Hypersonic Booster
Abstract
The Navy currently lacks the ability to demonstrate a ship-launched, DARPA-developed Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) Cruiser as the original USAF-RAAF air-launch effort did not address naval capabilities. Hypersonic Booster will develop a CVN-capable HAWC All-Up-Round (AUR) for air-launched flight demonstration that will require a 25% reduction in overall length to fit in a CVN weapons elevator. The goal from the outset will be to leverage DARPA-developed HAWC program for naval applications. It will flight test a CVN compliant, HAWC AUR to demonstrate airframe and booster propulsion technologies. The Activity identified in Project Unit 3453 specifically addresses Applied Research in support of the Hypersonic Booster 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
- 3453_0602792N_2_1319_PB_2021
Related Documents
- Root: Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Applied Res
- Child Accomplishment: Hypersonic Booster