SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AVIATION FORCES ROADMAP The Special Operations Acquisition Center (SOAC) Program Executive Officer for Fixed Wing Systems (PEO/FW) is developing a roadmap for Special Operations Forces (SOF) aviation assets. In the past we have produced many documents which outline weapon system deficiences and received excellant support from industry in identifying technologies which could resolve those deficiences. However, industry often answers only the questions we ask and we do not benefit from other developments across aviation technologies. To initiate this roadmap work, we are taking a slightly different approach. Before establishing the end-states, the future, of the aviation systems, we would like to establish where aviation in general is headed. By doing so, we can know whether the direction we take with SOF systems will be in concert or divergence with where the aviation industry leaders are going to be in the year 2025. The task definition we are using for the effort is: -- Identify aviation technologies of the future providing visionary points for consideration in developing the aviation aquisition roadmap. -- Considering the weapon subsystems grouping- C4, Intelligence, Avionics (Target & Attack, EW, Navigation), Aircrew- Vehicle Interfaces, Advanced Weapons, Armament, Flight Vehicles (to include logistics support systems), Propulsion and Power Subsystems, Material and Processes, Human Systems, Mission Planning and Rehersal, Training Support Systems, and Crew Systems and Aeromedicine- what are the documented aviation technology concepts that could potentially make current technology components of these subgroups obsolescent? -- This effort, while acknowledging the Air Force Modernization Plans (MAPS) for AFSOC, concentrates more on aviation systems technologies, regardless of future/new world enviornments. What is happening in commercial aviation avionics? What is happening in communications? What will be the navigation system of the future? How will aviation training be conducted in the future? -- On the more military applications weapon system side of the picture, the same method applies. What will EW systems be like in the future, regardless of the SOF mission? -- How these visionary changes affect SOF, and/or to what extent they will fix deficiences idendtified in the MAPs will be part of the follow-on roadmap development. We would appreciate your participation in identifying technologies your company is pursuing which will "be the Future." Input to this effort should be in the form of "one-page" description of the technolgy, its application, and a time frame for production. Proprietary data, normally cost, and schedule, may be withheld if desired. After a review of the technologies, those requiring more detail will result in a request for you to present a capabilities brief to the SOAC staff. Submittals will be accepted no earlier than 11 August 1997, with a cut off date of COB 29 August, 1997. Booze-Allen & Hamilton, under contract to the U.S. Special Operations Command, is assisting in the roadmap effort. material should be sent to them at the following address: Booze-Allen Hamilton, Inc. Attention: Mr. John F. Bridges (TASC), 4890 West Kennedy Blvd, Suite 475, Tampa, FL 33609. Questions may be addressed to Mr. Bridges at 813-281-3821, or Mr. Al Childress, at 813-281-4984. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Command's Technical Industrial Liasion Officer, bowlesrs@soac.hqsocom.mil.

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