Desert Storm gave impetus to a new class of smaller, smarter low cost weapons, with a reduced logistics footprint, which are effective in all weather conditions. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has demonstrated such munitions. However, the focus of aircraft integration has been internal carriage on the F-22 and Air Force JSF. Navy and Marine Corps requirements have yet to be considered. This program will investigate addressing Navy and Marine Corps needs in this area. The significant research efforts include (1) evaluating non-pyrotechnic ejection force generators for bomb racks and (2) performing fluid dynamic analysis of concepts for ejecting relatively small stores out of aircraft weapon bays through the shear boundary layer. The desired systems will allow for the carriage of multiple (minimum of four) small `smart' weapons on one MIL-STD-1760 Aircraft Station Interface (ASI). Weapons will be independently targetable and individually releasable. Suitability for storage and maintenance at sea will be a major factor in design and development. Cost per kill and total cost of ownership will be critical metrics for system evaluation. Novel and innovative low cost design, manufacturing, and supportability concepts will be explored. A Life Cycle Cost (LCC) model will be developed to assess design alternatives.Improved operational flexibility of Naval aircraft due to ability to carry samll precision weapons, not currently carriable on Naval aircraft.
Keywords: WEAPONS CARRAIGE;AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS;COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMPUTUERS;PRECISION ATTACK;SMART WEAPONS
