Suppressed fire improves communication and operational tempo during a firefight. They also protect against hearing damage that can occur during routine training operations. Suppressors are expensive, and if not maintained, their performance can rapidly degrade. When this project started, there was no systematic method to clean a sealed firearm suppressor to both extend its lifetime and maintain its performance. TDA Research developed and patented a method to clean and maintain suppressors so that their lifetime can be extended and their performance sustained. The cleaning process does not damage or compromise suppressors, and it minimizes the creation of hazardous waste. Regular maintenance with our cleaner extends the lifetime of suppressors by reducing the accumulation of fouling and by cleaning the connection surfaces to the firearm. Cleaning the connection prevents poor alignment of the suppressor and carbon-welding to the barrel.
Marine Corps Systems Command looks for significant reductions in form factor and weight of the current inertial survey systems. Infibertech specializes in developing inertial guidance systems using fiber optics and waveguide-based solutions. Our approach relies on innovative Fiber Optics Gyro (FOG) design supporting a substantial reduction of size and weight, offering lower bias and noise, larger bandwidth, and increased reliability. Our goal is to integrate our core technology into the Marine Corps survey systems to replace existing platforms, enabling the production of single-person portable system with an estimated weight of less than 30 pounds. The gyros performance goals were verified; our Inertial System Assembly is currently integrated in a prototype system for testing. Smaller, lighter, and more accurate, Infibertech’s sensors are the choice for a broad range of future applications.
This 16-year old advanced infrared (IR) engineering company designs, develops, and delivers feature rich, high-definition (HD) Infrared Focal Plane Array Cameras that achieve unprecedented resolution and image quality for commercial and government customers. Our High Definition Small Arms Sensor (HDSAS) is the centerpiece for a revolutionary breakthrough that enables improved detection range and object Identification for detecting small arms fire (aka bullets and other munitions) at long ranges to enable the user to determine hostile fire even when the weapon or shooter is not in the line of sight. We have demonstrated the ability to detect small arms fire, drones, and other objects at significantly longer ranges than currently deployed sensors and verified that the IR sensor can use modified AI and Machine Learning algorithms to detect and ID objects at longer ranges – providing more lethality to the US Warfighter.
Candent Technologies, a dynamic, lean engineering company focused on design, development, testing and production of advanced propulsion and power systems using gas turbines and small heavy fuel reciprocating engines, is developing a compact, lightweight, efficient, scalable 250kW turbine driven prime power source for Active Denial Technology (ADT) Non-Lethal Weapon (NLW) directed energy systems. Critical components have been tested, minimizing risk, while enabling achievement of the ADT size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements: reducing power system volume by 95 and weight by 85% while maintaining comparable fuel consumption to diesels. Our solution is also well suited for high energy lasers (HEL), mobile electric power; microgrid power; naval vessel auxiliary power and propulsion, as well as hybrid electric drive systems
This 17-year old advanced technologies engineering company designs, develops, integrates, and delivers radio frequency (RF) communication, radar, AESA, and Electronic Warfare Systems for commercial and government customers. Forward deployed USMC units utilize High Frequency (HF) and Satellite Communication (SATCOM) radios for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication purposes with Navy AFLOAT networks to support operations ashore. Next generation troposcatter systems can provide high data rate communications in the ground BLOS environment but do not work well with unstable moving platforms (ship). SATCOM systems are heavy, power intensive and suffer from low availability/low data rates. New approaches and techniques, not using SATCOM, troposcatter or HF radios, are sought to provide a high availability/high data rate BLOS communications channel. FIRST RF’s approach is to utilize modular (expeditionary) systems to provide multiple Line of Sight (LOS) communication links to achieve the desired BLOS capability. Expeditionary, the systems can be broken into components that weigh no more than 20 lbs. each.
Rapidly lowering brain temperature can reduce the incidence and severity of intracranial edema as well as mortality and complications during treatment and recovery from traumatic brain injury. Few options for targeted brain cooling are currently on the market and none of these technologies are particularly well suited for military implementation. To fill this gap, Vivonics is developing ICEPICC (Intranasal Cooler for Encephalopathy Prevention In Combat Casualties), an intranasal cooling system based on forced cold-air convection, which is simple and well suited to the military environment because it is easily operated and supported in a wide range of settings and has shown to provide effective cooling. The portable and easily supported ICEPICC design will enable military use of prophylactic and therapeutic cooling soon after brain injury.
The parachute resulting from this project is a low weight, small pack volume, single surface canopy for High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) personnel jumps. The parachute is made from high strength composite fabric and is bonded instead of sewn. D’Angelo Technologies, LLC (D5T), a WOSB, specializes in providing the warfighter with innovative technology solutions and is developing this canopy for Marine Corps multi-mission and resupply operations. Completion of production designs for the only known hybrid single surface HALO canopy are scheduled for 2022. This scalable design allows D5T to manufacture canopies for other applications without major redesign. Phase II full scale systems will be dropped and analyzed to demonstrate glide and payload performance capability. The ultimate goal is to license manufacturing to a US parachute manufacturer.
A three-time recipient of the Intel Software Innovator of the Year award, Design Mill transforms the integration of cutting-edge interactive hardware and software solutions for the DoD and industry-leading organizations. Already demonstrated on the LPD-17, combining hardware, software and cloud solutions, their SDAT conducts dimensional analysis and determines fit of Marine Corps Ground Vehicles into Navy Amphibious and Prepositioning Ships. Utilizing laser scans of ships and 3D Models of vehicles through a method of voxelization, SDAT enables virtual transportability analysis by performing path navigation through the ship and reporting collision points when loading and unloading a vehicle. Expeditionary Advanced Maritime Operations requiring new vehicles and changing form/function of existing vehicles all impact transportability. Design Mill seeks those with shipboard analysis needs or involved with military logistics.
Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has expressed the desire to reduce weight in existing Rigid Wall Shelters (RWS), provide increased multi-threat protection, reduce corrosion, lower shipping costs, and reduce lifecycle costs. Conductive Composites has 36 years’ experience developing and delivering conductivity-based polymer and composite solutions that provide conductivity and shielding performance in lightweight materials systems. Our Electro-Magnetic Interference Composite Rigid Wall Shelter (EMI CRWS) is a superior lightweight shelter that can support operational needs from maintenance and repair operations to command posts and medical operations. EMI CRWS’ proven shielded composites are highly insulative, reduce operational and maintenance costs (fuel, heating/cooling), and are immune to corrosion. Our mission is to deliver integrated, completely shielded, and cost-effective shelters to the MCSC that exceed existing RWS requirements.
Numerous Marine Corps. heavy tactical vehicles are having technical issues related to mobility, fuel economy and safety; specifically, they’re experiencing brake system problems due to corrosion and drum weight that’s compounded by vehicle up-armoring in the field. Our bolt-on sphere brake, which requires no tools to change pads compresses hemispherical brake pads on a sphere brake surface, generating more power in a smaller package. Engineered to bolt on to existing drum and disc configurations, prototypes have been tested on a Class 8 Heavy Duty truck (Mack) and we’re engaged with the Army (Stryker and FMTV vehicles). Sphere Brake Defense specializes in developing advanced wheel-end technologies and seeks to integrate this technology into government and prime tactical ground vehicles to increase safety while reducing lifecycle costs across programs of record.
Currently, ballistic glass in our tactical fleet has delamination within the sight line and in storage. Our technology can improve ballistic glass from delamination. Using our processes and materials, transparent armor can last 5 years or better! Using our life prediction model, we predict product lifespan according to an accelerated aging process. JNI Armor technology improves the warfighter safety and return on investment by reducing logistic costs while the vehicles remain in the fight longer! The targeted applications are tactical vehicles: HMMWV, MTVR and MRAP, additionally it can be installed on rotor crafts and marine vessels. JNI Armor is an engineering company that specializes in developing transparent armor solutions for every vehicle application. We currently use this technology to sell viewports on ballistic police shields.
Plasma Processes is located in Huntsville, AL and specializes in producing coatings and net shape parts for extreme environment applications. High velocity projectiles with a refractory metal core nosetip experience extreme aerothermal heating and suffer from oxidation during flight. Preventing oxidation improves flight characteristics and lethality of these projectiles. Plasma Processes has developed and successfully tested refractory metal nosetips in a representative environment utilizing a novel multilayered a thermal protection system that was demonstrated to maintain nosetip geometry. The multilayered coating approach enabled the protection system to be tailored to different regimes of the flight trajectory. Plasma Processes plans to provide coating services to a systems integrator providing the Navy with high velocity projectiles.
The Navy needs a scientifically sound method for determining how much realism is needed to train a specific task, which is critical for simulator and simulation design and development. STRUDEL offers both a lightweight, tailorable tutoring system and recommendations from our skill learning models; the tutoring system and learner model provide low-cost, powerful learning tools that help optimize training in programs such as C-ARTS. It’s easily tailored for new equipment and the learner models provide guidance about how much training is necessary. The tutoring system is complete and being used to support empirical studies, while the learner models have been designed and are being developed. Charles River, who conducts leading-edge AI, robotics, and human-machine interface R&D seeks training acquisition programs and training developers in the DoD/Primes.
Charles River, a provider of innovative R&D solutions has developed Adaptive Training Protocols (ATP), a smartphone app and fitness regimen customized to train Marine Poolees in the Delayed Entry Program to maximize their fitness prior to Boot Camp. The fitness progression algorithms were developed over a 12-week human-subjects research program and helps individuals reach their fitness performance goals, such as the Marine Corps physical fitness test (PFT) and combat fitness test (CFT). Competing products do not combine adaptive computation of individual training needs with current physical fitness, physiological measures, demographic factors, and fitness goals with Military-specific requirements, such as centralized data collection. Charles River seeks transition partners within the Government and commercial partners interested in licensing the technology; enabling cost-effective individualization of workout regimens and enhancing the physical readiness of Warfighters.
The current High Energy Computed Tomography (HECT) system, used to inspect the D5 Trident II rocket motors, is an old design using outdated technology; consequently, VJT who’s developed, manufactured, installed, and supported numerous HECT systems will upgrade it by integrating commercially-available, off-the-shelf (CA-OTS) sensors for HECT linear detector arrays (LDAs). VJT owns and operates a lab for HECT services, enabling them to optimize HECT technologies prior to final installation; reducing costs and lead times for consumable spare parts critical to LDA maintenance. VJT seeks meetings with Primes and Program Offices that’d benefit from an upgraded inspection system to analyze their weapon systems such as those associated with the Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Program and/or those using K15 Linatron x-ray sources.
GPS antennas on Navy reentry flight test vehicles provide position and velocity data. The navigation signal is lost for portions of the flight path due to plasma layers. FIRST RF introduction of an improved GPS antenna with greater bandwidth and efficiency provides increased access to the navigation signal. Greater bandwidth provides peak performance in the operating band in the presence of center frequency shifts due to temperature, since the GPS band is still in the wider antenna passband after this shift. Greater efficiency provides higher gain and better link margin. The reduced complexity of this GPS antenna increases the reliability, which leads to higher mission success probability. Since this antenna has already passed environmental testing for the flight profile, the risk for this new GPS antenna is low.
BTech has developed an LPD/I (Low Probability Detection/Interception) Acoustic Modem that provides covert long-range broadband underwater communication. The modem is customizable, modularly designed, reconfigurable and cost-effective. BTech has developed this technology to enhance covert communication by leveraging its staff’s combined experience of over 60 years of technical achievement in underwater acoustic transducer designs. Intended applications include communications between mine countermeasure platforms but could be adapted for any underwater communications needs. The functionality and innovation of this acoustic modem has been verified through Phase II prototyping and testing. Having unmatched expertise in transducer design innovations, BTech’s goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for improving mission communication, control and covertness.
Many protective metallic or anodized coatings on aircraft require full disassembly of the subsystem before repair and re-application in process tanks, often only available at selected repair facilities. Our non-drip plating/anodizing technology takes the repair process to the field, reducing turn time and cost. Leveraging unique electrochemical simulation capability Corrdesa can design tools and have them 3D printed for custom repairs. The heart of the hardware is a patent-pending electrode design that enables scaling of the tool to treat small or even large areas such as patches on aircraft wings, floors and nacelles. The process has already been successfully tested on a P-8 static port. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractors as qualified repair processes and equipment.
