Science & Technology for Nuclear Re-entry Systems

Abstract

This Program Element and Project supports Department of Defense (DOD) priorities for enduring science and technology (S&T) for nuclear re-entry systems. This effort will provide pre-program of record advanced technology development that will effectively address evolving threats and maintain operational effectiveness while also aligning with the highest level guidance for nuclear forces. This effort will contribute to preserving the viability of the nuclear deterrent in a cost-effective manner by reducing technical and programmatic risk associated with execution of the overall nuclear modernization program. These ends will be reached by developing technologies to inform future system requirements, establishing interagency partnerships for re-entry system test platform development, and coordinating with existing programs for next generation strategic system development. The Strategic Weapons System (SWS) greatly benefited from steady Research and Development (R&D) investments during a succession of development and production programs between 1955 and 1990. Because development of a Trident D5 missile follow-on system did not begin immediately, as had been done for previous systems (A1, A2, A3, C3, C4), research and development funding for submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) systems significantly declined in the early 1990s. As the U.S. moved to a paradigm of nuclear force sustainment, enterprise investments aimed at improving delivery system capability to counter new threats were reduced. Consequently, the pipeline for advanced technology development for nuclear delivery systems atrophied. The Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized the need to begin investing in new delivery systems, but there has been a significant, several decades long reduction in foundational nuclear R&D invests made outside of major acquisition programs. The gap in R&D investments has driven programs, which are often risk averse and schedule driven to mature existing technology as part of the acquisition program to control risk. This approach can result in fielding technologies that are not adequately suited to adapt to future threats. Another consequence of this decade's long reduction has been a reduction in workforce capable of supporting advanced technology development. A workforce with skills and requisite clearances needed to solve next-generation technical challenges and a right-sized technology maturation pipeline remain a common threat of high risk across the nuclear enterprise. Enabling SWS flexibility and affordability is critical to ensure survivability and credibility of the weapon system. In conjunction with STRATCOM Priorities and collaboration with Air Force, the Nuclear Delivery Systems (NDS) funding will identify and mature technologies for the Reentry System (Aeroshell, Fuzing, and Guidance) and SWS enablers that can be readily incorporated into life-extended or next-generation flight and shipboard systems. These technologies will focus on responding to an evolving target base and develop capabilities for changes in missions, adversaries, war-fighting priorities, or emergent deterrence requirements.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 0603273N_7_1319_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2023 increase is due to the new start of PE 0603273N - Science & Technology for Nuclear Reentry Systems. --- FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President’s Budget request did not include out-year funding.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Ground and Sea Platforms
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Antisubmarine Warfare
• Ballistic Missiles
• Defense Systems
• Department Of Defense
• Deterrence
• Guidance
• Navigation
• Navy
• Operational Effectiveness
• Product Development
• Radio Frequency
• Strategic Weapons
• Submarine Warfare
• Weapon Systems
• Weapons

Readers

• Defense Acquisition Program Management
• Missile Defense Systems.
• Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control