Air Armament Symposium Game Changers Col Kirk Kloeppel Director Munitions Directorate
Future of Weapons 3
Outline Introduction AFRL Strategic Plan AFRL Focused Long-Term Challenges (FLTCs) Munitions Directorate (RW) Mission Core Technical Competencies (CTC) AFRL Game Changers Micro Munitions Hypersonics Bio-inspired Real-time Dynamic Warheads CBRNE Neutralization Business Opportunities Conclusions 4
AFRL 40 Sites World-Wide WRIGHT-PATTERSON PROPULSION (RZ) AIR VEHICLES (RB) SENSORS (RY) MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING (RX) HUMAN EFFECTIVENESS (RH) COLLABORATIVE C2 (RI) ROME INFORMATION (RI) SURVEILLANCE (RY) HANSCOM BATTLE SPACE ENVIRONMENTS (RV) ELECTROMAGNETICS (RY) EDWARDS ROCKET PROPULSION (RZ) MESA WARFIGHTER TRAINING RESEARCH (RH) HQ AFRL BALLSTON AIR FORCE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (AFOSR) KIRTLAND DIRECTED ENERGY (RD) SPACE VEHICLES (RV) BROOKS BIOEFFECTS, AEROSPACE PHYSIOLOGY (RH) EGLIN MUNITIONS (RW) TYNDALL AIR BASE TECHNOLOGY (RX) 5
Capability-Based S&T Strategy Strategic Planning Vectors The Air Force Capability-Based Science & Technology Strategy presents a considered and incremental approach to transforming the science and technology (S&T) investment focus of AFRL. It offers a strategic look at aligning the priorities for nurturing and developing core competencies as well as aligning the pursuit of particular technologies toward the solution of high-priority problems. 6
Focused Long Term Challenges Delivering the Air Force S&T Vision Through Leadership, Discovery, Innovation, and Integration. 1. Anticipatory Command, Control & Intelligence (C2I) 2. Unprecedented Proactive Surveillance & Reconnaissance (S&R) 3. Dominant Difficult Surface Target Engagement/Defeat 4. Persistent & Responsive Precision Engagement 5. Assured Operations in High Threat Environments 6. Dominant Offensive Cyber Engagement 7. On-demand Theater Force Projection, Anywhere 8. Affordable Mission Generation & Sustainment 7
AFRL Munitions Directorate Vision: Weapon technologies for any target Mission: Lead the discovery, development, integration and transition of affordable munitions technologies for our air and space force 8
RW s Core Technical Competencies Crosscut AFRL FLTCs Dominant Difficult Surface Target Engagement / Defeat (FLTC 3) Explosives / Energetic Materials Warheads / Damage Mechanisms Fuzes Guidance, Navigation & Control Target ID and Tracking Munitions Systems Persistent & Responsive Precision Engagement (FLTC 4) Assured Operations in High Threat Environments (FLTC 5) 9
AFRL Munition Game Changers Micro Munitions Hypersonics Bio-inspired Selectable Warheads CBRNE Neutralization 10
Micro Munition Concept Game Changer Multiple Targets per munition New dimension Flexibility (tailored lethality) Difficult to detect and destroy Multi deployment ability Very low collateral damage Warfighter Benefit Tactical Close Air Support (CAS) Adaptable & Time Critical ISR Optimal Asset Positioning Completely Organic (F2T2EA) Capability Precision Lethality Low Collateral Damage Clandestine/Persistent coverage Complex Environment Operation Indoor/Outdoor Operation Semi and Fully Autonomous Operation Net-Centric Communication Extreme HDBT Functional Defeat 11
Micro Munition Technologies Enabling Technologies Low Speed Aerodynamics Nano Tube MEMs and NEMs Structural Energetics Mid Term Attributes Deny Enemy Ops in Urban Canyon Non-GPS Guidance High Confidence Target ID Supervised (Human) Autonomy of Mobile Target Engagement Compact Kill Mechanisms Multi-Functional Systems Aerial/Terrestrial Locomotion Miniature Power Miniature Propulsion Micro Platforms Microsystems Integration Agile Autonomous Munitions 12
Hypersonic Weapon Time Sensitive Target Concept Theater of Operation Time Critical Targets Hard/Deep Targets Game Changer Prompt Global Strike Anti-access Long Range Strike SEAD/DEAD Ability to engage time sensitive targets at large range Provide regional, rapid response in an anti-access/area denied environment Warfighter Benefit Fundamental change to the conduct of warfare Kick down the door Centers of Gravity at risk Minimizes effect of basing denial Reduce CAF operational & logistics foot print Short flight time allows for adaptability across a wide-range of strike requirements Higher level of survivability Speed / Range = Survivable at Launch Speed / Altitude = Survivable in Route Maneuverability = Unpredictable 13
