Carrier Systems Development

The Carrier Systems Development program element (PE 0603512N) is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing the technological capabilities of aircraft carrier-based systems. Its primary objectives are to enhance command and control (C2) systems, improve anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface warfare (SUW) capabilities, modernize shipboard automation, and address cyber-security and obsolescence challenges across the carrier fleet. This program supports the operational effectiveness, survivability, and modernization of the Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and their embarked air wings.

Project 3216: Tactical Support Center-Integration (CV-TSC) is a core component of the Carrier Systems Development program. Its goal is to deliver advanced ASW and SUW combat capabilities to aircraft carriers, supporting the Tactical Action Officer (TAO) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Sea Combat Commander. The project develops, tests, certifies, and fields incremental Fleet Capability Releases (FCRs) that provide software and hardware upgrades, critical cyber-security enhancements, and improved interoperability with both current and future warfare systems.

Key objectives include integrating sensor data from organic rotary wing aircraft (MH-60R/S), shipboard sensors, and external data links such as Link-16 and the Global Command and Control System (GCCS), thereby enhancing situational awareness and self-defense capabilities against evolving maritime threats.

For Fiscal Year 2026, Project 3216 is focused on the final development and testing of FCR-7, which includes significant software architecture upgrades, integration of the Maritime Targeting Cell Afloat (MTC-A), enhancements to the MH-60S interface, and cyber-security improvements. The project will also initiate development of FCR-8, emphasizing Integrated Combat System (ICS) integration to streamline hardware interfaces and reduce sustainment costs.

The evolutionary acquisition approach ensures that capability updates are delivered rapidly to address emerging fleet requirements and maintain synchronization with other critical shipboard systems.

Project 4005: In-Service Carrier Systems Development aims to develop and demonstrate new technologies and enhancements for the eleven active nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the fleet. The project's objectives are to create a robust, operator-friendly automation control environment, reduce total ownership costs, and address equipment obsolescence. This includes system architecture improvements, requirements and specification development, technology selection, software development, and cyber-security integration.

Key initiatives for FY 2026 include additive manufacturing, cyber-security wholeness, and expansion of obsolescence mitigation efforts, as well as upgrades to critical shipboard systems such as weapons elevators and damage control systems. The In-Service Carrier Systems Development project also supports ongoing modernization and cost reduction efforts by implementing affordable operational upgrades and leveraging comparative technology analysis.

The acquisition strategy emphasizes the investigation, demonstration, and implementation of available technologies to reduce workload, manpower requirements, and overall lifecycle costs, while maintaining performance and schedule requirements for shipboard systems.

Project 9999: Congressional Adds for FY 2024 provided funding to establish a Digital Component Certification Laboratory at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. This tri-service initiative (Army, Air Force, Navy) is focused on enhancing the cyber-security of naval aviation and carrier systems by developing processes, metrics, and tools to evaluate and certify digital components and embedded firmware before installation in weapon systems.

The laboratory's mission includes identifying compromised or infected components, tracking manufacturers, and ensuring the reliability and security of U.S. military systems in the face of cyber threats.