Pioneering Modernization through the Digital Backbone
The U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program is set to revolutionize military aviation, combining speed and efficiency with cutting-edge technology through its digital backbone and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). As part of this initiative, Breaking Defense engaged with key figures from Bell Textron and GE Aerospace to discuss how this innovative infrastructure will evolve to meet future threats.
Understanding FLRAA’s Role in Army Modernization
Galen Valentine, chief architect for FLRAA at Bell, highlighted that FLRAA has been designated as a Digital Engineering (DE) pathfinder program. This designation allows the Army to utilize Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to create virtual models that define the system’s modularity and interfaces, essential components of MOSA. „We have been building those models since the early stages of the FLRAA program,” Valentine noted, emphasizing FLRAA’s role in shaping the future of vertical lift platforms.
As FLRAA progresses towards Milestone B, the integration of MOSA and the digital backbone becomes increasingly crucial, according to Valentine. “Components cannot integrate into a weapon system without the digital backbone,” he explained, underscoring its importance in streamlining development processes.
Infrastructure for Adaptability
Tanika Watson, general manager of Future Vertical Lift at GE Aerospace, elaborated on the digital backbone, describing it as both a physical and a conceptual framework that makes the aircraft adaptable. This backbone includes crucial components like ethernet switches and network infrastructure that facilitate rapid data transport through Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). „TSN provides a high-speed, adaptable data transport ‘highway’ to meet current and future needs,” Watson stated.
This infrastructure allows for substantial flexibility in weapon system modifications, enabling the Army to undertake changes without always requiring the systems integrator’s intervention, thus optimizing costs and speed.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders
Valentine discussed the role of Lockheed Martin and GE Aerospace as pivotal partners in delivering a robust digital backbone. Lockheed Martin’s extensive experience in software development complements the collaborative efforts to create an open computing environment, while GE’s expertise in network infrastructure provides the necessary data capabilities.
Watson reinforced this collaborative spirit, asserting that the relationship focuses on ensuring integration among all Army platforms. „This is foundational to improving weapon system capability and affordability for the Army,” she said.
Ensuring Standards and Alignment
A key aspect of MOSA’s effectiveness lies in maintaining a disciplined approach to standards across the supply chain. “MOSA does not work if suppliers stray from the standards,” warned Watson. This viewpoint echoes Army Maj. Gen. Walter Rugen’s emphasis on the need for a central authority to enforce architectural uniformity, which is vital for system integration.
Driving Incremental Development
Valentine explained that MOSA and the digital backbone facilitate a clean-sheet design for FLRAA, allowing for incremental acquisitions that reduce development time and costs. This shift empowers the Army to engage in competitive sourcing for the best technical solutions, enabling a more efficient procurement process.
Future Phases and First Flight Preparation
As the FLRAA program moves towards design reviews and the crucial first flight, MOSA plays a significant role in developing detailed designs and features well-defined interfaces. This design flexibility minimizes disruption caused by changes outside each team’s scope, creating a more cohesive development environment.
Looking Ahead: A Transformative Impact
Watson concluded by emphasizing the revolutionary nature of the digital backbone, which provides a path for vendor-agnostic aircraft modifications and delivers immediate benefits of MOSA designs. Meanwhile, Valentine stated that the ongoing implementation of digital engineering and a solid digital backbone would significantly reshape Army acquisitions and development.
As the Army embarks on this transformative journey, the FLRAA program stands as a testament to innovation in military aviation, ensuring that soldiers are equipped with the most advanced capabilities for future battlefields.
