Images de page
PDF
ePub

late 1980s. Today, interim systems that provide lessons learned for JTFP development are located with selected units. As an example, the Limited Operational Capability Europe is supporting operational requirements for the European theater. Further, it is being used in a two year test under NATO's Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation Systems activity (part of the Secretary of Defense's Emerging Technologies initiative with NATO) to develop interface requirements for supporting coalition warfare through the sharing of tactical intelligence with our allies. Using this near-term/mid-term approach, we are evolving an effective capability to support the commanders' need for timely, accurate information.

In addition to these and other programs aimed at placing equipment in the field for increased intelligence capabilities, we are continuing to stress improved intelligence training. Intelligence training systems are being enhanced and investments in foreign language programs for personnel associated with intelligence activities are continuing.

Special Operations

C3I special operations efforts focus on the coordination and oversight of

the

research and development in support of special operations and counterterrorism activities. Significant accomplishments achieved in Special Operations Forces (SOF) mission areas include: procurement of additional Combat Talon П infiltration/exfiltration aircraft; upgrading additional air refuelable helicopters with adverse weather, night and terrain following capabilities; and increased aircraft readiness through a robust spare parts procurement program. In addition, new assault craft are being purchased for Naval Special Warfare units and the capabilities of swimmer delivery vehicles are being improved. We are also continuing to develop new SOF equipment such as remotely piloted vehicles, special avionics, improved exfiltration systems, underwater breathing devices, and lightweight, secure radios. Future plans include developing new technology to reduce the weight and volume that SOF teams must carry.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As we continue to move forward with the C3I improvement initiatives started under the President's Strategic Modernization Program, it is important that emphasis be placed on maintaining a balance between existing and future weapons systems and their supporting C3I systems. Such a balance is critical

[blocks in formation]

VI. DEFENSE WIDE INITIATIVES

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The effectiveness of modern military forces in a large measure is determined by the quality and quantity of materiel and support provided to the Armed Services. In order to satisfy the need for capable, reliable and affordable equipment, the DoD maintains a strong Science and Technology (S&T) program which is the foundation of our RDT&E

program. Thus the S&T program, through the technological progress it promotes, increases the deterrent value of U.S. forces and acts as a hedge against Soviet technological surprise.

A principal objective of the S&T program is to maintain a technological lead over potential adversaries. The maintenance of this lead is becoming increasingly critical as the Soviets field higher quality equipment for their forces. Therefore, we must ensure not only that our military technological base is viable and strong but also that our national technology infrastructure is second to none. The combined efforts of industry, universities and government laboratories are essential to the

maintenance of a strong military technology posture.

The S&T program is managed by the Services and Defense Agencies. It covers a wide range of technologies and projects of importance to the military. These programs cannot be covered in detail by this statement; however, selected S&T activities will be highlighted in the following paragraphs.

Integrated Circuit Technology

are

The Very High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) program increases the United States' lead in integrated circuit technology. Most of the VHSIC 1.25 micrometer integrated circuits functional with thousands of sample chips available for weapon system insertion. In addition, a number of brassboards that provide signal processing capabilities at the leading edge of technology are fully operational. Second generation VHSIC chip development is underway and devices are being delivered for DoD testing with 0.5 micrometer minimum feature sizes. The second generation VHSIC chips will

produce another 50-100 fold increase in signal processing capability.

A new program has been initiated that is oriented towards providing major improvements in the sensor electronics, the 'eyes and ears' of electronic systems. This effort will focus on monolithic gallium arsenide integrated circuit technology and will emphasize analog functions for microwave and millimeter wave military applications. The Microwave/Millimeter Wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MIMIC) program is application oriented and calls for rapid technology insertion into existing and future military systems. MIMIC will provide advanced capabilities in analog circuitry for affordable applications in aircraft, missiles, surveillance and other military systems.

Basic Research

The basic research program provides fundamental understanding and concepts required for long-term technical superiority. Examples of the research accomplishments from this program are the advanced composite materials analysis techniques formulated by Drexel University and the laser-tomographic flow field visualization technology developed by the University of Michigan. These results will impact military structural and airframe design and analysis.

Major efforts are being made to improve the coordination with and the capabilities of the universities

performing DoD research. In September of this year, the President established a policy on the transfer of scientific, technical and engineering information. This policy enhances significantly DoD's relations with universities and industry by establishing that, to the extent possible, the dissemination of results from federally funded fundamental research will be unrestricted. In addition, the University Research Instrumentation Program enhances the effectiveness of university programs and the University Research Initiative underscores our commitment to accelerate the process of strengthening university research in defense related technologies. These actions will enhance the basic research program of the Department.

Strategic Computing

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is undertaking technology programs in artificial intelligence, multi-processor system architecture and optical and micro-electronic devices with the class of objective of developing a "intelligent" systems that will provide additional dimensions to weapons and equipment. Such smart computers will

be used to demonstrate important applications via the autonomous land vehicle, airplane pilot's associate and battle management projects. Follow-on systems employing this technology, with suitable sensors, will be able to help humans reach reliable conclusions in intelligence assimilation, target discrimination, target assignment and other difficult tasks faster and more accurately than with present conventional computing systems. In addition to improving the functional performance of future defense systems, the strategic strategic computing program promises very favorable return-oninvestment because of its innovative character and potentially widespread application throughout the Services and Defense Agencies.

Aircraft Propulsion Technology

Aircraft propulsion continues to be a high-payoff technology for DoD. In recognition of the long-term prospects, an innovative integrated exploratory and advanced technology development program aimed at increasing the capability of aircraft turbine engines by 100% by the turn of the century is being formulated. The major feature of this program is an integrated materials/ propulsion technology effort to permit higher payoff/higher risk approaches in exploratory development. The program

will be fully defined this year, and will lead to large increases in aircraft capability. For example, it is expected that a sustained Mach 3 plus capability in an F-15 size aircraft and intercontinental ranges in an air launched cruise missile size vehicle will be possible. Conducting a vigorous aircraft propulsion technology program in order to both maintain our military posture and national preeminence is an important aspect of the DoD S&T program.

Advanced Aircraft Technology

The aircraft technology program continues to focus on the integration of aircraft functions to provide increased operational capability and enhanced survivability. The current emphasis is on the integration of flight controls with propulsion controls featuring thrust vectoring/thrust reversing exhaust nozzles for short takeoff and landing (STOL) and increased maneuver performance. The work is being pursued on a specially modified F-15 aircraft which is projected to takeoff and land in 1500 feet. The first flight of this aircraft is scheduled for FY 1987 to demonstrate technologies which are applicable to the Advanced Tactical Fighter or can be retrofitted to upgrade existing fighter aircraft. Increasing the combat capabilities of future military aircraft is

« PrécédentContinuer »