RICHMOND, Va. –
Addressing the maintenance challenges of keeping 4,000 military helicopters flying, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Tyler spoke at the International Military Helicopter Conference in London, United Kingdom Feb. 20.
The international symposium brings together more than 200 NATO military and industry leaders, offering a strategic forum to discuss the role of the military helicopter and how to sustain this critical capability. This year’s conference theme was “Delivering the next generation of rotocraft in 2040+.”
Vertical lift remains an evolving domain. As nations prepare for near-peer competition and new technologies emerge, new capabilities are demanded from vertical lift platforms.
“At DLA Aviation, we seek a collaborative approach between aerospace and defense industry leaders, small businesses, the U.S. Department of Defense, our military services to creatively battle obsolescence of repair parts for aged platforms, and prepare to support the future force,” Tyler said.
Tyler’s remarks called for sustaining the current/next generation rotorcraft. He discussed DLA’s focus on providing thousands of consumable items and reparable spares for the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, H-60 Black Hawk, UH-1 Huey, and V-22 Osprey weapons systems.
Tyler said while efforts continue on future rotorcraft support, consideration must be given to ensuring program offices and industry partners have logisticians with recent practical sustainment experience embedded in the planning and development of our new weapon systems.
“We must work together to enhance the industrial base over the next few years if we hope to have a foundation capable of continued sustainment and simultaneous development and fielding of next generation rotorcraft.”