RE2, Inc. designs, develops, and integrates intelligent mobile manipulation systems with human-like performance for unstructured ground and underwater environments. Our Underwater Dual Manipulator – Inflatable (UDMI) enhances underwater EOD mission safety because of its natural compliance, making its inflatable manipulators safer to operate near humans and minimizing the possibility that their contact with or near a suspicious device could cause a detonation. UDMI's inflatable manipulators also provide a reduced electromagnetic signature and have smaller size, weight, and power (SWAP) requirements compared to metallic manipulators. A prototype UDMI will be demonstrated in a relevant underwater test environment in Q1 FY21. The goal is to integrate UDMI with other enabling technologies to become part of a Navy Program of Record.
Conventional solid propellants are ignited once and cannot be extinguished, burning until zero propellant remains. However, this technology allows solid propellants to be ignited and extinguished on-demand using a novel solid propellant formulation and a reusable electrical igniter. This enables long-range divert and attitude control systems (DACS) to intercept hypersonic missiles fielded by near-peer adversaries. The propellant was demonstrated in ground-based hot-fire testing. Physical Sciences Inc. develops advanced technologies for the defense sector in optics, lasers, sensors, propulsion, and energetics. Targeted platforms consist of propulsion systems for missiles and interceptors including thrust control motors and dual-pulse rocket motors. Our ultimate goal is to obtain non-SBIR matching funds for flight demonstration of a 5 inch diameter motor, followed by full-scale Navy thrust control motors.
SHIELD, a psychological resilience program provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to training psychological flexibility and stress reduction and is currently under-going human-subjects efficacy testing. SHIELD equips Warfighters with the skills to optimize physical and cognitive performance during high stress situations and promotes rapid, effective recovery following high-stress events. Delivered via smartphone, it’s designed to motivate Warfighters to set/meet their own goals without oversight, providing an effortless mechanism to engage with the training in brief sessions lasting a few minutes throughout the day without interrupting other training and duties. Competing products are not designed to specific Military requirements like centralized data collection or Officer-led instruction. Charles River, a provider of innovative R&D solutions seeks transition partners within the DOD/Primes interested in licensing the technology namely the Marine RECON School.
CL-20 is the most powerful explosive compound known yet is used mainly in Navy detonators. Although developed decades ago, the manufacturing cost remains prohibitively expensive for transition into propellants and explosives. Nalas is developing new technologies for synthesizing lower-cost CL-20. It is our mission to develop and scale advanced manufacturing technologies and be the premier supplier of critical chemicals for the DoD. Nalas is developing a manufacturing technology to enable production of CL-20 at a lower cost than current sources. Since a price of approximately $1500/lb is the primary driver for the failure to put CL-20 in more weapon systems, our technology may help the Navy develop more potent and far-reaching weapons to give our military the competitive edge by reducing the cost by >75%.
Torque and Torsional Vibration Sensor (TVS) is an all-optical sensor technology for measuring torque and torsional vibration on rotating equipment drive trains, including shafts and couplings. Used to validate new equipment designs during product development, diagnose in-service performance and vibration problems, or continuously monitor equipment health. Prime Photonics TVS technology is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and does not require modifications to the monitored equipment, patent pending. TVS is going through continual testing on in-house rigs and minimum viable product prototypes have been demonstrated on commercial customer equipment. TVS will reduce cost of ownership and improve safety when operating high speed drive trains by allowing torque and torsional vibration to be continuously monitored on existing equipment without requiring redesign or requalification of the equipment.
Despite their lightweight and superior performance in service, damage in structural composites involves extremely complicated nonlinear processes acting from the micro-scale to the structural scale. Therefore, high fidelity numerical methods and computer simulation have been extensively used to predict fracture and damage process in composite structures. A multi-scale analysis toolbox for composite materials is developed targeting discrete damage evolution in composite materials. The software toolkit as a virtual multi-scale laboratory (a) eases the burden of experiments, (b) provides the evolution of three-dimensional crack paths in composite material and (c) predicts the failure and damages in fiber reinforced composite materials.
High power or high power density RF/microwave sources used by the Navy in radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems continue to rely on vacuum electron devices (VEDs) due to their superior performance. Future, higher frequency (more compact), VEDs will require unprecedented performance while maintaining cost effectiveness. Radiabeam is developing an additive manufacturing (AM) process for VEDs to support current and future Navy combat readiness while reducing total costs. This project aims to deliver an AM process for direct production of VEDs with a 70% cost reduction. In addition to VEDs, this development will also open opportunities for improved thermal management designs for a variety of radio frequency (RF) devices as well as for advanced heat-exchangers designs. Radiabeam anticipates licensing the process to Prime manufacturers of VED’s.
The Innoveering Particulate Sensor detects air-born particulates that aircraft engines ingest in flight or during landing. The sensor determines size, quantity and speciation of particles. The sensor survives high temperatures inside the engine or is mounted on exterior aircraft surfaces. The sensor uses high temperature plasma as a sensing element and has been developed thru TRL 5 by Innoveering LLC, a technology company focused on high speed and harsh environment applications associated with hypersonic flight. The Particulate Sensor has been adapted for conventional turbine engines powering aircraft such as the V-22. The Particulate Sensor can alert pilots or maintenance crews to harmful engine operating conditions. Prototypes have been tested in laboratory turbine engines in preparation for customers with significant maintenance costs due to contaminant ingestion.
NanoCoatings, a small business, is developing advanced reliable solid-state battery materials. Our technology produces safer-operating performance envelopes by eliminating volatilities such as fire, explosive and corrosive hazards as key benefits. With low self-discharge, long calendar life and good cycle-life along with diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, ensures safer operation and service life of the battery. Thin, flexible layers result in >2X increase specific-energy output for more integration opportunities. Superionic Li-antiperovskite electrolyte and tailored cathode material provide the highest Li-ion conductance of current electrolyte materials. With scalable fabrication processes we can produce an assorted sizes of battery cells. Initial application is targeted for the Fight and Attack aircraft programs with demands of continuous increases in power, high energy, and long-lasting batteries without compromising safety. F/A-18 only a 28 V battery would be applicable.
ERS-Toolbox® by Hill Engineering, a global leader in improving the performance of materials, quickly provides accurate and reliable predictions of residual stress and distortion resulting from surface treatment processes like shot peening, laser shock processing, and cold hole expansion. ERS-Toolbox® uses an award-winning methodology to map process information from our proprietary database directly into leading finite element modeling tools for easy integration with your unique internal workflow. ERS-Toolbox® is designed for engineers and analysts who need to design, analyze, and optimize the use of engineered residual stress surface treatments to maximize the performance of critical structural details. ERS-Toolbox® has proven to be successful for targeted airframe and engine applications and we are constantly improving the software to expand its capability, applicability, and reach.
The Cyber Forensic Toolkit (CyFT) for Machinery Control is a portable, lightweight, modular framework for development and deployment of live digital forensics tools. At run time it provides a cyber-protection strategy and aids in identification of malfunctions due to malicious and non-malicious events, while ensuring minimal impact on overall system performance. TDI offers our customers technology-driven solutions focused around core competencies in research and development, cybersecurity, software development and engineering, and engineering services. This tool kit will define and develop security and cyberforensics ontologies to prevent future cyber threats. Integrating CyFT in existing machinery-controls will help alleviate future cyber-threat incidents. CyFT will also enable the development of robust cybersecurity and cyberforensics ontologies for minimizing Type-I/Type-II error rates.
Product INnovation and Engineering (PINE), a leading Advanced Manufacturing solution provider, is developing cutting edge research technology in the form of both software and hardware solutions for metal additive manufacturing (AM), hybrid AM and laser machining techniques. This project automates part restoration, leading to robust and quality repairs for restoration process qualification. The proposed metallic melt deposition (MMD) technology will enable reliable, cost-effective, on-demand repairs of high value metal components that can be incorporated onto an existing machine tool to create a hybrid additive/subtractive system. This will result in an advanced manufacturing technology that replaces conventional processes to allow for rapid on-site part repair. Techniques to characterize the mechanical and microstructural properties achieved through the restoration process have been developed.
The new technology being developed is superconducting digital signal processing (DSP) integrated circuits. HYPRES primarily pursues digital-RF transceiver technology, which has resulted in a field-tested product: Advanced Digital-RF Receiver. Leveraging this success, the company launched and spun-off several independent business pursuits. The target defense application is electronic warfare and others that require directionally controlled reception, initially for surface ships. A key design technique, serial biasing of digital circuit blocks, transcends this specific use and will be indispensable for all future applications of superconductor digital circuitry. New serial biasing circuitry have been designed for the target Government Furnished foundry. We are looking for funded acquisition program office commitment for transitioning ADR, incorporating the DSP, resulting in ruggedization and on-platform testing, and quantitative determination of performance benefits.
MIRK (Material Identification Reflectivity Kernel) is a new approach to mine and submarine target discrimination developed by Prometheus Inc. The MIRK suite of classification/identification algorithms and codes identify man-made objects. Its use requires no hardware changes, making it both efficient and cost effective. MIRK has potential to enhance performance of active sonars in a variety of systems (torpedo, submarine, UUV, surface ship). Prometheus seeks to integrate and transition MIRK into government and prime contractor systems designed to identify threats to the warfighter. Doing so will enhance performance by reducing false alarms, and improve detection classification without changes in sensors and hardware.
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) is a research and development company founded by rotorcraft pioneer Frank Piasecki, focused on technology innovation development for the rotary wing and UAS markets. PiAC has designed a lightweight sensor pod (LWSP) system that satisfies the Navy’s requirements for an extremely lightweight pod without sacrificing strength and durability. The LWSP is a carbon fiber and aluminum electronics store capable of hosting a laser system or other sensitive DOD electronics. Structurally sized and validated to minimize weight, PiACs LWSP design is dimensionally compatible with existing BRU-14 mounting systems for integration into current aircraft platforms. The pod is nitrogen pressurized and cooled with a series of vapor compression liquid-chiller modules. The stored electronics are enclosed in a thermal and vibration-controlled environment.
Targeting the Shipboard Passive Electro-Optical Infrared (SPEIR) program of record, OptoKnowledge and Northwestern University have teamed to develop the Super Resolution MWIR Imagery Enhancement (SUPREME) algorithm that provides real-time variable resolution to support both situational awareness and weapons system functions. SUPREME successfully demonstrated image reconstruction, including recovery of small features useful for target recognition that are not observable in low-resolution images, at a >6x resolution enhancement factor. For 30 years, OptoKnowledge has been protecting America’s interests through intelligent sensors and machine learning and is working with L3Harris to integrate SUPREME into their FarSight product, which does not preclude integration into any other system. Opto-Knowledge would be a supplier or subcontractor to the prime, providing a SUPREME module that would be integrated into the larger software architecture/system such as SPEIR.
Modern threat radar employs increasing levels of signal waveform agility in order to defeat electronic warfare (EW) systems; consequently, Helios is developing machine learning algorithms to detect agile emitters. These algorithms operate with or without emitter libraries, without just focusing on new signals outside those libraries. These algorithms correctly identify agile emitter pulses as originating from a single emitter, without fragmenting them into multiple unknown emitters. Helios machine learning algorithms build a database of new emitters. Helios has verified EW machine learning using state-of-the-art pulse densities, and developed a cost-effective solution through compatibility with Navy provided Interface Design Descriptions. Helios seeks a development contract to integrate these algorithms in electronic support measures (ESM) programs of record such as AN/SLQ-32, AN/BLQ-10, and EA-18G Next Generation Jammer.
Freedom Photonics, a growing small business which focuses on the development of unique photonic components for high-performance systems, is developing a ruggedized, high-power photodiode module optimized to work at 1-micron wavelengths. These modules are a component of 1-micron wavelength links, which can perform with high efficiency at elevated temperatures with low cooling requirements. These detector modules are the highest linearity devices available at this wavelength. Freedom Photonics successfully designed, fabricated, packaged, and tested the modules during the SBIR Phase I, significantly reducing the risk of this second round of production, aimed toward achieving improved device specifications. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this component technology into government and prime contractor analog photonic link systems onboard avionics, sensor, and electronic warfare platforms.
TDA is a technology development company that designs a variety of materials and systems, including catalysts and sorbents. We have developed an electrocatalyst which reduces the platinum loading for use in electrolyzers to generate breathing oxygen onboard submarines. By using TDA’s novel carbon supports we can reduce the precious metal content by a factor of ten compared to the electrocatalysts currently in use within the Navy and proportionally reduce the cost, while maintaining the same activity and system performance. Our technology’s advantage is in its cost, which targets a significant cost reduction per electrolysis cell stack correlating to savings on the order of magnitude of $100K's per unit and millions of dollars in total to the Navy. We have performed rigorous testing in house and have also had samples tested by our collaborator Nel, a leader in the production of electrolyzers. We are currently looking for a Navy customer to fund environmental qualification testing of an electrolysis cell stack utilizing this novel catalyst, which will allow for realization of the significant acquisition cost savings to NAVSEA.
