Revolutionary Approach To Time Critical Long Range Strike Project (RATTLRS)
RATTLRS is a technology demo program at this point and not a weapon development program. RATTLRS is part of the National Aerospace Initiative [NAI] construct. Responses to this announcement are sought to demonstrate and increase high-speed flight capabilities and performance for expendable supersonic vehicles. RATTLRS is a joint project between the Navy, Air Force, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and potentially other government agencies. There are two aspects to this project. The first, RATTLRS Flight Demonstration Project (RATTLRS FDP) includes concept studies, design, development, fabrication and test of flight vehicles.
The goal of the RATTLRS FDP is to conduct at least three demonstration flights, with the first flight thirty-six (36) to thirty-eight (38) months after contract award, and the project completed forty-eight (48) months after award. The second aspect is the optional RATTLRS Technology Development Project (TDP), focused towards developing and maturing technologies for inclusion in potential future high-speed flight demonstrations. The potential for additional flight demonstrations depends upon risk reduction, technology development rationale and funding availability. The maximum contract value of any individual contract could be up to $175M. The cost of the demo program to be $50M. There are two propulsion contractors in the market place that have the capability and prior experience to provide engines for RATTLRS.
The flight demonstration vehicle of interest to the RATTLRS project is of a size, weight and configuration that has potential to develop into a tactical weapon system. The flight demonstrator vehicle must have the following attributes:
- The demonstration vehicles must use a turbine engine as propulsion.
- The demonstration vehicles must be capable of acceleration from a subsonic speed to a minimum cruise condition of Mach 3.0 (~3,000 km/hr) using only turbine power, at a minimum acceleration rate of 0.25 g through the transonic flight region (in level flight).
- Maintain a cruise speed of Mach 3.0 or greater for a period of at least five (5) minutes [implying a range of about 250 km].
It is desirable that the flight demonstration project allow for growth opportunities (via RATTLRS TDP) for the design in areas such as:
- Increased cruise speed (Mach > 4.0, ~4,000 km/hr)
- Increased acceleration (> .5g)
- Longer cruise time (> 15 minutes), implying a range up to 1,000 km.
- Optimized vehicle configuration for payload, range, or endurance
- Improved efficiency in multiple speed regimes.
- Reduced cost
- Multiple-launch platform capable
The flight demonstration vehicle shall have a size, weight and configuration that has the potential to be developed into a tactical weapon system. Examples of the potential tactical weapons include (1) an air-launched (compatible with the F/A-18 E/F, F-22, and/or Joint Strike Fighter as a launch platform) medium range weapon with a maximum vehicle weight of 1800 lbs including 500 lbs payload or (2) a ship-launched/sub-launched Vertical Launch System (VLS) compatible long range weapon with a maximum weight of 3400 lbs including 750 lbs payload (includes vehicle and any booster required for VLS launch), or one vehicle compatible with multiple launch options if trade studies indicate an advantage to such a configuration. The higher weight would include the booster required to launch the missile from a vertical tube.
On March 1, 2004 the Office of Naval Research awarded the Revolutionary Approach to Time Critical Long Range Strike (RATTLRS) Program to Orbital Sciences Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company and McDonnell Douglas Corporation. This is a five year (base and options) IDIQ contract with a ceiling value of $175 million.
There are two aspects to this project. The first, RATTLRS Flight Demonstration Project (RATTLRS FDP) includes concept studies, design, development, fabrication and test of flight vehicles. The goal of the RATTLRS FDP is to conduct at least three demonstration flights, with the first flight thirty-six (36) to thirty-eight (38) months after contract award, and the project completed forty-eight (48) months after award.
The second aspect is the optional RATTLRS Technology Development Project (TDP), focused toward developing and maturing technologies for inclusion in potential future high-speed flight demonstrations. The potential for additional flight demonstrations depends upon risk reduction, technology development rationale and funding availability.
On 01 February 2005 the Office of Naval Research awarded Lockheed Martin a phase two contract N00014-04-D-0068-0003 for $157,443,201 including options. RATTLRS, part of the National Aerospace Initiative, is a demonstration program to increase capabilities and performance for expendable supersonic vehicles. Lockheed Martin is teamed with Allison Advanced Development Company to develop technologies that will provide an advanced Mach 4+ integrated propulsion system in an operationally traceable airframe. The Allison YJ102R developmental engine provides more than six times the specific thrust of the engines in the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft in a simple and inexpensive design suitable for an expendable missile.
