Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Advanced Technology Development

Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Adv Tech Dev falls under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy / BA 3: Advanced Technology Development (ATD). The program aims to solve problems and respond to mission requirements while exploring new ideas and breakthrough capabilities for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). It focuses on larger-scale and high-risk INPs selected for their potential to revolutionize operational concepts. The program's objective is to continue applied research work for promising INPs with advanced technology development activities. These investments define the future of U.S. naval forces and bridge the gap from concept to working prototype, maturing technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or 3 to a TRL of 6. Successful experimentation and demonstrations present the Department of the Navy with disruptive capabilities that may lead to new acquisition programs.

Project 2731, High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project (HELCAP), aims to expedite the development, experimentation, integration, and demonstration of critical technologies to defeat crossing Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM). The project addresses technical challenges such as atmospheric turbulence, automatic target identification, precision target tracking in cluttered conditions, advanced beam control, and higher power HEL development. It conducts technology assessments, laser lethality investigations, and advanced beam control activities. The project also focuses on subsystem level operability including active tracking and advanced atmospheric compensation using Adaptive Optics. Additionally, it plans to conduct laser/materiel component interaction testing and support beam control tracker and adaptive optics verification experimentation.

The program's goals include developing new technologies for cyber warfare within Project 2958: Cyberspace Activities. These technologies aim to enable the warfighter to take immediate, appropriate action against any desired adversary or network by assuring continuous analyses of intelligence and open information sources. The program seeks to foster operational endurance and enable sustained operations and resiliency for warfighters and platforms through enhanced cybersecurity/protection.