Developing efficient and effective submarine structures requires detailed numerical simulation using finite element model (FEM) analysis. However, disagreements between design agencies on FEM requirements and interpretation have led to delayed schedules and increased costs. Our solution mitigates conflicts by developing guidelines for FEM procedures for complex submarine structures, including large hull penetrations. The procedures are established through an integrated system of analyses and validated by innovative testing. To date, the process has been applied to guidelines for submarine bulkhead taper geometry and correlated to pressure tests. MTech specializes in the design, analysis and certification of complex structures for commercial and DoD customers. Our goal is to transition this technology to ensure reliable, effective development and evaluation of FEM analysis for future submarine programs, such as SSN(X).
TACTIC-D is a “big data” analytics solution predicated on improving force proficiency and readiness despite changing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). TACTIC-D’s creator, Aptima, is a human-centered engineering company dedicated to augmenting human capabilities. TACTIC-D uses probabilistic graphical models and machine learning to represent and determine the relationships between TTPs, performance measures, and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). This approach facilitates detection and understanding of changing tactical behaviors. Advanced data visualizations make the results of mathematical modeling understandable, facilitating identification of opportunities for training interventions, and helping decisionmakers understand the source of variability in their data. Aptima seeks support for TACTIC-D to access multiple, diverse, and associated data sources (such as sensor readings and mission reports) that could inform measures of force proficiency and readiness.
The Autonomous Planning and Replanning (AutoPRep) tool plans safe and efficient routes by considering risk instead of treating airspace volumes as binary (okay/not-okay). AutoPRep weighs routing advantages and disadvantages by factoring population, land use, airspace, vehicle performance, failure modes and emergency procedures to estimate risk imposed by occupying any location in 3D airspace, resulting in safer and more efficient flight paths. Barron Associates is a research and development firm with nearly 40 years of experience developing intelligent modeling and control approaches for complex, safety-critical, and autonomous systems, and a history of successfully transitioning advanced technologies. Targeted platforms include MQ-4 Triton, MQ-25 Stingray, and MQ-8 Fire Scout. The goal is to produce as a stand-alone tool or integrate into government or prime contractor mission planning tools.
The technology consists of advanced composites that extend system service life and reduce sustainment and maintenance. Composite components eliminate corrosion, reduce weight, reduce life cycle costs, and meet shock requirements. Pacific Engineering specializes in developing innovative manufacturing processes, high quality products that are reliable and save weight without compromising performance. Indicated target platforms include submarines and FFG(X). Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology minimizes the Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) of failed hull sonar array sections. Moreover, this technology will help meet NAVSEA shipboard shock requirements. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The goal is to transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems resulting in significant platform weight reduction, superior mechanical performance, and anti-corrosive properties.
TelAztec's Anti-Reflection (AR) nano-texture eliminates the need for traditional dielectric thin-film coatings with sub-wavelength scale surface textures etched directly into the bulk optic. The contamination resistant, broad-band AR nano-textures provide extreme low reflection loss, no added absorption, no surface heating, and no thermal lensing resulting in 4-8X increased pulsed and CW laser damage threshold levels for long lifetime laser optics including lenses, windows, and fiber facets. Current AR thin film coatings often do not meet specs for bandwidth, durability, and hydrophobicity and cannot be reliably deposited. Previous tests have proven the broadband capabilities and damage threshold of our nano textured optics and we are continuing tests to explore the hydrophobic and durability benefits in a maritime environment. We are hoping to address the shortcomings of thin film coatings while also further exploring where else this added hydrophobic benefit can be utilized by other programs or companies.
Using its 20-plus years of experience in the field, Technology Service Corporation (TSC) is now developing a low-risk Laser Target Board (LTB) system to test airborne laser countermeasures in an operational environment. The system will verify correct laser pointing and sufficient energy on target, and features a high resolution camera to view atmospheric effects on the beam. The initial use of the LTB system will be to test the Navy’s Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasures (DAIRCM) system but will also be capable of testing all other airborne and surface-based laser systems. The ultimate goal is to have the LTB system used at open-air ranges across the country for airborne laser countermeasures testing, and testing of long-range, surface-based laser systems.
The Cognitive Autonomous Artificial System Intelligence (CAASI) solves the problem of detecting zero-day attacks using unsupervised machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to evaluate system communications, sequences, and patterns against a learned behavior baseline to detect anomalous or suspect interactions. CAASI not only detects intrusion attempts, it also detects anomalous system interactions that may indicate deteriorating performance of mechanical systems. The system has been prototyped and tested verifying functionality. La Jolla Logic is an SBA 8(a) certified, economically disadvantaged, woman-owned small business that specializes in cybersecurity, cross domain solutions, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and secure development operations for software engineering. Our goal is to integrate this technology into government and commercial industrial control system networks to enhance cybersecurity and system monitoring.
As operational battlespaces become more crowded, the potential for collisions between UAS and manned aircraft increases dramatically making Airborne Sense and Avoid systems a requirement. SARA leverages 31 years of novel acoustics applications in developing the Passive Acoustic Non-Cooperative Aircraft Motion Analyzer. PANAMA is a mature, low SWAP-C, acoustic system that monitors the surrounding airspace with a 360-degree field of regard, reports the range & bearing of nearby aircraft, and issues collision warnings – outperforming its radar and electro-optical competition in 4Pi-Steradian space. Used in conjunction with an unmanned traffic management systems and proper mission planning, a safe means of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight for UAS is achievable. SARA proposes integrating PANAMA onto the RQ-21 Blackjack but could be for use on any UAS.
International Electronic Machines’ (IEM) NTMS is a noncontact torque measurement technology providing accurate, high-speed measurement of torque without contact or permanent modifications to the rotating shaft. Located in Troy, NY, IEM’s primary interest is in inspection, safety, and maintenance sensor systems for all modes of transportation. IEM will demonstrate NTMS in a flight test on a CH-53 platform with Navy and Sikorsky support. NTMS is a unique patented method of noncontact torque sensing independent of shaft material; it has been developed in several stages and testing is underway to prove its insensitivity to vibration and shaft movement. IEM seeks other prime contractors in the aerospace industry to assist in bringing this technology into use across multiple platforms such as the Chinook (CH-47).
A craft-specific Structural Repair Manual (SRM) for composite components is developed to guide craft technicians through in-situ repairs for a wide-range of in-service damage scenarios. Accompanying material kit recommendations and critical flaw size guidance documentation enable high-quality out-of-autoclave repairs. Materials Sciences LLC (MSC) is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on applying material mechanics to create unique solutions for DOD and commercial customers. Although tailored specifically for the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) components, the analysis and validation procedures developed can be appropriated for various composite crafts and their associated components. A zonal mapping system, in which micromechanics data is assessed alongside global stress analysis, provides further localized damage information. MSC aims to collaborate with additional DOD platforms that require robust composite damage and repair modeling systems.
BTech has developed acoustic motion accelerometers for underwater hull and bow array applications that offer higher sensitivity and bandwidth which achieve better detection performance. BTech has developed this technology for use with hull and bow arrays of passive sensors for new submarines by leveraging its staff’s combined experience of over 60 years of technical achievement in underwater acoustic transducer designs. Through Phase II prototyping and testing BTech has verified the functionality and innovation of this highly acoustic motion sensor. Having unmatched expertise in transducer design innovations, BTech’s goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for improving detection capability.
Vanilla Unmanned is a world record* holding Group III Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) offering unmatched endurance at a disruptive cost profile. Vanilla flies continuously for over 7 days with an operational payload and can fly heavier payloads than existing Group III aircraft for shorter missions. Vanilla is owned by Platform Aerospace, an industry leader in aircraft design, fabrication, and modification. Vanilla is poised to disrupt the overhead intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) market with modular multi-intelligence (multi-INT) sensors. Non-ISR defense and commercial use cases include communications relay, infrastructure and environmental monitoring, and natural-disaster response. Vanilla’s world-record endurance is complimented by a minimalist airframe design resulting in a 10x cost reduction over existing UAS. Testing has verified Vanilla’s payload capacity, led to development of ruggedized launch equipment, and validated system reliability. Vanilla’s next step is to deliver mission outcomes in an overseas operational environment. *Unofficial record; October 2017 121hr continuous flight was not observed by an independent review body
Individual warfighter cognitive performance and situational awareness are critical components of pilot and crew member mission effectiveness. Noise and vibration issues, such as those associated with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye HGU-68/P flight helmet in operational environments, can result in extreme fatigue and decreased pilot performance. Skyward has developed tailored noise attenuation and vibration suppression solutions to improve the vibro-acoustic response of the HGU-68/P helmet by leveraging in-house reverse engineering, finite element analysis expertise, and strategic test facility partners to implement multi-disciplinary design optimization to solve this issue. Skyward’s tailored vibro-acoustic suppression solutions give them a competitive advantage and uniquely positions them for strategic partnerships with the NAVAIR E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and other government and commercial entities.
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is developing a vendor neutral standards-based solution that will dramatically reduce the cyber tool upgrade cycle (from several months to days) by providing the ability to rapidly install, test and deploy new tool sets, configuration files, and settings. RTI is a small successful vendor of Connext DDS, a TRL-9 secure, real-time communications framework used across the DoD (e.g., Aegis, SSDS, DDG1000, LCS, etc). Targeted customers include all DoD systems that are currently hampered by cyber tool vendor lock. Our TRL-9 based solution adopts an open system architecture and open data models ensuring Navy/DoD ownership of the interfaces, facilitating future extensibility. We have already de-risked our concept via an advanced prototype demonstrating interoperability across 3 cyber vendor tools – requiring no tool modifications. Looking for transition to Aegis and other DoD programs.
MaXentric is an advanced technologies company specializing in radio frequency (RF) systems. Products include high efficiency wideband amplifiers, custom integrated circuits (IC’s), and software defined radio (SDR) platforms for communications and radar systems. Under contract N68335-19-C-0293; topic number N181-088, a multi-carrier wideband amplifier system will be demonstrated that is scalable in the number of channels and waveforms that can be supported for shipboard LOS and SATCOM communications. This capability will allow the Navy to transfer and receive mission-critical information between fleet assets with increased capacity. Moreover, the technology improves the Navy’s capacity and flexibility to utilize the full RF spectrum without the limitations of fixed frequency filter/combiner systems thus improving A/J, LPI, LPD performance. Upon completion of the amplifier system testing, a multi-carrier, multiple waveform shipboard radio communication system will have demonstrated a modular, scalable, low-cost, light weight, high efficiency amplifier and combining system capable of maintaining simultaneous ship-to-ship, air-to-ship and ship-to- satellite data links which will provide greater access to ISR and improves overall situational awareness to the fleet.
The SASS provides constant drag and lift that improves tow cable straightness and depth control. The SASS is completely passive, meaning power or external communications are not required. It attaches to existing tow cables with minimal modification. The SASS provides line tension even at low speeds that will expand the operational limits and speeds at which cables can be towed through the water. Makai Ocean Engineering (Makai) is well known for our work with subsea cabled systems including innovative software and hardware systems. Makai has built and is currently testing a prototype SASS. We are looking for assistance in transitioning and integrating this technology throughout all applications that use tow cables including the Navy, and oil and gas industry, among others.
Lynntech is developing a single-loop hydraulic line clamp cushion that meets or exceeds Navy reliability requirements resulting in fewer maintenance cycles, lower costs, and increased operational readiness. Clamp materials, derived from UV and ozone resistant polymers, have demonstrated pass performance after hydraulic fluid immersion, fuel immersion, heat aging under standardized test conditions, and continue to pass specifications after exposure to accelerated degradation conditions (equivalent to >66,000 hours of UV and ~18,000 hours of ozone exposure at 50,000 ft). Lynntech’s multidisciplinary staff has a 33 year history of developing and transitioning technologies to make a warfighter’s job safer or better. These advanced clamps can be applied to any airframe and will be provided to NAVSUP and OEM manufacturers.
Mainstream’s power factor correction (PFC) unit is a passive, low-loss system that increases the lifetime and reliability of generators suffering from leading electronic loads. Mainstream is a solutions-oriented research, development, and manufacturing company that has been providing innovative solutions to the U.S. government since 1986. Mainstream’s low SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost) design enables integration on military aircraft with minimal impact on the overall system weight. The passive architecture is a low-cost, high-reliability option that doesn’t generate additional electromagnetic interference. With Phase II prototyping verifying the functionality of the PFC, our goal is to work with government/prime contractors to integrate the PFC into legacy military aircraft and shipboard systems to increase reliability, readiness, and service life while reducing life-cycle costs.
