Air Armament

Symposium
“Game Changers”
Col Kirk Kloeppel
Director
Munitions Directorate
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Future of Weapons

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 3

 Outline

• Introduction
– AFRL Strategic Plan
– AFRL Focused Long-Term Challenges (FLTCs)
• Munitions Directorate (RW)
– Mission
– Core Technical Competencies (CTC)
• “AFRL Game Changers”
– Micro Munitions
– Hypersonics
– Bio-inspired
– Real-time Dynamic Warheads
– CBRNE Neutralization
• Business Opportunities
• Conclusions

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 4

 AFRL 40 Sites World-Wide

WRIGHT-PATTERSON ROME HANSCOM

PROPULSION (RZ) INFORMATION (RI) BATTLE SPACE
AIR VEHICLES (RB) SURVEILLANCE (RY) ENVIRONMENTS (RV)
SENSORS (RY) ELECTROMAGNETICS (RY)
MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING (RX)
HUMAN EFFECTIVENESS (RH)
COLLABORATIVE C2 (RI)

EDWARDS
ROCKET PROPULSION
(RZ)

HQ
AFRL
BALLSTON
AIR FORCE OFFICE OF
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
MESA (AFOSR)
WARFIGHTER TRAINING
RESEARCH (RH)

KIRTLAND BROOKS
DIRECTED ENERGY (RD) BIOEFFECTS, AEROSPACE EGLIN TYNDALL
SPACE VEHICLES (RV) PHYSIOLOGY (RH) MUNITIONS (RW) AIR BASE TECHNOLOGY (RX)

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 5

Capability-Based S&T Strategy –
Strategic Planning Vectors
The Air Force Capability-Based Science & Technology
Strategy presents a considered and incremental approach to
transforming the science and technology (S&T) investment
focus of AFRL. It offers a strategic look at aligning the
priorities for nurturing and developing core competencies as
well as aligning the pursuit of particular technologies toward
the solution of high-priority problems.

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 6

 Focused Long Term Challenges

Delivering the Air Force S&T Vision Through

Leadership, Discovery, Innovation, and Integration.
1. Anticipatory Command, Control
& Intelligence (C2I)
2. Unprecedented Proactive
Surveillance & Reconnaissance
(S&R)
3. Dominant Difficult Surface
Target Engagement/Defeat
4. Persistent & Responsive
Precision Engagement
5. Assured Operations in High
Threat Environments
6. Dominant Offensive Cyber
Engagement
7. On-demand Theater Force
Projection, Anywhere
8. Affordable Mission Generation &
Sustainment
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 7
 AFRL Munitions Directorate

Vision:
Weapon technologies for any target

Mission:
Lead the discovery, development,
integration and transition of affordable
munitions technologies for our air and
space force

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 8

RW’s Core Technical
Competencies Crosscut AFRL
FLTCs

Dominant Difficult Surface Target Engagement / Defeat (FLTC 3)

Guidance, Navigation &

Target ID and Tracking

Explosives / Energetic

Warheads / Damage

Munitions Systems
Mechanisms
Materials

Control
Fuzes

Persistent & Responsive Precision Engagement (FLTC 4)

Assured Operations in High Threat Environments (FLTC 5)

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 9

AFRL Munition Game Changers

• Micro Munitions

• Hypersonics

• Bio-inspired

• Selectable Warheads

• CBRNE Neutralization

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 10

 Micro Munition Concept
Game Changer
• Multiple Targets per munition
• New dimension Flexibility (tailored
lethality)
• Difficult to detect and destroy
• Multi deployment ability
• Very low collateral damage
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Warfighter Benefit
• Tactical Close Air Support (CAS)
• Adaptable & Time Critical ISR
• Optimal Asset Positioning
• Completely Organic (F2T2EA)
Capability
• Precision Lethality
• Low Collateral Damage
• Clandestine/Persistent coverage
• Complex Environment Operation
• Indoor/Outdoor Operation
• Semi and Fully Autonomous Operation
• Net-Centric Communication
• Extreme HDBT Functional Defeat
11
 Micro Munition Technologies
Mid Term Attributes
• Deny Enemy Ops in Urban Canyon
• Non-GPS Guidance
• High Confidence Target ID
• Supervised (Human) Autonomy of
Mobile Target Engagement
• Compact Kill Mechanisms
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Enabling Technologies
• Low Speed Aerodynamics
• Nano Tube
• MEMs and NEMs
• Structural Energetics
• Multi-Functional Systems
• Aerial/Terrestrial Locomotion
• Miniature Power
• Miniature Propulsion
• Micro Platforms
• Microsystems Integration
• Agile Autonomous Munitions
12
 Hypersonic Weapon
Time Sensitive Target Concept
Prompt Global Strike
Warfighter Benefit
• Fundamental change to the conduct of
warfare
Theater of Operation Anti-access

a rg
et
s • “Kick down the door”
lT
iti
ca • Centers of Gravity at risk
ts
Long Range
Cr e
rg
e Strike
Ta

