F404) | 19.8 | 19.8 | 14.6 |
| T-45 (F405) | 2.6 | 2.6 | 1.4 |
| V-22 Propulsion | 6.0 | 5.4 | 2.4 |
| Adversary (J85) (F100) | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Joint Strike Fighter (F135 Engine) | 33.6 | 33.0 | 21.1 |
| P-8A (CFM56 Engine) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 4.3 |
| H-53K Propulsion (T408) | 9.0 | 8.7 | 11.4 |
| Multi-Platform Product Support Teams | 4.7 | 4.7 | 10.6 |
| MQ-4C (AE3007 Engine) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| UAV Programs (Various) | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 0852 — Consolidated Auto Support System

The electronic Consolidated Automated Support System (eCASS) project is the system design and development of the latest generation of the US Navy's CASS family of automatic test systems and is the replacement system for legacy CASS systems, which provides Naval aircraft avionics component maintenance and repair support at Intermediate and Depot maintenance facilities both shore-based and afloat. The eCASS program objectives are: 1) increase material readiness; 2) reduce life cycle costs; 3) improve tester sustainability at depot and intermediate maintenance levels; 4) reduce proliferation of unique test equipment, and 5) provide test capability for existing and emerging avionics/electronics aircraft weapon systems. The Test Technology development project includes analysis, application, maturation, integration and testing of emerging electronic, mechanical, and optical test technologies for potential military utility for emerging requirements or obsolescence resolution in support of Naval avionics testing and repair. Specifically included are next-generation digital maintainers, electro-optics, synthetic instruments, high-speed bus technologies, inertial device technologies, and various other elements of modernization for legacy Electronic Warfare (EW) and Communication, Navigation and Identification (CNI) test systems, as well as the eCASS family of testers and other Automatic Test Systems (ATS) Support Equipment (SE) which supports the testing and repair of any Naval aviation equipment, including associated Test Program Sets (TPSs), and ancillary equipment. ATS Modernization project includes efforts to address modernization and required obsolescence analysis and updates for legacy EW and CNI test systems, as well as the CASS family of testers as ATS. The ATS encompasses both software and hardware updates. Modernization required to support emerging T/M/S technologies such as next-generation electro-optics, synthetic instruments, high-speed bus technologies, inertial device technologies needed for ATS support. Efforts cover the EW Testers, eCASS, their ancillary and any required TPSs and ancillary equipment. The Fourth Generation Electro-Optical (EO4) development project consists of the design and development of the latest generation electro-optic test console for use with the eCASS automatic test system.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Technology Development | 2.9 | 2.5 | 2.1 |
| ATS Modernization/Product Improvement | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.9 |
| Avionics Test Program Sets | 0.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Organizational Level Testers | 0.0 | 2.5 | 2.9 |
| EO4 Development | 2.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1041 — Aircraft Equipment Reliability/Maintainability Improvement Program (AERMIP)

Aircraft Equipment Reliability/Maintainability Improvement Program (AERMIP) is the only Navy program which provides Research, Development, Test & Evaluation engineering support specifically for in-service, out-of-production aircraft equipment. AERMIP increases readiness through reliability, maintainability, and safety improvements to existing systems and equipment installed in Naval aircraft. It also provides a transition vehicle to deploy Total Ownership Cost reduction initiatives through flight-test support and Fleet Test & Evaluation. It meets affordable readiness objectives by providing a cost-effective solution to obsolescence problems encountered when service lives are extended. AERMIP promotes commonality and standardization across aircraft platform lines and among the services through extension of application and use of non-developmental items. AERMIP also decreases life cycle costs through reduced operational and support costs. AERMIP facilitates the Operational, Safety and Improvement Program by applying proven low-risk solutions to current fleet problems. AERMIP also funds high-priority flight testing which is not associated with any acquisition or development program under the Flight Test General task.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** NAWCAD (1.7, 37%), FRC-SW (0.8, 17%), FRC-E (0.6, 12%), FRC-SE (0.5, 11%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics and Wiring | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Air Vehicle | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 0601 — Acft Handling & Service Equip

