Surface ship programs remain a high priority of the Department. At the direction of Congress, the budget reflects acquisition of four ARLEIGH BURKE Class Guided Missile destroyers (DDG-51) in FY-1997 to maintain a competitive industrial base. Additionally, the budget includes funds for conversion of two ammunition ships (AE), advance procurement for a comprehensive refueling overhaul for CVN-68 in FY 1998, and construction of two Large Medium Speed Roll-on Roll-off ships (LMSRs).
In support of projecting the Nation's power "Forward...from the sea", the FY 1997 budget emphasizes the Navy's increased capabilities for warfare within the littorals. Commencing in FY 1997, procurement funds are budgeted for the LHA mid-life upgrade Éprogram to provide for the improved material condition of the entire Tarawa amphibious assault ship class. Also supporting the littoral warfare emphasis, the budget continues shallow water upgrades on MK-46 torpedoes as part of the service-life-extension program.
The budget continues various ship selfdefense programs, such as NULKA, Ship Self-Defense Systems (SSDS MK-1), and AN/SLQ32 advanced capability. Initial procurement of the all-up-round Standard Missile Block IIIB variant is budgeted in FY 1997. This variant will incorporate the missile homing improvement program (MHIP), improving the weapon's performance against low altitude, high speed targets. Procurement of MHIP upgrade kits has been rephased to ensure completion of testing. These upgrade kits will be procured for both Standard Missile and the NATO Sea Sparrow Missile. The budget also supports continued development of improved ship self-defense features such as Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and the Advanced Integrated Electronic Warfare System (AIEWS). Anti-ship missile defense is bolstered by the ongoing improvements to Standard Missile, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), the Close In Weapons System (CIWS), and the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM).
Power projection requires weapons which are tactically flexible, mobile and technologically superior. The budget includes procurement of 120 of the more capable Tomahawk Block III TLAM-C/D missiles in FY 1997. A remanufacturing program for older Block II missiles into the Block III configuration has also been budgeted, thereby maintaining cost efficiencies and providing a larger inventory of the more capable variant. Research and development funding supports a program which will achieve Low Rate Initial Production of the Block IV variant of Tomahawk in FY 1998. The Tomahawk Baseline Improvement Program (TBIP) will provide a comprehensive baseline upgrade to improve system flexibility and responsiveness. Essential elements of the TBIP include upgrades to the guidance, navigation and control systems accuracy, along with the associated command and control systems to provide a single variant missile that is capable of attacking sea and land-based targets in near real-time. TBIP will also enhance its hard target penetrating capability beyond current weapons systems.
The FY 1997 budget also provides funds for research and development efforts for the next generation of surface ships, including design efforts for the future surface combatant (SC-21), the Arsenal Ship, and the Auxiliary Dry Cargo Carrier (ADC-X).
The submarine shipbuilding program has been structured to ensure a successful recapitalization of our submarine force. The FY 1997 budget reflects our continued commitment to support the necessary replacement of our aging submarine force in the next decade and sustain the submarine industrial base. The FY 1996 SEAWOLF Class Submarine (SSN-23) will bridge the gap in submarine construction until the New Attack Submarine is introduced in FY 1998. The FY 1997 budget for SSN-23 includes the balance of funds required to complete the submarine authorized in FY 1996. While we continue to refine the cost estimates for the New Attack Submarine program, the overall objective continues to be the delivery of an affordable yet capable platform. In this spirit, the budget has been revised to reflect the development and procurement of the Lightweight Wide Aperture Array for the New Attack Submarine. Our budget reflects the addition of funding provided in FY 1996 for a second NSSN. At the direction of Congress, the Future Years Defense Program reflects the procurement of four New Attack Submarines, two to be constructed by Electric Boat in FY 1998 and FY 2000 and two to be constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding in FY 1999 and FY 2001. The funding required to finance construction of the FY 1999 and FY 2001 submarines, which would include $513 million in FY 1997, is not accommodated in the President's Budget.