Hypersonic Weapon Time Sensitive Target Technologies Enabling Technologies Very fast target detection and initiation for placing energy in desired location Efficient Scramjet Propulsion and Rocket Accelerator for long range Tailored blast pulse to maximize or minimize target coupling Mid Term Attributes Precision strike from long range standoff within short duration minutes on relocatable targets Hypersonic Speed Large Payload Compatible with current aircraft High temperature sensors and apertures Miniature, low-power sensor systems Microelectronics for harsh environments Survivable fuze technology High speed explosive lethality, survivability, thermal stability Precise seeker pointing through hypersonic boundary layer Long Term Goal 14
Bio-inspired Munitions Concept Game Changer Enhanced munition agility Enhanced situational awareness Enhances munition autonomy Decrease munition observability Operates in confined environments Enhanced target detection Warfighter Benefit Small autonomous robust munitions that provide close-in ISR-type information in addition to killing intended targets Capable of full autonomous operation in urban environments with reduced operator workload Flexible, tailorable CONOPS to confront realities of modern conflict Expanded mission operational capabilities Hovering loiter Perch and stare Operation within buildings Low cost, rapid development, rapid deployment of new capabilities 15
Bio-inspired Technologies Enabling Technologies Mid Term Attributes Demonstrate prototype multiaperture seeker Demonstrate vision-aided navigation algorithms Demonstrate passive morphing air frame Bio-inspired sensors: Multiaperture optics for wide FOV Novel navigation sensing Air flow (air speed and AoA) sensing Novel sensory modalities: olfaction, sound, electrosensing, etc. Bio-inspired algorithms: Vision-aided navigation Target detection/classification Robust agile guidance & control Adaptive supervised autonomy Bio-inspired agile aerodynamic flight High maneuverability, agility airframes Passive, active morphing airframes Passive, active exploitation of low Reynolds number aerodynamics Flapping lift/propulsion for hovering 16
Selectable Warhead Concept Dial-a-yield Concept Illustration 1. Deflagrate at t = 0 2. Detonate at t = x milliseconds 1 2 Game Changer Tailored lethality (one warhead for multi/scalable effects) Enhanced Energy Effects (achieve desirable effect) Warfighter Benefit Extremely insensitive munitions -- 1.6 hazard classification (maybe 4.1, flammable solids) Reduced logistics burden for storage & handling Improved safe-&-arm process Non-exploded ordnance can self-inert Yield selectable from the cockpit Reduced sorties from improper weapon loadout Increased target choice (including urban) Low collateral damage (urban & CAS missions) 17
Selectable Warhead Technologies Multi-mode fragmentation with embedded microdetonators. Enabling Technologies EM field-controlled sensitivity / kinetics EM-field-induced reactions in inorganic energetics PS Mid Term Attributes Ability to select effects postlaunch Scaleable effects Directional effects Selectable mode energetics (deflagrate or detonate) Deflagration-versus-detonation initiation Multipoint/line initiation of volumetric explosives Multipoint mini Tantalum Warhead Technology Initiator (TWeTI) initiators for warhead liners New energetic materials Inorganic energetics Nano energetics Dual-use materials 18
C-CBRNE Concept The Problem Warfighter Benefit Game Changer Neutralization of WMD targets Low Collateral Damage Robust to all threats Utilizes defeat, disruption, and/or denial to accomplish mission Provides warfighter with viable fire-and-forget weapon to defeat CBRNE targets Provides munition payloads to address diverse set of CBRNE targets while maintaining compatibility with existing munitions platform and operational requirements Denies enemy access to and/or use of CBRNE agents Enables accurate estimates of weapon performance to facilitate force protection 19
