Crossing the Technology Valley of Death: The Case of the MDUSV

Abstract

Technology transition from research to programs of record (aka crossing the Valley of Death) has often been challenging, especially when new capabilities emerge that weren't originally envisioned such as next generation aircraft, fighting vehicles, etc. The recent evolution of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is a good example of extemporaneous proliferation of new capabilities. These technology-driven advances may not fit into conventional paradigms of warfighting concepts and may have organizational and infrastructure impacts. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) project by DARPA built a prototype surface ship, christened SEA HUNTER, that was tested in San Diego and then transitioned to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) at the end of 2017. It endeavored 70 day missions of up to 7000nm without a manned crew aboard. To cross the valley of death and transition to a Program of Record, a validated requirement must exist, along with funding for development/procurement across the Future Years Defense Program. The current research proposes and applies a framework for planning successful crossing of the valley of death to the current version of the ACTUV program, MDUSV (Medium Displacement Unmanned Surface Vessel). Results include important specific challenges, behaviors, methods, recommendations, and impacts on practice and research.