The US Air Force (USAF) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate is pioneering a digital acquisition process for light reconnaissance aircraft destined for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). This initiative, spearheaded by a newly formed Digital PAQuisitions Team, aims to significantly reduce development and fielding times for partner nations.
Traditionally, fielding FMS aircraft can take an average of five years. The Digital PAQuisitions Team, comprised of young Air Force personnel, seeks to revolutionize this process by creating a digital model of a light reconnaissance aircraft. This “off-the-shelf” digital prototype can then be rapidly adapted and built to meet the specific requirements of a foreign military partner. Lieutentant Colonel Christopher Rasor, Materiel Leader for the Directorate’s Light Reconnaissance FMS Branch, emphasizes the transformative nature of this approach: “We are looking to build digital prototypes and put those through the paces before we build a production ready asset.” This digital approach is estimated to slash development and fielding times to under 18 months.
The digital acquisition process goes beyond simply replacing physical prototypes with virtual models. Digital technology allows for in-depth simulations and virtual testing, further streamlining the development cycle. This approach not only expedites the delivery of new aircraft but also holds promise for improving the sustainment and maintenance of existing FMS fleets through the use of digital models.
The Digital PAQuisitions Team is actively conducting market research to identify industry partners with the capability to integrate seamlessly within the Air Force’s digital environment. This collaborative approach ensures industry expertise is leveraged throughout the digital acquisition process. Furthermore, the team, led by young Air Force officers, is positioned to establish a template for future digital acquisition projects across the USAF, not just for FMS. 2nd Lieutenant Delaney Pollak, CENTCOM and AFRICOM Section Commander with the Branch, highlights the team’s focus on innovation: “Our goal is to bring a fresh perspective to this digital acquisition project, and create a template that other offices can use.”
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