Report on Technology Horizons: A Vision for Air Force Science and Technology During 2010-2030. Volume 1

摘要

From its inception, the Air Force has undertaken a major effort roughly once every decade to articulate a vision for the science and technology (S&T) advancements that it should undertake to achieve over the following decade to enable the capabilities that it will need to prevail. Six such S&T visions have been developed, beginning with 'Toward New Horizons' in 1945 led by Theodore von Karman for Gen Hap Arnold, through 'New World Vistas' conducted in 1995. Since completion of the latter, 15 years have passed without an updated Air Force S&T vision. 'Technology Horizons' represents the next in this succession of major vision efforts conducted at the Headquarters Air Force level. In view of the far-reaching strategic changes, rapid global technological advances, and growing resource constraints over the next decade, this is an overdue effort that can help guide S&T investments to maximize their impact for maintaining Air Force technological superiority over potential adversaries.