Nuclear Delivery Systems
This project will fund advanced development of nuclear delivery technologies, subsystems, and components for reentry systems in alignment with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (USW(R&E)) guidance on relevant technology categories: Aeroshell, Fuzing, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Advanced Capability, and Testing. These activities will reduce the operational, programmatic and technological risk facing modernization of Navy reentry systems. To achieve its objectives, the NDS S&T program will undertake several initiatives, including: * Developing and maturing advanced technologies through a series of experiments designated as Griffin and Peregrine. The experiments will include three Government Reference Designs (GRD) experimental reentry bodies, designated Griffin 2.0, Griffin 2.1, and Peregrine 2.0. These experimental reentry bodies will have increasing capability and will be used to evaluate and demonstrate new technologies and concepts for nuclear delivery systems. * Developing nuclear delivery system technologies through the use of a series of ground and flight tests of components and subsystems. These test will be informed by modeling and simulation and will utilize existing and new capabilities that enable a better understanding of how systems will perform in a realistic and operationally relevant environment. * Partnering with other organizations, as appropriate, to leverage their investments in relevant technology maturation that aligns with the USW(R&E) technology areas for NDS S&T. This may include investments in advanced materials, and other technologies that can be used to improve the performance and survivability of nuclear delivery systems. *Allocating resources to support GRD development and demonstration over the period of performance will ensure that the NDS S&T program has the necessary resources and funding to achieve its objectives and support the development of new nuclear delivery systems. Overall, the NDS S&T program is a critical component of the DoW's efforts to modernize its nuclear delivery systems and ensure the continued viability of the nuclear deterrent.
- Continue alternative substrate and thermal protection system (TPS) development - Continue re-entry antenna window development - Continue plasma and reentry environmental characterization studies to enable new and expanded capabilities - Investigate novel manufacturing techniques - Further information can be provided at a higher…
Read the FY2027 plan →- Continue development of advanced fuzing technologies - Begin integration activities for an FY 2028 MACH-TB flight test - Begin prototype build of a fuzing logic controller - Further information can be provided at a higher classification level
Read the FY2027 plan →- Continue development of an accelerometer that can handle higher g-loading - Continue development of a radiation hardened inertial measurement unit (IMU) - Continue development of a radiation hardened flight computer - Continue development of navigation aids for challenging environments - Continue advanced hardened actuator development…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work In FY 2027 NDS will execute comprehensive ground and flight testing programs utilizing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) systems, missile emulators, and Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Beds (MACH-TBs) while advancing system integration for multiple test platforms. Additionally in FY 2027 full-scale system integration will continue for ground and flight test units supporting testing on both subscale and full scale platforms. - Requirement generation and concept development for an integrated ground test demonstration of data compression and down-selection algorithms integrated with a the fuzing logic controller - Continue development of Navy NDS test bed - Begin prototype builds
FY2026 to FY2027 change The $2.761 million increase between FY 2026 and FY 2027, enabling the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) systems, missile emulators, and Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Beds (MACH-TBs), will improve testing accuracy by simulating real-world conditions to identify and correct potential system flaws early, ultimately resulting in more reliable and effective naval systems.
FY2026 plans — current year In FY 2026 NDS will continue preparing for upcoming ground and flight tests. Additionally in FY 2026 system integration will begin for ground and flight test units in support of future testing on subscale and full scale platforms. Tasks that will be focused upon include long lead time procurements and system integration for a Griffin 2.0 full scale flight test. - Development of data compression and down-selection algorithms required to support navigation aid and fuzing options - Development of concepts, requirements, and trade studies for a Navy NDS test bed to develop a standardized interface to the MACH-TB platform to allow for more affordable, frequent testing to accelerate technology…
FY2027 planned work In FY 2027 NDS will continue advanced capability development. - Further details held at higher classification level
FY2026 to FY2027 change The $0.042 million increase between FY 2026 and FY 2027 accounts for inflation.
FY2026 plans — current year In FY 2026 NDS will continue developing new advanced capabilities. Key work areas will be: - Studies and evaluation for advanced capability development - Data transfer capability - Advanced sensor technology and subcomponents - Further details held at higher classification level