Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation and Demonstration.

The Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation & Demonstration (RPED) program is designed to accelerate the modernization of naval forces through innovative prototyping and experimentation. This initiative, overseen by the Department of the Navy's Accelerated Acquisition Board of Directors, supports the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) initiative. The primary goal is to identify and develop "best of breed" capabilities within Department of Defense prototyping programs and execute large-scale experiments to refine and validate the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC).

A key objective within this program is the Rapid Prototype Development project, which focuses on advancing technologies that can be quickly integrated into operational environments. This involves collaboration with Joint Services, international partners, and other government agencies to ensure that new capabilities align with the four key supporting concepts of the JWC: Joint Concept for Fires, Command and Control, Contested Logistics, and Information Advantage. The aim is to conduct multi-component experimentation that supports these functional battles.

The OCTOPUS project under RPED exemplifies efforts to enhance communication capabilities in contested environments. It integrates multi-modal communication technologies to enable remote command and control, long-range fires, and resilient communications for joint warfighting operations. By leveraging acoustic, optical, and radio frequency communications through a rapidly deployed infrastructure, OCTOPUS seeks to provide commanders with reliable communication channels even in denied environments.

Additionally, projects like GRASP-X aim to expand existing capabilities in geo-location and reporting of advanced signals pertinent to USINDOPACOM's interests. This involves transitioning new technologies into base Command & Control and Electromagnetic Support programs managed by NAVAIR PMA-265 Program Office. Through such projects, RPED endeavors to validate required capabilities by evaluating integrated technologies in realistic operating environments, thereby informing future requirements and decision-making processes within the Department of Defense.