Modernization, procurement highlights from DoD FY 2019 budget request

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April 19, 2018

Included below are updates on programs such as the F-35, the B-21 Bomber, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, the CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the Virginia Class submarine, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), and more.

This funding request is covered in the DoD’s “Program Acquisition Cost by Weapons System” booklet, which lists funding for programs that have been designated as Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). To read the entire booklet, visit http://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2019/FY2019_Weapons.pdf.

Aircraft and related systems

MDAP funding slated for major aircraft and related systems totals $55.2 billion, up from the $49.9 billion in the DoD FY 2018 funding request.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) consists of three variants: the F-35A Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL), the F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL), and the F-35C Carrier variant (CV). The FY 2019 program continues systems engineering, development, and operational testing, and supports Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2) to provide incremental warfighting capability improvements to maintain joint air dominance against evolving threats. The request would procure 77 aircraft in FY 2019: 48 CTOL for the Air Force, 20 STOVL for the Marine Corps, and 9 CV for the Navy. FY 2019 funding requested is $10.693 billion, down only slightly from $10.838 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The F-15 program consists of the F-15C/D, a twin engine (F-15C single seat; F-15D dual seat), supersonic, all-weather, day/night, air superiority fighter; and the F-15E, a twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic dual-role, day/night, all-weather, deep interdiction fighter with multirole air-to-air capabilities. The FY 2019 program continues funding for the F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP), which replaces the legacy radar using existing technology from other aviation platforms. It also solves parts obsolescence problems to provide improved reliability and performance (increased synthetic aperture radar (SAR) range and resolution), including air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. It also continues the F-15 C/D radar upgrade program, which replaces the mechanically-scanned antenna on F-15C/D aircraft with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) and technology maturation efforts for the aircraft’s Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) which is intended to improve F-15E survivability by enhancing the ability to detect, deny, or defeat air and ground threats. The FY 2019 program also provides for the development of an Infrared Search and Track System intended to provide an air-to-air targeting capability in radar-denied environments. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.067 billion, up from $963 million in the FY 2018 request.

The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission platform designed to replace the P-3C Orion propeller-driven aircraft. The FY 2019 program calls for procurement of ten P-8A aircraft, support equipment, spares, and advance procurement for FY 2020 aircraft. The request continues R & D on the P-8A capabilities to meet the antisubmarine warfare (ASW), antisurface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) objectives to be delivered incrementally while full-rate production continues for the baseline aircraft. FY 2019 funding requested is $2.219 billion, up from $1.609 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based multirole tactical fighter and attack aircraft. Two versions are being produced: the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. The FY 2019 program procures 24 E/F model aircraft and advance procurement for future aircraft as part of a multiyear procurement contract (FY 2019 to FY 2021). FY 2019 funding requested is $1.996 billion, up from $1.253 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The B-21 Raider, formerly known as the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, is a new high-tech long-range bomber that will eventually replace a portion of the Air Force’s bomber fleet. The B-21 will be a key component of the joint portfolio of conventional and nuclear-capable deep-strike capabilities. The Air Force plans to procure a minimum of 100 aircraft. The FY 2019 program looks to continue engineering and manufacturing development of the B-21. FY 2019 funding requested is $2.314 billion, up from $2.004 billion spent in FY 2018.

The F-22 Raptor’s FY 2019 program continues critical planned modernization for F-22 aircraft via incremental capability upgrades and key reliability and maintainability improvements; continues the evolutionary modernization effort through incremental development phases that enhance the F-22 anti-access/area denial, air superiority, and global strike capabilities; continues Increment 3.2B modernization, to include integration of AIM-120D and AIM-9X, additional electronic protection, and improved geolocation; and begins the Sensor Enhancement new start program to upgrade various F-22 sensors to meet advanced threats in 2025 and beyond. FY 2019 funding requested is $867 million, down from $915.1 million in the FY 2017 request.

The V-22 Osprey’s FY 2019 program funds the second year of a follow-on seven-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2018 to 2024), procuring seven CMV-22 aircraft for the Navy. FY 2019 funding requested is $1,28 billion, up from $961.8 million in the FY 2018 request.

