Post by Avery Adams on Dec 21, 2005 13:48:45 GMT -5
Forwarded as approved by the White House - Questions and requests for testimony to be addressed to the Secretary of Defense.
Executive Summary
The Department of Defense Research and Development efforts will focus on fielding the next generation of:
- Manned and Unmanned Aircraft for improved tactical, theater, and strategic operations.
- Improved small arms systems to reflect the current and future nature of operations.
- Common launch vehicles for less expensive and more rapid missile defense, force application, and satellite launch.
- Tactical nuclear weapon to maintain the infrastructure and provide solutions for challenging threats.
- Spectrum of missile defense developments.
- Family of ground vehicle, intelligence, command, and support systems.
- Effective surface and sub-surface vessels to ensure all operating environments are covered effectively.
Detailed Proposal
Joint
- Joint Strike Fighter (F-35A/B/C) program will undergo the final Development and Operational Tests and Evaluations for initial operational capability over the next three years, with the first squadron (USMC F-35B) to become operational in 2012, and the other versions the following year. (R&D costs ~$3733million per year 2009-2012)
- Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (X-45C and X-47B): Currently undergoing operational assessment (Complete: Common Operating Systems & Sensors, Carrier Operations; 2009: Air Refueling and Surveillance; 2010: Electronic Attack, Suppression of Enemy Air Defense, and Strike). If successful these aircraft may make up half the total quantity of future Air Force or Navy Carrier Wings.
- Next-Generation Family of Rifles (NG-FOR) and Side Arm (NG-SA): To ensure the continuing quality of forces, a new generation of small-arms is necessary. In the 1960s the 5.56mm round was adopted to equip the force with automotive weapons with high-rates of fire and light ammunition carried in high quantity, replacing the larger, heavier, and more lethal 7.62mm round. The current force relies more on controlled and limited aimed fire instead of high-volume automatic fire. The cancelled XM-8 rifle, together with the G-36 and SCAR provide very effective firearms, but selection of a proper round is necessary. The two major options are the old and common 7.62mm round or the newly developed, but rare, 6.8mm round. Though this choice can not be made at this time, we plan on opening a Request for Proposal for a system which must demonstrate both these rounds and be converted easily between them (many 5.56mm systems can be converted to 6.8mm). At the same time, similar upgrades from the 9mm sidearm round to 40mm or 45mm are also to be studied.
- Common Launch Vehicle (CLV): The CLV will provide a common launch vehicle (missile/rocket) for three key systems. 36 feet long and 36 inches wide.
o Kinetic Energy Interceptor: The next-generation of high-speed, long-range missile defense system, it will be both ground- and sea-based. The first flight test of the ground-based system will be in 2010, and the sea-Based 2012. The sea-based system will be deployed on the CG(X) and the ground-based on large trucks with two missile containers each. It will be able to hit missile in most phases of flight, as well as low-orbit satellites.
o Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile: a tactical system, with similar performance but half the size of the original Polaris Submarine launched ballistic missile. Would likely be employed in CG(X) enlarged VLS and the Ohio-class SSGN (four per tube vs. seven tomahawks).
o Low-Cost Orbital Launch (Low-COL): Based on the CLV, Low-COL will be able to launch light satellites into low-earth-orbit in a cost-effective and rapid manner. This will provide the capability to surge capabilities in times of crisis and allow replacement of “disposable” systems.
Strategic Forces
- Robust-Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), to build up our capability and provide precision-guided variable-yield options for dealing with buried/hardened target facilities when deemed appropriate by the National Command Authority.
Missile Defense
- SM-3 upgrade: The SM-3 was limited due to restriction for perceived violations of the now abandoned ABM-treaty. A fully capable upgraded missile would result in a 50% increase in speed and ~1/3 increase in range, allowing for a much greater engagement envelope. Resurrecting the original capabilities, flight test could begin in 2012 and full fielding by 2015.
- Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS): Based around the PAC-3 missile, MEADS will provide a more deployable and sustainable air defense system to replace the Patriot and HAWK radar, fire control, and launcher systems, starting in 2014.
- Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL): Developed from the fixed THEL testbed, this test system uses three large trailers to mount a short-range defense laser system against missiles, mortars, and artillery. The test unit is currently being shrunk to 1 trailer load, future development to a HMMWV-based and/or solid state/hybrid laser system proposed. This would provide short-range defense against all manner of threats, including incoming mortars, shells, and rockets.
- Solid state/hybrid laser systems: Today’s laser systems rely largely on “chemical-lasers”, which require chemical fuels. Next generation directed energy weapons will instead use electric power, or a hybrid system, allowing for smaller and more sustainable systems.
