The Impact of Emerging Technologieson Future Air Capabilities
Executive Summary
This study aims to assess technology developments to 2025, and how they may impacton future air capabilities, in order to better inform Air Force long range planningactivities. A number of US studies address similar issues; with one assessing the impactin the context of an ‘alternate futures’ approach and the development of a value model.The generic Air Force capabilities of
Awareness, Reach, Power
and
Support
are used inthis study to assess potential impacts of technological developments.Technology trends and their rate of advance are influenced by many drivers including:cost, commercial imperatives, military requirements, capabilities, integration, leverage,environmental issues and public sentiment.Technological developments with potential to impact on future Air Force capabilitiesinclude: computing power, communications, microelectro-mechanical systems(MEMS), nanotechnologies, uninhabited air vehicles (UAV), hypersonic systems,artificial intelligence, human factors, energy weapons (including laser andelectromagnetic pulse), sensors, materials, simulation and modelling.Sensors may move from single to multi-mode, as well as multi- and hyper-spectralsystems. Application of composite and metal matrix materials may become morecommon, with emphasis on lower cost, lightweight, strength, heat and damagetolerance and ‘smart’ materials possessing self- monitoring and healing capabilities.The application of a technology requires considerable foresight and often theconcomitant development of other technologies. The World Wide Web, which isrevolutionising the way we communicate information, uses known and relativelymature computing and communications technologies.For
Awareness
, high capacity communications systems could be based on lasers,millimetre wave, high capacity fibre lines and satellites. Developments in millimetrewave sensors, laser radars, synthetic aperture radars (SAR), focal plane arrays (FPA),multimode as well as multi- and hyper- spectral sensors, artificial intelligence and datafusion technologies could, together with communications and countermeasurestechnologies, contribute to timely and high confidence situation awareness.Major technology influences on
Reach
capability include propulsion systemsemphasising higher power to weight ratios, faster and stealthy (including missiles)airframes, lighter and stronger airframe materials and incorporating smart sensorswith adaptive and self-healing capabilities. Reach systems include aircraft, UAVs andspacecraft. Increasing emphasis on air breathing ramjet and scramjet technologieswould enhance
Reach
capability.
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