SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES ROTARY WING ROADMAP The Special Operations Acquisition Center (SOAC) Program Executive Officer for Rotary Wing Systems (PEO/M/R) is developing a roadmap for SOF rotary wing assests. In the past we have produced many documents that outline weapon system defeciencies and received excellant support from industry in identifying technologies that could resolve those deficiences. However, industry often answers only the questions we ask and we do not benefit from other developments across rotary wing technologies. To initiate this roadmap work, we are taking a slightly different approach. Before establishing the end-states, the future-of rotary wing systems, we would like to establish where rotary wing systems in general are headed. By doing so, we can know whether the direction we take with SOF systems will be consistent with, or divergent from where the rotary wing industry leaders are going to be in the year 2025. The task definition we are using for the effort is: Identify future rotary wing technologies that will establishvisionary points for consideration in developing the rotary wing acquisition roadmap. Consider the four weapons systems groups; light attack/recon, light lift (example Boeing MDH), medium lift, and heavy lift. What are the documented rotary wing technology concepts that could potentially make current technology components of these four groups obsolete? This effort, while acknowledging the 160th SOAR moderization plan, concentrates more on rotary wing systems technologies, regardless of future world environments. What is happening in commercial rotary wing systems? What is happening in communications? What will be conducted in the future? Regarding future military weapons systems the same questions apply. What will EW systems be like in the future, regardless of the SOF mission? How will these visionary changes affect SOF rotary wing Aviation and to what extent will they fix currently identified deficiencies? In your opinion, where do these technologies play in SOF rotary wing roadmap development? We would appreciate your participation in identifying technologies your firm is pursuing which will be "in the future." Input to this effort should be a one page description of the technology, its application in the four groups, and a time frame for production. Proprietary data, cost, and schedule may be withheld if desired. After a review of technologies submitted, those requiring more detail will result in an invitation for you to present a capabilities brief to the SOAC staff. Submittals will be accepted immediately, with a cut off date of COB 31 October 1997. Booz-Allen & Hamilton, under contract to the U.S. Special Operations Command, is assisting in the roadmap effort. Material should be sent to them at Booz, Alen & Hamilton, Inc. (ATTN: Dr. Childress) 4890 West kennedy Blvd, Suite 475, Tampa, FL 33609. Questions may be addressed to Mr. Tom Roy (primary) at (813) 828-9505, or Dr. Childress at (813) 281-4984, e-mail Childress_ Alan@bah.com, Fax (813) 281-4959. E-MAIL: Technical Industrial Liaison Officer (TILO), bowlesrs@soac.hqsocom.mil.

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