Army
- Future Combat System: Army modernization consists of 18 key technologies/vehicles/sensors (unattended ground sensors (UGS); two unattended munitions, the Non-Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS) and Intelligent Munitions System (IMS); four classes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); three classes of unmanned ground vehicles, the Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV), Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), and Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE); and eight manned ground vehicles), plus the network linking them, which covers the entire spectrum of ground combat systems. Test and Evaluation of systems began in 2008, fielding of some components will begin in 2010. Heavy Brigades will be reequipped as, more lethal, more deployable, more sustainable units. Light/Airborne Brigades will be upgraded with many of the non-vehicle system. The first FCS Brigade will be fully equipped in 2014.
Air Force
- F-22B: To replace the F-117 and F-15E, a redesigned 2-seat F-22A, with its fuselage lengthened and possibly widened, and the wings expanded to a delta-shape, removing horizontal control surfaces. Such an aircraft would have slightly reduced speed and maneuverability, compared to the F-22A, but with about two and a half times the range and carry 30 small diameter bombs internally (compared to 8 on the F-22A), or two 2,000lbs. bombs internally, and two more or missiles on each the wing. Since ~86% of the design work will spiral from the in-service F/A-22, first flights could occur in late 2011, with low rate initial production beginning in 2013 (when F-22A production winds down) and first squadron in service in 2015, with full force fielded in 2023. Force total envisioned at three wings of three squadrons each, equal to total F-22A units, the single manned type equipping the Theater Strike Aircraft (possibly with JUCAS). It will likely also be capable of employing an air launched version of the KEI against ballistic missiles or satellites. (R&D costs estimated at $3372 million total over five years, or ~$675million per year; per unit production cost estimated at $140-145million)
- E-10A/B/C Multi-Mission Command and Control aircraft (MC2A): Based on the Boeing 767, the E-10 will be the basic airframe to replace the older 707-based electronic support aircraft. Though the newest of these older designs, the Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar on the few E-8C JSTARS will be transferred to new E-10A aircraft in 2013, and combined with a focused 30-degree Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) for low-altitude and cruise missile tracking. The E-10B, with the 360-degree AMTI (AWACS-type radar) and will begin replacing the E-3C in 2018. The E-10C will replace the RC-135 and EP-3 as a long-range electronic surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft around 2020.
- Re-engine B-52: The B-52 remains one of the most effective bomber, especially in low-threat areas. Though first fielded in 1952, it is planned they will continue in service for another 30-40 years. In order to update and ensure successful employment, they should be upgraded with four RB-211 (Boeing 757) replacing eight much older and less efficient engines, new engine struts, revised digital cockpit controls, avionics, electronic defense and fire control systems. As a result the B-52 will be compatible with all new smart munitions, about half the cost in lifetime fuel and maintenance costs, greater total thrust, and about 46% increase in range.
Navy
- CG(X): Using the DD(X), the CG(X) will replace one of the guns with about 50-100% more Vertical Launch System (VLS) missile cells, perhaps of larger size then standard design, to accommodate the KEI or an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. Focus is on defeating complex missile and air threats, with a secondary strike focus. Eleven planned, one for each carrier group, starting in 2019 with 1 per year through 2030, to replace Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
- FF(X): Starting in 2025, the oldest Burke-class Destroyers will be reaching retirement age. A replacement escort, using the technologies of the DD(X)/CG(X) and LCS programs, possibly a slightly more conventional or trimaran hull design for open-ocean operations. An initial 22 are planned for carrier battle group escort.
- Next-Generation Littoral Submarine (SSX): Though quite capable, the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine is very expensive (upwards of $3Billion each) and rather large. This has been a trend in recent generations of open-ocean US submarines, restricting the size of the fleet. To augment this force, a less expensive class, based on high-level of automation and externally mounted weapons pods. This vessel will not necessarily be nuclear powered, especially with the breakthroughs in Air-Independent Propulsion systems. This system would be an inshore littoral warfare craft, not an open-ocean warship, and as such will be small and limited in its capabilities. It would be ship-lifted to forward areas and supported by tenders and sea-bases.
Marine Corps
- Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles: Based on many of the Army’s FSC technologies, the MEFFV will be a modular vehicle, with a common drive train, chassis, and control compartment, that can carry various fighting compartments in its “bed”. To replace the LAV-25 (2015), M1A1 (2020), and possibly the Stryker in Army units (if it is not replaced with the heavier FCS). It would also provide non-combat versions (medical, logistic, ect.) as well as Scout, Infantry Assault, and indirect artillery/missile versions. At least 4, and possibly 8, battalions are envisioned.