Common Ground Equipment is a Naval Aviation Project to apply new technology to common support equipment due to obsolescence necessary to support multiple systems/aircraft within the Navy. The common support equipment items developed with this budget are briefed to the Air Force, Army and Coast Guard for possible use in joint procurement in the production phase. Recent transition has merged existing Portable Electronic Maintenance Aids (PEMA) and Standard PEMA Cyber Solution (SPEC) project lines under Aviation Maintenance Advancement Solutions (AMAS). Funding supports the evaluation, testing and integration to develop PEMA Commercial solution for portable device deployments across the Naval Aviation Enterprise. PEMA is a portable device utilized by maintainers with the implementation of digital maintenance capabilities (digital publications, Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals, Internet Protocol based data uploads, Binary digit data downloads, automated diagnostics, and planeside Naval Aviation Logistics Command/Management Information System. PEMAs are mandatory display devices supporting modern day Automated Maintenance Environment implemented for weapon systems. Future Readiness Initiative to Develop SPECS architecture for all PEMAs to standardize software across NAE, leverage existing enterprise tools, and to correct cyber gaps identified by the Cyber Warfare Detachment (CWD). A Cyber Risk Assessment (CRA) identified vulnerabilities on the PEMA system that could be exploited to threaten U.S. capabilities. A new software image and configuration management process has been identified to mitigate the top 60% of identified risk groups and 100% of penetration test findings from the CRA. The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inherent flaw that exists with our current means of providing maintenance support, regardless of system: The requirement to travel around the globe to the maintenance site in order to support the fleet. The inability to operate in 2020 brought the need for a new capability to the forefront: the capability to provide real-time maintenance support remotely.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** FRC SE (1.2, 27%), NAWCAD (0.7, 16%), Ricardo Defense (0.5, 12%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Advancement Solutions (AMAS) | 2.3 | 2.2 | 2.5 |
| Shipboard Helo Handler-Extra Low Profile Replacement (SHH-II) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
| Engine Test Instrumentation Replacement System (ETIRS) | 6.8 | 5.3 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1356 — Corrosion Prevention Improvements

Corrosion Prevention Improvements support efforts to improve existing and new weapon systems resilience to corrosion degradation, increasing operational availability. This funding will enable the NAE to: 1. Establish a Center of Excellence for Corrosion and Finish (CoECF) Training focused on educating, training, and certifying qualified, proficient maintainers capable of performing corrosion prevention and control inspection and maintenance. 2. Validate and demonstrate solid state structural (S3R) repair techniques to extend the service life of components damaged by corrosion, wear or other occurrences. 3. Validate and demonstrate novel cold spray powders to improve the corrosion prevention and durability of cold spray repairs. 4. Demonstrate the value of laser ablation capability to remove corrosion and coatings on aviation components.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** NAWCAD (0.5, 34%), FRC-SW (0.4, 25%), FRC-E (0.4, 22%), FRC-SE (0.1, 6.3%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Prevention Improvements | 5.4 | 2.2 | 1.6 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 9999 — Congressional Adds

Congressional Adds CA89: Real-Time Foreign Object Detection - This project will demonstrate and validate novel technologies for the real-time detection of foreign object debris (FOD) on military airfields. The primary objective is to identify and integrate advanced sensor and data fusion technologies into a comprehensive system of systems. This will provide automated, continuous, and accurate FOD detection capabilities, enabling risk-based operational decisions to enhance the safety and efficiency of flight operations. The resulting capabilities will be designed for seamless integration with existing airfield management and operational C2 systems to proactively mitigate FOD hazards. CA90: Develop and Integrate Additional Sensors on Airfields - This project will demonstrate and validate novel technologies for the real-time detection of foreign object debris (FOD) on military airfields. The primary objective is to identify and integrate advanced sensor and data fusion technologies into a comprehensive system of systems. This will provide automated, continuous, and accurate FOD detection capabilities, enabling risk-based operational decisions to enhance the safety and efficiency of flight operations. The resulting capabilities will be designed for seamless integration with existing airfield management and operational C2 systems to proactively mitigate FOD hazards.

## Where the FY2027 request goes

| Category | Share | $M |
|---|---|---|
| Industry primes | 87% | 94.7 |
| Government labs & warfare centers | 0.1% | 0.1 |
| Other / unspecified | 13% | 13.7 |

**Top named industry performers:** NAWCAD ($30.5M, 28%), General Electric ($29.9M, 28%), UTC Pratt & Whitney ($20.1M, 18%), Rolls Royce ($6.2M, 5.7%).

> R-3 exhibit contract funding, not USAspending obligations.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

The electronic Consolidated Automated Support System (eCASS) project is the system design and development of the latest generation of the US Navy's CASS family of automatic test systems and is the replacement system for legacy CASS systems, which provides Naval aircraft avionics component maintenance and repair support at Intermediate and Depot maintenance facilities both shore-based and afloat.

Common Ground Equipment: This is a non ACAT program. Field activities propose tentative projects. Internal panel merits and selects projects. Field activities develop projects and submit results. Operational Advisory Group process selects projects to transition to procurement. Recent transition has merged existing PEMA, SPECS, and ARMS (Augmented Reality Maintenance System) project lines under Aviation Maintenance Advancement Solutions (AMAS). The management approach includes the Program Management Office residing at NAVAIR with Milestone Decision Authority delegated to the Naval Air Systems Command Chief Information Officer. The agile development approach will be used to execute requirements as sprints.

## Related program elements

- [0605013N — Information Technology Development](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0605013N) (Navy)
- [0207455F — Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0207455F) (Air Force)
- [0606300D8Z — Defense Science Board (DSB)](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0606300D8Z) (Defense-Wide)
- [0306250M — Cyber Operations Technology Development](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0306250M) (Navy)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Navy RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0205633N (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0205633N")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*