Automated active Sonar Interference Avoidance algorithms (ASIA) accounts for active acoustic mutual interference when automatically generating optimized theater level asset allocations and strike group and platform level search plans that significantly: (1) Improve passive and active search effectiveness (i.e., reduced time to detect and classify a submarine target of interest), (2) Improve situational awareness and threat assessment, and (3) Reduce operator time-on-task. Daniel H. Wagner Associates has over 57 years of experience in developing and transitioning complex software components to prime contractors and Department of Defense customers, and developed many of the U.S. Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare systems, including the Operational Route Planner (ORP) in USW-DSS (ASIA’s first planned transition) and MH-60R Acoustic Mission Planner (AMP). Have working prototype and looking for additional transition partners.
Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) develops cutting-edge technology and solutions for future battlefields by leveraging its uniquely multi-disciplinary collaborative environment and substantial IP portfolio; we excel at transitioning concepts into viable capabilities. Currently, IAI is developing an S-band Transmit/Receive (T/R) module with sufficient power density to make an airborne 360-degree Electronically-Scanned Array (ESA) viable as a functional surveillance asset. Our Multi-Spectral Phased Array Radar (MSPAR) is a complete RF-to bits solution that is modular, scalable and integrates the complete waveform and analog front-end solution into a smaller form factor allowing one building block to cover all radar and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) functions. We hope to continue our radar modernization discussions with prime contractors and other OEM’s on how MSPAR can revolutionize Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Control capabilities.
Encountering atmospheric turbulence is ubiquitous for all aircraft. With the proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the Navy, detection and recognition of turbulence severity must be performed by means other than an onboard pilot. Our software-based solution, Systematic Turbulence Recognition and Estimation Algorithm with Metrics (STREAM), leverages onboard sensors to estimate the intensity of aircraft turbulence, which is then displayed in real-time to ground station personnel. The algorithm has been verified with test data of multiple UAS. Systems Technology, Inc. has addressed problems facing UAS over its 60-year history through handling qualities assessments, system identification methods, and metric development and display. Our goal is to transition this technology by integrating STREAM into Navy platforms, such as the MQ-25, as well as prime contractor platforms.
A-PuMPS helps make after-action reviews (AARs) of live missions timely and meaningful by filtering multi-modal sensor data around significant events and by providing debriefers a consolidated, synchronized view of different data streams comprehensively and understandably. A-PuMPS’ creator, Aptima, is a human-centered engineering company dedicated to augmenting human capabilities. A-PuMPS presently targets live anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions of the P-8A, where timely and comprehensive AARs are uncommon. Provided the data of interest are accessible, A-PuMPS can be used meaningfully in any environment and on any technology platform (tablet, laptop, desktop, cloud), because its efficacy does not depend on integration (tight coupling) with any other system. Enhanced data analytics and reporting are areas where additional funding would be beneficial.
With an increased reliance on Naval ISR assets for mission support and Intel dissemination, ISR training has become critical to mission success. MAESTRO™ is an agile anytime-anywhere training tool designed to rapidly create, script, and grade training events and scenarios based on ISR missions and situations. Instructor documentation and grading workload is reduced by providing automated support for performance measurement, after action review, and an electronic training jacket. Developed as a plug and play application, with a web and desktop version, MAESTRO™ may be used in a stand-alone or in a distributed team training mode. KBSI is a systems/software development company which excels at transitioning innovative research and technology into cutting edge solutions and software for government and commercial clients. Our goal is to achieve NMCI accreditation for the web and desktop versions of Maestro to enable ashore and afloat deployment.
Aqwest’s next-generation low SWAP-C blue laser sensors will feature 2x more efficient laser crystals and enable a significant improvement in Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). These features enable the development of smaller, lighter, and less costly (low SWAP-C) sensors with reduced power draw from host platforms. Integration of Aqwest low SWAP-C technology enables the use of multiple classes of UAVs as host platforms - increasing operational capability and flexibility. Aqwest is a leading developer of breakthrough technologies in laser photonics for highly demanding civilian and Government applications. Aqwest has demonstrated key parameters of the blue laser in a laboratory environment. Aqwest seeks partnership(s) with a cognizant prime(s) to manufacture and/or integrate the blue laser sensor with the platform sensor suite and provide lifecycle support.
Already a software supplier with Northrop Grumman on multiple advanced development efforts relating to electromagnetic maneuver warfare (EMW), Vadum is a scientific research and technology development organization focused on new solutions to national defense issues. The Prediction, Optimization and Scheduling of System Engagements (POSSE) algorithms are designed to decrease missile-to-missile interference when engaging raids of closely spaced anti-ship cruise missiles. The transition process will begin when the technology is integrated into high-fidelity models of the AEGIS Combat System, eventually on U.S. Navy Destroyers; the algorithm representations integrated can then be transitioned to computer program specifications and finally to tactical code. Vadum seeks high-fidelity testing support, appropriate intelligence data to inform the machine learning components of the solution, and identification of additional transition targets.
Many failures associated with naval surface ship TB-37 Multi-Function Towed Array Systems result from cuts to one or both Vibration Isolation Module (VIM) hoses. These towed arrays are used to locate, identify, and help engage undersea threats. METSS is developing novel chemical additives and processes for the existing neoprene rubber to dramatically improve cut resistance of the outer jacket. Improving the cut-resistance of the VIM will materially improve operational readiness and is projected to save the Navy an estimated $3M/year.
Accurate predicted intercept points can improve missile performance/efficiency against advanced threats; reducing requirements for missile upgrades, expanding the battlespace of anti-cruise missile engagements, and reducing the number of missiles needed for a given engagement. Targeting the AEGIS Combat System, the Threat Predictor for Air Defense (TPAD) algorithms are designed to perform long-term prediction of anti-ship cruise missiles; improving fire control solutions, including a framework for incorporation of prediction algorithms rather a single prediction algorithm and attempts to estimate its own performance and degrades gracefully when performance is low. Vadum, a scientific research and technology development organization focused on new solutions to national defense issues seeks high-fidelity testing support, appropriate intelligence data to inform the machine learning components of the solution, and identification of additional transition targets.
Current performance upgrades to the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) are introducing additional waste heat but must operate within existing form factors. The technology developed to address this waste heat is a simple, effective thermal patch that can enhance the thermal conductivity of electronics packaging without the need to redesign the existing architecture. The patch is based on ultra-conductive pyrolytic graphite sheets encapsulated in a protective film. Functional thermal performance, peel strength and aging tests have been done under the current Phase II. Roccor specializes in the engineering design and manufacturing of highly regulated and/or quality-controlled devices for both terrestrial and spaceflight applications. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into MIDS JTRS by working with prime contractors.
The Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) Tow Cable uses fiber optics embedded within a surface or subsurface vessel’s tow cable in order to accurately measure water temperature in the highly variable upper mixed layer of the ocean. The DTS is integrated into the vessels’ existing towed cable systems instead of relying on unreliable predictive modeling and expendable bathythermographs. Makai Ocean Engineering (Makai) is well known for our work with subsea cabled systems including innovative software and hardware systems. The DTS unit itself is low risk and has been used for other applications. Makai has developed the fiber optic embedment technique, and is currently testing a prototype tow cable for performance and durability. We are looking for assistance in transitioning and integrating this technology throughout the fleet.
Analysis of aircraft structural tear-down data indicates that 75%-90% of structural damage is initiated at galvanically corroded interfaces. To mitigate this, Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC) apply toxic cadmium coatings to bushings and fasteners that add 1149 days to the cumulative turnaround time and expend 351 labor hours. Corrdesa is developing a wet-install based on Aluminum-rich primer that will reduce galvanic corrosion caused by bushing and fasteners in aluminum airframes. Our Reactive Pigmented Coating (RPC) eliminates cadmium plating, significantly reducing personnel risk and turnaround time by avoiding rerouting work. Our optimized RPC will be integrated as a drop-in replacement to existing bushing installation procedures with no significant cost difference. Our goal is to license the RPC formulas to paint suppliers, such as NPC coatings and AV-DEC.
Aircrew Performance Assessment (APA) measures proficiency and quantifies readiness, allowing trending and assessments across the effects chain. Applying operational expertise, data science, and software engineering, APA is an innovative solution for evidence-based training to improve instructor efficiency and training quality. A Dynamic Performance Assessment Model (DPAM) provides tools for performance measurements and effects chain construction. DPAM is integrated as an extension of PMA-205's Next Generation Threat System's (NGTS) Analysis and Report Tool (ART), making it available in a variety of training systems. Human in the Loop (HITL) approaches reduce complexity of the implementation while limiting human input to objective aspects of the mission. BGI is an innovative veteran-owned business, merging the expertise of engineers, data scientists, and operational analysts to provide innovations to the warfighter.
RAPID software is designed to be a common, single solution for automating performance assessment across all platforms, missions, and training environments (live, virtual-constructive, and distributed). Unlike other tools that only report “what” occurred, RAPID provides root cause analysis of “why” those outcomes occurred by evaluating the tactical level of execution in a way that links to mission outcomes. The methodology used is based on five years of analysis of training/resourcing policies and practices and will change the way that warfighting risk is assessed and reported. 2 Circle Inc. specializes in customer-focused system engineering, requirements definition, operational analysis, and program management.
Software-intensive weapon systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks that exploit software weaknesses. While many system-level accreditation and authorization have been enforced by regulatory authorities, they do not expose latent weaknesses in the composed software components and their impact on system level security controls. Tri-Guard Risk Systems has developed a software weakness management tool that evaluates and prioritizes weaknesses discovered in software code before they become vulnerabilities. This new technology will be integrated into DoD regulatory assessment and accreditation processes as well as procurement processes in the software supply chain. The approach and resulting tool sets will provide the DoD an essential cyber-security tool to identify, assess and prioritize risk, and monitor the progress of corrective efforts to address weaknesses and malicious behaviors detected in software.
Strategic Optics for Intelligent Analytics (SOFIA) is a mission-based cyber risk management tool that allows evidence-based assessments of a system’s cybersecurity posture. SOFIA’s centralized repository integrates vulnerability data – attack vectors – compatible with the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF). G2 Ops, Inc. utilizes advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to capture the architectural and functional characteristics of complex system interfaces in a high-fidelity model – digital twin. Dashboards and interactive reports allow threat analysts to implement dynamic configuration changes, isolate known vulnerabilities, identify undiscovered attack vectors through simulation and historical trend analysis, autogenerate RMF compliance artifacts, and monitor the impact of emerging threats on mission-critical operations and assets. Any organization (Program Office, SYSCOM) with a need for cybersecurity analysis and automated RMF compliance analysis can use SOFIA.
Remove performance-limiting heat rapidly from deep within ever-denser, more-powerful electronics, and shielding, without adding size, weight, or short-circuits, even in high RF, via nanotube thermal fibers of strong/flexible ceramic, white-graphene, that can extend anywhere within circuit-packages without adding weight because, though they conduct heat, they can block electricity (and neutrons) … while transparent to wireless/RF and surviving extreme temperatures. Early tests increase thermal conductivity of thermal interface materials 80% with less than 1% additional loading, even unaligned; newly-validated yarns (processes like Kevlar) will be aligned and woven for far more. A NASA Invention-of-the-Year spin-out with inventors from NASA and National Labs, now the global leader in dielectric nanotubes, we seek collaborators and investors with sophistication, and channels, in electronics, hypersonics, and materials with high-value thermal or radiation challenges.
Safe operation of the Navy lighterage system occurs below sea state 3. Presently, sea state estimation is made by Navy personnel and is dependent on their level of experience. This subjective estimation reduces combat effectiveness because high-risk lighterage operations are conducted when the sea state is too high, or operations are not conducted when they could be. The automated Sea State Predictor provides a more accurate and reliable determination of the current sea state. It relies on measurements the warping tug’s motion. Creare’s SSP is designed to be a stand-alone unit that can be mounted in a tug wheelhouse. The system leverages off-the-shelf hardware components to reduce development risk and reduce cost and required development time.
FOX TWO is a software technology that leverages big data analysis of training to provide future training scenario recommendations and trend analysis. FOX TWO automatically analyses training, tracking an individual’s currency and proficiency of skills throughout their career. Prevailance Inc. provides high-value services and technologies to the DoD as they face tomorrow's threats. We bring a unique combination of broad operational experience and deep analytical skills to address our customer’s requirements. Prevailance is focused on providing solutions to identified shortfalls in military training. The Navy’s helicopter community has been involved in the development of this project, integrating with Prevailance’s veteran Naval Aviators to address identified areas of deficiency. Prevailance minimizes risk by working closely with the customer, ensuring compatibility with current systems and cybersecurity requirements.
