Improvements to Weapon System Readiness Assessment Vehicles

The technology used on RAVs has changed little over the last 20 years, and, as a result, there have been increased costs and longer schedule timelines due to issues such as part availability and obsolescence. Additionally, many of the advances in analysis and manufacturing techniques could help further reduce the cost and lead time required to build a RAV. And as threats have continued to evolve, so have the demands of RAV systems to provide low-cost but threat-representative targets for the weapons systems development community. A multi-faceted approach to design, manufacture, assemble, and test proposed by Corvid will be instrumental in the fielding of advanced RAVs with enhanced capabilities, such as hypersonic systems, to better manage evolving threats. Many Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) programs are excellent examples of those demanding advanced RAV systems. The techniques and solutions demonstrated in this SBIR will compress development timelines, minimize manufacturing and assembly lead times, and reduce cost.