RDT&E, Defensewide / BA 02 (Applied Research) PE: 0602173C (Proj: 1651)
PE Title: Support Tech (U)
| FY1995 | FY1996 | FY1997 | FY1998 | FY1999 | FY2000 | FY2001 | |||
| Program Name: | Actual | Estimate | Estimate | Estimate | Estimate | Estimate | Estimate | To Complete | Total Program |
| 0602173C RDT&E | 44,269 | 47,800 | 47,449 | 52,393 | 51,563 | 45,091 | 42,703 | Continuing | Continuing |
(U) To prepare to meet critical future active defense needs, advanced technology programs invest in an aggressive program of high leverage technologies that yield markedly improved capabilities across a selected range of boost phase and terminal defense interceptors, advanced target sensors, and innovative science. The objectives of these investments are to provide: (1) component technologies that offer improved performance or reduced costs for BMDO acquisition programs; (2) a better understanding of the physical processes to support these acquisition programs; and (3) technical solution options to mitigate unpredicted threats. Unlike other BMDO projects that fund near term technology and testing efforts, this advanced technology initiative invests seed money in high-risk technologies that could significantly change how BMD develops future systems. The technologies pursued include: next generation sensors, power, information processing, optics, advanced materials, propulsion and communication. This project causes and exploits breakthroughs in science that will keep BMD at the foremost edge of what is possible. A primary project goal is to conduct proof-of-concept demonstrations that transition technology to development programs.
(U) Many of today's baseline technologies on BMDO systems like Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Extended Range Interceptor (ERINT), and Ground Based Radar (GBR) are available due to the wise investment in innovative technologies some 10 years ago. Examples include: indium antimonide and mercury cadmium telluride ultra-sensitive infrared detectors; 32-bit radiation hardened Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors for image analysis; composite materials for lightweight satellite structures; interferometric fiber-optic gyroscopes for sophisticated guidance and control; and solid-state gallium arsenide transmitter/receivers for BMDO radars. The IST program is the only R&D program in the Defense Department focused on future BMDO technical requirements.
(U) Since the IST program began, it has spawned several new technologies for BMDO and other military and commercial systems including: thin-film diamond layers, wide-bandgap electronics; digital superconducting electronics; and terahertz communications. It has transitioned several new technologies into advanced development including: multi-chip module fabrication; diode-pumped solid- state lasers; novel sensor focal plane arrays (FPA); Hall effect electron space engines, concentrator solar arrays and fiber-optic gyroscopes for guidance systems. Several other technologies have moved into BMDO systems including: back-lighted thyratron switch for GBR; advanced tracking algorithms for interceptors; and fault-tolerant electronic circuits for space-based sensors. In addition, IST defense technologies have already given birth to over 130 new products available today in the commercial market, making it one of the most productive dual-use programs in government.
(U) The IST Directorate managed the highly successful Clementine satellite program which demonstrated 23 new technologies in space flight, qualifying all of them. Innovative management and procurement practices accomplished this highly acclaimed mission for only $80M in under 23 months. The lean management of IST has already produced a satellite laser communications transceiver and demonstrated a single-channel data rate of 1.2 gigabit per second which has drawn strong interest from the USAF, US Army and DARO for various applications. Tests for laser communication links between aircraft and ground will be performed, and a link between satellite and aircraft is in progress for 1997 launch. In part due to IST involvement, the cost of producing artificial diamond films has been reduced to 0.3% of its 1986 cost -- yet this is still too high for commercial use. However, this opens up a wide array of applications for BMDO to exploit, including: high-power electronics for radars, high-temperature seeker window for endo interceptors, 95% efficient ultraviolet detectors for rocket plumes, and low friction hard coatings for gimbals, tracker mounts, and rocket nozzles. There are many other examples of major technology demonstrations sponsored by IST R&D which will make BMDO platforms more capable, affordable, and manufacturable.
(U) There are more than 300 research contracts sponsored by IST in several key areas. These program areas continue each year, unchanged, except by redirection of BMDO priorities. The technical contracts may change annually. The dollar amounts are only targets, since new ideas and innovations are often proposal driven and are difficult to anticipate.
o ($9.180M) Completed integration of the neural network fast frame seeker and demonstrated the performance in a lab demonstration. Completed integration of the wafer-scale associative string processor for computing the imaging data from large-format sensors planned for BMDO space sensors in real time (impossible with today's image processors). Continued programs in wavelength division multiplexed networks for distributed simulation and communications. Continued programs in target tracking algorithms, photonic devices for data fusion from multiple sensors, and missile signature measurements.
o ($9.100M) Integrated the gallium arsenide quantum well focal plane array with a monolithic readout technology and optics into a completed camera system and demonstrated it in the field against BMDO targets. Continued programs in advanced sensors and detectors using novel materials, sensor fusion experiments employing both radar and optoelectronic detectors, and neural network processors for BMDO target recognition in cluttered environments.
o ($7.600M) Exploited IST advances in wide band-gap materials for high-power electronic devices to reduce the weight and volume of GBR power supplies. Prepared the high-efficiency solar array concentrators for flight testing in FY96.