Skayl has developed model-based methodologies, algorithms and software that improve efficiency and decrease costs, while speeding testing and verification. Skayl’s scalable solution provides automatable verification of incremental software builds and updates. Our customers require cost-effective, verified integration infrastructures in an effort to obtain velocity - “the ultimate advantage.” The Navy, for one, must design, deliver, and sustain complex Systems of Systems (SoS) across various platforms. Current integration methods do not meet the demands of exponential technology growth and complexity or strict safety, security and budget requirements. Skayl’s solution, CinC (Configurable infrastructure Capability), generates test scenarios and integration logic as well as models that capture test results and predict change impacts. These tools enable a manageable, scalable infrastructure through faster and more robust testing and integration.
Higher efficiency energy conversion technologies, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), offer increased mission durations and heavier payloads for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) missions. An ideal UAS power and propulsion system would be lightweight and operate at high efficiency with military logistic fuels, such as JP-8. A leading innovator in SOFC technology, Nexceris is developing a lightweight and efficient fuel cell system that can be applied to a range of UAS platforms. Nexceris’ transition approach is to work with an integrator to apply the technology for primary power for small UAS platforms and auxiliary power units for larger UAS platforms. The technology also can be applied to multiple other military power applications, including military ground vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and battery chargers and exoskeletons.
Boston Engineering’s free-floating Proteus profiler conducts daily programmable profiles down to 1,000 ft. and is the device to collect data – including turbidity measurements – to enhance anti-submarine warfare operations. Launched by hand (vessels of opportunity) or via launch tube (aircraft), Proteus provides optical irradiance (flux density) measurements for aerial ASW assets to increase precision through improved system calibration. Proteus provides a lower cost-per-data set and a lower overall deployment cost than competing solutions. Development benefited from Boston Engineering’s sonde/profiler patent library – including a low-cost variable buoyancy system – and sharing components with its MASED profiler. Proteus expands Boston Engineering’s portfolio of game-changing robotics, unmanned systems, and special equipment for challenging environments. Boston Engineering is interested in teammates and prime contractors for licensing, integration, and procurement of systems.
The Navy has an objective to launch and recover (L&R) various form/function UUVs in sea states through sea state 3 operating from both variants of the LCS as well as the Expeditionary Fast Transport ship; consequently, GLSV, a full-service engineering and manufacturing company developed a modular, adaptable L&R system that offers a common platform for a wide range of UUVs and is adaptable for any ship. A ¼ scale model has been successfully tested in wave tank and open water conditions. As GLSV’s engineering efforts continue to progress towards a full-scale prototype demonstration, we will seek engagement from the ultimate Defense customer to ensure that the UUV L&R system will meet Navy requirements and operational needs, and to define the transition path for fleet adoption of our product.
Charles River Analytics, focused on the development of custom innovative and intelligent systems created TURMERIC, a deep neural network system that mitigates the effects of atmospheric turbulence in imagery to address the unique challenges to imaging systems operating near the ocean surface. It allows clearer views of the underlying scenes in images, improving operator understanding of imagery and the performance of downstream image processing algorithms. Using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), it enables a single frame-based turbulence mitigation approach running in real-time (>30Hz), minimizing the time between image collection and information presentation to a human/downstream algorithm leading to rapid extraction of information from the underlying scene.
Autonomous unmanned systems are a desirable force multiplier for national defense, however, the complexity of planning and executing theater-level campaigns involving large numbers of autonomous systems is beyond the cognitive limits of human operators. Total Infrastructure and Mission Planning Suite (TIMPS) solves that problem by providing a theater-level ASW planning tool that augments human operators with an automated system for planning and executing missions involving large numbers of autonomous assets. This technology is applicable to afloat and ashore command and control (C2) systems such as the AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS). SSCI specializes in applying artificial intelligence to autonomous unmanned systems for complex, collaborative missions. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems to achieve unmanned systems as a force multiplier.
Existing Common Data Link (CDL) and Tactical CDL (TCDL) antennas tend to be either high-gain mechanically pointed reflector antennas or low-gain omnidirectional antennas. This new modular FIRST RF Corporation airborne Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna provides high data rate beams to provide ad hoc networking to both ground and air nodes. Most AESA antennas are designed for a specific aircraft, but this new modular AESA antenna design can be scaled from small unmanned to large manned aircraft. The high data rate beams connect multiple ground and/or air links rather than single links for legacy antennas. This AESA antenna heritage has many flight hours for reduced risk in transition of this new modular version to air platforms from small unmanned to large manned aircraft.
The technology consists of a high-power primary battery for sonobuoy applications that can be stored in an inert state and rapidly activated on demand. Imperia Batteries, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), develops and produces specialty Li-ion batteries that meet and exceed the unique safety and performance needs of the Navy and DOD in general. Initial targeted platforms include navigational buoy systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions. A sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology allows persistent monitoring of an ocean area through fixed and mobile sensor networks that require robust, long endurance power sources. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for a stand-alone sonobuoy power source.
Currently, there is no sensor for assessment of an aircraft engine’s exposure to dust and particulates. Hal Technology developed sensor can measure real-time dust loading and is potentially capable of material identification. The sensor can be integrated into many aircraft engines and engine health management systems and can be used to both avoid regions with high dust levels and perform condition-based maintenance. Hal Technology specializes in providing advanced technology solutions for environmental sensing applications. Our goal is to transition this technology to an OEM sensor manufacturer with flight qualification experience for eventual integration into government and prime contractor engine health management systems. The initial target engine platforms are the GE T-700, AE1107C or F-135. This particle sensing technology is applicable to both gas and liquid.
Predicting ambient noise is critical for tactical decision aids (TDAs) and simulated-stimulation (SIM/STIM) trainers. The Fleet requires a noise model with additional spatial and directional dependence; frequency range; sources of sound; and temporal statistics. The Fleet also requires a capability for forward-deployed noise modeling. ARiA, a research and development firm that brings together top-quality research scientists with system and software engineers, is developing the Multi-Dimensional Ambient Noise Model (MDANM) service-oriented architecture (SOA), along with algorithms and software, to support deployment into TDAs and SIM/STIM trainers. These capabilities include soundscape scene analysis tools to support population databases and use on forward-deployed platforms; deep generative models for compression and transmission to forward-deployed platforms and in-situ data assimilation; and directional-noise array-gain prediction tools.
Monolithic sensors and spacecraft have dominated space for decades. New low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) small satellite compatible sensors offer rapid configuration, manufacturing, and low-cost space access. The ASTRA CubeSat Ocean Observing (CO2) sensor can be integrated with a variety of small spacecraft, and enables accurate sea-state vector wind measurements. The data from the measurements can be of great use for all DoD agencies, providing key real-time environmental weather information. A constellation of CO2 sensors would allow constant monitoring of ocean winds, at a much lower cost to orbit than previous methods. Other commercial industries, such as maritime cargo and oil shipping, could also greatly benefit from this data. ASTRA has a rich history with SBIR/STTR programs, and a Commercialization Achievement Index of 90.
Esail Cloud is a 3D acoustic modeling application developed by ARiA, a research and development firm that brings together top-quality research scientists with system and software engineers. Esail Cloud leverages accurate data to teach basic through advanced levels of tactical oceanography and integrates with learning management systems where scenarios can be practiced outside of scheduled simulation times. This allows more flexibility for those enlisted to learn and test their knowledge with or without instructors present. Simulating the acoustic environment offers a safe environment to test skills to ensure mission readiness. Learners can also revisit and relearn concepts. With excellent 3D acoustic modeling, Esail Cloud is an innovative and powerful tool for those who want the highest level of preparation and training with accurate acoustic modeling.
To counter advances in adversary technologies and ensure aircraft survivability and weapon lethality, ATA Engineering has created a software tool for predicting the influence of complex rotorcraft flows on aircraft electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) signatures. The Rotorcraft Advanced Signature Prediction (RASP) toolkit incorporates leading computational fluid dynamics and EO/IR modeling solvers in a modular, variable-fidelity framework for rotorcraft plume and signature analysis. The technology provides greater realism in computational EO/IR signature prediction by accounting for the interaction of rotorcraft downwash, engine plume asymmetry, full-body thermal state, and environmental effects. ATA delivers innovative simulation and testing solutions to DoD agencies and their contractors for mission-critical systems. Available at no cost to these customers, RASP’s multidisciplinary approach provides greatly improved accuracy of rotorcraft EO/IR signature prediction over existing methods.
Combat system watchstanders face increasingly complex operational environments. IDA is a digital assistant for combat systems that use AI to enhance situational awareness and reduce operator cognitive load. IDA supports assessments of complex situations by evaluating radar and combat system information, and alerts watchstanders to conditions that require action. Operators can interact with IDA via voice commands to reduce inputs and automate complex responses to eliminate repetitive mundane tasks to improve efficiency and effectiveness. IAI is a technology and innovation company that has been providing advanced technologies for the warfighter for over 30 years.
The complexity of the cross-domain Battlespace has evolved to the point that it is not possible to manually maintain awareness of and allocate all recourses optimally in real-time. AI enhanced decision-aiding and dynamic weapon target pairing are urgently needed. Adversaries are adopting AI technology at a fast rate. If these systems leap ahead of DoD capabilities, catching up becomes a function of the rate at which the AI system learns – and can defeat the previous AI version. Stilman’s technology learns the current scenario immediately. LG-RAID technology rapidly produces superior integrated plans in a matter of seconds, > 100x faster than the current manual process. LG-AI is a tool for COA creation and analysis that dynamically responds to Enemy Courses of Action (COAs). Manual multi-domain kill chain planning for Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) is labor intensive and too slow to effectively respond to time critical targets. Stilman has developed an Artificial Intelligence-based planning and supervisory decision aid for resource allocations (sensors and weapons) across multiple domains in real-time. This capability is ideally suited to quickly solve extraordinarily complex IAMD resource planning and allocation problems. As the frequency and size of raids escalates, the urgency of the response and the complexity of resource allocation decisions increases. Within a multi-domain battlespace, this complexity can quickly overwhelm the human commander’s ability to successfully plan and respond. To address these problems, Stilman has developed an AI-based dynamic kill chain planning and preview capability. The AI-based analysis is fast, flexible, scalable, and explainable – and it applies to multi-domain and multi-tier sensor and weapon platforms. Dynamic, reactive resource allocation recommendations are displayed via 2D or 3D animations that provide the human commander with an on-the-loop visualization that prioritizes resource allocations in faster than real-time. This is particularly advantageous for servicing pop-up targets that suddenly appear outside of the pre-planned mission profile.
QSI is offering a low-cost, portable Health Management System (HMS) for real-time diagnosis, guided troubleshooting, and Condition Based Maintenance (CBM+) capabilities. The low cost is achieved by leveraging QSI’s TEAMS® reasoner which uses machine data to diagnose faults and degradation, reduce troubleshooting time, increase first-time fix rate and reduce unscheduled downtime. The expected savings from less-frequent oil changes, battery condition monitoring, and other CBM+ benefits will pay for the ~$10K hardware cost in short order. QSI has successfully tested a prototype to monitor real-time engine data on the PB-34 and is awaiting sea trials. QSI provides model-based intelligent reasoner technology for automatic diagnosis of complex equipment and is open to partnering with primes to provide a cost-effective HMS solution for a wide variety of platforms.
The gearbox is designed for the NAVSEA Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC). The Lightweight Gearbox is designed utilizing advanced aerospace engineering and state-of-the-art materials. It will provide reliable gearbox operation over the thirty year life of the craft with no Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and minimal maintenance. A two-speed lift system gear train allows for fuel reduction and along with the lightweight design significantly reduces Operations and Sustainment costs. The AVX design has incorporated solutions to NAVSEA Lessons Learned from prior Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) and SSC Craft. The design team has brought previous design and sustainment knowledge from USMC V-22 and CH-53K drivetrain technology, where weight and reliability are critical, into the program to ensure success.
Successful anti-submarine warfare (ASW) requires sophisticated tools capable of adapting to an ever-changing underwater environment. ASSET is a software tool developed to characterize uncertain conditions and recommend optimal mission plans. Wagner Associates has more than fifty years of experience in Navy algorithm development, including development of NAVAIR mission planning tools. They are assisted by the University of Michigan, who have developed a machine-learning-based approach for characterizing uncertainty in underwater environments. These characterizations have been validated in environments of interest, and accurately account for acoustic features that significantly impact ASW success. ASSET’s underlying technology could be leveraged in numerous Navy applications involving optimizing passive and active sonar performance, and our goal is to identify prime contractors interested in adding this technology to their ASW support systems.
