AFRL aims to accelerate development of software-enabled weapons
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AFRL) – Air Force Research Laboratory technical directorates AFWERX and Munitions teamed up to host a Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18, 2024.
Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data.
Dr. David Lambert, Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate chief scientist, briefs the audience at the AFWERX Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18, 2024. Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Stewart)
“Today’s event is a learning opportunity for everyone involved,” said Dr. David Lambert, AFRL Munitions Directorate chief scientist. “We don’t have all the answers yet for software-enabled capabilities. We are here to collaborate and set the stage for future advancements while ensuring we meet acquisition timelines and usability standards.”
During the two-day event, participants explored ways to radically accelerate the weapon performance update cycle, delving into topics such as innovative modular software pipelines and AI-based decision-making. One of the primary issues addressed was the lengthy time frame required to improve weapon performance, posing a significant challenge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Dr. Will Curtis, Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate science and technology advisor, briefs the audience at the AFWERX Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18, 2024. Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Stewart)
“The problem is the speed at which it takes or the time it takes to improve weapons,” said Dr. Will Curtis, AFRL Munitions Directorate science and technology adviser. “Typically, it’s measured in years. You might use a weapon and see a deficiency. And then the time it takes to improve that via some kind of change, whether that’s hardware or software, takes years. We’d like to reduce that time down to months, weeks or days.”
The event also provided an opportunity for industry representatives to present their ideas and solutions. The choice of Huntsville as the event location was strategic, the Munitions Directorate chose the city due to its significant defense industry presence and proximity to the Missile Defense Agency.
“We want to find new ideas and innovative ways to tackle software-enabled weapons,” Curtis added. “We’re also exploring the concept of an app store for weapons, where apps can be developed and integrated into weapon systems.”
As the event concluded, the focus shifted to future collaborations and continued learning. Attendees were informed that solicitations for AFWERX Specific Topics on software-enabled weapons will be posted later this year and small businesses will be able to propose solutions to specific Department of the Air Force needs.
“The idea is that there could be collaborative funding opportunities emerging from this event,” said James Foutz, AFWERX Collider lead. “Additionally, this can serve as a market research event to help the Munitions Directorate better refine Specific Topics or future requirements for other solicitations. That’s the thought process behind it.”
Industry professionals present their ideas and solutions aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the AFWERX Collider event at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18, 2024. Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Stewart)
Learn more about SPECIFIC TOPICS.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.