"Hardware modernization, the focus of this article, requires the Army to selectively invest in today's force to maintain warfighting readiness, as it transforms to an objective force compatible with Joint Vision 2020 objectives." This article, authored by the commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center and chief of the aviation branch, outlines the aviation modernization plans for the near-term (FY 2002-2008), mid-term (FY 2009-2018) and far-term (FY2018-2035).