Att 1 - Areas of Interest_DRAFT.pdf

FA8652-26-S-C003

AFRL Enterprise CSO

Attachment 1

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Areas of Interest 1

1. Areas of Interest 3

1.1. Air Domain Technologies 5

1.1.1. Human Performance Optimization 6

1.1.2. Aerospace Medicine and Operational Health 7

1.1.3. Warfighter Survivability and Protection 8

1.1.4. Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences 9

1.1.5. Advanced Air Vehicles 10

1.1.6. Air Propulsion Systems 11

1.1.7. Aerodynamics and Flight Sciences 12

1.1.8. Hypersonics 13

1.1.9. Advanced Weapons Technologies 14

1.1.10. Energetics and Propellants 15

1.1.11. Guidance Navigation and Control 16

1.1.12. Munitions Survivability and Countermeasures 17

1.2. Space Domain Technologies 19

1.2.1. Space Access and Orbital Systems 20

1.2.2. Spacecraft and Satellite Technologies 21

1.2.3. Space Power and Propulsion 22

1.2.4. On-Orbit Operations and Autonomy 23

1.2.5. Space Situational Awareness 24

1.2.6. Resilient and Survivable Space Architecture 25

1.2.7. Space Environment and Effects 26

1.2.8. Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) from and for Space 27

1.3. Cyberspace/Electronic Warfare Domain Technologies 29

1.3.1. Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity 30

1.3.2. Communications and Networks 31

1.3.3. Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Operations 32

1.3.4. Quantum Technologies 33

1.3.5. Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors 34

1.3.6. Radar and Radio Frequency Sensors 35

1.3.7. Multispectral and Hyperspectral Sensing 36

1.3.8. Signal Processing and Sensor Fusion 37

1.3.9. Quantum Sensing and Advanced Properties 38

1.3.10. Directed Energy Sensing and Countermeasures 39

1.3.11. High-Energy Laser Systems 40

1.3.12. Photonics 41

1.3.13. High-Power Microwave Technologies 42

1.3.14. Beam Control and Adaptive Optics 43

1.3.15. Directed Energy Effects and Countermeasures 44

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1.3.16. Cybersecurity for Digital Environments 45

1.3.17. Navigation Warfare and Counter PNT 46

1.4. Cross-Domain Technologies 48

1.4.1. Human Systems Integration 49

1.4.2. Human-Machine Teaming and Interfaces 50

1.4.3. Training and Simulation Technologies 51

1.4.4. Rapid Multi-Domain Integration 52

1.4.5. Advanced Systems Engineering 53

1.4.6. Integrated Vehicle Health Management 54

1.4.7. Power and Thermal Management 55

1.4.8. Advanced Materials Development 56

1.4.9. Additive Manufacturing 57

1.4.10. Materials Processing and Fabrication 58

1.4.11. Materials Characterization and Testing 59

1.4.12. Environmentally Responsive and Smart Materials 60

1.4.13. Microelectronics 61

1.4.14. Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, and Digital Thread 62

1.4.15. Advanced Simulation and Virtual Prototyping 63

1.4.16. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence 64

1.4.17. Additive Manufacturing Digital Integration 65

1.4.18. Low Cost, Size, Weight, and Performance (C-SWAP) Alternative PNT 66

Systems for Attritable Systems 67

1.4.19. Modular Open Architecture approaches to Resilient PNT 68

2. Definitions 70

2.1. Air Domain Technologies 72

2.1.1. Human Performance Optimization - Enhancing human capabilities and 73 resilience across diverse operational environments through the application 74 of scientific principles, advanced technologies, and personalized 75 interventions. This includes, but is not limited to, physical conditioning, 76 cognitive enhancement, stress management, and optimized human-77 machine interfaces techniques. 78

2.1.2. Aerospace Medicine and Operational Health - Advancing medical research, 79 developing countermeasures, and implementing strategies to optimize the 80 health, safety, and performance of personnel in demanding operational 81 environments. This includes physiological monitoring, environmental 82 protection, human performance enhancement, and medical support for 83 air, space, and cyber operations. 84

2.1.3. Warfighter Survivability and Protection - Developing and integrating 85 advanced technologies and strategies to protect personnel from a wide 86 range of threats and hazards in operational environments. This includes 87

