Afal Air Force Astronautics Laboratory Technical Objective Document Fy89

The Air Force Astronautics Laboratory (AFAL) is the principal AFSC organization charged with planning and executing USAF research, exploratory and advanced development programs for interdisciplinary space technology and rocket propulsion. Space technology includes spacecraft technology, launch vehicle technology, launch and in-space operations, and logistics technology. Rocket propulsion includes propellants, combustion, plume phenomenology, rocket propulsion materials and structures, solid propellant, rocket motors, liquid propellant rocket feed systems and engines, electric propulsion, hazard phenomena and assessment, and rocket test techniques and instrumentation. There are two parts to the AFAL mission - first to develop new technology for the Air Force missiles and space systems of the future; and second to provide technical support to other organizations within the Air Force, that produce the end items. This report summarizes the technical objectives and approaches for research, exploratory development, and advanced development efforts being pursued, and to be pursued, at the AFSL between FY 89-93. Keywords: Technology forecasting, Defense planning, Air Force research, Astronautics, Space propulsion systems, Air launched missile propulsion, Ballistic missile rocket propulsion. (edc).

Technical Objective Documents (TODs) are prepared to provide industry with Air Force objectives critical to maintaining aerospace superiority. This TOD, prepared by the AFWAL Avionics Lab., Plans Office, describes the technology required to meet future avionics operational needs. The Avionics Laboratory Investment Strategy is described. The technology program is described in terms of four technical areas which correspond to the groupings of the eight Laboratory Technology Planning Objectives (TPOs). The technology approaches are discussed together with related applications to Air Force needs and requirements. Information from the FY87 Technical Investment Plans is included. Points of contact in the laboratory are identified for each Laboratory TPO. If areas of interest are discovered, industry or academic organizations are encouraged to discuss the objectives further with the Laboratory contact identified to maximize contributions to military technology. Areas of interest/technologies include: Navigation; Surveillance; Reconnaissance; Electromagnetic warfare; Fire control; Weapon delivery; Communications; System architecture; Information processing and control; Subsystem integration; Artificial intelligence; Electronic/Electromagnetic device R & D; Radar; Electro-optical technology; Microelectronics; Integrated communications, Navigation, Identification; System integration; Software; Electronic warfare; Digital avionics; Airborne electronics and support electronics.

This report is a summary of technical objectives and approaches for research, exploratory development, and advanced development efforts being pursued, and to be pursued, at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory between FY 87-91.

This report is a summary of technical objectives and approaches for research, exploratory development and advanced development efforts being pursued and to be pursued at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory between FY 83-89. Research topics include: solid rocket motors, solid propellants, liquid rockets, combustion and rocket plumes.