Mission

The Aircrew Endurance (AE) program targets issues with rotary wing aircrew. The AE system is focused on reducing physical fatigue and stress during longer missions now being conducted by Navy and Marine Corps aircrew. AE will also address solutions to integrate fall protection for mobile aircrew, resolve deficiencies in weight, bulk, and universal color. The program will field upgraded soft armor protection and an upgraded survival vest.

Description

The survival vest provides an integrated, modular gear carrier with improved armor carriage and reconfigured soft armor designed to minimize bulk and allow completion of all flight tasks; reduces the level of physical stress on rotary/tilt rotor aircrew caused by heat retention from existing life support equipment; allows tailoring of equipment carriage to accommodate aircrew in different aircraft types, threat scenarios, and operational missions; incorporates a lifting system that maximizes hoisting performance without sacrificing mission endurance.  Two versions are being fielded: the CMU-37/P for mobile crewmembers vest incorporates integrated retention system and tether to replace legacy “gunners belt” system and the CMU-38/P which is for non-mobile aircrew.

Specifications

General Characteristics: Survival Vest, Armor
Primary Function: Reduced bulk and weight, better load distribution, extended flight time; integrated fall protection; integrated hoisting
Contractors: Peckham Industries, LLC.
Initial Operational Capability: November 2013
Full Operational Capability: Early 2016

Program Status

Navy Abbreviated Acquisition Program (AAP)