Page | 3 personal protective equipment, threat detection systems, casualty care, 88 and environmental control measures applicable across various domains. 89

2.1.4. Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences - Understanding and leveraging human 90 cognitive and behavioral principles to improve decision-making, enhance 91 performance, and optimize human-system interaction in complex and 92 dynamic environments. This encompasses areas such as perception, 93 attention, memory, reasoning, and social interaction. 94

2.1.5. Advanced Air Vehicles - Designing and developing next-generation aircraft 95 technologies for diverse operational roles, including high-speed flight, 96 enhanced maneuverability, stealth capabilities, and optionally manned 97 configurations to extend operational reach and survivability. 98

2.1.6. Air Propulsion Systems - Innovating propulsion technologies such as 99 turbine engines, hypersonic propulsion (scramjets, ramjets), and advanced 100 powerplants to improve efficiency, speed, and performance of aerospace 101 platforms 102

2.1.7. Aerodynamics and Flight Sciences - Conducting fundamental research in 103 aerodynamics, flight control, stability, and aircraft performance to enable 104 improved maneuverability, endurance, and stealth characteristics. 105

2.1.8. Hypersonics - Developing technologies for hypersonic flight—speeds 106 greater than Mach 5—including materials, propulsion, guidance, and 107 control systems to enable rapid global strike and ISR capabilities. 108

2.1.9. Advanced Weapons Technologies - Developing innovative kinetic and non-109 kinetic weapons, including smart munitions, precision-guided munitions, 110 and novel warhead designs to increase effectiveness against evolving 111 threats. 112

2.1.10. Energetics and Propellants - Researching advanced energetic materials, 113 propellants, and explosives that provide greater performance, safety, and 114 reduced environmental impact. 115

2.1.11. Guidance Navigation and Control - Developing advanced guidance and 116 control systems for improved accuracy, maneuverability, and target 117 discrimination in complex operational environments. 118

2.1.12. Munitions Survivability and Countermeasures - Enhancing munition 119 robustness against countermeasures and hostile environments to ensure 120 reliable performance under combat conditions. 121

2.2. Space Domain Technologies 123

2.2.1. Space Access and Orbital Systems - Supporting the development of launch 124 vehicles, space propulsion, and space maneuvering systems to ensure 125 reliable, responsive, and cost-effective access to space. 126

2.2.2. Spacecraft and Satellite Technologies - Developing advanced technologies 127 and innovative architectures for space-based assets to enhance resilience, 128 improve performance, and expand mission capabilities. This encompasses 129 satellite bus design, payload development, communication systems, on-130 orbit servicing, and other critical technologies for space operations. 131

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2.2.3. Space Power and Propulsion - Innovating power generation (solar arrays, 132 energy storage) and electric propulsion systems to extend satellite life and 133 improve maneuverability and station-keeping. 134

2.2.4. On-Orbit Operations and Autonomy - Advancing technologies for 135 autonomous spacecraft operations, rendezvous and proximity operations, 136 on-orbit servicing, and debris mitigation to maintain space asset 137 functionality. 138

2.2.5. Space Situational Awareness - Enhancing sensors, data processing, and 139 analytics to detect, track, and characterize objects and threats in the space 140 environment, supporting space domain awareness. 141

2.2.6. Resilient and Survivable Space Architecture - Researching distributed 142 satellite constellations, hardened systems, and defensive measures to 143 ensure continuity of space operations in contested or degraded 144 environments. 145

2.2.7. Space Environment and Effects - Studying space weather, radiation effects, 146 and the orbital environment to develop mitigation strategies that protect 147 space assets and maintain operational readiness. 148

2.2.8. Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) from and for Space - The 149 development, deployment, and exploitation of space-based systems and 150 technologies that enable precise geolocation, accurate time 151 dissemination, and resilient navigation capabilities for terrestrial, airborne, 152 maritime, and spaceborne users. 153

2.3. Cyberspace/Electronic Warfare Domain Technologies 155

2.3.1. Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity - Developing and implementing 156 comprehensive strategies, technologies, and practices to secure 157 cyberspace, protect critical assets, and enable effective cyber operations 158 in support of national security objectives. This encompasses offensive and 159 defensive cyber capabilities, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, 160 and incident response. 161

