To accomplish this, PdM GS and its platform partners are engaged in several strategic initiatives that are intended to address FLIR IB concerns while gener- ating value for the Army by mitigating obsolescence and sustainment issues with the current 2GF technology.
For example, PdM GS, an element of Program Executive Office
Intelligence, HARNESSING 2GF
CSM Michael Grinston of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) looks through the LRAS3 system on Sept. 16, 2013, at Camp Wilderness, Afghanistan. Accom- panying Grinston is SPC Joseph Flanagan of 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment. The LRAS3 is one of numerous systems that uses 2GF technology. (U.S. Army photo by SPC Charles M. Willing- ham, Combat Camera Afghanistan)
Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S), has engaged with the FLIR IB and its platform partners, including PEO Ground Combat Systems, to generate a comprehensive view of the FLIR IB’s cur- rent state and to identify and prioritize near- and long-term targeted investments and solution sets to support the FLIR IB. PdM GS and its platform partners will implement recommendations stemming from this business case analysis to miti- gate the various FLIR IB risks.
Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have made significant science
ments in research and development of IR FPA technology and in establishing flexible manufacturing capabilities
and technology (S&T) invest- for
both cooled and uncooled FPAs. Sustain- ment of current-generation FLIRs and development of the next generation will be very difficult if these investments and support wane.
Another factor affecting the viability of the FLIR IB is the cycle time for tech- nology and product development. FLIR cycle times are typically 10 to 15 years from initial investment through produc- tion. Historically, this investment has been concurrent with the production and fielding of the prior-generation technol- ogy, resulting in a continuous transition from one FLIR generation to the next. However, in support of the most recent war efforts, the Army made significant
Te continued viability of the FLIR IB is of
particularly IFLIR capability.
SECURING THE NEXT GENERATION PdM GS, Army ground platform pro- gram managers,
the on Army’s S&T
community and the FLIR IB are col- laborating
the development of
IFLIR, which will incorporate cutting- edge, high-definition thermal imaging technologies to provide the enhanced reconnaissance,
surveillance and
get-acquisition capabilities required to ensure technological overmatch for the current and future force.
tar-
When determining the optimal balance among these factors, the Army must assess the state of a given IB—includ- ing its composition, customer base and financial health—to ascertain how to incorporate its sustainment into an over- all weapons program. Te assessment should also include analysis to determine how best to generate near-term value for
ASC.ARMY.MIL 51 essential the Army’s current pursuit of
in light the
investments in the 2GF for reset purposes, resulting in an acceleration and compres- sion of the 2GF’s production phase. As a result, there is an extended time gap between the 2GF and the Improved FLIR (IFLIR).
In addition, PdM GS and NVESD have collaborated on a proposal to the OSD industrial base support program request- ing support to protect the FLIR IB.
CONCLUSION Project and product managers should consider several factors when determin- ing the level of maintenance required to ensure the viability of essential IBs, such as the FLIR IB. Te factors discussed in this article must be balanced against sev- eral other influences, including the U.S. fiscal environment and Army require- ments at a specified point in time.
ACQUISITION
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