The Aviation Ground Support Equipment Product Office is the life cycle manager for all common AGSE used within Army aviation and is often referred to as the "Crew Chief's PM." The development and fielding of new AGSE, the sustainment and modernization of legacy equipment, and the Reset and repair of equipment for units returning from combat are essential components of PM AGSE's support to aviation units. To ensure Soldiers are provided with the required equipment to support aviation maintenance and operational readiness around the globe, PM AGSE engages in a continuous dialogue with users and partners in the Concepts and Requirements Directorate, Fort Rucker.
CATS is a Tool Set and container modernization of the existing New Aviation Tool Set. PM AGSE in coordination with CRD and input received from aviation maintainers developed a modernized set of individual aviation maintainer tool kits in order to capitalize on new technological advancements and enhancements within tools and containers since the Aviation Tool Set were first introduced in the mid-1990s. These new tool kits, collectively called the Common Aviation Tool System, will ensure aviation maintainers are provided with the most modern tools to accomplish repair tasks effectively and efficiently.
Managed by PM AGSE, the CATS modernization program enhances tool quality and reliability by including aerospace and industrial quality tools housed in foam shadowed drawers. CATS is comprised of seven different tool kits. These kits include: Hydraulic Tool Kit, Powertrain Tool Kit, Sheet Metal Tool Kit, Technical Inspection Tool Kit, General Mechanic's Tool Kit, Electrical Tool Kit, and Power Plant Tool Kit.
On Feb. 7, the Army awarded the CATS contract to Snap-on. The first Common Aviation Tool Systems will be fielded to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, by the end of June.
"PM AGSE continues to maintain and modernize our systems in the field as well as bring new capabilities to the aviation maintainer," said Lt. Col. Steven Ansley, AGSE product manager. "Our goal is to provide the right tools at the right time in the right place to support our aviation Soldiers.
One of the major improvements of CATS, when compared to the NATS, is the foam shadowing and illustrated components list, which specifically references tool location by drawer and within the foam in each drawer. The shadowing and illustrated tool cross-reference guide simplifies the inventory process and reduces the risk of foreign object damage.
During the planned three-year fielding process, all active, National Guard and Reserve Modified Table of Organization and Equipment as well as specified Table of Distribution and Allowance units will receive the CATS to replace their existing NATS.
The AGSE team utilizes the Consolidated Aviation Portal and Storage website for communicating technical information, product updates, addressing issues and concerns, and providing an online help ticket to customers in the field. Access to the AGSE portion of CAPS requires a Common Access Card and can be requested at caps.peoavn.army.mil.
Editor's note: Tawanna Harris is a logistics management specialist in the Aviation Ground Support Equipment Product Office.