Michael B Leahy

The Next Generation Munitions Handler Prototype Acquisition Campaign: Targets and Courses of Action Michael B Leahy

Publisher Marketing: The Air Force will improve the quality of the aircraft munitions loading process by fielding a new generation of munition handling equipment that incorporates emerging telerobotics technology. An active program is underway to develop an Next Generation Munitions Handler (NGMH) Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD). This project uses air campaign planning principals to address the development of the technology roadmap and dual use business case study required to transition the ATD into a full-scale prototype. A discussion of the history and performance requirements for telerobotic munition handling is provided as a background for creation of an initial critical technologies list. The maturity level and validity of that list is investigated through an intelligence preparation operation that supports the election of nine specific technology targets. Courses of action to bring those technologies to commercial-off-the-shelf availability are explored. Scenarios for technology application in a range of alternative military and commercial applications lay the groundwork for development of a dual use business case. Civilian industry coalition partners were identified. Creation of a full scale NGMH prototype acquisition campaign is now possible.