Future AF Capabilities Applied Research

The Future AF Capabilities Applied Research program is designed to advance multidisciplinary applied research efforts, aiming to accelerate the development of transformational technologies for the Department of the Air Force. This initiative focuses on reducing risks and maturing technologies to support larger advanced technology development investments. The program engages traditional and non-traditional industry partners, government laboratories, and academia through feasibility studies and demonstrations lasting 12-24 months. A key component is the Seedlings for Disruptive Capabilities Program (SDCP), which facilitates cross-disciplinary applied research within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop high-risk, leap-ahead technologies.

The Explore effort within this program identifies and nurtures game-changing technologies that align with future force priorities of the Department of the Air Force. It employs a strategic approach to uncover these technologies through competitive opportunity calls, concept decomposition, and horizon-scanning. The initiative supports various areas such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, alternative energy solutions, electronic warfare, and distributed command and control. By utilizing modeling, simulation, military utility experimentation, and technical analysis, Explore aims to assess operational viability and demonstrate the feasibility of transformational warfighter capabilities.

Seedlings for Disruptive Capabilities (SDCP) focuses on integrating cross-enterprise applied research efforts to accelerate technology-enabled capability candidates aligned with operational imperatives. This includes developing extended range weapons, coherent radars for UAV detection, wideband agile RF communications, and scalable phased arrays for space applications. The program emphasizes enhancing AFRL's research capabilities in a collaborative environment while leveraging external partnerships with academia and industry to capitalize on emerging technological advancements.

Data to Decisions and Collaborative Learning is another critical aspect of this program that enhances decision-making processes through advanced systems and innovations connecting experts with operators. This effort leverages data analytics to connect warfighters with scientists and engineers while promoting technical proficiency among military members. The initiative also includes strategic activities such as regional campus hubs and collaborations with national innovators to foster a robust science and technology workforce pipeline. Through continuous lab process innovation via platforms like Air Force "TechConnect," this component aims to build a pipeline of ideas from external sources supporting future force capabilities.