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Aerospace industry

Army Aviation Funding Unlikely to Increase in FY '99, Says Gen. Reimer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the fiscal year draws to a close, Army aviation programs are facing a slim chance of receiving additional funding. According to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis Reimer, quality of life and readiness issues will take priority over modernization programs, such as the Sikorsky/Boeing RAH-66 Comanche helicopter. Reimer expressed concern about the experience level of pilots, stating that training is a top priority for any additional funding. The Army aims to increase the average number of flying hours per month from 14 to 14.5 hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Army's aviation programs are unlikely to receive additional funding in FY '99, with quality of life and readiness issues being the top priority.
  • Gen. Reimer estimates that the Army needs an additional $5 billion annually to perform its missions.
  • The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter will have to make do with the allocated $368 million for research, development, testing, and evaluation in FY '99.
  • About half of the 503 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters in the Army's inventory have been funded for the Longbow upgrade, with plans to upgrade more once long-term budget goals are met.
  • The Army wants to spend more on the Boeing CH-47 Improved Cargo Helicopter program.
  • Gen. Reimer aims to increase the average number of flying hours per month from 14 to 14.5 hours.
  • The Army is concerned about the experience level of pilots, with a rising accident rate among helicopter pilots prompting a focus on increasing flying hours and improving training.
  • The Army plans to field more simulator units to reduce the cost of getting additional flying experience.

Statistics:

  • The Army needs an additional $5 billion annually to perform its missions (Defense Daily, Oct. 14).
  • The Army has budgeted $368 million for Comanche's research, development, testing, and evaluation in FY '99.
  • About 250 AH-64 Apache helicopters have been funded for the Longbow upgrade, out of a total of 503 in the Army's inventory.
  • The average number of flying hours per month is currently around 14 hours.
  • Gen. Reimer aims to increase the average number of flying hours per month to 14.5 hours.

Sources:

  • Defense Daily, Oct. 14
  • Defense Daily, Dec. 10

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