Executive Summary
The Department of Defense Research and Development efforts will focus on fielding the next generation of:
- Manned and Unmanned Aircraft for improved tactical, theater, and strategic operations.
- Improved small arms systems to reflect the current and future nature of operations.
- Common launch vehicles for less expensive and more rapid missile defense, force application, and satellite launch.
- Tactical nuclear weapon to maintain the infrastructure and provide solutions for challenging threats.
- Spectrum of missile defense developments.
- Family of ground vehicle, intelligence, command, and support systems.
- Effective surface and sub-surface vessels to ensure all operating environments are covered effectively.
Detailed Proposal
Joint
- Joint Strike Fighter (F-35A/B/C) program will undergo the final Development and Operational Tests and Evaluations for initial operational capability over the next three years, with the first squadron (USMC F-35B) to become operational in 2012, and the other versions the following year. (R&D costs ~$3733million per year 2009-2012)
- Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (X-45C and X-47B): Currently undergoing operational assessment (Complete: Common Operating Systems & Sensors, Carrier Operations; 2009: Air Refueling and Surveillance; 2010: Electronic Attack, Suppression of Enemy Air Defense, and Strike). If successful these aircraft may make up half the total quantity of future Air Force or Navy Carrier Wings.
- Next-Generation Family of Rifles (NG-FOR) and Side Arm (NG-SA): To ensure the continuing quality of forces, a new generation of small-arms is necessary. In the 1960s the 5.56mm round was adopted to equip the force with automotive weapons with high-rates of fire and light ammunition carried in high quantity, replacing the larger, heavier, and more lethal 7.62mm round. The current force relies more on controlled and limited aimed fire instead of high-volume automatic fire. The cancelled XM-8 rifle, together with the G-36 and SCAR provide very effective firearms, but selection of a proper round is necessary. The two major options are the old and common 7.62mm round or the newly developed, but rare, 6.8mm round. Though this choice can not be made at this time, we plan on opening a Request for Proposal for a system which must demonstrate both these rounds and be converted easily between them (many 5.56mm systems can be converted to 6.8mm). At the same time, similar upgrades from the 9mm sidearm round to 40mm or 45mm are also to be studied.
- Common Launch Vehicle (CLV): The CLV will provide a common launch vehicle (missile/rocket) for three key systems. 36 feet long and 36 inches wide.
o Kinetic Energy Interceptor: The next-generation of high-speed, long-range missile defense system, it will be both ground- and sea-based. The first flight test of the ground-based system will be in 2010, and the sea-Based 2012. The sea-based system will be deployed on the CG(X) and the ground-based on large trucks with two missile containers each. It will be able to hit missile in most phases of flight, as well as low-orbit satellites.
o Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile: a tactical system, with similar performance but half the size of the original Polaris Submarine launched ballistic missile. Would likely be employed in CG(X) enlarged VLS and the Ohio-class SSGN (four per tube vs. seven tomahawks).
o Low-Cost Orbital Launch (Low-COL): Based on the CLV, Low-COL will be able to launch light satellites into low-earth-orbit in a cost-effective and rapid manner. This will provide the capability to surge capabilities in times of crisis and allow replacement of “disposable” systems.
Strategic Forces
- Robust-Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), to build up our capability and provide precision-guided variable-yield options for dealing with buried/hardened target facilities when deemed appropriate by the National Command Authority.
Missile Defense
- SM-3 upgrade: The SM-3 was limited due to restriction for perceived violations of the now abandoned ABM-treaty. A fully capable upgraded missile would result in a 50% increase in speed and ~1/3 increase in range, allowing for a much greater engagement envelope. Resurrecting the original capabilities, flight test could begin in 2012 and full fielding by 2015.
- Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS): Based around the PAC-3 missile, MEADS will provide a more deployable and sustainable air defense system to replace the Patriot and HAWK radar, fire control, and launcher systems, starting in 2014.
- Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser (MTHEL): Developed from the fixed THEL testbed, this test system uses three large trailers to mount a short-range defense laser system against missiles, mortars, and artillery. The test unit is currently being shrunk to 1 trailer load, future development to a HMMWV-based and/or solid state/hybrid laser system proposed. This would provide short-range defense against all manner of threats, including incoming mortars, shells, and rockets.
- Solid state/hybrid laser systems: Today’s laser systems rely largely on “chemical-lasers”, which require chemical fuels. Next generation directed energy weapons will instead use electric power, or a hybrid system, allowing for smaller and more sustainable systems.