2.3.2. Communications and Networks - Innovating next-generation, resilient, and 162 secure communications technologies, including software-defined radios, 163 dynamic spectrum management, and high-capacity tactical networks 164 supporting contested environments. 165

2.3.3. Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Operations - Researching techniques for 166 electromagnetic spectrum dominance, including signal processing, 167 electronic attack and protection, and spectrum sensing. 168

2.3.4. Quantum Technologies - Advanced systems that leverage the principles of 169 quantum mechanics—such as superposition and entanglement—to 170 enable next-generation computing, communication, and sensing 171 capabilities. 172

2.3.5. Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors - Developing advanced imaging and 173 sensing systems operating across visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectra 174

Page | 5 for target detection, tracking, and identification in all-weather and 175 contested environments. 176

2.3.6. Radar and Radio Frequency Sensors - Innovating radar technologies 177 including active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs), synthetic aperture 178 radar (SAR), and low-probability-of-intercept/low-probability-of-detection 179 (LPI/LPD) radars to enhance detection and tracking of air, surface, and 180 maritime targets. 181

2.3.7. Multispectral and Hyperspectral Sensing - Creating sensors capable of 182 collecting data across multiple spectral bands for improved material 183 discrimination, camouflage detection, and environmental monitoring. 184

2.3.8. Signal Processing and Sensor Fusion - Advancing algorithms and 185 architectures to integrate data from multiple sensor types for enhanced 186 target recognition, situational awareness, and reduced false alarms. 187

2.3.9. Quantum Sensing and Advanced Properties - Exploring emerging quantum 188 technologies and photonic devices to achieve breakthroughs in sensitivity, 189 resolution, and sensor miniaturization. 190

2.3.10. Directed Energy Sensing and Countermeasures - Developing sensors that 191 detect and characterize directed energy threats and support electronic 192 warfare and self-protection systems. 193

2.3.11. High-Energy Laser Systems - Developing scalable, high-power laser 194 technologies for precision engagement of air, ground, and space targets. 195 This includes solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, and beam control systems for 196 weaponization. 197

2.3.12. High-Power Microwave Technologies - Researching microwave energy 198 sources and systems to disable, disrupt, or destroy enemy electronic 199 systems, communications, and sensors without kinetic effects. 200

2.3.13. Beam Control and Adaptive Optics - Innovating advanced beam steering, 201 adaptive optics, and atmospheric compensation techniques to maintain 202 laser beam quality and accuracy over long distances and through turbulent 203 environments. 204

2.3.14. Directed Energy Effects and Countermeasures - Studying the physical and 205 operational effects of directed energy weapons on targets and developing 206 defensive measures against hostile directed energy threats. 207

2.3.15. Cybersecurity for Digital Environments - Protecting digital assets, 208 infrastructure, and information from cyber threats through the 209 development and implementation of advanced security measures and 210 resilient architectures. This encompasses threat detection, vulnerability 211 assessment, intrusion prevention, and incident response to ensure the 212 confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. 213

2.3.16. Navigation Warfare and Counter PNT - Research and development efforts 214 focused on both disrupting adversary PNT systems and protecting friendly 215 forces from similar attacks, ensuring mission success in GPS-denied or 216 degraded environments. This involves developing both offensive and 217 defensive technologies and strategies related to PNT. 218

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2.4. Cross-Domain Technologies 220

2.4.1. Human Systems Integration - Integrating human capabilities, limitations, 221 and preferences into the design, development, and evaluation of systems 222 to optimize human-machine interaction, improve usability, and enhance 223 overall system effectiveness. This encompasses human factors 224 engineering, user interface design, workload assessment, and cognitive 225 support to ensure safe, efficient, and intuitive operation. 226

2.4.2. Human-Machine Teaming and Interfaces - Developing technologies to 227 improve interaction between humans and AI-enabled systems, optimizing 228 performance across diverse operational environments and enhancing 229 decision-making, mission planning, and situational awareness. 230

2.4.3. Training and Simulation Technologies - Developing and deploying 231 innovative training methodologies and simulation tools to enhance 232 individual and team proficiency, improve operational readiness, and 233 facilitate effective mission rehearsal across a spectrum of operational 234 scenarios. This includes virtual reality, augmented reality, serious gaming, 235 and adaptive learning systems. 236