To ensure strategic deterrence, the annual procurement rate for the TRIDENT II (D-5) missile program continues to be 7 missiles across FYs 1997 - 1999 and 12 missiles in FY 2000 and FY 2001. The budget reflects the assumption that the United Kingdom will continue to procure 5 missiles a year in FY 1997 - FY 1999. This budget reflects the addition of a fourth TRIDENT navigation suite to be procured in FY 1997. This action assures that C-4 TRIDENTs are fully supported until inactivation as well as supporting the D-5 backfit for four C-4 TRIDENTs.
MK48 ADCAP torpedo performance upgrades began in FY 1995 and continue through the FYDP. The quantity budgeted for procurement over the FYDP has been reduced from 1,386 kits to 1,110 kits, reflecting decreased requirements as a result of new Non-Nuclear Ordnance Requirements (NNOR). Additionally, the budget reflects the cost savings which resulted from a recent contract award and reflects a more economical quantity.
A total of 19 prepositioning/surge Large Medium Speed Roll-on/Roll-off (LMSRs) ships will be required to satisfy sealift requirements identified by the DOD Mobility Requirements Study. To date, contracts for the conversion of five LMSR ships and the construction of eight prepositioning/surge LMSRs have been awarded. Two additional LMSRs will be procured in FY 1997, two in FY 1998, and the remaining two LMSRs are budgeted in FY 1999.
Table 16 provides a summary of the sixyear plan data for Shipbuilding and Conversion programs.
Chart 5 - New Construction Ships
| Table 16 | ||||||
| Department of the Navy | ||||||
| Shipbuilding and Conversion Programs | ||||||
| Six-year Plan | ||||||
| FY 1996 | FY 1997 | FY 1998 | FY 1999 | FY 2000 | FY 2001 | |
| New Construction: | ||||||
| Carrier Replacement (CVN) | - | - | - | - | (AP) | (AP) |
| Attack Submarine (SSN-21) | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| NEW SSN | - | - | 1 | -1 | 1 | -1 |
| Destroyer (DDG-51) | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| LHD | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD17) | 1 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Ocean Surveillance (TAGOS) | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Dry Cargo (ADC(X)) | - | - | - | - | 1 | - |
| Oceanographic Ships | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Large Medium Speed Roll-on Roll-off | ||||||
| (LMSR) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - |
| Total New Ships | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Conversions/RCOH: | ||||||
| CVN RCOH | - | - | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| AOE SLEP | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| AFS(C) | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
| AE(C) | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| Total: Conversions | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
The FY 1997 budget supports naval aviation's role in conducting joint operations in the littorals. FY 1997 procurement totals 40 aircraft, including 10 AV-8B aircraft that will be remanufactured. FY 1997 marks a critical juncture in naval aviation with the initial procurement of two key weapon systems, the F/A-18E/F and V-22. These each play a central and dominant role in the Navy and Marine Corps Team's ability to project power from the sea. The development programs for each aircraft are on track. áThe F/A-18E/F successfully completed its first flight in November 1995, while the V-22's initial flight is scheduled for December 1996. The Department has also protected the core elements of its recapitalization strategy by maintaining the procurement schedule of AV-8B, E-2C and T-45 programs. Finally, the aviation budget fully supports the continued strides the Department is making to mold Navy and Marine Corps forces into a more integrated team optimized for joint warfare. The budget provides aviation procurement plans that are adequate to carry the Navy and Marine Corps Team into the next century.
The budget includes several important changes from the FY 1996/1997 President's Budget. After much analysis, the Department has selected an affordable, effective, and immediate approach to providing F-14 aircraft with a much needed precision strike capability. Procurement of the Air Force developed LANTIRN FLIR/Laser Designator will allow the F-14 to deploy with the capability as early as Summer 1996, mitigating the imminent retirement of the A-6 platform from the fleet. Funds are budgeted for integration of the 1000 lb. JDAM on the AV-8B, providing new and robust close-air support options for this platform. The budget includes funds for the four-bladed upgrades of the AH-1W and UH-1 aircraft, providing significant performance enhancements needed to recoup lost safety margins and to provide growth in weapons carriage capabilities.
