LOCUST
Abstract
Adversary military modernization and increasing contested domains require a shift in approach "...to strike diverse targets inside adversary air and missile defense networks to destroy mobile power-projection platforms. This will include capabilities to enhance close combat lethality in complex terrain." The Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology (LOCUST) effort will develop and deliver autonomy, C2 architecture, and a series of modular payloads on a robust, scalable, flexible, multifunctional UAV system; employable from surface, sub-surface, airborne, and ground manned and un-manned systems to provide a dispersed, resilient, and adaptive capability to gain a competitive military advantage. LOCUST will provide ISR and precision loitering munitions capable of being launched from air, surface, ground, and sub-surface platforms to conduct both singular and swarm operations across battlespace in conjunction with Joint and manned operations. It will demonstrate multi-domain launch and strike operations, heterogeneous air platform payloads, unmanned from unmanned operations, distributed control of the strike mission, and refined cost elements for critical technologies that have supply chain assurance addressed. The Activity identified in Project Unit 3423 specifically addresses Applied Research in support of the LOCUST INP effort. The efforts described in this Project address the Applied Research associated with the Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Program. These investments represent game changing technologies with the potential to revolutionize operational concepts. They are disruptive in nature, as they would dramatically change the way naval forces fight. Due to high technical risk, INPs typically have long duration but have no more than three years between decision points. They mature technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or 3 to a TRL of 6. As such, INPs require both Budget Activity (BA) 2 and BA3 funding. The BA3 INP funds are specified in a separate Program Element (PE), 0603801N Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Adv Tec Dev. INPs do not develop hardware for service use; rather they provide feeder technology that can be demonstrated in prototypes in the 6.3 portion of the INP program. Developing INPs requires a systematic expansion and application of knowledge to develop useful materials, devices, and systems oriented toward the design and development of prototypes applicable to specific mission area requirements. The efforts funded within this PE translate promising basic research into solutions for broadly defined military needs. These efforts include developing breadboard hardware and algorithms that establish the initial feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions to technological challenges, such as concept exploration efforts, studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts. The Department of the Navy would have to make significant acquisition decisions to integrate the new technological capabilities into naval warfighting systems. INPs are selected by a process that involves senior leadership in the Department of the Navy. Information security concerns preclude fully detailed descriptions of project efforts, research activities, and technology development plans. Specific information on each project and activity will be provided separately to the Congressional oversight committees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 3423_0602792N_2_1319_PB_2021
Related Documents
- Root: Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Applied Res
- Child Accomplishment: LOCUST