Nuclear Certification Management
Abstract
This effort continues nuclear certification activities and development of nuclear certification tools that were previously contained in this program element, under project 654236, Engineering Analysis, prior to FY23. This funding is for statutory and regulatory (DoD and AF) nuclear enterprise-wide nuclear certification activities by AFNWC. It is distinct from, but complemented by, the funding identified by specific nuclear weapons programs (e.g., B-21, LGM-35A Sentinel, F-35A, F-15E, etc.) for their roles, responsibilities and authorities in nuclear certification, as segregated and directed by the same regulations (DODM 5210.41M and AFI 63-125). By DoD mandate, AFNWC provides an external (independent of program office) review of a weapon system's nuclear safety and surety features, eventually certifying the weapon system and its operational employment procedures. Nuclear certification activities include independent AF technical reviews, evaluations, and analyses for nuclear safety themes, employment procedures, delivery systems (warhead and/or carrier platforms, subsystems, or components), support equipment, software, and facilities that handle, maintain, or operate nuclear weapons or nuclear weapon systems to ensure compliance with national, DoD, and AF guidance. AFNWC's scope includes overall management of the entire nuclear certification process for the AF, as well as the execution of compatibility certification, nuclear safety design, weapon system safety rules, and technical orders, and functions (e.g., security) involving personnel and organizations assigned to perform nuclear missions. The objective of this project is focused on new nuclear weapon system acquisition programs, as well as fielded system sustainment, modifications, and upgrades. This project will manage the flow of nuclear certification activities and provide certification data to all stakeholders via the Nuclear Certification Analysis Tool (NCAT). Examples include certification requirements plans, Aircraft Monitor and Control (AMAC) certification, surveillance testing, consequence analyses, qualitative and quantitative hazard evaluations, and myriad other activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 2e9614a54dc209c212d7d03addacc60c
Related Documents
- Root: Nuclear Weapons Support