Notes from Congressional Hearing

Manned Aircraft Clarification Act (HR3478)

Congressman McGuire is working on a resolution, HR3478, the Manned Aircraft Clarification Act. This act intends to resolve issues related to drone engagement, particularly those stemming from a DOJ advisory issued in 2020, addressing SLTT and DOT concerns.

Domestic Supply Chain for Solid Rocket Motors

The Air Force is prioritizing modernization, including next-generation missiles, propulsion systems, advanced tactical and air defense systems, space launch capabilities, and nuclear modernization, all of which depend on solid rocket motors.

Concerns

Concerns exist regarding the domestic supply chain and increasing demand for these critical Air Force needs.

Air Force Response

The Air Force acknowledges challenges in launch and other programs related to solid rocket motors. They are working to address these challenges, particularly in missile integration.

Congressman Suggestion

Congressman McGuire suggests campus-style solid rocket motor production models, similar to Starbase in Texas, to leverage private sector expertise and co-locate manufacturing.

Directed Energy and Nuclear Technology in Space Force

President Trump's executive order calls for the development and deployment of non-kinetic capabilities, such as lasers and particle beam weapons, to counter advanced cruise missiles. These technologies require significant power to operate.

Congressman Suggestion for Space Force

Congressman McGuire advocates for deploying advanced nuclear reactor technology, including small modular reactors and micro nuclear reactors in orbit.

Rationale

Nuclear energy has 1,000 times the power density of solar energy and can power lasers, communications, and data collection systems.

Space Force Response

General Salzman confirms that the Space Force is exploring directed energy technologies. Further discussions are planned to explore potential collaboration and specific initiatives.

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) Strategy

The Air Force is developing CCAs and standing up an experimental operations unit to understand how to employ, sustain, and maintain them.

Ongoing Efforts

The Air Force is determining operational concepts, including whether CCAs will be forward-positioned or stored domestically. This is a key focus for the experimental operations unit as they assess the capabilities of CCAs.