Nuclear Delivery Systems Prototyping

PE 0604336F: Nuclear Delivery Systems Prototyping is a program managed by the Air Force under the Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity. Its primary goal is to address a capability gap identified by United States Strategic Command and endorsed by the Department of Defense's Deputy's Management Action Group. The program aims to rapidly develop and demonstrate a prototype air-delivered nuclear delivery system using fielded technologies, in close coordination with the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and its National Laboratories. This effort is intended to enable a swift transition from prototype to a fielded system, ensuring the United States maintains a credible and effective nuclear deterrent.

The objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 focus on both research and development activities. Key tasks include conducting modeling and simulation analyses of various nuclear explosive package options to refine the proposed design. The program will initiate and continue the design and procurement of components necessary for building prototype weapon assemblies, which will be used in ground tests to validate mechanical, electrical, and subsystem performance under realistic operational environments. Construction of sled test targets and integration of prototype assemblies with Air Force aircraft, specifically the F-15E and B-2 platforms, are also included.

The central project within this program element encompasses the technical development, integration, and testing of the prototype system. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Kirtland Air Force Base leads the effort, working with NNSA/Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) for design and build activities. Fuze development is also a critical component, with work performed at SNL Livermore. These collaborations ensure that the prototype meets nuclear weapon environmental standards from storage through detonation, while also addressing reliability and target defeat requirements.

Test and evaluation activities are a major focus, with ground tests including static ejection, vibration, thermal, cable pull-down, and sled tests. Flight testing will begin with F-15E aircraft and culminate in prototype demonstrations on B-2 aircraft. The program provides resources for ground test facilities and coordinates with aircraft program offices to identify and implement necessary software and hardware changes for integration. These tests are designed to capture operational environments and demonstrate the functionality and safety of the prototype weapon assemblies.

Supporting activities within the budget line include technology and workforce development, systems engineering, and geology studies. These efforts ensure that the program is underpinned by robust scientific analysis, skilled personnel, and comprehensive systems engineering support. Management services, such as civilian labor, program administration, and scheduling/systems engineering support, are also funded to facilitate effective execution and oversight of the program.

After successful flight test demonstrations, the program will focus on maturing developmental hardware to meet nuclear system quality standards, ensuring nuclear surety and refining aircraft interfaces, including monitor and control functions. Considerations such as nuclear surety, maintenance, logistics, and producibility are integral to the development process, ensuring that the final system is safe, reliable, and feasible for operational deployment.