NextGen Aeronautics is responding to the Armament Directorate search for concepts on allowing blue forces to utilize large numbers of relatively low-cost weapons systems. NextGen is specifically proposing novel feedstock materials, selectable combination of low-cost manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques under the affordable mass subtopic. All proposed materials, manufacturing processes, modular assembly techniques are developed by the team and other subject matter experts at NextGen. NextGen has breadth of experience to utilize these innovative technologies to reduce cost at the weapon system level with scalable production. The short 3-month Phase I scope is to demonstrate feasibility and applicability of technology developed at NextGen and perfected over the decades. NextGen will (1) specify availability and cost of feedstock materials and identify critical manufacturing process and assembly techniques; (2) select manufacturing processes based on on-demand scalability and the cost per unit of the weapon system parts and reduce the part count itself; (3) chose assembly techniques that require less time and tooling and are conducive to automation; and (4) demonstrate feasibility of the chosen critical manufacturing process and quick assembly technique.
