Objective
Investigate and mature technologies in support of sub-systems applicable to current and/or future kinetic weapons systems, i.e., missiles, rockets, projectiles, bombs and mortars. Developmental areas include, but are not limited to: Propulsion; seekers; guidance, navigation and control; warheads; and related targeting, networking, and command and control systems.
Operational Challenges
Long range, denied navigation, non-fixed targets, jamming, robust defenses, maritime environment.
Research Areas
- Energetic materials and weapon lethality
- Hypersonic aerothermodynamics
- High-speed propulsion and materials
- Missile applications
- Maritime fires
- Guidance and fire control
- Advanced capability applications
- Advanced autonomous systems
- Lethal UxS and counter UxS
- Weapon autonomy
- Weapon integration (FNC/INP)
Warfighting Payoff
- Improved weapon performance in order to pace peer competitors.
- Introduction of new technologies in order to leverage advances in computing power and methods, electronics packaging, materials and fabrication methods, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and achieve cost savings.
National Defense Strategy Key Capabilities Addressed
Missile defense, joint lethality in contested environments
Science and Technology Programs
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Name
Dr. Chad Stoltz
Title
Kinetic Weapons Division Director; Energetic Materials Program Officer
Department
Code 352