Inconvenient urine-relief mechanisms for fast jet aircrew have led to an increase in mission-ending dehydration-induced “physiological episodes”. The Wearable Aircrew Hydration Tracking and Extended Recording (WAHTER) System provides real-time, non-invasive hydration measurements. WAHTER is designed for 8+ hour use and consists of a small, forearm-worn sensor and a small electronics package. As no commercial wearable hydration monitoring system is available, WAHTER’s use extends to multiple venues. Luna Labs provides innovative solutions for non-invasive condition monitoring to multiple Department of Defense agencies. WAHTER increases mission readiness and lethality, and reduces cost by ensuring aircrew can complete their mission. Phase I trials demonstrated technical feasibility, and Phase II is focused on functionality studies and device refinement. The goal for WAHTER is deployment into multiple DoD venues.
Freedom Photonics, a growing small business which focuses on the development of unique photonic components for high-performance systems, has teamed with The Aerospace Corporation to develop test methods for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) reliability analysis and corresponding reliability prediction models, to be applied to components integrated into aerospace applications and other military and commercial areas. There are no current PIC reliability prediction tools in the market. This effort was de-risked in Phase I through a trade study of reliability prediction strategies based on standard practices for microelectronic integrated circuits (ICs), individual photonic components, and new approaches developed in this program. Ultimately, these test methods and models will be marketed to PIC device manufacturers, prime contractors, and system users, including the US Department of Defense.
Bascom Hunter is developing a vapor cycle cooling system that provides a variable amount of cooling capacity at a high level of efficiency. The system provides for air cooling as well as liquid cooling flow loops. Our company specializes in compact Vapor Cycle Systems and efficient air movers for Thermal Management Solutions. These systems are designed for aircraft supplemental cooling and pod mounted cooling applications. Our sustained competitive advantage is achieved through the ability to operate the vapor cycle system over a wide range of cooling loads and maintain high operational efficiency. The system and compressor are being completed under SBIR funding. Our goal is to provide the PMA-299 Program Office a cooling system technology that can be integrated into their H60 Helicopter variants.
Nikira Labs Inc., a small, women-owned business that specializes in bringing cutting-edge, optical technologies to market, is developing a robust, laser-based analyzer to measure trace levels of volatile, airborne toxins without any sample handling effects (e.g. “stickiness” and reactivity). This analyzer can be deployed aboard both next-generation and existing submarines as part of NAVSEA’s ongoing efforts to improve air handling systems and hazard monitoring. In addition to measuring currently inaccessible compounds (e.g. acrolein, formaldehyde, ozone…), the analyzer can make distributed measurements in specific shipboard areas, resulting in lower costs and improved safety. Nikira Labs Inc. seeks to deploy its suite of laser-based analytical technologies to address other DoD applications and find a prime contractor to work with us to transition our technology into the fleet.
The advantages of large numbers of low-cost, air-deployed ocean property sensors have been recognized for decades, as shown by the use of sonobuoys and Air-eXpendable BathyThermographs (AXBTs) in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). The MRV Systems ALAMO-2 retains many of the advantages of that concept, but provides greater persistence, does not require a patrol aircraft nearby for data telemetry, and operates at a lower-cost per ocean profile than a typical sonobuoy or AXBT. The concept of operation is “launch once, profile many times”, and can be deployed from Maritime Patrol and ASW aircraft. ALAMO-2 is an enhancement of MRV’s commercially proven A-sized ALAMO float, which has operated in conditions ranging from hurricanes to ice-covered Arctic seas. Our technology allows the Navy to monitor ocean temperature, salinity, and sound-velocity from the surface to 1500 feet, over periods of weeks or months. The addition of sensors for diffuse optical attenuation and acoustic ambient noise measurements, will improve the Navy's understanding of ocean conditions to improve ocean modeling, sonar performance prediction, and increase maritime domain awareness.
Innovative seaming technologies have allowed for consistent, reliable, and incredibly strong bonding of advanced lightweight ultra-strong materials. Kennon Products has leveraged this technology with in-house engineering, design, and manufacturing knowhow to produce an advanced Life Preserver Unit for the Navy, referred to as LPU-21FCL. Our unit is 25% lighter and 50% less bulky than the incumbent with enhanced reliability, safety, and ergonomics. The result is a system that meets all performance requirements while increasing warfighter mobility and survivability. Our goal is to utilize these new materials and advanced seaming technology to replace LPUs across other branches of the military as well as expand into larger structures such as life rafts or inflatable structures where immense weight and size savings will be realized while still providing a reliable, durable, and mission ready product.
Creare is an engineering leader, consulting with a core focus on thermal fluid science. The Engine Particle and Ingestion Classifier (EPIC) technology is a sensor suite that characterizes sand and dust ingestion in gas turbine engines in terms of the amount, size, and composition of the ingested particles. The data can be used to provide warning when an aircraft is at risk due to particle ingestion, or to plan and optimize engine maintenance. Other classification approaches are either too complex and massive for flight, or they do not provide enough data to classify the particles and determine relevant metrics. This technology targets any military system using gas turbine engines for propulsion or power. It is most relevant to aircraft where it may not be practical to filter the particles. The initial platform is T700 which is used in Blackhawk variants. Other relevant platforms are V-22 and F-35. We are looking for pull from a defense customer such as a Navy helicopter PMA or engine OEM that allows for the EPIC technology to be transitioned. The most likely transition path would be to license the technology to an existing preferred supplier of engine sensors and components.
The technology consists of a portable, automated device (RedBox) that can automatically carry out vulnerability assessments of embedded devices. ObjectSecurity automates security for complex, interconnected IT landscapes. Indicated target platforms include Navy cyber-physical devices that may not be connected to any internet protocol (IP) network. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology automatically probes embedded ports, extracts and analyzes firmware/software, carries out penetration tests, generates detailed reports, and uses artificial intelligence to select vulnerability assessment step sequences. Moreover, RedBox is usable by non-expert users (e.g. sailors on a ship). Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for conducting vulnerability assessments.
Lynntech’s Computer Vision FoolKit realizes a form of camouflage tailor-made for making an object of interest evasive in appearance to computer vision systems. This technology exploits computer vision classifiers by manipulating the input signal - so called adversarial examples. Lynntech’s multidisciplinary staff develops and transitions technologies to make a warfighter’s job safer or better. This innovative computer vision camouflage significantly disrupts the performance of cutting-edge ISR/ATR systems. Lynntech has successfully fooled white box (known) classifiers and has developed rigorous synthesis and evaluation procedures to ensure the effectiveness of our camouflage patterns in black box tests against unknown classifiers. Lynntech intends to work with US Marine Corps PEO Land Systems and other customers to develop computer vision camouflage capabilities to meet their operational needs.
This technology is a power-dense, JP-5 fueled Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) power plant/Integrated Fuel Cell System (IFCS). The system consists of a novel integration of PCI’s JP-5 fuel reforming technology to convert JP-5 into a hydrogen containing gas, and a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack with proven performance in UAS applications. Implementation on Group 1-3 UAS will increase range and mission duration and support One Fuel Forward policy. Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) develops, manufactures, and markets components and systems for clean and efficient power generation and has extensive experience developing and integrating fuel reformers and SOFC stacks for DoD applications. Our goal is to provide the JP-5 fueling system to power and propulsion contractors for integration and supply to UAS prime contractors.
Dynamic Dimension Technologies is taking on the challenges Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Vehicle industries are facing for testing and training algorithms. VxSIM is the next generation simulation environment that not only supports the most challenging AV situations, including off-road environments, but also provides a foundation for new technology innovations such as physics-based transfer learning which holds the promise of significantly improving ML and AI applications. VxSIM includes an intuitive GUI, a multi-physics simulation solver for accurate platform modeling, soil modeling, hydrodynamics, etc., sensor (e.g. LIDAR, RF, IR, EO, GPS, IMU), communication interfaces (e.g. ROS) and simulation controls for real-time or non-real-time, batch or Monte Carlo analysis. Working with Office of Naval Research, we’re gathering physical test data to compare VxSIM models within a model-test-model paradigm.
MaXentric is an advanced technologies company specializing in radio frequency (RF) systems. Products include high efficiency wideband amplifiers, custom integrated circuits (IC’s), and software defined radio (SDR) platforms for communications and radar systems. Under contract N68335-19-C-0293; topic number N181-007, N68335-20-C-0121 Robust Communications Relay with Distributed Airborne Reliable Wide-Area Interoperable Network (DARWIN) for Manned-Unmanned Teaming in a Spectrum Denied Environment MaXentric will demonstrate a high data rate backhaul (aircraft to aircraft) and multi-beam Ku-antenna arrays/modems and their ability to enable efficient tactical data link communication nodes in an airborne network. The High Gain Bandwidth Efficient-Common Data Link (BE-CDL) nodes will be able to provide multiple 360 degree BE-CDL networked communication links, allowing for a distribution point for multiple simultaneous high-speed data channels. These antennas/modems will play a role in providing network collaboration, giving naval forces the speed and agility to dramatically improve overall decision making and combat effectiveness. This strategy is intended to increase the likelihood of transitioning this technology as part of a current or future operational system.
Makai's SVACS system uses a series of thrusters along subsea vertical cables to actively adjust and control the shape of the cable to improve straightness and overcome drag. The drag on existing cables allow the cables to kite away from vertical. The targeted application for this system is subsea vertically cables. Makai Ocean Engineering (Makai) is well known for our work with subsea cabled systems including innovative software and hardware systems. Makai has completed a feasibility study and performed small scale testing to prove the system meets the Project’s requirements. We are looking for assistance in transitioning and integrating this technology into operational subsea vertical cable systems.
Industrial control system (ICS) networks cannot be properly secured through traditional cybersecurity solutions which fail to speak obscure ICS protocols, don’t understand the physics of the process, and cannot be installed on proprietary embedded controllers. Fortiphyd Logic provides innovative cybersecurity training and solutions specifically designed for ICS. Our product monitors ICS networks for abnormal traffic, physical process values, and controller program behavior to alert operators of cyberattacks and malfunctions. The patent-pending technology makes it the only solution capable of detecting attacks on industrial controllers from insiders with physical access. It was demonstrated in a lab environment and is in the process of being deployed on an industry partner’s network. Our goal is to transition this solution by securing government and prime contractor ICS networks.
Product INnovation and Engineering (PINE), a leading Advanced Manufacturing solution provider, is developing cutting edge research technology in the form of both software and hardware solutions for metal additive manufacturing (AM), hybrid AM and laser machining techniques. PINE is currently advancing a laser cutting system for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials that will reduce tool replacement costs and simplify the hole drilling process improving manufacturing efficiency. PINE’s proprietary dual laser cutting technology prevents edge melting and delamination by rough cutting composite materials with a high-power laser and finish cutting with a pulsed laser. This laser machining technology is being used on carbon fiber, glass fiber, and composite sandwich structure systems utilized in the CH-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter. We are looking to partner with prime manufacturers.
The Navy needs an innovative material to replace the current Explosion Suppression Foam (ESF) that weighs less and displaces less fuel. Navy aircraft that can benefit from improved ESF include the H-1 attack and H-53 heavy lift helicopters and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA), a manufacturer of advanced materials for aerospace and the military, is developing improved ESFs that will allow military aircraft to carry more fuel for extended flight range and enhanced mission capabilities. Our foams provide a dramatic improvement compared to current ESFs and exceed the requirements for explosion suppression. In Phase III we will complete validation and verification and transition the technology for implementation of existing Navy air vehicle fuel tanks. TDA will produce the ESF material in-house.
Current Common Data Link (CDL) and Tactical CDL (TCDL)communication links from aircraft use high-gain mechanically pointed directional antennas and/or low-gain omnidirectional antennas for air-to-ground links. This new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna provides multiple high-gain directional beams to provide ad hoc networking for air-to-ground and air-to-air nodes. This AESA antenna is designed to take advantage of the additional spectrum in Ku-band to provide more links with greater data rates than for the original smaller spectrum in this frequency band. Electronic steering of the antenna maintains multiple high data rate links from dynamic airborne platforms. Many hours of flight testing on the earlier reduced spectrum version of this AESA design provides a low risk path to aircraft integration for this new wideband, full-spectrum AESA antenna.