C-CBRNE Technologies Enabling Technologies Mid Term Attributes Flight qualified C-CBRNE munition with multi-log improvement in neutralization of aerosolized agents over conventional HE Proven robustness versus multi-threat targets Remote standoff C-CBRNE weapon Advanced diagnostics and test methodologies for validating C-CBRNE concepts C-CBRNE Disruption Approaches Enhanced energetic materials Persistent neutralizers Reduced kinetic effects on agents C-CBRNE Denial Approaches Semi-rigid foams Corruption of CBRNE Weapons Cooperative robotics Wireless, networked C-CBRNE sensors and autonomous mobile platforms C-CBRNE Defeat Approaches Ultra-high energy concepts Photonic disinfection, ionic chemical breakdown 20
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program SBIR Program Office Air Force SBIR Celebrating 100 Years of Air & Space Innovation POC: Jill Barfield, RWOB (850) 882-3920 EMAIL: Jill.Barfield2@eglin.af.mil Objectives / Goals Stimulate Technological Innovation Use Small Business To Meet Federal R&D Needs Increase Commercialization from Federal R&D FY07 Funding - $30M Proposed FY08 Funding - $11M Opportunities/milestones 7 Topics in FY08 Solicitation Anticipate 14 Phase I Awards Anticipate 10 Phase II Awards Milestones DoD Solicitation Released - Oct 07 Proposals Submitted - Jan 08 Ph I Contract Awards Apr 08 Ph II Contract Awards Mar 08 Contracts Phase I $100k Max Phase II $750k Max 21
Small Business Innovation Research FY08 RW & AAC Potential SBIR Topics AFRL/RW SBIR Title Compact Multifunctional Ordnance for Urban Combat Micro Munition Adaptive Structure Flight Control Technology Processing for Flexible Sensors Fusion for Remote Biometrics AAC SBIR Title Combined GPS & Comm Antenna Technology High Speed Penetration Modeling Penetration Survivable Advanced Energetics Higher Speed Survivable Small Penetration Fuze Technology Flight Control Technology for Tightly Controlled Hard Target Impact 22
Revolutionary Guidance and Ordnance Technology AFRL / RW Description: Searching out paradigm shifting technologies that have the potential when matured to dramatically change the concept of air - delivered munitions. Schedule: FedBizOps: White Papers: Proposals: Award: Updated Yearly Any Time Any Time Any Time White papers can be submitted at any time Contact: Charlie Cottrell AFRL / RWOB 850-883-2723 Charles.Cottrell@eglin.af.mil 23
Near-Term Contract Opportunities R&D or Non R&D (FY 08) Description Develop technologies that will allow weapons to communicate with aircraft or Joint Air Controllers on the ground in a Low Probability of Detection mode. Take the low cost imaging fuze components to the next level by designing, building, and demonstrating a high resolution imaging fuze sensor that operates at frequencies >200 GHz POC Don Clabaugh RW mailto:donald.clabaugh@eglin.af.mil Robert Orgusaar RW mailto:robert.orgusaar@eglin.af.mil 24
Near-Term Contract Opportunities R&D or Non R&D (FY 09) Description Develop an integrated demonstration of the guidance, navigation and control functions of a small, powered, short-range precision guided submunition against multiple moving targets. Develop and demonstrate advanced control, agility and propulsion technologies, along with responsive warhead and fuzing capabilities, to give a single missile near full spherical intercept capability independent of target orientation and velocity Develop low cost miniature cruise missile airframe technology and integrate component technologies to enable the capability to disable multiple mobile, relocatable, and light fixed targets from long standoff. Develop dispensing technologies for cruise & persistent weapons to enable precise, clandestine placement of multi-function payloads. POC Robert Murphey RW mailto:robert.murphey@eglin.af.mil Michael Valentino RW mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil Michael Valentino RW mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil Michael Valentino RW mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil 25
Conclusion Munitions technology investment gives high ROI Mid term munitions outlook characterized by Increased lethality (per munition and airframe) Persistence Smaller Weapons potential for UAVs Network centric / Cooperative control Low Collateral Damage AFRL/RW relies on industry partnering to achieve our mission R & D contracts goal: 50% of budget Growing Revolutionary Technology Initiatives 26
AFRL Munitions Directorate http://www.eglin.af.mil/afrl_rw/ We Deliver the Warfighter s Best Bang for the Buck!! 27