o ($5.200M) Continued the development of wide band-gap semiconductors for non-volatile memory and ultraviolet sensors. Improved the quality and the area of diamond films produced by plasma processing and extended the technique to other semiconductor materials to produce large sheets of microelectronic wafers greater than a square foot.
o ($4.189M) Emulated the Russian ammonium dinitrimide propellant technology for BMDO interceptors, by jointly producing test quantities in US laboratories. Prepared the Hall Stationary Plasma Thruster for flight testing in FY96. Continued the R&D program on advanced thermoplastic elastomers for solid rocket propellant.
o ($6.000M) Flight tested the high data rate laser satellite communication system. Continued to develop the superconducting terahertz modem for spread-spectrum, code division multiple access communications for BMDO battle management.
o ($3.000M) Prepared the SKIPPER aerothermochemistry and missile signature experiment for launch onboard a Russian Molniya rocket. Continued the R&D projects on dual-band solar blind detectors and plume spectroscopy measurements.
o ($17.598M) Battle Management/Command, Control and Communications (BM/C3): Invest in advanced FPA; Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR); sensor fusion prototype for target handover and multi-sensor fusion; and missile signatures. Test the fast framing seeker in a real interceptor scenario to test its ability to do passive discrimination. Begin development of affordable wafer scale associative string processor (WASP) supercomputer capable of 50 Gops per second. Continue to develop the superconducting terahertz modem for spread-spectrum, code division multiple access communications for BMDO battle management. Invest in laser diodes for communication; laser satellite communication systems; terahertz communication sources; and spread-spectrum CDMA communications modem. Flight test the laser satellite communication system using an air-to-ground link to demonstrate free-space communications at data rates greater than 1 gigabyte per second. Begin development of fast frame seeker (2 kHz) real-time 3-D read-out from a 64x64 focal plane array into a next generation, artificial neural network special purpose computer capable of 1022 interconnects per second in under 2 watts. Invest in neural networks for image recognition, optical image processing, multi-sensor tracking. Support Navy LEAP FTV-3 and FTV-4 tests. Track target vehicle from horizon to horizon in real time images and provide the only enhanced images showing the target, interceptor and carrier vehicles, and establish miss distances for FTV-4. Demonstrate real-time sensor data fusion of angle-angle radar data and participate in US-Australian real-time sensor data fusion communication experiment. Provide to an Australian test range the imaging data, fixed rate track data and Australian radar data for real-time transmission to US.
o ($8.800M) Materials: Continue the development of wide band-gap semiconductors for non-volatile memory and advanced ultraviolet sensors. Continue research of all-optical packet switched terabit per second computer networks for BM/C3 and simulation. Integrate the gallium arsenide quantum-well focal-plane array with a monolithic readout and the associated optics into a completed camera system.
o ($7.100M) Sensors: Continue the R&D projects on dual-band solar blind detectors and plume spectroscopy and radiometry measurements. Invest in advanced infrared and ultraviolet detectors, including multi-spectral and hyperspectral capabilities. Field demonstrate the associative string processor, linked to a large-format focal plane array. Invest in flying sensor and processing testbed for pre-launch and boost-phase targets (VIGILANTE); advanced 3-D neural coprocessor; software library for high-speed automatic target recognition. Complete Skipper integration and ground testing and deliver spacecraft to Russia for launch on a Molniya launch vehicle. Launch the SKIPPER satellite.
o ($6.773M) Propellants: Continue the R&D program on advanced thermoplastic elastomers for solid rocket propellant. Flight test the stationary plasma thrusters in space for satellite orbital transfer and orbit plane adjustment. Ground demonstrate integrated RHETT propulsion system for spacecraft with performance of 1600 sec specific impulse and nearly 50% efficiency with an input power of 1.5 kW. The integrated RHETT propulsion system includes the thruster, power processing unit, propellant delivery system, and mechanical structure with a total mass of 23 kg. Complete design, fabrication, and qualification of RHETT-2 system with long life TAL Hall Effect thruster and new lightweight power processor for flight demonstration on the NASA Wakeshield facility. RHETT-2 system mass will be <20 kg.
o ($7.529M) Power: Continue IST advances in wide band-gap materials for high-power electronic devices to reduce the weight and volume of ground-based radar power supplies. Complete flight qualification testing of a SCARLET array designed for operation in high radiation environments. The array will be designed, fabricated, qualified, and integrated in the spacecraft, and launched in a total of only 9 months. Initiate design of a 2.6 kW advanced SCARLET array to provide power to NASA's first New Millennium Deep Space spacecraft. Complete design of advanced SCARLET array for the New Millennium flight demonstration with specific power of >50 W/kg using 24% efficient multiple band-gap photovoltaic cells. Deliver the engineering prototype of the photovoltaic flight solar cell. Assess the conceptual feasibility of a cryogenic ground based radar system using a high temperature superconducting (HTS) generator. Complete fabrication of the HTS coils for the power system demonstrator.