The budget reflects a strong commitment to joint programs. It includes funds for E-6A Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) upgrades and EA-6B structural and capability modifications, both of which allow the Air Force to retire entire aircraft communities. Also, the Department continues to fund development of the special operations variant of the V-22 and major elements of the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure (IDECM) system and continues to participate in the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) program and Joint Advanced Strikefighter Technology (JAST) program (co-development with Air Force).
In support of Naval and Joint operations in the littorals, funds have been budgeted for weapons which provide battle space dominance. Joint procurement of AMRAAM with the Air Force continues in FY 1997, but at a lower quantity due to affordability constraints. Funds have also been budgeted in FY 1997 for the Joint Standoff Weapons System (JSOW), a joint program with the Air Force for which the Navy is executive agent, for the manufacture of the first Limited Rate Production units of the Baseline variant. In addition, SLAM-Expanded Response (ER) Low Rate Initial Production initiates in FY 1997. Fnally, sonobuoy procurement emphasis has shifted from passive to active sonobuoys for shallow water use, with increasing procurement quantities reflected in the FYDP.
Chart 6 - Aviation Programs
The FY 1997 budget continues to support the Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) concept and efforts to modernize and recapitalize Marine Corps ground combat forces. These efforts are budgeted in both the Research and Development and Procurement Marine Corps appropriations.
A significant portion of the Marine Corps ground Research and Development budget is dedicated to this effort. The Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) will replace the twenty year old Amphibious Assault Vehicle. This critical program is continuing in the demonstration and validation phase. The new vehicles will be ready to procure around the turn of the century. The Short Range Anti-Armor Weapon (SRAW) (Predator), a light weight, disposable main battle tank killer will replace the AT-4 light skinned vehicle killer. The SRAW will complete its 42-month EMD phase in FY 1997. The Lightweight 155 mm Howitzer, a replacement for the aging, operationally deficient ÉM198 howitzer, will provide fire support with increased mobility, survivability, deployability and sustainability in an expeditionary environment. Additionally, FY 1997 continues the development of a remanufactured 5-ton vehicle. The Medium Tactical Vehicle Remanufacture (MTVR) program will provide technology enhancements and produce a zero life expended truck which can carry an increased payload.
Continuing the efforts to modernize and recapitalize through investment, the Marine Corps will complete procurement of several radio terminals in FY1997. The Single Channel Ground Air Radio (SINCGARS) will be used as the primary communication means of command and control and fire support on the battlefield. The AN/PSC-5 Enhanced Manpack Terminal Radio will provide long range single channel communications.
An upgrade to the AN/TPS-36 Radar and a modernization to the AN/TPS-59 Radar will commence in FY 1997. These enhancements will provide increased sensitivity, improved reliability, and reduced transportation requirements. The Javelin, a medium range, man portable anti-tank weapon which will replace the Dragon system, also begins procurement in FY 1997.
In an effort to ensure connectivity and interoperability on the battlefield, several communications and electronics initiatives are under way. These include Manpack Secondary Imagery Dissemination System (SIDS) and the Intelligence Analysis System (IAS). SIDS provides the capability to collect, store, display and transmit imagery in near-real time. IAS provides finished intelligence data to the commander in near-real time. The Marine Corps is also pursuing several night vision equipment initiatives to enhance the warrior's capability. The Monocular Night Vision Device provides a night observation capability to small unit leaders and the Scout Sniper Night Enhancement Device will replace the current sniper scope and will allow for more accurate firing during day and night operations.
The FY 1997 request for procurement of ammunition satisfies training requirements.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
The Department's Science and Technology program is focused on exploring the technologies which will contribute to future naval warfare capabilities.
