AFRL Nuclear S&T Investment Strategy

Dr. David Hardy SESAssociate Director for Space Technology

Air Force Research Laboratory

27 August 2010

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AFRL Mission

Leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air,

space and cyberspace force.

AFRL is the S&T arm of the AF

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Sustainment/Modernization Challenges

• Maintenance of Nuclear Enterprise is an AF priority - failure is not an option

• S&T has a critical role for both sustainment and modernization• Challenges to inserting technology in current systems

– Existing capability must be maintained• Looking for Form-Fit-Function replacement• Must preserve nuclear certifications

– Tough trades in incorporating more modern technologies• Must maintain the force availability• Can’t adversely impact overall system reliability, sustainability, affordability

• Challenges to developing technology for future systems– Determining the S&T needed to enable adequate trade space

• Need for systems engineering and development planning for future delivery systems• Using these to define most critical S&T needs to support those systems

Vigorous and continual process underway between AFRL/AFGSC/AFNWC to define S&T way ahead

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Nuclear Deterrence and Strike

• AFRL has prime responsibility for S&T needed to support sustainment and modernization for:

• ALCM• ICBM• Strategic Bombers• Nuclear Com

• On-going AFRL Technologies:– Present Support

• Thermal Protection Systems

• Guidance

• Propulsion

– Technology competencies• Advanced Materials

• Propulsion

• Information Technology

• Sensors

• Human Effectiveness

• Air Vehicles

AFRL has the core expertise to develop and execute the S&T programs needed to support the nuclear enterprise

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Way-AheadNeeds Cycle

•Have initiated process to define needs and develop S&T solutions

– Command/Centers/AFRL fully engaged– Targeting written/prioritized S&T guidance from the

command by 2Q FY11•Targeting FY14 POM for implementation of new S&T investment to meet needs

•Working with command and center to identify critical needs that need earlier investment

•Continuing to support already identified needs

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Summary

• AFRL recognizes critical role that S&T needs to play to sustaining the current nuclear systems and laying the S&T foundation for their modernizations.

• AFRL has a broad technology base and S&T development capabilities to bring to bare

• Success will require a collaborative effort across the Nuclear Enterprise community

• Engagements are underway by AFRL to ensure it fulfills its critical role

Enabling the Future of the Air Force Nuclear Enterprise is a Top Priority of the AFRL Senior Leadership