The US Air Force has announced a pioneering initiative set to transform the procurement process for reconnaissance aircraft destined for foreign military partners. Termed the Digital PAQuisitions team, this groundbreaking venture, spearheaded by the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, comprises a cadre of junior workforce members tasked with developing a state-of-the-art digital light reconnaissance aircraft.
The primary objective of the Digital PAQuisitions team is to engineer a digital representation of an aircraft, meticulously crafted and ready for deployment at the express request of any US foreign military ally seeking to acquire a light reconnaissance capability. By leveraging this digital model, the turnaround time for transitioning from conceptualization to physical aircraft is projected to be significantly reduced, thereby streamlining the development, production, and fielding phases.
Lt. Col. Christopher Rasor, the Materiel Leader for the Directorate’s Light Reconnaissance Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Branch and lead for the digital acquisition team, underscored the transformative nature of this endeavor. Rasor emphasized, “Digital acquisitions represent a substantial departure from our conventional acquisition practices, where physical prototypes were constructed and tested. We are now focusing on building digital prototypes to undergo rigorous testing before transitioning to a production-ready asset.”
The advantages of this digital approach are manifold, with estimates suggesting that less than 18 months will be required to create a digital prototype, manufacture the physical asset, and deliver it to the customer—a marked improvement compared to the traditional five-year timeframe.
Embracing digitalization, the US Air Force aims to streamline the acquisition process, effectively reducing the time and resources needed to provide cutting-edge assets to its international partners. This transformative approach not only expedites the deployment of critical reconnaissance capabilities but also ensures adaptability and agility in addressing evolving global security challenges.
Moreover, the establishment of the Digital PAQuisitions team signifies a paradigm shift within the industry, signaling a departure from conventional practices toward a future characterized by digital innovation and efficiency.
Revolutionizing Aircraft Development and Sustainment
The US Air Force’s Light Reconnaissance Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Branch has long been recognized for its expertise in adapting commercial aviation aircraft for military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Notably, aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air 350 undergo extensive upgrades under this branch’s purview before being deployed to foreign allies for operational use.
With the advent of digital technology, the branch is poised to revolutionize both its aircraft development and sustainment processes. Currently, the newly formed digital acquisition team within the branch is actively laying the groundwork for a transition into the digital realm. Their efforts encompass a range of activities, including crafting digital acquisition documentation, strategic planning, and conducting comprehensive market research to assess the industry’s readiness for integration into a digital ecosystem.
The next milestone on the team’s agenda is the release of a request for proposal (RFP) for its inaugural digital acquisition project. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies such as model-based systems engineering and digital product lifecycle management, the team aims to develop a customized light reconnaissance aircraft tailored to the specific requirements of a foreign military partner in Central America.
While the potential clients for such aircraft were not specified in the press release, it is suggested that Central American nations such as Costa Rica and Honduras, which currently utilize ISR aircraft derived from the Beechcraft King Air 350, may consider becoming future customers.
Reflecting on the significance of their role, 2nd Lt. Delaney Pollak, CENTCOM and AFRICOM Section Commander in the Branch, expressed enthusiasm about being part of this pioneering initiative. Pollak emphasized their objective to inject a fresh perspective into the digital acquisition project and establish a blueprint for replication across other departments.
Lt. Col. Christopher Rasor reiterated the team’s commitment to delivering a light reconnaissance platform to partner nations at their operational convenience. He highlighted digital acquisitions as a pivotal strategy enabling the US Air Force to promptly provide this capability, not only for foreign military sales but also for operational requirements.
In conclusion, the ongoing efforts of the digital acquisition team to revolutionize military procurement underscore the US Air Force’s dedication to innovation and adaptability in an ever-evolving global security landscape.