The Basic Research program provides for scientific study and experimentation directed towards increasing knowledge and understanding across the full spectrum of long-term Department of the Navy needs including ocean sciences, advanced combat system materials, and warfighting information processing. Research is conducted to ensure that both cutting-edge scientific discoveries and the general store of scientific knowledge are optimally used to develop superior naval equipment, strategies, and tactics. The FY 1997 budget maintains the FY 1996 baseline funding level adjusted for inflation.
The Applied Research program includes efforts directed toward the solution of specific naval problems, short of major development projects. Significant new technology base efforts are required to ensure that the sea services will be able to dominate the littoral battlespace under future threat scenarios. In particular, the environmental properties of shallow water and the sea-land interface require further measurement and analysis. Although FY 1997 funding levels are declining by about 5 percent for applied research, an emphasis is still maintained in key areas, such as surface ship technology; command, control and communications; materials, electronics and computers; electronic warfare; undersea surveillance and mine warfare; and Marine Corps landing force technologies. Other areas, such as aircraft and weapons technologies, are slightly declining based on the maturity of existing systems and lower future requirements.
The Advanced Technology Development program supports technology demonstrations that reflect the naval focus on littoral operations, including demonstrations that support Ship SelfDefense, Cooperative Engagement, and Mine Countermeasure. The FY 1997 budget reflects a 4 percent increase, mainly for Advanced Technology Transition (ATD) demonstrations. These demonstrations, if successful, lead to lower total R&D costs and quicker fielding of new and improved technologies. The FY 1997 budget includes continuation of ATDs for autonomous decoys, advanced mast/sensor systems, dual mission aircraft frame, new munitions guidance systems, and antenna systems. New FY 1997 ATD initiatives, which account for the funding increase, include low cost missile system, night vision systems, anti-torpedo technology, and advanced tactical acoustics.
RDT&E Management Support provides funding for installations required for general research and development use. This budget activity includes the test and evaluation support program required to operate the Navy's test range sites, R&D aircraft and ship funding, and threat simulator development efforts. The FY 1997 budget declines by about 3 percent compared to FY 1996 and about 15 percent compared to FY 1995. This two-year decrease reflects the R&D infrastructure downsizing commensurate with overall Navy force structure decreases and facilities and management consolidations.
The remaining categories of research have been discussed as applicable in the previous sections.
Table 17 provides summary financial data for the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy appropriation.
| Table 17 | |||
| Department of the Navy | |||
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy | |||
| (In Millions of Dollars) | |||
| FY 1995 | FY 1996 | FY 1997 | |
| Basic Research | 408.3 | 377.4 | 387.2 |
| Applied Research | 501.6 | 541.4 | 463.5 |
| Advanced Technology Development (ATD) | 481.1 | 444.7 | 449.3 |
| Demonstration & Validation (DEM/VAL) | 1583 | 1716.6 | 1741 |
| Engineering & Manufacturing Development | 2213 | 2395.8 | 2048.6 |
| RDT&E Management Support | 772.2 | 573 | 558.4 |
| Operational Systems Development | 2647.1 | 2370.8 | 1686.7 |
| Total: RDT&E,N | $8,606.3 | $8,419.7 | $7,334.7 |
| Significant RDT&E,N Programs: | FY 1995 | FY 1996 | FY 1997 |
| Science and Technology | 1391 | 1363.5 | 1300 |
| V-22 | 452.7 | 733.7 | 576.8 |
| New Attack Submarine | 455.6 | 424.7 | 487.6 |
| F/A-18 E/F | 1306.7 | 887.4 | 425.3 |
| C4I | 348 | 292.5 | 249.6 |
| Joint Strike Fighter (JAST) | 98.3 | 78.3 | 239.6 |
| Copoperative Engagement Capability | 154 | 247.7 | 166 |
| TOMAHAWK | 83 | 158.7 | 136.4 |
| JDAM/JSOW | 138.4 | 104.9 | 121.4 |