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 and acquisition efforts to inform requirements for future programs of record and reduce the risk of technology insertion. These efforts are typically 2-4 years in duration, and are approved by Army senior leadership 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 in support of the Army's objective capability for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD). A 50 kilowatt (kW)-class laser weapon system has the potential to engage and defeat rockets, artillery, mortars (RAM), unmanned aerial systems(UASs), sensors, and optics for maneuvering brigade combat teams (BCTs). Activities also include sub-system prototyping and integration of leap-ahead ground combat vehicle powertrain technologies; and integration and demonstration of key Active Protection System (APS) components to provide modular and layered vehicle protection effects (hard-kill and soft-kill), enabling power projection and enhanced survivability. 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 prototype platforms. This Project provides the Army with 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 Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Army Futures Command (AFC); the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT); and the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Funding has been realigned to reflect the FY20 financial restructure and Army Modernization Priorities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- DS3_0604115A_4_2040_PB_2021
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