Army
- Future Combat System: Army modernization consists of 18 key technologies/vehicles/sensors (unattended ground sensors (UGS); two unattended munitions, the Non-Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS) and Intelligent Munitions System (IMS); four classes of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); three classes of unmanned ground vehicles, the Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV), Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), and Multifunctional Utility/Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE); and eight manned ground vehicles), plus the network linking them, which covers the entire spectrum of ground combat systems. Test and Evaluation of systems began in 2008, fielding of some components will begin in 2010. Heavy Brigades will be reequipped as, more lethal, more deployable, more sustainable units. Light/Airborne Brigades will be upgraded with many of the non-vehicle system. The first FCS Brigade will be fully equipped in 2014.
Air Force
- F-22B: To replace the F-117 and F-15E, a redesigned 2-seat F-22A, with its fuselage lengthened and possibly widened, and the wings expanded to a delta-shape, removing horizontal control surfaces. Such an aircraft would have slightly reduced speed and maneuverability, compared to the F-22A, but with about two and a half times the range and carry 30 small diameter bombs internally (compared to 8 on the F-22A), or two 2,000lbs. bombs internally, and two more or missiles on each the wing. Since ~86% of the design work will spiral from the in-service F/A-22, first flights could occur in late 2011, with low rate initial production beginning in 2013 (when F-22A production winds down) and first squadron in service in 2015, with full force fielded in 2023. Force total envisioned at three wings of three squadrons each, equal to total F-22A units, the single manned type equipping the Theater Strike Aircraft (possibly with JUCAS). It will likely also be capable of employing an air launched version of the KEI against ballistic missiles or satellites. (R&D costs estimated at $3372 million total over five years, or ~$675million per year; per unit production cost estimated at $140-145million)
- E-10A/B/C Multi-Mission Command and Control aircraft (MC2A): Based on the Boeing 767, the E-10 will be the basic airframe to replace the older 707-based electronic support aircraft. Though the newest of these older designs, the Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radar on the few E-8C JSTARS will be transferred to new E-10A aircraft in 2013, and combined with a focused 30-degree Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) for low-altitude and cruise missile tracking. The E-10B, with the 360-degree AMTI (AWACS-type radar) and will begin replacing the E-3C in 2018. The E-10C will replace the RC-135 and EP-3 as a long-range electronic surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft around 2020.
- Re-engine B-52: The B-52 remains one of the most effective bomber, especially in low-threat areas. Though first fielded in 1952, it is planned they will continue in service for another 30-40 years. In order to update and ensure successful employment, they should be upgraded with four RB-211 (Boeing 757) replacing eight much older and less efficient engines, new engine struts, revised digital cockpit controls, avionics, electronic defense and fire control systems. As a result the B-52 will be compatible with all new smart munitions, about half the cost in lifetime fuel and maintenance costs, greater total thrust, and about 46% increase in range.
Navy
- CG(X): Using the DD(X), the CG(X) will replace one of the guns with about 50-100% more Vertical Launch System (VLS) missile cells, perhaps of larger size then standard design, to accommodate the KEI or an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. Focus is on defeating complex missile and air threats, with a secondary strike focus. Eleven planned, one for each carrier group, starting in 2019 with 1 per year through 2030, to replace Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
- FF(X): Starting in 2025, the oldest Burke-class Destroyers will be reaching retirement age. A replacement escort, using the technologies of the DD(X)/CG(X) and LCS programs, possibly a slightly more conventional or trimaran hull design for open-ocean operations. An initial 22 are planned for carrier battle group escort.
- Next-Generation Littoral Submarine (SSX): Though quite capable, the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine is very expensive (upwards of $3Billion each) and rather large. This has been a trend in recent generations of open-ocean US submarines, restricting the size of the fleet. To augment this force, a less expensive class, based on high-level of automation and externally mounted weapons pods. This vessel will not necessarily be nuclear powered, especially with the breakthroughs in Air-Independent Propulsion systems. This system would be an inshore littoral warfare craft, not an open-ocean warship, and as such will be small and limited in its capabilities. It would be ship-lifted to forward areas and supported by tenders and sea-bases.
Marine Corps
- Marine Expeditionary Family of Fighting Vehicles: Based on many of the Army’s FSC technologies, the MEFFV will be a modular vehicle, with a common drive train, chassis, and control compartment, that can carry various fighting compartments in its “bed”. To replace the LAV-25 (2015), M1A1 (2020), and possibly the Stryker in Army units (if it is not replaced with the heavier FCS). It would also provide non-combat versions (medical, logistic, ect.) as well as Scout, Infantry Assault, and indirect artillery/missile versions. At least 4, and possibly 8, battalions are envisioned.