The AH-64E Apache program is a parallel new-build and remanufacture effort, which integrates a mast-mounted fire control radar into an upgraded and enhanced AH-64 airframe. The FY 2019 program provides funding for the remanufacture of 48 AH-64D aircraft to the AH-64E configuration and 12 new build AH-64Es in the third year of a five-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2017 to FY 2021) and continued development of upgrades to enhance operational capabilities. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.271 billion, down from $1.442 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The UH-60 Black Hawk’s FY 2019 program funds procurement of 49 UH-60M aircraft in Base and one combat loss in overseas combat operations (OCO), in the third year of a follow-on five-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2017-FY 2021). The request also funds procurement of 18 upgrades of UH-60A helicopters to UH-60V. Total FY 2019 funding requested is $1.420 billion, up from $1.059 billion in the FY 2018 request. (Figure 1.)

 

Figure 1: U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade participate in a personnel movement mission over Logar province, Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Capt. Peter Smedberg, U.S. Army/Released). The FY 2019 programs funds procurement of 49 UH-60M aircraft in Base and one combat loss in overseas combat operations (OCO).

The U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator and the Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) are comprised of aircraft configured with a multispectral targeting systems (electro-optical, infrared [IR], laser designator, and infrared illuminator) providing real-time full-motion video, weapons, data links, and ground control stations with communications equipment providing line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control. The FY 2019 program calls for funding continued development of advanced MQ-1 Payload sensors; procures four Gray Eagle UAS in FY 2019 base funding and six Gray Eagle UASs in OCO funding to replace three combat losses and three UASs in anticipation of future losses. FY 2019 funding requested is $114.7 million, down from $174.4 million in the FY 2018 request.

The FY 2019 program for the U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper UAS funds the continued development, transformation, and fielding of Reaper aircraft and ground stations. The base request includes the procurement of eight UASs and nine dual ground-control stations and continues the modification of MQ-9s to the extended range configuration. The OCO request includes the procurement of 21 additional aircraft, updated multispectral sensors, and payload modifications to replace eight combat losses and 13 anticipated losses. The total FY 2019 funding requested is $911.7 million, down from $1.009 billion spent in FY 2018.

The U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk, Navy MQ-4C Triton, and NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) UAS programs provide high-altitude, long-endurance ISR capabilities. The FY 2019 program for MQ-4C funds the procurement of three systems and continues to fund development activities associated with software upgrades and the multi-intelligence effort. Funding RQ-4 provides for the development and modification efforts for the Block 30, Block 40, Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) Increment II, various sensor enhancements, and the U.S. contribution to the NATO AGS. Total FY 2019 funding requested for these platforms is $1.161 billion, down from $1.225 billion spent in FY 2018.

The U.S. Navy MQ-25 Stingray Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) program is developing an unmanned capability to embark as part of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) to conduct aerial refueling and provide ISR capability. The MQ-25 will extend CVW mission effectiveness range and partially mitigate the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) organic ISR shortfall. The MQ-25 was previously funded under the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program. The program is expected to enter into Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) in the fourth quarter of FY 2018. The President’s budget request accelerates Initial Operating Capability (IOC) two years to FY 2026. The FY 2019 program begins to ramp up efforts on the airframe, propulsion, avionics, and payload, in the areas of design, development, integration, fabrication, and testing. It also starts long-lead procurement of hardware for four flying and two structural test air vehicles and increases system engineering on the air vehicle. Total FY 2019 funding requested for these platforms is $684 million, up from $222.2 million in the FY 2018 request.

Shipbuilding and maritime platforms

MDAP funding slated for major shipbuilding and maritime systems totals $33.4 billion.

The CVN 78 Gerald R. Ford-class ships will include new technologies and improvements to improve efficiency and operating costs as well as reduce crew requirements. The FY 2019 program funds the second year of construction costs for USS Enterprise (CVN 80) along with outfitting, training, and continued development of ship systems. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.766 billion, down from $4.638 billion spent in FY 2018.

The FY 2019 program for DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers calls for funding three Flight III DDG 51-class destroyers as part of a multiyear procurement contract for ten ships from FY 2018 to FY 2022 (with potential options for additional ships), outfitting costs, cost-to-complete for prior year ships, and continued development of ship systems. FY 2019 funding requested is $5.986 billion, up from $4.014 billion spent in FY 2018.

