Armament/Ordnance Development

The Armament/Ordnance Development program (PE 0604602F) is a key Air Force research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the integration, safety, and effectiveness of air-delivered munitions and their interfaces with aircraft. The overarching goal is to develop and mature open standards, such as the Universal Armament Interface (UAI), to enable rapid integration and support for a wide range of weapon systems across USAF, Joint, and Coalition platforms. By standardizing armament interfaces and leveraging digital acquisition practices, the program aims to reduce development timelines, lower lifecycle costs, and ensure interoperability with emerging capabilities.

653133: Bombs & Fuzes is a major line item within the program, dedicated to improving conventional weapons and munitions, including kinetic and non-kinetic warheads, fuzes, and height-of-burst sensors (HOBS). Its objectives include the development and integration of common weapon components, advanced guidance systems, and position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities. The project also supports the manufacturing base for warheads and munitions materiel handling equipment (MMHE), ensuring readiness and safety. A significant focus is placed on enhancing lethality and survivability against a variety of target types, as well as enabling rapid technology insertion to keep pace with evolving threats and compliance with insensitive munitions (IM) standards.

Within Bombs & Fuzes, the Munitions Materiel Handling Equipment (MMHE) sub-project aims to standardize and improve munitions handling and armament equipment across platforms, preventing duplication and increasing operational efficiency. Efforts include engineering, prototype fabrication, technical data development, and safety authorizations. MMHE activities support new weapons and aircraft configurations, including the F-35, B-21, and hypersonic weapons, and involve collaboration with DARPA and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The project also invests in digital environments and security infrastructure to support the development and sustainment of these capabilities.

The Medium Caliber Ammunition sub-project addresses research, development, and testing needs for medium caliber rounds, such as those used by the F-35. Objectives include qualification and comparative testing, inventory health assessments, and engineering support for alternative products and sources. This work is performed in collaboration with the Department of the Navy and other stakeholders, with a focus on maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of medium caliber ammunition inventories.

The Insensitive Munitions (IM) and Emerging Technology sub-project is tasked with modeling and validating munition performance, developing new energetic materials, and integrating emerging technologies into both future and existing weapons. The goal is to improve safety, lethality, accuracy, and reliability in accordance with the National Defense Strategy. Activities include collaboration with industry, academia, and government agencies to identify and transition promising technologies, such as advanced guidance kits and new weapon designs, into operational use.

655361: Stores-Aircraft Interface is another critical line item, focusing on the development and maturation of open standards for stores-aircraft interface, primarily through the Universal Armament Interface (UAI). The project supports upgrades to interface standards, integration of the Common Flexible Weapon Interface (CFWI), and development of certification tools and user interfaces. Planned implementations span a wide range of platforms, including the F-35, F-15EX, B-21, MQ-9, and multiple advanced missile systems. The objective is to enable rapid digital integration of new weapon capabilities, independent of aircraft software cycles, and to support coalition and joint interoperability.

The Stores-Aircraft Interface project also funds innovation activities such as studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes to accelerate technology transition and future acquisition programs. Management and execution of these activities transitioned in October 2024 to the Architecture and Systems Engineering (ASE) group at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson AFB. The acquisition strategy involves a mix of in-house work and contracted services, including Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts with Original Equipment Manufacturers and advisory/assistance contractors. PE 0604602F is structured to ensure technical currency, support for joint and coalition operations, and the ability to rapidly field advanced armament capabilities.