Ti
m
• Minimizes effect of basing denial
p
ee
d /D
ar

SEAD/DEAD
• Reduce CAF operational & logistics
H

foot print
• Short flight time allows for adaptability
across a wide-range of strike
Game Changer
requirements
• Ability to engage time sensitive • Higher level of survivability
targets at large range • Speed / Range = Survivable at
• Provide regional, rapid response in Launch
an anti-access/area denied • Speed / Altitude = Survivable in
environment Route
• Maneuverability = Unpredictable
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 13
 Hypersonic Weapon
Time Sensitive Target Technologies
Mid Term Attributes
• Precision strike from long range
standoff within short duration
minutes on relocatable targets
• Hypersonic Speed
• Large Payload
• Compatible with current aircraft
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Enabling Technologies
• Very fast target detection and initiation for
placing energy in desired location
• Efficient Scramjet Propulsion and Rocket
Accelerator for long range
• Tailored blast pulse to maximize or minimize
target coupling
• High temperature sensors and apertures
• Miniature, low-power sensor systems
• Microelectronics for harsh environments
• Survivable fuze technology
• High speed explosive lethality, survivability,
thermal stability
• Precise seeker pointing through hypersonic
boundary layer –Long Term Goal
14
 Bio-inspired Munitions Concept
Game Changer
• Enhanced munition agility
• Enhanced situational awareness
• Enhances munition autonomy
• Decrease munition observability
• Operates in confined environments
• Enhanced target detection
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Warfighter Benefit
• Small autonomous robust munitions
that provide close-in ISR-type
information in addition to killing
intended targets
• Capable of full autonomous operation
in urban environments with reduced
operator workload
• Flexible, tailorable CONOPS to
confront realities of modern conflict
• Expanded mission operational
capabilities
– Hovering loiter
– Perch and stare
– Operation within buildings
• Low cost, rapid development, rapid
deployment of new capabilities
15
 Bio-inspired Technologies
Mid Term Attributes
• Demonstrate prototype
multiaperture seeker
• Demonstrate vision-aided
navigation algorithms
• Demonstrate passive morphing air
frame
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Enabling Technologies
• Bio-inspired sensors:
• Multiaperture optics for wide FOV
• Novel navigation sensing
• Air flow (air speed and AoA) sensing
• Novel sensory modalities: olfaction,
sound, electrosensing, etc.
• Bio-inspired algorithms:
• Vision-aided navigation
• Target detection/classification
• Robust agile guidance & control
• Adaptive supervised autonomy
• Bio-inspired agile aerodynamic flight
• High maneuverability, agility
airframes
• Passive, active morphing airframes
• Passive, active exploitation of low
Reynolds number aerodynamics
• Flapping lift/propulsion for hovering
16
 Selectable Warhead Concept

Warfighter Benefit
Dial-a-yield Concept Illustration
1. Deflagrate at t = 0
2. Detonate at t = x milliseconds • Extremely insensitive munitions --
1.6 hazard classification (maybe
1
4.1, flammable solids)
2
• Reduced logistics burden for
storage & handling
• Improved safe-&-arm process
• Non-exploded ordnance can
“self-inert”
• Yield selectable from the cockpit
Game Changer • Reduced sorties from
improper weapon loadout
• Tailored lethality (one warhead for • Increased target choice
multi/scalable effects) (including urban)
• Enhanced Energy Effects (achieve • Low collateral damage (urban &
desirable effect) CAS missions)
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 17
 Selectable Warhead Technologies

Multi-mode fragmentation with embedded microdetonators. Enabling Technologies

• EM field-controlled sensitivity /
kinetics
• Deflagration-versus-detonation
initiation
EM-field-induced reactions in inorganic energetics
• Multipoint/line initiation of
PS volumetric explosives