Response Technologies (RT) with expertise in Additive Manufacturing, 3-D Textile Reinforced Composites, is dedicated to the design and development of products and technologies, utilizing material science that covers elastomers, plastics, coatings, foams, textiles, fibers, and more. Currently RT is taking fuel system safety to the next level by developing a low density, low-volume explosion suppression material that provides dramatic weight and fuel capacity improvements. We expect to reduce the weight of the foam and retained fuel by over 20 percent while also reducing the amount of displaced fuel (e.g., lost fuel capacity) by over 50 percent. Finally, we expect reduce the procurement cost by over 20% while improving the ease of installation and removal from current aircraft fuel tanks. RT is reducing weight allowing for additional fuel capacity.
The 1kV Lithium-ion battery bank requires a high-power-density maintenance charger with ultra-low ripple charging capability to maximize battery life. This new technology will be able to supply ultra-low ripple charging power for all conditions while maintaining high efficiency. This system uses high bandwidth SiC MOSFET and soft-switching technology to substantially improve the Space, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C). The charger can be integrated into an energy storage system or serve as standalone charger. Galley Power specializes in providing advanced solutions to Lithium-ion battery or battery packs including high voltage banks, 6T and BB2590 within the fields of battery management, 3-phase high efficiency bi-directional power conversion and optimize charging profile based on battery chemistry. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into Navy high voltage battery charging systems.
Timeliness of detection and recognition of threat periscopes is key to defending surface combatants from weapons launched from submarines. Our proposed gated imaging system with non-mechanically steering laser illuminator beam and gated imaging system, mounted on an airborne platform such as an MH-60 or P-8, will be capable of recognizing whether a possible periscope is actually a periscope within a time of less than a second provided a sufficiently accurate cue is available, for example from a search radar. The deployment of such a threat confirmation system will deter enemy submarine commanders from raising their attack periscope if they suspect such a U.S. Navy system is in operation in their vicinity.
SEAS, a second generation digital platform, extends existing shipboard Energy C2 capabilities into a Plug-n-Play architecture. Using microservices and containerization, SEAS delivers highly targeted apps that leverage disparate data sources and algorithms to improve shipboard Situational Awareness and Decision Support. The initial target transition path to the Fleet is via NAVSEA’s GENISYS Program as an enhancement to the Shipboard Energy Assessment System. Of interest to the SHIPS AM Bridge Integration Program Office is the extension of SEAS operational readiness calculations beyond energy algorithms as this directly contributes to an enhanced digitally informed Bridge and Watchstander experience. Beacon, an award winning SBIR Success Story with multiple shipboard deployments of mission critical digital capabilities, is seeking partners interested in expanding these capabilities into new opportunities.
Metamagnetics’ Auto-tune Filter technology (AtF) is a radically new protection for RF/microwave receivers. Using a combination of proprietary magnetic materials and design, the AtF can mitigate multiple damaging jammer signals while keeping your radio, ESM/EW, or radar operational. The program target is protection of the ESM system on board the MQ-4C Triton. Our ultimate customers are system integrators of ESM/EW systems. Robust, simple and passive, Metamagnetics' AtF solution complements other digital and analog cancellation approaches, can withstand higher power levels, and costs tens of thousands of dollars less than current state of the art systems. Metamagnetics is an award-winning research, development, and manufacturing company. We have a modern high-technology laboratory, model-based design, prototyping, and testing of its ferrite-based RF/microwave/mm-wave technologies. Our AtFs have been qualified for military systems.
GIRD Systems is developing an advanced waveform providing high throughput, networked over the air connectivity that provides communications protection in an electronic warfare environment ensuring reliable data links. This data link also incorporates other LRU functionality thus simplifying the overall system and eliminating a DMS issue. GIRD provides the latest digital signal processing algorithms, techniques and solutions. This technology supports the LCS based MVCS Anti-Jam Sensor Networked Data Link which requires beyond line of sight mine warfare missions. With increased digital horsepower, the optimized waveform provides improved anti-jam performance capabilities. A reliable comms link has been demonstrated in a jamming environment. Manufacturing is low risk as the main component is an existing circuit card assembly. Platforms requiring high throughput anti-jam communications would benefit from this technology.
There is a need for a device to identify and remove copper that is leaching into jet fuel stores. Currently, no solutions are available to mitigate the effect of copper-nickel contamination and replacement of fuel piping is prohibitively expensive. PCI is developing a replaceable filter module that integrates a sorbent that is chemically tuned to selectively attract and retain dissolved copper without affecting fuel additives or the fuel itself. It is has a short contact time, low-pressure drop a high mass transfer rate substrate that has demonstrated high copper removal rates. This offers a viable path to removing copper and improving the fuel thermal oxidation stability of jet fuel.
The technology consists of a distinct non-flammable lithium metal cell design that will employ proprietary high active (HA) coated materials and nonflammable electrolyte to produce safer cells with enhanced energy and power density. Imperia Batteries, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), develops and produces specialty Li-ion batteries that meet and exceed the unique safety and performance needs of the Navy and DOD in general. Initial targeted programs and platforms include PMA-234 Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). A sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology provides safe, high energy and power density energy storage for numerous Navy and DOD applications. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and Raytheon IDS (RTN) systems.
Used on F/A-18 landing gear with AISI 4340 alloy steel/300M alloy substrates and already in place at Air Force Depots, for 20+ years ES3 an engineering firm providing technical expertise in all aspects of landing gear systems research, test and evaluation, design and analysis, repair and maintenance has developed a belt grinding attachment that converts manual and CNC grinders into a two-pulley abrasive belt system. Attachments currently used within the DoD are processing chrome coatings as part of the chrome elimination effort and finishing the HVOF thermal sprays. Prior to processing new substrates and coatings, ES3 conducts all development testing required for process qualification on actual aircraft components. ES3 seeks engagement from MROs, SPOs, and FRCs for identification of new applications, engagement from engineering for qualification requirements, and engagement from production/maintenance teams.
Metis Design Corporation (MDC) is a leading provider of novel multifunctional material solutions. MDC offers a unique approach to thermoset or thermoplastic composite component fabrication through the use of carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive heaters. When integrated into a low-cost insulating tool, this technique can fabricate composite components using traditional prepreg materials at a fraction of the cost. This out of oven approach does not require any sort of pressure or heating vessel such as an autoclave or oven, and can process quality parts in nearly half the time. The use of low-cost tooling also allows for more practical prototyping and design iterations of fully-functional parts. MDC is seeking program office support for existing or new applications interested in reducing composite fabrication costs through this innovative approach.
Metis Design Corporation (MDC) is a leading provider of structural health monitoring solutions. MDC offers a novel approach to instrumentation through distributed data-acquisition, signal-processing and locally embedded algorithms. The MD7-Pro Acquisition Node provides high-speed digitization, an arbitrary-function-generator and 2Gbit of memory to accommodate a variety of detection methods in a miniature 15g package. When joined with the MD7-Pro Structural-Sonar, this system can actively map stiffness changes over large areas, or passively localize impact events. Devices can be synchronously networked over a single 8-wire power and data bus, thereby efficiently providing diagnostic coverage will little power or mass penalty. MD7 is slated to be integrated into the MQ-4C and CH-53K in production. MDC seeks program office support for other applications interested in testing and evaluating MD7.
The technology consists of a six-color laser system for the detection of mines in the shore or littoral zones - day or night. Q-Peak has spent 35 years pushing the boundaries of laser technology through development of innovative solid-state and fiber lasers with nonlinear optical systems. The programs this technology is targeting are COBRA and ALMDS but could be applied to any shallow water detection programs. By utilizing six colors discrimination between vegetation, beach, water, and targets is achieved, improving detection and reducing false alarms. This program leverages the results of a previous SBIR program which developed unique amplifier technology that makes this approach possible. Q-Peak is seeking to provide the laser source to a prime contractor for integration in a complete mine detection system.
Mainstream’s greywater processing system treats ship greywater to levels safe for disposal, reducing the amount of greywater entering the collection holding transfer (CHT) tank, increasing ship mission time, lowering water disposal costs, and preventing the need to retrofit existing CHT tanks. Mainstream is a solutions-oriented research, development, and manufacturing company that has been providing innovative solutions to the U.S. government since 1986. Mainstream’s modular system allows for a unit that fits in multiple space claims for different ships. The system architecture is built on Mainstream’s Greywater Recycling System for Army Field Kitchens that has demonstrated success. Our goal is to work with the government and prime contractors to demonstrate improved water management and reduced shipboard maintenance and environmental waste.
Founded in 1997, Spatial Integrated Systems, Inc. (SIS) designs, develops and integrates new and innovative technologies to provide vastly improved technology solutions to meet customer requirements in robotics and intelligent autonomous control. The Navy is developing unmanned surface vehicles (USV) that can autonomously deploy smaller USVs. Deployment and Recovery (D&R) of USVs is sea state limited due to wave-induced relative motion. Current operations require a significant amount of human interaction to ensure these smaller USVs are safely retrieved without damage to themselves or the surface craft. Future operations envision this work being done autonomously, removing the manned component. Leveraging their extensive sensor and intelligent autonomy experience, SIS is developing an Autonomous Deployment & Retrieval System (ADRS) that is expected to enable safe D&R operations up to and including Sea State 4.
Fiber reinforced polymer composites are an enabling material for several military aircraft including the CH-53K. Third Wave Systems develops and sells premier materials-based modeling software and services for CNC machining solutions and created a process modeling and optimization technology to prevent damage in composite panels resulting from drilling fastening holes for attachment to the airframe. Damage occurs when the drilling process is incorrect/experiences excessive tool wear. The current approach is trial-and-error while ours allows “virtual” trial-and-error to get to the solution quicker with less material and labor cost; reducing thermal and mechanical damage. Customers in the DoD supply chain of this technology will be the primes and contractors responsible for assembling the air structures for combat aircraft/helicopters and any platform that uses composite panels attached to the frame.
This project integrates improvements in five major sonobuoy components leading to improved detection capability and increased reliability at lower cost and weight: a smaller, quieter gas generator, adaptable RF comms link, printable antenna technology, greater capacity data link and increased reliability deployment system. GSE experts have over 100 years of combined experience in acoustics, optics and modeling and simulation for remote sensor systems. The programs this technology is targeting include air launched sonobuoys but apply to remote sensor systems based on land, sea, air or space. As GSE focuses on agile innovation we adapt commercial components and teamed with a large system integrator, eliminating production risk. We are looking for additional customers for our SDR and printable antenna technology.
The technology consists of a low-cost approach for improving the performance of the Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) sonobuoy upper section. Triton Systems Inc. is a global product venturing and investment company creating product-driven enterprises through a proven and proprietary stage-gate “Venture-through-Invention”-process. Initial targeted programs include PMA-264 Air ASW Systems. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology will improve the performance and form factor of the existing DIFAR sonobuoy and potentially lead to a lower manufacturing cost per unit. Phase II prototyping has verified the functionality and innovation of the technology. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems. Successful technology development would benefit underwater oil and gas equipment operation monitoring.
Seamless or 3D knitting is an additive manufacturing capability has the potential to transform the supply chain for textile products. 3D knitting is to textile products what 3D Printing is to plastic or metal products: instead of executing a coded design using plastic or metal filament, the textile product is made directly from yarns. 3D knitting can improve fit, permit cost efficient gender specific product, enhance comfort, reduce bulk, increase protection, and reduce waste and inventory while saving time with a fast to market supply chain. Propel, a textile technology innovator, is using 3D knitting to rapid prototype new Navy knitwear items. The initial platform is a series of improved Flight Deck Jerseys. With additional SBIR COVID 19 response funding, Propel is also rapid prototyping and field testing 3D knit cloth face covers with enhanced performance as well as a 3D knit/3D Print hybrid N95 mask.
The integration of advanced materials, low cost fabrication techniques and specialized plating techniques using a knowledge-based toolset enables efficient design and production of metallic coated polymer components for low-cost, high performance structures. Materials Sciences LLC (MSC) is an engineering and manufacturing company applying our knowledge of advanced material mechanics to create unique products and solutions for DOD and commercial customers. Defense applications for this technology include surface ship and underwater vehicle components, ground vehicles, aircraft and spacecraft components. The key enabling capability is sustainable production of low cost, lightweight components with improved performance. Material and process trials have shown potential for superior performance, reduced weight and/or lower cost. Input from the defense customer and prime contractors on applicable parts and requirements will facilitate rapid transition.
