Tech Maturation & Risk Reduct

Abstract

NOTE: These documents contain an update to the title of the missile defense effort to better communicate the distinction between overarching system and sub-efforts. The new designation is Airbase Air Defense Systems for Missile Defense (ABADS(MD)), instead of Airbase Air Defense Battle Managment Command and Control (ABAD BMC2). The Airbase Air Defense Systems (ABADS) program element is the principal Air Force (AF) program to provide the ability to detect, track, identify, and defeat airborne threats to missions and assets. These threats include small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), Rockets, Artillery and Mortars (RAM), and cruise missiles. These three efforts (missile defense (MD), counter-sUAS (C-sUAS), and counter-RAM (C-RAM)) aim to protect personnel, assets, and infrastructure vital to supporting the national security strategy. ABADS(MD) is architected as a configurable combination of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS)/Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) sensor and non-kinetic effector technologies integrated with tailored Battle Managment Command and Control (BMC2) software to provide adaptive, resilient, and dedicated air defense capability. The ABADS(MD) system is designed to operate independently or combine with other local and distributed capabilities to form a multi-layered defense-in-depth, improving airbase defense and airbase resiliency. ABADS(MD) FY24 funding continues to mature the prototype design into a procurement ready system for FY25 fielding. The efforts planned for this fiscal year include continued software development, capability demonstrations, and operational testing during at least one joint exercise. The goal is for the system to meet Air Force requirements leading to a favorable fielding decision. ABADS(C-sUAS) specifically aims to counter the threats posed by the rapid proliferation of inexpensive yet highly capable systems, and the enemies who target US Service members, Allies, and Coalition partners. The ABADS(C-sUAS) program will continue to analyze evolving threats, evaluate new capabilities, and design an open system architecture that reduces life cycle cost and enables fielding to all 180+ AF installations. ABADS(C-sUAS) features a system of systems approach to integrate sensors and effectors into a robust Command and Control (C2) interface able to detect, track, identify, and defeat sUAS threats. The AF works closely with the DoD Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) to align annual efforts. ABADS(C-sUAS) FY24 funding will further develop Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. The centerpiece of this effort is the Medusa Command and Control (C2) system, whose Modular Open-Systems Architecture enables rapid integration with the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Link 16, and Universal Command & Control (UC2). The Medusa C2 system supports Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) development and employs electronic warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence for operator task automation, a closed-loop training system for operator certification and proficiency, and track fusion. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2022 $0 was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY2023 $0 is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 640410_0207522F_4_3600_PB_2024

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• AI & ML
• AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
• AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Fully Networked C3
• Microelectronics