Mid Term Attributes

• Multipoint mini Tantalum Warhead
Technology Initiator (TWeTI)
initiators for warhead liners
• Ability to select effects post-
launch • New energetic materials
• Scaleable effects • Inorganic energetics
• Directional effects
• Selectable mode energetics • Nano energetics
(deflagrate or detonate) • Dual-use materials
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 18
 C-CBRNE Concept
The Problem
Game Changer
• Neutralization of WMD targets
• Low Collateral Damage
• Robust to all threats
• Utilizes defeat, disruption, and/or
denial to accomplish mission
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Warfighter Benefit
• Provides warfighter with viable
“fire-and-forget” weapon to defeat
CBRNE targets
• Provides munition payloads to
address diverse set of CBRNE
targets while maintaining
compatibility with existing
munitions platform and operational
requirements
• Denies enemy access to and/or use
of CBRNE agents
• Enables accurate estimates of
weapon performance to facilitate
force protection
19
 C-CBRNE Technologies
Mid Term Attributes
• Flight qualified C-CBRNE munition with
multi-log improvement in neutralization
of aerosolized agents over conventional
HE
• Proven robustness versus multi-threat
targets
• Remote standoff C-CBRNE weapon
• Advanced diagnostics and test
methodologies for validating C-CBRNE
concepts
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588
Enabling Technologies
• C-CBRNE Disruption Approaches
• Enhanced energetic materials
• Persistent neutralizers
• Reduced kinetic effects on agents
• C-CBRNE Denial Approaches
• Semi-rigid foams
• Corruption of CBRNE Weapons
• Cooperative robotics
• Wireless, networked C-CBRNE
sensors and autonomous mobile
platforms
• C-CBRNE Defeat Approaches
• Ultra-high energy concepts
• Photonic disinfection, ionic
chemical breakdown
20
 Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR)
Program
SBIR Program Office
z Objectives / Goals
Air Force
SBIR z Stimulate Technological Innovation
Celebrating 100 Years
of Air & Space Innovation z Use Small Business To Meet Federal
R&D Needs
POC: Jill Barfield, RWOB z Increase Commercialization from
(850) 882-3920 Federal R&D
EMAIL: Jill.Barfield2@eglin.af.mil

z Opportunities/milestones
• FY07 Funding - $30M 7 Topics in FY08 Solicitation
z Anticipate 14 Phase I Awards
z Anticipate 10 Phase II Awards
• Proposed FY08 Funding - $11M z Milestones
– DoD Solicitation Released - Oct
07
– Proposals Submitted - Jan 08
– Ph I Contract Awards – Apr 08
– Ph II Contract Awards – Mar 08
z Contracts
– Phase I $100k Max
– Phase II $750k Max
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 21
 Small Business Innovation
Research
FY08 RW & AAC Potential SBIR Topics
AFRL/RW SBIR Title

Compact Multifunctional Ordnance for Urban Combat

Micro Munition Adaptive Structure Flight Control Technology

Processing for Flexible Sensors

Fusion for Remote Biometrics

AAC SBIR Title

Combined GPS & Comm Antenna Technology

High Speed Penetration Modeling

Penetration Survivable Advanced Energetics

Higher Speed Survivable Small Penetration Fuze Technology

Flight Control Technology for Tightly Controlled Hard Target
Impact
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 22
 Revolutionary Guidance and
Ordnance Technology
AFRL / RW Description:

Searching out paradigm shifting

technologies that have the potential
when matured to dramatically change
the concept of air - delivered
munitions.

Schedule: Contact:

FedBizOps: Updated Yearly

Charlie Cottrell
White Papers: Any Time
AFRL / RWOB
Proposals: Any Time
850-883-2723
Award: Any Time
Charles.Cottrell@eglin.af.mil
White papers can be submitted at any
time
Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 23
 Near-Term Contract Opportunities
R&D or Non R&D (FY 08)
Description POC

Develop technologies that will allow weapons to Don Clabaugh – RW

communicate with aircraft or Joint Air Controllers
mailto:donald.clabaugh@eglin.af.mil
on the ground in a Low Probability of Detection
mode.
Take the low cost imaging fuze components to Robert Orgusaar – RW
the next level by designing, building, and
mailto:robert.orgusaar@eglin.af.mil
demonstrating a high resolution imaging fuze
sensor that operates at frequencies >200 GHz

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 24

 Near-Term Contract Opportunities
R&D or Non R&D (FY 09)
Description POC

Develop an integrated demonstration of the Robert Murphey – RW

guidance, navigation and control functions of a
mailto:robert.murphey@eglin.af.mil
small, powered, short-range precision guided
submunition against multiple moving targets.
Develop and demonstrate advanced control, Michael Valentino – RW
agility and propulsion technologies, along with
mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil
responsive warhead and fuzing capabilities, to
give a single missile near full spherical intercept
capability independent of target orientation and
velocity
Develop low cost miniature cruise missile Michael Valentino – RW
airframe technology and integrate component
mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil
technologies to enable the capability to disable
multiple mobile, relocatable, and light fixed
targets from long standoff.
Develop dispensing technologies for cruise & Michael Valentino – RW
persistent weapons to enable precise,
mailto:michael.valentino@eglin.af.mil
clandestine placement of multi-function
payloads.

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 25

 Conclusion

• Munitions technology investment gives high ROI

• Mid term munitions outlook characterized by
– Increased lethality (per munition and airframe)
– Persistence
– Smaller Weapons potential for UAVs
– Network centric / Cooperative control
– Low Collateral Damage
• AFRL/RW relies on industry partnering to achieve our mission
– R & D contracts goal: 50% of budget
– Growing Revolutionary Technology Initiatives

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 26

 AFRL Munitions Directorate
http://www.eglin.af.mil/afrl_rw/

We Deliver the Warfighter’s Best Bang for the Buck !!

Approved for Public Release AAC/PA 10-03-07-588 27