Advanced Surface Machinery Systems

The Advanced Surface Machinery Systems program (PE 0603573N) is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) components and systems for surface ships. The primary objective is to develop and demonstrate innovative power and energy systems that can be integrated into future ship classes and back-fit into existing platforms where feasible. This program also supports cyber analysis for HM&E systems to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place for shipboard architectures. It acts as a bridge between science and technology (S&T) research and ship platform acquisition, facilitating the transition of promising technologies into operational systems.

Integrated Power Systems (IPS) is the main project under this program element, with a focus on risk reduction and development of advanced power and propulsion technologies for the DDG(X) class destroyer and other future surface combatants. IPS efforts are structured in four phases: modeling and simulation, land-based testing, establishment of a Land Based Engineering Site (LBES), and eventual shipboard integration and activation. These phases are designed to meet Congressional mandates for realistic land-based testing prior to ship construction, as specified in the FY 2020 and FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA). IPS work informs ship design specifications and ensures that new ships can accommodate the space, weight, power, and cooling requirements of advanced power systems.

Power and Energy Systems development within IPS aims to provide scalable, modular energy storage solutions to support high-powered mission systems like directed energy weapons and advanced sensors. Standardizing energy storage across multiple ship classes reduces the need for separate systems and enhances backup power capabilities. The program also includes the development of advanced power conversion modules using silicon carbide and other high-bandgap semiconductor materials, which enable more compact and thermally tolerant power conversion equipment. These efforts are aligned with the Navy's 30-year shipbuilding plan and the Chief of Naval Operations Surface Capability Evolution Plan, ensuring coordinated investment and technology maturation.

HM&E Cyber Analysis is another critical objective, employing model-based systems engineering tools to identify and mitigate cyber vulnerabilities in shipboard HM&E networks. Planned activities include cyber tabletop exercises, vulnerability analysis, and integration of commercial cyber monitoring capabilities for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The program also supports DevSecOps infrastructure development at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) in alignment with Project Overmatch, which seeks to enhance digital integration and cybersecurity across naval platforms.

Congressional Adds supplement the core program with targeted research and development efforts. These include the development of silicon carbide power electronics and system integration for high-efficiency power conversion, silicon carbide flexible bus nodes for distributed mission loads, large format lithium-ion batteries for advanced energy storage, tactical energy management controllers to optimize shipboard power utilization, and high temperature superconducting main propulsion electric motor technology. Each initiative is intended to address specific technical challenges and improve the operational efficiency, resilience, and capability of future naval power and propulsion systems.

The acquisition strategy for the Advanced Surface Machinery Systems program emphasizes full and open competition to maximize value and minimize costs. Where possible, commercial technologies are leveraged to further reduce expenses and accelerate technology transition. The program coordinates closely with other Navy RDT&E and ship design efforts, such as DDG(X) Concept Development, to ensure that power and energy system requirements are integrated into overall ship specifications and procurement strategies.