o ($18.350M) BM/C3: Invest in neural networks for image recognition, optical image processing, multi-sensor tracking. Invest in ultra-stable laser diodes for optical communication; laser satellite communication systems; terahertz communication sources; and spread-spectrum CDMA communications modem.
o ($8.700M) Materials: Continue the development of wide band gap semi-conductors; develop advanced power design for Gallium Nitride Microwave amplifier. Begin development of advanced optical polymers to be used in 10 wavelength transmitters to achieve 1 terabit/sec transmission rate.
o ($7.000M) Sensors: Demonstrate Fast Frame Seeker capability against simulated infrared missile targets in a gimbaled test cell. Invest in flying sensor and processing prototype for pre-launch and boost-phase targets (VIGILANTE); advanced 3-dimensional neural coprocessor; software library for high-speed automatic target recognition.
o ($6.500M) Propellants: Invest in high-impulse solid propellants; electric propulsion thrusters; and propellant manufacturability, for hypervelocity interceptors.
o ($6.899M) Power: Complete integration of SCARLET flight array wings. Complete SCARLET ground qualification and acceptance testing. Deliver SCARLET flight system to JPL for integration onto the New Millennium spacecraft. Complete demonstration of a high temperature superconducting (HTS) generator. Complete design of a cryo GBR power conditioning system. Initiate thermal system design for complete cryogenic radar system including TR modules, power conditioning system, power generation system, and staged cryogenic cooling system.
o ($19.500M) BM/C3: Invest in neural networks for image recognition, optical image processing, multi-sensor tracking. Invest in ultra-stable laser diodes for optical communication; laser satellite communication systems; terahertz communication sources; and spread-spectrum CDMA communications modem.
o ($9.000M) Materials: Invest in wide band-gap semiconductors; polymer-based electronics; digital superconducting electronics; non-volatile random access memory; and diamond windows and coatings. Demonstrate prototype GaN-based high microwave power amplifier operated at 300 degrees Centigrade.
o ($7.300M) Sensors: Complete HTS design of integrated cryogenic GBR system prototype. Complete fabrication of 500 kW prototype cryogenic power conditioning system for GBR. Complete thermal system design for prototype system. Demonstrate Fast Frame Seeker capability against simulated infrared missile targets in a gimbaled test cell. Perform integrated demonstration of sensor and processing prototype for pre-launch and boost-phase targets (VIGILANTE); demonstrate against ground and airborne TMD targets using both hyperspectral and multispectral capability.
o ($7.500M) Propellants: Invest in high-impulse solid propellants; electric propulsion thrusters; and propellant manufacturability.
o ($9.093M) Power: Complete integrated New Millennium spacecraft system ground qualification with SCARLET array wings in launch and initial operation of SCARLET in space. Initial report on flight system performance in space completed. Invest in advanced switching for radar; high-efficiency solar cells and concentrators; and miniature interceptor guidance technology. Demonstrate research type operated at 300oC GaN-based high microwave power amplifiers.
(U) Acquisition Strategy: This R&D program receives proposals in response to an annual Broad Agency Announcement of research opportunities. Proposals received are competitively judged according to BMD relevance, cost, and capabilities of the offeror. Strong emphasis is placed on the dual-use nature of the proposed effort.
| FY1995 | FY1996 | FY1997 | FY1998 | TOTAL COST | |
Previous President's Budget | 45,509 | 50,739 | 52,614 | 50,384 | 199,246 |
| Current Budget Submit | 44,269 | 47,800 | 47,449 | 52,393 | 191,911 |
Change Summary Explanation:
Funding: FY96-FY97 funding reduced to support higher priority BMD program requirements.
Schedule: None
Technical: None
Related RDT&E:
(U) The IST program acts as a creator of new technology for BMD. It feeds into all to other BMDO technology programs and it acts as a catalyst to transition devices and components whose efficacy has been demonstrated under IST sponsorship into other advanced development programs.
| FY1995 | FY1996 | FY1997 | FY1998 | |||||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Engineering Milestone | xa | xb | xc | |||||||||||||
| T&E Milestone | xd | xe | xf | |||||||||||||
| Tech Demo Milestone | xg,h | xi,j | xk,l | xm | xn,j | xo,p | xq | |||||||||
| Contract Milestone | xj | |||||||||||||||
a SKIPPER launch
b COMET launch with solar concentrator arrays
c RHETT CDR
d 4 Kbit Nonvolatile Random Access Memory in Silicon Carbide Demo
e Broad Agency Announcement
f HTS coils fabricated
g Integrate first VIGILANTE chip set in laboratory
h Wafer-Scale Associative String Processor Demo
i RHETT flight demonstration
j Cryo GBR power conditioning system design
k Start preliminary VIGILANTE flights
l Flight Test of Satellite Laser Communication System on STRV-2
m Integrate 3D chip stack version VIGILANTE electronics
n HTS generator demonstration
o SCARLET Array wings integrated with New Millennium spacecraft
p SCARLET launch
q Begin final set of integrated hyperspectral/multispectral VIGILANTE flights
o SCARLET flight demo 2nd Qtr 98