Next Gen Platform Dev/Demo
This program oversees the engineering and demonstration of advanced Department of the Air Force (DAF) Nuclear Delivery System (NDS) components and technologies that support integrated Nuclear Deterrence Operations (NDO) missions. This work is achieved through foundational science, development of technologies, sub-scale validation and testing, and full-scale flight testing of re-entry system components. The Next-Generation Platform Development/Demonstration project encompasses the design, development, integration, experimentation, and evaluation of specific technologies that will enable the future delivery of multiple Government Reference Designs (GRDs) and Government Reference Vehicles (GRVs) comprised of various technology suites. These technologies include advanced aeroshell modeling and re-entry system materials development; fuzing technologies for improved system trajectory performance; advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems; strategic radiation-hardened communications in representative operational nuclear environments; the development of specialized nuclear science and technology (S&T) expertise; and the Integration, Experimentation, and Evaluation (IE&E) of technologies through infrastructure developments. Collectively, these efforts will produce various testbeds that enable relevant environment characterizations for DAF nuclear re-entry vehicles and their sub-systems. This program requires close DAF and Department of Energy (DOE) interagency coordination to ensure informed and rapid nuclear re-entry system technology maturation and transitions. This program supports Department of War (DOW) priorities to revitalize enduring nuclear deterrence operations by modernizing and demonstrating the specialized infrastructure and technologies necessary to address, and respond to, current and emerging multi-peer-contested nuclear threats while also developing specialized expertise to continuously execute this work. This effort will develop the advanced technologies necessary to effectively address multi-peer threats and maintain operational effectiveness in a cost-effective manner by reducing technical and programmatic risks associated with the execution of collective nuclear modernization activities. This program is accomplished by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
- Continue developing enhanced aeroshell modeling computational tools to simulate nuclear re-entry system environments, which will in turn support evolving GRD testing capabilities. This work relies on foundational computational efforts within PE 0602336F, Nuclear Delivery Systems Tech Exploration. - Continue the coupling of software and…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work - Continue developing advanced fuzing technologies with improved reliability and accuracy for non-ballistic nuclear re-entry vehicles. - Continue integrating guidance and fuzing technologies for modernized IMUs in development. - Continue developing experimental impact fuze technologies to ensure proper system execution for varying scenario target impacts and identification of early integration opportunities. - Continue prototype development that encompasses design, construction, and preliminary testing. - Continue integration planning of advanced guidance systems with fuzing architecture and target optimization algorithms. - Commence the development of advanced fuzing experimental payloads…
FY2026 to FY2027 change This effort increases by $3.227 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 for the development of advanced fuzing and flight computer experimental payloads.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue developing advanced fuzing technologies with improved reliability and accuracy for non-ballistic nuclear re-entry vehicles. - Continue integrating guidance and fuzing technologies for modernized Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) in development. - Continue developing experimental impact fuze technologies to ensure proper system execution for varying scenario target impacts and identification of early integration opportunities. - Continue prototype development that encompasses design, construction, and preliminary testing. - Continue integration planning of advanced guidance systems with fuzing architecture and target optimization algorithms. - Complete evaluating advanced fuzing…
Accelerometer Development: - Continue strategic-grade, solid-state radiation-hardened guidance solution development and radiation component testing. - Continue preparations to deliver additional solid-state, high lateral acceleration (high-g) accelerometers for insertion into Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) future architecture…
Read the FY2027 plan →- Continue establishing the requisite testing infrastructure needed to perform and evaluate nuclear re-entry system science and technology (S&T) activities relevant environments. - Continue the procurement of long-lead time special equipment for installation into government integration facilities. - Continue the construction design of a…
Read the FY2027 plan →