Homeland Defense Interceptor Technologies

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning; 5G; Autonomy; Cybersecurity; Network Command, Control and Communications; Microelectronics; Space; Quantum Sciences TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials; Sensors; Electronics; Battlespace; Weapons The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative interceptor technologies, capabilities, and capacity to pace present and emerging threats. DESCRIPTION: The Government faces a growing threat of ballistic missiles and needs future interceptor missiles to quickly respond and defeat them. The goal for missile defense is to provide the capability to pace the threat. To support this goal, improved and enhanced interceptor technologies, including booster and kill vehicle component technologies such as advanced materials, structures, propulsion and controls, seeker technology, guidance and navigation, and communications are desired. The innovative technologies include methods to decrease weight and improve fabrication methods that will improve capabilities and increase flight velocity and range. In order to meet the desired performance, these technologies will need to withstand natural and nuclear environments as well as dynamic and thermal environmental requirements. This topic seeks technologies that improve reliability, lethality, sustainability, and survivability. Note survivability includes lightning, radiation, and thermal protection. In the midcourse when reentry vehicles, penetration aids, and decoys are deployed, discrimination is key. Technologies or capabilities which provide enhanced discrimination and reduce the number of called lethal objects are desired. PHASE I: Develop conceptual, technical approaches that improve the reliability, lethality, sustainability, and survivability of booster and kill vehicle components and increase interceptor capability and capacity to mitigate threats. Perform trades and analysis to support the proposed design solutions. Perform bench-level testing to demonstrate the concept and an understanding of the new, innovative technology. PHASE II: Develop and refine the proposed solution. The Phase I concept will be validated by development and demonstration tests to ensure performance objectives are met. The effort should result in a solution that can be transitioned in Phase III and/or can show substantial commercialization potential. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Conduct engineering and manufacturing development, test, evaluation in a realistic system environment or in a system level test-bed. The various technologies and models should have applicability to the defense industry as well as other application such as commercial space flight. REFERENCES: R. Lloyd. 2001. Physics of Direct Hit and Near Miss Warhead Technology. American Institute of Aeronautics and Aeronautics. National Research Council of the National Academies. 2012. Making Sense of Ballistic Missile Defense: An Assessment of Concepts and Systems for U.S. Boost-Phase Missile Defense in Comparison to Other Alternatives. Department of Defense. December 10, 2007. MIL-STD-461F, Department of Defense Interface Standard: Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment. James R. Schwank, Marty R. Shaneyfelt, and Paul E. Dodd, Radiation Hardness Assurance Testing of Microelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuits: Radiation Environments, Physical Mechanisms, and Foundations for Hardness Assurance, IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Vol. 60, No. 3, June 2013. KEYWORDS: Cybersecurity, LWIR, Long-wave, Infrared, FPA, Detector, Solid Propulsion, Propulsion Components, Solid Component Geometries, Additive Manufacturing, Electronics Testing, Metamaterial, Power, Converter, DC-DC, Space, Radiation, Rad Hard, Reliability, Radi