Technology Maturation Initiatives

The Technology Maturation Initiatives (TMI) program, under Program Element (PE) 0604115A, is a key Army Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) effort focused on advancing component technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to TRL 7. The program's primary goal is to mature, integrate, and demonstrate experimental prototypes in relevant tactical and operational environments. This reduces the risk of technology insertion into future acquisition programs and supports Army Programs of Record (PoRs). The TMI initiative is managed by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology and executed across the Army RDT&E enterprise. Oversight is provided by the Army's Technology Maturation Board to ensure alignment with modernization priorities and capability gaps.

Project AX3: Technology Maturation Initiatives is the principal budget line within PE 0604115A, supporting three categories of projects. These include super system projects that integrate emerging technologies across traditional PoR boundaries, technology product prototyping projects that mature higher-risk, high-impact technologies, and emerging/disruptive technology opportunity projects requiring out-of-cycle funding for rapid prototyping and evaluation. The program partners with academia, small businesses, and the defense industrial base to incubate innovative ideas, stage pilot evaluations, and accelerate the integration of advanced solutions into Army systems.

Universal MDO Fire Control and SA Systems aims to prototype a platform-agnostic, 360-degree situational awareness and sensor input system for mid to large caliber weapon platforms. The objective is to develop a common architecture and interface kit with IR/RF sensors, enabling interoperability and sustainment across platforms. This supports timely development of fire control and situational awareness systems for dynamic battlefield conditions and is consistent with Army modernization strategies.

Anubis Software Defined Chipset for M-Code and Advanced PNT Applications focuses on prototyping M-Code GPS receiver capabilities on commercial System on Chip (SoC) platforms. The project develops reference designs for mounted, dismounted, and munition GPS receivers, including security certification through Space Force. The goal is to enable secure, resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions for Army Programs of Record, particularly in GPS-denied environments.

Multi-Network, Multi-Waveform Software Defined Radio leverages commercial 5G and cellular technologies to prototype a common software-defined radio supporting multiple military waveforms and secure multi-channel networks. The objective is to replace multiple radios and electronic systems with low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) equipment, enhancing communications and hardware commonality across platforms. Funding supports system integration and evaluation for transition to multiple Army acquisition programs.

Electronic Warfare (EW) / Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) prototypes a scalable family of components and systems for EW, deep sensing, and C-UAS applications. The initiative focuses on hardware, algorithms, and techniques commonality across platforms, enabling adaptation to rapidly evolving operational environments. These efforts align with Army All-Domain Sensing modernization priorities and are coordinated with executive offices in Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors.

Weapons and Fires supports the maturation of current and future comprehensive weapons system platforms, including munitions and formations that improve range, lethality, mobility, precision, target acquisition, and force protection. Plans include prototyping an integrated Multi-Mode Direct Fire Weapon, Munition, and Fire Control capability to provide joint tactical units with enhanced targeting and expanded effects. This line item is aligned with Army priorities for long-range precision fires and air/missile defense.