Science & Technology for Nuclear Re-entry Systems

The Science & Technology for Nuclear Re-entry Systems program, managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is a critical element of the Department of the Air Force's efforts to advance nuclear delivery system technologies. The primary goal of this program is to develop, demonstrate, and mature advanced subsystems and components necessary for future nuclear re-entry vehicles, thereby supporting the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrence mission. The program is structured under Budget Activity 3 Advanced Technology Development reflecting its focus on the integration and testing of subsystems and prototypes in relevant environments.

Aeroshell Technologies is a major line within this program, aiming to develop advanced flight dynamics hardware, software, and material manufacturing techniques essential for nuclear re-entry system flight testing. Specific objectives include enhancing modeling and simulation tools for predicting re-entry environments, validating laboratory codes, and conducting material studies to update the nuclear re-entry system materials database. The program also focuses on manufacturing process optimization, sourcing high-temperature components, and developing test-bed designs for future flight characterization. These efforts are designed to reduce technical risk, improve system survivability, and enable the construction and testing of multiple Government Reference Designs and Vehicles.

Advanced Fuzing Technologies seeks to develop next-generation fuzing solutions that improve reliability and operational effectiveness for non-ballistic nuclear re-entry vehicles. Objectives include integrating guidance and fuzing systems, developing experimental impact fuze technologies, and constructing prototype fuzes for preliminary testing. The program also emphasizes the integration of advanced guidance with fuzing architectures and target optimization algorithms, ensuring that future systems can adapt to emerging targeting challenges and maintain high safety and surety standards.

Advanced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Technologies are another key focus, with the goal of developing strategic-level, radiation-hardened guidance solutions. This includes the design and testing of solid-state accelerometers, resonant fiber optic gyroscopes, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) capable of withstanding nuclear environments. The program supports the maturation of these components through laboratory experimentation, risk reduction analysis, and the integration of prototype gyroscopes into IMU demonstrators. These advancements are essential for ensuring accurate navigation and control of re-entry vehicles under extreme conditions.

Integration, Experimentation, and Evaluation Solutions supports the development of specialized expertise and infrastructure necessary for nuclear re-entry system integration and testing. This includes establishing the Re-entry Vehicle Integration Laboratory, procuring specialized equipment, and constructing facilities for radiographic evaluation and high-precision centrifuge testing. The program also focuses on developing recoverable re-entry testbeds, planning for enduring Government Reference Design flights, and supporting the maturation of component technology readiness levels through flight and ground experimentation.

The program's objectives are justified by the need to modernize and revitalize the U.S. nuclear deterrence capability in the face of evolving peer threats and contested environments. By investing in advanced aeroshells, fuzing, GNC, and integration infrastructure, the Air Force aims to reduce technical and programmatic risks, ensure operational effectiveness, and maintain cost efficiency in nuclear modernization activities. The realignment of related efforts from other program elements into PE 0603273F further enhances transparency and traceability within the nuclear science and technology portfolio.