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    Technology Modernization

    Optimize and apply advanced technologies to enable modernization of the deterrent and its nuclear warheads.

    Initiatives

    1. Develop effective manufacturing and supporting technologies for depleted uranium and enriched uranium that enhance fabrication readiness and agility at Y-12. Inclusive of modernization of core facilities like Sigma.
    2. Develop effective manufacturing alternatives, including electron beam additive manufacturing for upcycling components related to manufacturing at Y-12.
    3. Develop effective manufacturing alternatives for polymers and other non-SNM material components to benefit the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and Y-12 (e.g., salts and special materials).
    4. Advance HE formulations through an understanding of process-structure-performance interplay along with physics and chemistry at the mesoscale.
    5. Enhance HE pilot scale synthesis, formulation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support product development within the NSE complex and to benefit Pantex.
    6. Deliver a technically mature and manufacturable initiation system for the next LANL weapon system that improves reliability and safety of the warhead and that is applicable to multiple weapons systems.
    7. Develop advanced applications for gas transfer systems, power, and surety that can be applied to new weapons systems to improve reliability, performance, and safety.
    8. Enhance and extend capabilities in delivery vehicle design:
      1. Payload and system integration with hypersonic platforms – Collaborate with services and industry; participate in current and future designs.
      2. Hypersonic flight analysis and platform design – Identify gaps and develop options to bridge them; strengthen collaboration with the Texas A&M University’s University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics; ensure coordination of Lab-wide capabilities are applied to problems.
    9. Modernize facilities and infrastructure per current ALDW ten-year infrastructure plan.

    primary Strategic Objectives

    Trustworthy Operations - Consistently demonstrate and be recognized by diverse stakeholders for trusted and trustworthy operations.

    Threat Reduction - Anticipate persistent and emerging threats to global security; develop and deploy revolutionary tools to detect, deter, and respond proactively.

    Nuclear Deterrent - Lead the nation in evaluating, developing, and ensuring effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent, including the design, production, and certification of current and future nuclear weapons.

    secondary Strategic Objective

    Technical Leadership - Deliver scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs to advance relevant research frontiers and anticipate emerging national security risks.