What is SWaP-C?

SWaP-C is an equation that is essential to research and development. With applications across many Department of Defense initiatives, it’s important to understand what it means, why it matters, and why it plays such a critical role in shaping modern defense technology.

SWaP-C is an acronym for size (S), weight (W), power (P), and cost (C).  Originally, the acronym was just SWaP–size, weight, and power. It soon became apparent that cost was also a critical factor, and the “C” was added.

Understanding SWaP-C

SWaP-C is essentially about balance. For new technologies, the desire is always to make them lighter, smaller, more powerful, and/or more affordable. Even if one or two of those criteria are met, it can justify recommending or requesting a new design. The goal would be to meet all four criteria, but it’s difficult, if not impossible to achieve. Thus, the balancing act, deciding how to meet the important aspects without sacrificing too much of the other components.

Why SWaP-C Matters in Military Technology

In many cases, output power and efficiency are the most important requirements. Often, SWaP-C requirements are at odds with each other, and the pursuit of performance comes at the expense of SWaP-C. During development, strategic trade-offs may need to be made to achieve a successful SWaP-C equation (size, weight, power, and cost). Ideally, companies should be capable of balancing all these requirements.

Through SWaP-C, system designs are becoming more modular and platform-centric, pushing semiconductor integration levels and device configurations further. GaN, CMOS, and SiGe technologies are well-suited to meet these goals, providing higher levels of integration, as well as improving efficiency.

Driving SWaP-C Innovation Through OTAs

A SWaP-C equation is well understood in the military and aerospace industries, and it is equally applicable in the IoT.  There is a lot to be gained by integrating commercial technology with government technology. It does make things more difficult though. In addition to the size, weight, power, and cost constraints faced by military-display designers, commercial innovations must also work with legacy sensors and interfaces while adhering to a variety of open architectures and standards as well.

Additionally, researchers are working on immersive display solutions for warfighters that incorporate augmented reality. With these sorts of designs, there is no room for latency, especially on the battlefield.  The new designs must be just as rugged, just as reliable, and they also need to take up less space than older technology.

To overcome traditional acquisition roadblocks, the DoD is increasingly turning to flexible contracting methods like Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs). Through vehicles such as the S2MARTS OTA, which is focused on delivering advanced microelectronics and strategic technologies, the government can collaborate more quickly and effectively with non-traditional defense companies and commercial innovators. This approach accelerates access to cutting-edge solutions while fostering a more agile, mission-focused acquisition environment.

The Future of SWaP-C Optimization

To meet SWaP-C requirements, systems were often “designed dumb”, especially since parts often needed to be replaced due to the extreme conditions military equipment operates in. Simple information with simple symbology, rather than complex systems.

However, simple systems are becoming less and less useful as technology advances. The Warfighter must be able to keep up with the competition. Meeting SWaP-C requirements always involves tradeoffs.  When the cost element is considered, other requirements may be relaxed. Computers with integrated displays help reduce costs. When cost drives decisions, managing the tradeoffs between power versus ruggedization becomes more challenging.

SWaP-C is integral to many opportunities with the DoD. Current initiatives like the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) highlight the ongoing demand for systems that optimize size, weight, power, and cost. These opportunities focus on delivering high-performance technologies that are lightweight, energy-efficient, and rapidly deployable—core attributes of SWaP-C optimization. By advancing these capabilities, the DoD aims to equip the U.S. Warfighter with next-gen systems that maintain superiority across every domain while reducing logistical burden.

NSTXL Accelerates Access to SWaP-C Technology

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change.

We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and cybersecurity compliance support.

Connect with NSTXL

Government offices looking to learn more about the potential of OTAs can speak to an acquisition expert to learn more.

Industry innovators can capitalize on this momentum by joining an OTA consortium like NSTXL, who provide insight into upcoming DoD projects and direct access to opportunities across all NSTXL-managed OTAs. Learn more about NSTXL membership here.