Nuclear Delivery Systems Prototyping

Mission — Prototyping source

The Air-delivered Nuclear Delivery System project addresses a United States Strategic Command capability gap resulting from a congressionally directed study which led to endorsement of the Department of Defense's Deputy's Management Action Group and initiation of this project. The Department of Air Force is working with the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration and its National Laboratories to quickly develop and demonstrate a prototype Air-Delivered system based on fielded technologies to close this gap in the near term. The project requires close Department of Air Force and Department of Energy interagency coordination to produce a prototype that will enable rapid transition to a fielded system. Early development will include Modeling and Simulation analysis of several Nuclear Explosive Package options to refine the proposed Nuclear Explosive Package. The Air-Delivered Nuclear Delivery System must meet nuclear weapon's environmental standards from storage to weapon detonation, while meeting reliability and target defeat requirements. The Air Force will provide test resources to include ground test facilities, F-15E test aircraft, and B-2 test aircraft, and will work with the aircraft Program Offices to identify aircraft integration requirements including any potential Operational Flight Program software and hardware changes. The Air Force will procure and provide the National Nuclear Security Administration with the components necessary to produce Prototype Weapon Assemblies for capturing environments and demonstrating functionality in high-fidelity ground and air tests. Ground tests may include static ejection, vibration and thermal, cable pull-down, sled tests, and other environments testing. Flight tests will be performed by Air Force F-15E developmental flight test aircraft, with final prototype demonstrations planned to fly on B-2 aircraft. Considerations in the development of the prototype include nuclear surety, maintenance and logistics, refinement of requirements (Military Characteristics), and producibility. After successful flight test demonstration of the prototype, the program will mature developmental hardware to nuclear system "diamond stamp” quality, ensure nuclear surety standards are met, and mature aircraft interfaces including Aircraft Monitor and Control functions. The Air Force Research Laboratory is focused on high-impact, multi-domain science, technology, and prototyping solutions that drive innovation now while laying the groundwork for the Air and Space Force to win the future fight. The Air Force Research Laboratory effectively synchronizes the Department of Air Force science and technology enterprise and workforce to align towards the most consequential DAF priorities and accelerate the delivery of game-changing science, technology, and prototypes. In order to manage, execute, and deliver capabilities, this program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses; expenses to support the operation and maintenance of facilities; as well as expenses related to travel, supplies, IT hardware, software and support, and administrative contractor services. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)