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) FY 2019 program funds construction of one LCS seaframe, outfitting, trainers, support equipment, cost-to-complete for prior year ships, modernization efforts, and development costs for a new class of small surface combatant. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.254 billion, down from $1.654 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The Columbia-class ballistic missile ­submarine is designed to replace the current Ohio class of Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN). The FY 2019 program funds advance procurement for long-lead items, detail design, and research and development of nuclear technologies and ship systems such as the propulsion system, combat systems technology, and the common missile compartment. FY 2019 funding requested is $3.710 billion, up from $1.885 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The Virginia-class submarine’s FY 2019 program calls for funding two ships in the first year of a multiyear procurement contract, from FY 2019 to FY 2023, for ten ships; Economic Order Quantity (EOQ); advance procurement for two ships in future years; and outfitting and support equipment. It also continues funding the development of the Virginia Payload Module, technology, prototype components, and systems engineering required for design and construction. FY 2019 funding requested is $7.446 billion, up from $5.546 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) is the functional replacement for the existing fleet of Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) vehicles, which are nearing the end of their service life. The FY 2019 program continues construction funding of LHA 8, outfitting costs, and continuing research and development efforts. FY 2019 funding requested is $362.4 million, up from $245.1 million in the FY 2018 request.

Ground vehicles

MDAP funding slated for major ground systems totals $15.9 billion.

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is a joint program currently in development for the Army and Marine Corps. The FY 2019 program calls for funding procurement of more than 5,000 JLTVs of various configurations to fulfill the requirements of multiple mission roles and minimize ownership costs for the Light Tactical Vehicle fleet. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.961 billion, up from $1.142 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) will replace the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier program that was terminated in 2007. The FY 2019 program calls for funding the completion of the AMPV Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase and testing, system live-fire testing of prototypes, completion of a System Verification Review/Production Readiness Review (SVR/PRR), and procurement of 197 LRIP vehicles. Total FY 2019 funding requested is $828.4 million, up from $647.4 billion spent in FY 2018.

The Army has been modernizing the M1A2 Abrams battle tank since 1994 with a series of upgrades to improve its capabilities, collectively known as the System Enhancement Package (SEP) and the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK). The FY 2019 program funds continuation of M1A2 SEPv3 (ECP 1A – Power) testing, continues M1A2 SEPv4 (ECP IB – lethality improvements) development, and continues the testing of the Trophy Active Protective System (APS) Non-Development Item (NDI) effort leading to an Urgent Material Release (UMR) in the first quarter of FY 2019. It also provides the upgrade of 135 M1A1 vehicle variants to the M1A2SEP v3 variant. The request begins procurement of an additional three brigades of Trophy APS and funds numerous approved modifications to fielded M1A2 Abrams tanks (e.g., Ammunition Data Link [ADL] to enable firing of the Army’s new smart 120 mm ammunition and Commander’s Remote Operating Weapon Station – Low Profile [CROWS-LP]). Total FY 2019 funding requested is $2.657 billion, up from $1.213 billion in the FY 2018 request. (Figure 2.)

 

Figure 2: Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team conduct a live-fire exercise with M1A2 Abrams tanks at the 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Army photo by Gertrud Zach. The M1A2 program’s modernization continues under the FY 2019 request.

The Stryker platform is a 19-ton wheeled armored vehicle that provides the Army with a family of 17 different vehicles (10 flat bottom and 7 double V-hull). The FY 2019 program funds Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 1 testing, allows for ECP 2 lethality upgrade, and continues support of the application of multiple fleetwide modifications. Modifications address the following areas in the FY 2019 program: Training Devices; Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) obsoles­cence; reliability, capability, and performance degradation; safety; and operational-related issues. The request provides for the logistical support of a 30 mm weapon system and procures the ECP of three Stryker Flat Bottom vehicles configured as double V hull vehicles. FY 2019 funding requested is $368.3 million, up from $178.2 million in the FY 2018 request.

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) will replace the aging Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The FY 2019 program calls for funding the ACV 1.1 corrective actions, advanced capability improvements, Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E), and Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E) support for the down-selected contractor. It also provides funding for the design and development of the new Command and Control and Recovery variants and modification of the ACV 1.1 Personnel test vehicles into the ACV 1.2 configurations. Lastly, it also procures the LRIP of 30 vehicles, plus procurement of related items such as production support, systems engineering/program management, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), and integrated logistics support and initial spares, which support the ACV Increment 1.1 program. FY 2019 funding requested is $265.7 million, down from $340.5 million spent in FY 2018.