Software Engineering Institute

AADL/ACVIP User Days 2021 was hosted by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) and held virtually on February 3-4, 2021. AADL/ACVIP User Days is a free two-day virtual forum to present the latest on the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL), the Architecture-Centric Virtual Integration Process (ACVIP), and associated tools.

This presentation by Patrick Mason was given virtually at AADL/ACVIP User Days 2021. As Army Aviation executes its modernization strategy and builds the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Ecosystem, it is imperative we successfully transition critical modular open systems science and technology efforts into an operational MOSA acquisition framework. This framework must successfully merge a comprehensive architecture strategy, digital engineering, digital toolchain, and DevSecOps with a sustainable business model that appropriately incentivizes industry investment. Through these efforts, we will instantiate the infrastructure and processes necessary to develop and invest in capabilities once and rapidly integrate them across both our future and enduring fleet of aircraft. The use of the Architecture Centric Virtual Integration Process (ACVIP) and Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) are key components to achieving our end state, ensuring we have robust modeling tools and optimized design languages. Through this presentation, the AADL-ACVIP user community will have insight into how PEO AVN is using these advanced methods, transitioning them into an operationalized framework, and facilitating the transformation of Army Aviation.

Patrick Mason currently serves as the Deputy Program Executive Officer for Aviation, U.S. Army, a role he previously held from 2017 until he was chartered as the PEO for Aviation in January 2020. He returned to the Deputy PEO position in July 2020.

Prior to arriving at PEO Aviation, he served as the Chief of Staff for the Aviation Development Directorate of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. In this capacity, he supported execution of the Army's $1.2 billion aviation science and technology investment portfolio. Earlier, he was the Director of the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center and oversaw a 1,200-person reimbursable workforce in the execution of developmental testing for aviation, missile, and sensor systems.

Mr. Mason has also served as the Project Manager, Technology Applications Program Office, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. In this position, he directed the life cycle management of Army Special Operations rotary wing aircraft and associated mission systems supporting the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). In 2008, he was one of eight individuals selected from across DoD to serve as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow.

His other acquisition positions include: Deputy Program Manager, CH-53K; Director, Flight Test Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center; and Chief, Rapid Prototyping and Integration, U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate. Through these assignments, he was involved in the development, rapid prototyping, and science and technology efforts on the AH-64A/D, UH-60A/L/M, MH-60M, CH-47D/F, MH-47G, A/MH-6M, OH-58D, CH-53K, RAH-66, and various other fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He also worked extensively with numerous integrated systems to include aircraft survivability equipment, targeting and sighting systems, and network-centric applications essential for interoperability.

Mr. Mason's education includes a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology; a Master of Aeronautical Engineering (with Distinction) from the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (Distinguished Graduate), and the U.S. Army War College. He was selected as the 2013 Army Project Manager of the Year for his work with U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation and has received "Best Paper Awards" by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the American Helicopter Society. He was awarded the Robert N. Turk Award in 2002 for his efforts in advancing Army engineering flight tests.

An active member of the community, Mr. Mason is a graduate of the Leadership Huntsville/Madison County flagship program, Class L28, and has served as chair for Public Safety Day. He is also on the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Transportation, is a service outreach coordinator, and volunteers with several professional and civic organizations.

Watch the video