Advancing Rotorcraft Capabilities through Innovation, Coordination and Communication
The Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement (AIR 4.0H) was created in 2008 as a concept for a Rotary Wing Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation Center in response to a 2005 BRAC mandate to "provide focused support for future aviation technological advances in rotorcraft development." NACRA's small, innovative, Fleet-seasoned team of experienced rotary wing engineers, scientists, logisticians, program analysts, test pilots, flight test engineers, communicators and strategists has since established itself within the command as a force multiplier to address Naval Rotary Wing (NRW) Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation (RDAT&E) challenges:
- Recognized as lead for NRW rapid testbedding
- Sought after as the "go to" source for NRW RDAT&E ad hoc engineering support
- Functioning as the informational hub for Naval FVL
- Established as the NRW RDAT&E Learning Organization model
- Recognized as lead for NRW sustainment analysis and support
Although NACRA was created by the 2005 BRAC language, the Naval rotorcraft community has long needed just such an initiative -- a cross-platform/program advocate for issues and technologies. Acquisition's very nature is such that programs and competencies are not incentivized to put their own priorities aside to work for cross-program benefits when those benefits may come at some expense to program performance. NACRA addresses that challenge!
Goals
- Provide an effective, self-sustaining test bed capability
- Provide strategic planning that advances the naval rotorcraft community
- Develop effective collaboration and partnerships
- Expand information sharing
Expected Outcomes
- A unique "rapidly reconfigurable" flight test capability within DoD providing a flexible, rapid response
- Cross-program/platform efforts/initiatives that establish common focus, leverage efforts (single voice) & reduce costs
- A unified rotorcraft community enjoying improved/efficient resource allocation, visibility and achievement of common goals
- A better informed Naval rotorcraft community