Disruptive Technology Development
Abstract
It is critical for the capabilities of our Navy and our nation that we work rapidly to bring disruptive technological breakthroughs to reality. We cannot afford to be outpaced in discovery or capability, particularly in game-changing technologies like advanced propulsion, communication and coherent structures.The ~Disruptive Technology Development~ program will research and develop a set of technologies that can fundamentally change our capabilities. These are technologies that can have a significant impact on the Navy mission, and are poised for rapid disruption and change. The program will focus on scientific disruptions (these are breakthroughs like fission, electromagnetics, and quantum mechanics) as contrasted to engineering disruptions (examples ofwhich are hypersonics, laser weapons, and networked spectrum dominance). Engineering disruptions tend to be extensions of things that we already know, whereas scientific disruptions can fundamentally alter our strategic capabilities in one stroke. We will research potential high impact breakthrough technologies and interact with our collaborators to improve our knowledge base and determine the best engineering development path to rapidly vet and mature a given technology. High risk technology can be thoughtfully pursued using a solid development plan which outlines the steps needed from an engineeringperspective. The ability to articulate a solid plan is a strong indication that a technology has potential and the timing is right. It also enables identification of the key questions that need to be answered and provides a means to evaluate progress and issues. The result of this effort will be an enhanced understanding of each technology~s viability, potential impact to the Navy mission, and a set of recommended maturation plans for further development. The success metrics are based on the number of technologies examined, the number of detailed plans and teams put together, and the quality of the resulting defined plan of action and milestones (POA&M). The POA&M for each technology will articulate the steps needed to raise the TRL, and also theManufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), Integration Readiness Level (IRL), and Customer Transition Readiness Level (CTRL), which are all key to transition. The CTRL specifically measures the readiness of the ultimate transition customer to accept the technology. It answers the question of how much the users of the technology are stakeholders with a shared destiny.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912312
Entities
People
- Charles Chase
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy