Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation and Demonstration.

The Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation & Demonstration (RPED) Program Element (PE 0604030N) is a Navy initiative designed to accelerate the modernization of naval forces through rapid prototyping and large-scale experimentation. The program is executed under the oversight of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), as part of the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) initiative. Its primary objective is to identify, test, and validate advanced technologies and concepts that support the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC), focusing on four key areas: Joint Fires, Command and Control, Contested Logistics, and Information Advantage. The RPED program funds projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6-7, emphasizing operationally relevant demonstrations and integration in multi-domain environments.

Rapid Prototype Development encompasses a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at delivering and validating new operational capabilities. Notable efforts include MATADOR, which seeks to enhance Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) target registration accuracy using software developed by WR Systems and the Naval Research Laboratory. LOCUST focuses on demonstrating precision loitering munitions and swarm operations from various platforms, supporting multi-domain strike capabilities and transitioning to program offices for future fielding. RLAC (Rapid Large Area Clearance) develops unmanned systems and advanced sensors for expedited explosive ordnance disposal, reducing clearance timelines and improving human-machine teaming.

Several projects within RPED are classified, such as GRANDSTAND, KRAKEN, SEDNA, and DAWG, with details available only in classified budget justification books. Their inclusion signals a focus on sensitive capabilities related to indications and warnings, threat detection, and advanced operational concepts. JAW BREAKER is tied to the Tactical Edge Targeting program, supporting long-range fires and targeting solutions in the INDOPACOM theater, with development and integration activities managed under the Program Executive Office C4I and Space Systems.

PEGASUS is a C5ISR-T project dedicated to evaluating and prototyping simultaneous transmit and receive antenna apertures for Navy and Tri-Service aircraft. The goal is to transition shipboard capabilities to airborne platforms, with flight testing and performance assessments informing future acquisition decisions. MADS (Multi-domain Area Denial from Small-USV) integrates Stinger missile launchers on small unmanned surface vessels, providing low-cost, persistent anti-air and anti-surface defense, particularly suited for distributed maritime operations and littoral environments.

METEOR addresses the need for resilient hard kill/soft kill options against anti-ship ballistic missile threats, especially in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. It develops high-power microwave (HPM) payloads and novel RF waveforms to supplement kinetic defenses, aiming to expand magazine depth and improve layered air defense. APEX-AIW augments expeditionary forces and partners with additive manufacturing capabilities, enabling in-theater production of vessels, structures, and replacement parts to support operational agility and logistics.

STtNG (Satellite Terminal Non-Geostationary) enhances resilient communications by providing access to proliferated non-geostationary satellite constellations, supporting long-range fires and augmenting existing Navy satellite terminals. JTEN (Joint Tactical Edge Network) integrates service-funded communications architectures to enable cross-domain information sharing and interoperability, leveraging USAF, USN, and Army technologies for joint tactical data exchange. JTEN activities include live-fly demonstrations, modeling, and military utility assessments to inform fielding decisions.

Additional projects such as Cyber SHIELD (cyber hardening of infrastructure), MIM (Rapidly Fieldable Moored Influence Mine), DoM (Data on the Move for operational planning), and CoSyCo (Control Systems for Coordinated Operations in manned-unmanned teaming) reflect the RPED program's commitment to multi-component experimentation and rapid transition of validated capabilities. Each project is managed in coordination with relevant Navy, Joint, and industry partners, with acquisition strategies tailored to expedite development, integration, and operational assessment.