Future Advanced Weapon Analysis & Programs

The Future Advanced Weapon Analysis & Programs (PE 0604200F) is a key Air Force research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing weapons capability planning and development. Its primary goal is to address emerging requirements and technology gaps for both legacy and future weapon systems. The program supports studies, trade space analysis, and technology insertion, enabling responsive design and engineering efforts. Through advanced technology prototype development and rapid fielding, the program seeks to provide feasible solutions that enhance weapon system performance, mitigate evolving threats, and reduce life cycle costs.

A major objective within this program is Capability Strategy Development. This effort involves early systems engineering, concept studies, trade space analyses, modeling and simulation (M&S), and portfolio acquisition planning. The Air Force collaborates with stakeholders to develop technical and investment strategies, create operational reference architectures, and maintain technology and capability roadmaps. The program will continue experiments and demonstrations of kinetic and directed energy weapon concepts, focusing on air-to-air, long-range strike, and maritime strike mission areas. Additionally, it will evaluate the implementation of agile acquisition initiatives such as open systems architecture and digital engineering.

The Warfighter Analytics component enables rapid acquisition and prototyping efforts, integrating empirical data from modeling, simulation, prototypes, and demonstrations. This line item supports the prototyping of weapon system and subsystem concepts, assessment of key attributes, and initiation of test planning with stakeholders. The program will conduct analytical assessments of defense planning scenarios, transition armament concepts to program offices and wargames, and establish new modeling and simulation capabilities. Funding increases are directed toward advanced warhead technologies, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence integration.

The Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis line supports model-based systems engineering, data analysis tool suites, and software engineering expertise for weapons capability strategy development and rapid prototyping. It provides validation and verification of contractor models, develops guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities, and maintains a searchable electronic weapons database. The program will advance efforts such as the Munitions Crosscutting Operation Enabler and Stand Off Attack Weapon Analysis of Alternatives, continuing lethality analysis and expanding modeling capabilities to support continuous munitions analysis.

Industry Connectivity/Technology Transitions is another critical objective, facilitating Air Force outreach to small and large businesses to solicit innovative material solutions for future weapon initiatives. This includes campaign analysis, rapid innovation events, and technology demonstrations at industry conferences. The program ensures alignment of science and technology activities, acquisition efforts, and warfighter requirements with stakeholders. The program will continue technology outreach activities such as Technology Days and industry events, focusing on network collaborative autonomous systems, guidance and control, and direct attack capabilities.

The Armament Subsystems project, managed by AFLCMC/EB at Eglin AFB, FL, encompasses affordable mass and concept studies, future weapons open system architecture, systems engineering support, modeling and simulation licenses, and government test and evaluation. These activities are conducted through competitive contracts and direct government management, supporting the design, development, test, integration, and implementation of modular open systems approaches. The program also funds civilian pay expenses necessary for program management and execution, in addition to those budgeted in other program elements.