2.4.4. Rapid Multi-Domain Integration - Combining air, space, cyber, and ground 237 technologies to develop interoperable, networked capabilities that 238 enhance joint and coalition operational effectiveness. 239

2.4.5. Advanced Systems Engineering - Applying holistic and innovative systems 240 engineering approaches to design, develop, integrate, and test complex 241 systems and architectures, ensuring seamless interoperability, optimal 242 performance, and cost-effective solutions across the entire lifecycle. This 243 encompasses requirements engineering, architecture development, 244 modeling and simulation, and verification and validation. 245

2.4.6. Integrated Vehicle Health Management - Creating systems for real-time 246 monitoring and diagnostics of aerospace platforms to enhance safety, 247 readiness, and maintainability. 248

2.4.7. Power and Thermal Management - Advancing technologies for efficient 249 power generation, storage, distribution, and thermal dissipation across 250 multiple platforms and operational scenarios. This encompasses 251 innovations in energy harvesting, power electronics, battery technology, 252 advanced cooling systems, and thermal interface materials to enable high-253 performance systems in demanding environments. 254

2.4.8. Advanced Materials Development - Creating novel materials with 255 enhanced properties tailored for diverse applications, including but not 256 limited to aerospace structures, electronic components, and protective 257 coatings. These materials may include high-temperature ceramics, 258 lightweight composites, metamaterials, multifunctional materials, and bio-259 inspired materials. Focus is on improving performance characteristics, 260 durability, and resilience in extreme and contested environments. 261

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2.4.9. Additive Manufacturing - Innovating and maturing additive manufacturing 262 techniques for on-demand production of complex geometries, customized 263 parts, and multi-material components. This encompasses advancements 264 in materials, processes, modeling, and quality control to enable rapid 265 prototyping, distributed manufacturing, and agile sustainment solutions 266 across various domains. 267

2.4.10. Materials Processing and Fabrication - Developing and optimizing 268 advanced processing and fabrication techniques for creating materials and 269 components with tailored properties and microstructures. This includes 270 methods such as nanomanufacturing, advanced joining, surface 271 engineering, and coatings to enhance performance, reliability, and 272 longevity in a wide range of applications. 273

2.4.11. Materials Characterization and Testing - Using experimental and 274 computational techniques to understand the structure, properties, and 275 performance of materials under relevant operational conditions, enabling 276 the development of advanced aerospace systems. 277

2.4.12. Environmentally Responsive and Smart Materials - Developing materials 278 that adapt to their environment or provide sensing and self-healing 279 capabilities to enhance system resilience and functionality. 280

2.4.13. Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering and Digital Thread, 281 Advanced Simulation and Virtual Prototyping - Creating and utilizing 282 comprehensive digital representations of systems and their lifecycles to 283 enable improved design, analysis, verification, and validation. This 284 encompasses digital twins, virtual prototypes, and simulation 285 environments to optimize performance, reduce costs, and accelerate 286 development timelines. 287

2.4.14. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence - Developing and applying 288 advanced algorithms, machine learning techniques, and data-driven 289 approaches to extract actionable insights from complex datasets and 290 enable intelligent decision-making. This encompasses predictive analytics, 291 pattern recognition, anomaly detection, and automated reasoning to 292 improve situational awareness, optimize operations, and enhance system 293 performance. 294

2.4.15. Additive Manufacturing Digital Integration - Integrating additive 295 manufacturing processes with digital design, simulation, and analysis tools 296 to enable closed-loop optimization, enhanced design freedom, and 297 improved part quality. This encompasses generative design, topology 298 optimization, process simulation, and in-situ monitoring to maximize the 299 benefits of additive manufacturing. 300

2.4.16. Low C-SWAP Alternative PNT Systems for Attritable Systems – Developing 301 affordable and expendable PNT solutions to ensure resilient navigation and 302 timing capabilities for unmanned, potentially disposable aircraft in GPS-303 denied environments prioritizing C-SWAP requirements 304

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2.4.17. Modular Open Architecture approaches to Resilient PNT - Developing 305 flexible and adaptable PNT systems that use standardized interfaces, 306 enabling rapid integration of new technologies and algorithms to maintain 307 reliable navigation and timing in contested environments. This modularity 308 facilitates quicker upgrades and responses to emerging threats against 309

GPS. 310