The Naval Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) is leading the design and modification of the F/A-18 and EA-18G pilot helmet-mounted components of the Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cuing System (IJHMCS).

The Navy awarded a $16.8 million contract July 28 to Collins Elbit Vision Systems for the design and development of the IJHMCS, making the system lighter in weight with a better center of gravity to reduce potential for pilot back and neck injuries. The program office plans to field the IJHMCS in 2025. 

The Naval Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) aircrew survival vest team is testing new rotary wing and tilt aircrew survival vest systems that will optimize aircrew performance with a lighter, less bulky and more ergonomically suitable solution.

The team is evaluating the new vest systems for their ability to reduce instances of overheating, increase overall comfort and reduce the potential for short and long term back and neck injury of pilots and aircrew due to the bulkiness and imbalanced weight of the legacy systems.

The NAVAIR SYSCOM Security Cooperation Office’s (SSCO) Junior Personnel Development Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable work experience while earning their degrees, network with existing team members and strengthen their marketability post-graduation.  

The Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) is using data collected during recent fleet assessments to refine the HGU-99/P Hearing Protection Helmet (HPH) which is intended for flight deck crew exposed to extreme noise environments.

The Navy’s Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209) welcomed a new program manager during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 15 at Patuxent River. 

Capt. Margaret “Maggie” Wilson, who retired after more than 27 years of service, transferred leadership to Capt. Jarrod Hair, who most recently served as chief of staff to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air and Ground Programs. 

The Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260) received a NAVAIR Commander’s Award May 31 for small business advocacy during the annual ceremony at Patuxent River.  

The PMA-260 team demonstrated the value of partnering with small business by exploring innovative solutions through sponsorship of five successful Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs and leading Program Executive Office, Aviation Common Systems and Commercial Services in small business use by awarding 20 percent of its total obligation authority to small businesses. 

The Navy’s Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260) welcomed a new program manager during a change of command ceremony May 25. 

Capt. Robert Burgess, who will retire after more than 30 years of service, transferred leadership to Capt. Matt Wilcox, who most recently served as the military director of the Product Support Management/Integration Department in the NAVAIR Sustainment Group.   

The Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges (PMA-205) and the F/A-18 and EA-18G (PMA-265) program offices are fielding a sophisticated Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training system that has the potential to revolutionize the way the Navy trains, leading to greater readiness and significant cost savings. 

The LVC training, commonly referred to as Link Inject-to-Live (LITL), injects high fidelity simulated air-to-air and surface-to-air targets into the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G weapon systems and is projected to save the Navy millions of dollars annually.  

The successful delivery of the new prototype H-1 Mission Rehearsal Trainer (MRT) in February to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, marks a significant milestone in Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron (HMLA) training. Once into production, the deliveries will provide the HMLA community fully transportable MRTs with a small footprint, allowing Marines to practice tactical combat skills, mission scenarios, and maintain combat proficiency while deployed.

The Naval Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) is fielding new headgear, the Head Gear Unit Number 98/Personal Use (HGU-98P), that improves both head and hearing protection for fleet Marine Corps aviation maintainers.  

PMA-202 incorporated the latest advancements and information gained from market research, lab testing and fleet assessments to select the new Marine Corps maintenance cranial, the Team Wendy Exfil Light Tactical Polymer helmet, which is a Commercial-off-the-Shelf solution.