Lifecycle Prototyping
Abstract
Following Strategic Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force direction cross-functional teams composed of operators, technologists, engineers, acquisition, and requirements personnel from across the Department of the Air Force execute Prototyping Campaigns to determine if and how much of a competitive advantage these systems can produce against our adversaries. Developmental Prototypes are an opportunity to understand the operational utility of a new warfighting concept or technology, while avoiding the pitfalls of entering a lengthy, formal acquisition program without the requisite knowledge of performance trade-offs and technical and programmatic risks. Prototypes integrated into carefully crafted operational Experimentation Campaigns provide immediate feedback to Department of the Air Force senior leaders driving rapid acquisition or divestment with minimal resources. Prototype efforts provide an initial capability if warranted that can act as a catalyst for future rapid acquisition. Exploring innovative prototypes that range across the full Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy spectrum gives Department of the Air Force senior leaders a quicker understanding of the potential operational utility, leading to better decisions on what to pursue with limited acquisition resources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 4b73399933588dd4443e95e3cd16b2c8
Related Documents
- Root: Tech Transition Program