TECHNOLOGY MATURATION INITIATIVES
Abstract
This Project funds the maturation, integration, and demonstration of advanced technology demonstrators and experimental prototypes to support advanced ground systems; aviation systems; command, control, communication & reconnaissance systems and equipment; precision weapons, High Energy Laser (HEL) systems; and Soldier equipment. Technology Maturation Initiative (TMI) efforts mature and integrate component technologies into early system and sub-system experimental prototypes for demonstration in relevant environments and tactical/operational scenarios, taking technologies to a goal of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7. Technology demonstrators and experimental prototypes are validated and transitioned to priority Army experimentation efforts and acquisition programs of record to inform emerging requirements for future systems and reduce the risk of technology insertion. These efforts are typically 2-4 years in duration, and are directed by an Army Senior Executive Steering Group (ESG) based on priority and opportunity, to ensure that demonstrations have high potential for filling capability gaps and transitioning. Activities include the maturation, integration and demonstration of HEL prototype weapons performance on a combat platform in realistic operational environments. A 50 kW-class laser weapon system has the potential to engage and defeat rockets, artillery, mortars (RAM), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, and optics for maneuvering brigade combat teams (BCTs). Computational Prototyping Environment (CPE) efforts include demonstration of physics-based, computational modeling integrated with new advances in deep learning to explore design tradespaces and understand defeat strategies for prototypic platforms. CPE efforts facilitate rapid, accurate, and computational prototyping in a robust Virtual Proving Ground (VPG) for early performance verification of new capabilities and transition into acquisition programs. This Project provides the Army an improved mechanism for enabling greater competition in the latter stages of technology maturation and establishing a closer alignment between Science and Technology (S&T) efforts and acquisition programs. The cited work is consistent with the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering Science and Technology priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in the Project is performed by the Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), Engineering Research Development Center (ERDC), the Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- DS3_0604115A_4_2040_PB_2018
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