Future Naval Capabilities Applied Research

The Future Naval Capabilities Applied Research (PE 0602750N) program is managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and funds applied research efforts to address the highest priority operational needs of the Department of the Navy (DON). The program aims to systematically study and mature technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to TRL 4, focusing on both Technology Candidates (TCs) and Innovative Naval Prototypes (INPs). These efforts are designed to deliver solutions to known requirements and to experiment with potentially game-changing ideas, balancing flexibility and risk in alignment with broader DoN and DoD guidance.

Project 1502: C5ISR/Naval Space supports research and development in Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Naval Space technologies. Its objectives include advancing secure communications, resilient networking, electronic warfare, quantum precision timing and navigation, and decision-making superiority. The project seeks to mature over-the-horizon communications, develop multi-beam and software-defined modem technologies, optimize AI algorithms for distributed maritime operations, and enhance cyber resilience and electromagnetic warfare capabilities. It also includes classified efforts such as the Chimera INP, which focuses on information warfare hardware and software development.

Project 1503: Directed Energy & Kinetic Systems focuses on maturing technologies for both directed energy (DE) weapons, such as lasers and high-power microwaves, and kinetic weapons, including missiles, projectiles, and swarming munitions. Objectives include enabling integration of DE systems within Navy and Marine Corps platforms, developing compact antennas, advancing tracking and engagement algorithms, and investigating novel propulsion and seeker technologies for kinetic weapons. The project also supports autonomy and human-machine teaming for weapon systems, as well as fire control architectures for layered defense and precision strike capabilities.

Project 1505: Human & Biological Systems aims to enhance warfighter performance, safety, and medical care through applied research in human performance, medical support, decision analytics, autonomy, and training. Key objectives include developing therapeutics for decompression sickness, improving decision support tools for commanders, fabricating ultra-low power AI processors for underwater platforms, and advancing adaptive training approaches. The project also invests in technologies for operational risk management, fatigue mitigation, and long-term data analytics to support readiness and lethality.

Project 1507: Naval Aerospace develops technologies for manned and unmanned aviation platforms, focusing on system-of-systems concepts, shipboard recovery capabilities, and advanced propulsion systems. The STARDANCAR-M effort introduces rotating detonation augmentors for small engines to increase speed and evasion capabilities for aircraft and missiles. The FLASH INP integrates hypersonic vehicle technologies, aiming to demonstrate surface-launched, tactical-range hypersonic strike capabilities and inform system requirements for future deployment.

Project 1508: Undersea Systems supports research in mine and expeditionary warfare, undersea surveillance, environmental information warfare, and advanced undersea weapons. Objectives include developing autonomous systems for seabed surveys, improving diagnostics and neutralization technologies, advancing glider towed arrays for anti-submarine warfare, and enhancing environmental sensing and prediction. The Full Spectrum Undersea Warfare (FSUSW) initiative focuses on offensive and defensive seabed and subsea operations, distributed undersea warfare, and integration of multi-vehicle deployment systems for Virginia Class submarines.

Project 5891: Naval S&T Ops Analysis, Support & Experimentation Act provides operational analysis, program management support, and experimentation activities for both FNC and INP efforts. The goal is to broaden the spectrum of applied research, accelerate response to emerging requirements, and ensure fiscal clarity and acquisition oversight. This project supports the identification and evaluation of future topics for investment, enabling flexible and timely development of new naval capabilities.