NACRA cross-platform initiatives include, but are not limited to:
Technology Development
NACRA works with NAVAIR competencies, program offices, academia, other services and industry to expedite development of common Safety & Survivability requirements, coordinate and convey potential solutions to the Rotorcraft Community, and identify (through program roadmaps) a viable implementation strategy that minimizes acquisition life cycle costs for all rotorcraft platforms.
Vertical Lift Test Bed Capability
Central to NACRA is a unique Naval rotary wing technology test bed capability consisting of a variety of integrated capabilities including existing Systems/Software Integration Labs, simulators and other test and evaluation capabilities, but centered on a specially configured UH-1N Huey flying test bed. Due to expanding demand for vertical lift test bed capability, NACRA team members are working on adding a second platform for FY12.
Total Ownership Cost Reduction
NACRA collaborates with NAVAIR rotorcraft programs and competencies to help find new ways to reduce the cost of maintaining a vast fleet of maritime rotorcraft. To combat continual increases in TOC, NACRA is performing cross-platform cost degrader analyses, focusing on dynamic components. NACRA helped charter a CBM+ Enterprise Team, advocating and monitoring the implementation of CBM+ throughout NAVAIR's maintenance and logistics processes and to make recommendations, based on business analysis, for a common, government-owned and managed data management and analysis system capable of making cost reducing maintenance decisions.
Information Sharing
NACRA has a comprehensive on-line information portal featuring current social media, as well as traditional web development tools. NACRA regularly coordinates and hosts Industry Research and Development presentations aimed at informing NAVAIR programs and technology efforts about current Industry R&D with possible application to rotorcraft. NACRA also coordinates and hosts rotorcraft industry days, technology workshops and other events in support of our initiative areas and are expressly designed to improve the information flow across the Rotorcraft Community.