NC3 Advanced Concepts
Category: RDT&E
•
Line Item: 0604001F
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FY25 Budget Request: $10.1M
Overview
Budget Account
3600F - Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force
Budget Activity
04 - Advanced component development and prototypes
Previous Year
Next Year
Description
The NC3 Advanced Concepts program, managed by the Air Force, focuses on the analysis, development, and prototyping of next-generation Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems and subsystems. This initiative aims to ensure a responsive design and development engineering infrastructure that addresses evolving Nuclear Deterrence Operations mission requirements. The program's objectives include technology maturation and risk reduction activities to support the Air Force NC3 Weapon System (AN/USQ-225), thereby enhancing system performance and mitigating evolving threats.
Key goals of the NC3 Advanced Concepts program involve conducting studies, analysis, and prototyping activities. These efforts include test bed activities, exercise participation, and developing modeling and simulation of identified NC3 Weapon System architecture. The program also emphasizes integrated testing, validation, and certification of NC3 systems to ensure their viability and durability. Additionally, it aims to rapidly respond to evolving warfighter priorities and requirements.
In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the program plans to continue its focus on early development and risk reduction of emerging technologies such as antenna improvements, cyber resiliency, and software-defined radio enhancements. These efforts are intended to inform evolving NC3 requirements and provide viable prototypes for testing technical capabilities. Furthermore, High Frequency engineering analysis will be supported to reduce technical risks for potential future programs.
The acquisition strategy for NC3 Advanced Concepts involves a combination of competitively awarded contracts, sole source contracts, or other transaction authority. This approach is designed to augment Air Force capabilities with technical expertise from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), research laboratories, University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and industry Advisory and Assistance Services providers. All activities under this program will be evaluated for promising technologies that could transition into the Air Force NC3 Weapon System.
Key goals of the NC3 Advanced Concepts program involve conducting studies, analysis, and prototyping activities. These efforts include test bed activities, exercise participation, and developing modeling and simulation of identified NC3 Weapon System architecture. The program also emphasizes integrated testing, validation, and certification of NC3 systems to ensure their viability and durability. Additionally, it aims to rapidly respond to evolving warfighter priorities and requirements.
In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the program plans to continue its focus on early development and risk reduction of emerging technologies such as antenna improvements, cyber resiliency, and software-defined radio enhancements. These efforts are intended to inform evolving NC3 requirements and provide viable prototypes for testing technical capabilities. Furthermore, High Frequency engineering analysis will be supported to reduce technical risks for potential future programs.
The acquisition strategy for NC3 Advanced Concepts involves a combination of competitively awarded contracts, sole source contracts, or other transaction authority. This approach is designed to augment Air Force capabilities with technical expertise from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), research laboratories, University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and industry Advisory and Assistance Services providers. All activities under this program will be evaluated for promising technologies that could transition into the Air Force NC3 Weapon System.
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Budget Trend
NC3 Advanced Concepts Research Development, Test & Evaluation Programs (0604001F) budget history and request
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Actual | Enacted | Requested | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted | Forecasted |
| $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $6,900,000 | $5,098,000 | $10,011,000 | $10,148,000 | $10,180,000 | $10,260,000 | $10,266,000 | $10,469,000 |
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FY2025 Defense Budget Detail
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FY2025 Budget Released: 03/09/24