The MOSA initiative aims to modernise U.S. Army Aviation by enabling the integration of advanced hardware and software capabilities. A key innovation from Boeing is the modular equipment shelf, also known as the MOSA rack, which supports varying sizes and weights of avionics and mission equipment.
This new MOSA rack replaces the traditional dedicated bolt patterns with a universal interface, allowing for more flexible equipment placement. The modular design eliminates the need to replace the entire shelf, even when adapting to new customer requirements or evolving technological standards.
Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Cargo Programs at Boeing, highlighted the strategic importance of this advancement. She stated, ‘The CH-47F Block II brings advanced capabilities our customers need to excel in the fight today. Investments in MOSA will allow rapid and affordable capability improvements to the Chinook, enabling it to continue serving as the backbone of heavy-lift for decades to come.’
The new MOSA rack exemplifies Boeing’s commitment to more efficient integration and modernisation. Instead of replacing entire systems, individual components can now be upgraded, reducing both costs and implementation time.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the MOSA approach ensures the Chinook remains operationally relevant. This initiative also supports the standardisation of configurations across different customer requirements, enhancing flexibility and readiness.
Looking ahead, Boeing is conducting demonstrations at the Philadelphia Systems Integration Lab to showcase the interoperability of the MOSA rack. These tests will focus on the digital backbone, modular wire harness assemblies, and adaptable radio configurations, among other technical elements.
