3.6 Systems Effects and Survivability (Nuclear)
The warfighter needs radiation- and electromagnetic-hardened systems and microelectronic pieceparts in order to survive the threat and perform missions. DoD has unique needs for radiation-hardened microelectronics that can survive radiation fluence levels that COTS micro-electronics cannot satisfy. Additionally, the availability of nuclear weapons technology and sophisticated delivery systems has led to the emergence of a new threat from proliferants—the high-altitude detonation of one or two low-yield weapons. Due to proliferation, this threat of employment in a regional conflict is more likely; this threat places unprotected space and ground systems at risk.
This subarea has two technical thrusts: the development of affordable state-of-the-art radiation-hardened microelectronics and the integrated hardening and testing of military systems against high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) and high-power microwave (HPM) effects. The objective is to ensure that warfighters have warranted confidence in the survivability of their weapon systems in all radiation environments.
3.6.2.1 Goals and Timeframes. The goals of the systems effects and survivability subareas are as follows:
3.6.2.2 Major Technical Challenges. Military systems continually require increased information processing, but state-of-the-art commercial semiconductor processes are designed primarily to maximize profits, usually at the expense of such characteristics as radiation hardness. Thus, succeeding generations of microelectronics have become increasingly susceptible to radiation. DoD must maintain an ongoing effort to radiation harden new generations of microelectronics as they evolve to ensure that warfighters have the survivable state-of-the-art electronics systems needed to survive HEMP, HPM, microwave, and ballistic missile defense-related X-ray threats. Additionally, the ban on underground testing requires the development of new designs, test protocols, and procedures that ensure system survivability, and these must be integrated into DoD planning for strategic systems sustainment and the DOE Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship Plan. Another set of challenges involves measures to provide military and civilian facilities with improved protection against terrorist threats.
3.6.2.3 Related Federal and Private Sector Efforts. Radiation-hardened electronics are critical for the multibillion dollar commercial and civilian space industry. Balanced hardening methodologies have considerable potential for transfer to the private sector. Notable is the proposed use of European Union protection standards that are more stringent than their U.S. commercial equivalents. Computational structural dynamics methodologies for enhancing the survivability of military facilities have direct applicability for providing civilian structures with protection against both natural (e.g., earthquake) and manmade (e.g., terrorist) hazards.
3.6.3.1 Technology Development. All of the activities in the systems effects and survivability subarea involve technology development; there are no basic research or technology demonstrations.
Radiation Effects. The major objective, which is a DDR&E-directed priority, is development of radiation-hardened electronics enabling technology for missiles and space systems that could be exposed to proliferant nuclear weapons effects. A second objective is to ensure that the communications and sensors of these space assets are not disrupted by the disturbed environment caused by such a high-altitude event. The final objective is to ensure the ground terminals associated with these assets are protected from the HEMP that such an event can produce. Toward these ends, the threats posed by a proliferant's weapons are being better characterized, and methods for protecting and testing that protection are being developed.
Balanced Hardening. The objective in this program is to develop and demonstrate integrated hardening technology and methodologies. These methodologies would reduce costs by allowing a smaller number of validated tests to be conducted to verify protection against multiple hazards. Technology development would involve new lower cost approaches for integrated effects testing and protection validation. This approach is congruent with new DoD acquisition policies mandating much greater use of commercial parts and standards. Priority would be given to protection against HPM and HEMP effects with consideration given to the whole spectrum of electromagnetic (EM) interferences and disturbances. The goal is to achieve the optimum EM protection for systems balancing the competing factors of threat, cost, size/weight, and technical/engineering feasibility.