PSI’s high-speed, visible-near infrared/shortwave infrared hyperspectral imager will enable minefield detection through novel, staring-mode system architecture and automated anomaly and target detection algorithms. The sensor is designed to detect minefields consisting of surface laid mines and obstacles as well as buried mines from an unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform with high spatial/spectral resolution and minimal motion-induced artifacts. The sensor also has applications to UAS-borne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Performance has been demonstrated under limited operational conditions. PSI is a leader in the development of novel, spectro radiometric and hyperspectroscopic sensors with accompanying detection algorithms for field-based and airborne platforms for military and aerospace markets. Our ultimate goal is to transition this technology to government or prime contractors for ISR and minefield detection.
This technology is a catalytic scrubber material used for breathing air filtration which eliminates contaminants to improve productivity and safety of Navy and Marine personnel. An improved breathing air filtration system is the initial application with other air filtration applications envisioned. Implementation of the scrubber technology promotes destruction/inerting of contaminants in air and improves prevention of respiratory contamination. Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) develops, manufactures, and markets components and systems for clean and efficient air cleaning and emissions control and has extensive experience utilizing sorbents and catalysts. Our goal is to transition this technology to the fleet in an initial application working with a commercial manufacturer and Navy personnel to improve safety and productivity for Sailors and Marines. Technology licenses for other applications will be pursued.
Freedom Photonics, a growing small business which focuses on the development of unique photonic components for high-performance systems, is developing a balanced photodiode receiver, which is a low noise, high linearity component used in analog photonic links. This receiver is being designed with a multicore fiber input, which further reduces noise in the balanced photodiode pair. Freedom Photonics has successfully produced balanced photodiode modules with dual fiber input, significantly reducing the risk of the multicore fiber module development. To our knowledge, these components will be the only balanced photodiode modules with a multicore fiber input. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this component technology into government and prime contractor analog photonic link systems onboard avionics, sensor, and electronic warfare platforms.
RF photonic links provide broader bandwidth, reduced weight and inherent EMI immunity over metal coaxial cables but are limited by link noise performance. PSI’s technology reduces link NF and improves dynamic range by using a balanced detection link connected by a single multicore fiber. This link offers broadband noise cancellation over long distance and simple system integration using modularized transmitter and receiver units. Fundamental working mechanism is verified, key components are developed and the prototype link be demonstrated in 2021. PSI provides state-of-art EO components and RF photonic solutions to antenna remoting, phased array, mmW imaging and advanced communication systems for hostile EW environments. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for upgrading current system’s bandwidth, NF, SWaP and reliability.
Cryogenic refrigerators are needed to cool superconducting magnets for future naval operations. We are developing a critical refrigeration component: a compact, high-efficiency, cryogenic heat exchanger (HX). The HX builds on Creare’s expertise in thermal / fluid engineering and fabrication and manufacturing process development, particularly our innovative, additive manufacturing technology used to build recuperators for small gas turbines. Our cryogenic HX will enable a compact, efficient cryocooler that will, in turn, enable use of superconducting magnets for a range of advanced naval applications, including superconducting power generation, power distribution, and magnetic energy storage. We seek customers that require superconducting systems for these advanced applications. We seek partners who build superconducting components and prime contractors who build vehicles and platforms that incorporate superconducting systems.
Future Navy operations call for unmanned aircraft capable of logistics operations between ships and between ship and shore. Near Earth Autonomy is developing an autonomy system fulfill that need, enabling autonomous vertical take-off and landing of tactical resupply unmanned vehicles on moving ship decks. The system will eliminate the need for manned helicopter logistics and allow dynamic aircraft selection, resulting in a more efficient supply chain and agile Naval force. Near Earth Autonomy develops autonomy solutions to enable aerial mobility and inspection applications in a variety of CONOPS and environmental conditions. Our goal is to integrate and transition the system into government and prime contractor air vehicles to enable autonomous take-off from and landing on ships.
Boston Engineering’s SVP Sonde is an expendable, free floating sensor that executes multiple profiles inside the Mine Threat Area. Collecting sound velocity profile (SVP) data is critical to attaining accuracy from mine countermeasure sonar systems. Unlike other approaches, the SVP Sonde can deploy remotely at the point of need and provide over-the-horizon communications back to users. This increases operational efficiency and reduces the risk of collecting unusable data. Using Boston Engineering’s patented variable buoyancy system, the SVP Sonde executes multiple profiles at a low overall and low cost-per-profile to address ocean measurement requirements. SVP expands Boston Engineering’s portfolio of game-changing robotics, unmanned systems, and special equipment for challenging environments. Boston Engineering is interested in teammates and prime contractors for licensing, integration, and procurement of systems.
Helicon develops nanoparticle-polymer composites with superior properties for a wide range of applications, including energetic materials. Helicon’s high-performance, insensitive fuels for solid fuel ramjet (SFRJ) systems contain in situ grown aluminum nanoparticles (nAl) formed directly in polymer solutions. Since SFRJ is a competitive solution for tactical systems requiring long range and high speeds, the technology is applicable to multiple weapons including hypersonic applications. Helicon is using efficient combustion of in situ nAl to produce fuels meeting the Navy’s challenging performance requirements while remaining insensitive. Achievements include testing in a ramjet combustor, validating performance in a realistic prototype; and manufacturing process scale-up to support future large-scale testing. Our goal is to partner with primes and Navy weapon system program offices to further this effort.
K&C’s Maritime Lethality Analysis Toolset technology consists of a Vulnerability and Lethality (V/L) software program that enables analysts and mission planners to evaluate warfare scenarios in real time (minutes) and accurately predict the terminal effects of munitions against surface ships. Additionally, the software can quantify uncertainty for scenario outcomes when military intel is limited. The program features an automatic 3D ship model generator and computational modules for damage mechanisms of interest to the Navy (blast, fragments, penetration, flooding, fire). K&C is a science and engineering consulting firm which provides blast and weapon effects analysis and modeling and simulation services to several US DoD agencies and private clients. K&C aims to transition the technology into weapon programs for maritime targets and the JMEM Weaponeering System.
Surface Optics Corp (SOC), a vertically integrated optoelectronic engineering company that provides optical coating services and manufactures hyperspectral imaging and metrology hardware has developed technology for deposition and validation of thermally resistant optical coatings on complex shaped military hardware. Supporting the development of aerodynamic infrared domes for Air-to-Air missiles, conformal sensor/view windows for Combat UAV and F-35, and hypersonic sensor/view window applications, it builds on existing coating lines that support automated processing of multiple dome/window components, or large single windows up to 3 meters diameter. The current application is for IR antireflection coatings but is adaptable to any spectral region and the initial platform is expected to be related to Air-to-Air Weapons. SOC seeks opportunities that involve SOC in production or production support.
TransWave Photonics develops monolithic photonic microchips that both generate and direct infrared laser beams to two-dimensional space without any moving parts and bulky optical components. This monolithic beam steering system can be integrated for infrared countermeasures (IRCM) with expectations of significantly reduced size and weight, faster steering speed, and fraction of cost, compared to current IRCMs using gimbal-based mechanical motion. Our team has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of beam steering subsystems and is currently working on integration of the subsystems. We specialize in miniaturized mid-infrared systems where all active and passive photonic components are monolithically integrated for unmatched low SWaP-C. Our goal is to transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for IRCM.
The ability of a missile to operate during adverse weather and rain conditions is limited and may result in extensive nose cone damage and seeker dome fracturing. It is imperative that missile developers understand rain droplet impact on missile nose cones and seeker domes to optimize their shape and materials to better withstand rain impact. Our technology is a fully validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software tool to predict raindrop distortion and demise in the flow field around a supersonic missile to understand the impact event and the associated material damage mechanisms. CFD Research Corporation specializes in development of CFD software of complex multi-physics phenomena, and our goal is to transition this software to DoD agencies and primes for missile weather encounter modeling.
Twice Encrypted and Authentication Messaging (TEAM) is a device-independent software-based encryption capability supporting multi-cast that leverages approved capabilities for the protection of classified information developed by WPL, Inc. We are an engineering services and Research and Development (R&D) company founded in 1978 with extensive communications system and security engineering expertise. TEAM is targeted for the new Marine Air to Ground Task Force [MAGTF] Common Handheld (MCH) radio. TEAM’s implementation adds limited overhead on multi-cast networks thereby maximizing bandwidth efficiency. A laboratory demonstration of a proof of concept was completed in Phase 2 and we are looking at future technology demonstrations with operational users through MARCORSYSCOM. Our goal is to deploy our software capability as part of new/existing platform and provide licensing/training support for its use.
PEI, located south of Lincoln, Nebraska, specializes in composite design and manufacturing. To improve the fuel efficiency while also improving ride quality and water performance of Marine Corps amphibious vehicles, PEI has identified various metallic structures which can be redesigned using composite materials to reduce weight of propulsion/drive system parts by 30%, design a hydrodynamically shaped composite extendable bow vane (flap) and drag reducing stern flaps, and reduce corrosion maintenance efforts. Risk is already diminished through the completion of design and analysis of a composite torsion shaft, winding trials to evaluate ply-thickness and band density of various fibers and resins, and fabrication of a full-scale composite torsion bar. PEI plans to provide finished parts to the Marine Corps for installation during maintenance operations and the prime contractor during vehicle production.
There is currently no field-deployable way to track changes in cognitive processing. DANA™, the Brain Thermometer®, an FDA-cleared mobile app, addresses this issue by measuring cognitive efficiency through the tracking of responses to visual stimuli. DANA is sensitive to anything that affects cognitive processing and its intuitive user interface enables tests to be completed in under five minutes. It has minimal training effect, allowing it to be taken as frequently as needed. Initial targeted transition customers include high performing warfighters and defense contractors. Multiple papers have been published demonstrating DANA’s effectiveness and its high test-retest reliability. AnthroTronix is a Small, Woman-owned business focused on developing digital health solutions. Our goal is for customers to use DANA wherever cognitive metrics drive successful job performance.
Taylor & Lego Holdings (TLH), Dba/Rapid Composites, a 20-year provider of engineering and manufacturing services has developed alternative composite construction methods that improve cycle-times and dimensional tolerances; reducing costs and enabling very repeatable mid-to-high-volume production. Initially targeting Coyote UAS components, TLH has produced over 60 rugged handheld devices, transit cases, drones, control surfaces, complex fuselage assemblies, and the FLIR MLR Aka/Recon 5 (passed government testing) with greater repeatability and substantially better cycle times. Additionally, TLH demonstrated the ability to produce tubular fuselage components for MDA with embedded electrical interfaces in minutes instead of days. TLH seeks partners/investors that‘d benefit mission critical and harsh environment products, which typically are companies looking to produce >5 parts/annum that require more accuracy than low pressure processes are capable of.
In response to the Navy’s desires to acquire electrocardiogram (ECG) and other physiological measurements on divers underwater, Quantum Applied Science and Research (QUASAR) is developing waterproof electrodes and other sensors for a Diver Biometric Device (DBD) to provide ECG, respiration, skin temperature, activity and other measurements in saltwater and at depth. QUASAR is a world leader in noninvasive biosensing systems, created by integrating our sensors with precision hardware and sophisticated algorithms. The first DBD wireless belt prototype is complete and will be validated in this Phase II program. QUASAR seeks partners to transition the Phase II system with QUASAR providing design support. QUASAR has manufacturing capability for small orders, but needs support for volume production.
Visual Argumentation for Resolving Inefficiencies (VARI) is a crowdsourcing environment that aids organizations in identifying and characterizing inefficiencies to constructively/collaboratively develop solutions to improve organizational performance. Versatile and adaptable, VARI can be hosted on a cloud or in a classic client/server setup, enabling deployment on any DoD network (e.g. NIPR, SIPR, JWICS) or corporate LAN to provide continuous organizational improvement at any echelon/level – to include development of ALL-SOURCE intelligence products. Intuitive, it reduces workload, improves user experience, and improves the decision making process. Sonalysts’ Human-Autonomy Interaction Laboratory (HAIL) develops concepts and technologies to support more effective human-machine interaction. Scalable to organizational needs, Sonalysts’ goal is for VARI to become the crowdsourcing technology of choice for resolving organizational inefficiencies. We seek Navy, IC, and commercial transition sponsors to adopt VARI to their organization.
VRR’s Fused Augmented Realities with Synthetic Vision (FAR/SV) software module enables operational enhancements of situational awareness as well as supporting faster/better decision making for Close Air Support and Call For Fire missions. Innovative visualizations include 3D Splash Zones, along with ‘Instant SA’ which solves challenges of accurately and rapidly perceiving if friendlies are inside or outside danger zones (i.e., Risk Estimation Distances);‘Instant SA’ visualizations are especially beneficial overcoming long-standing problems faced by JFO/JTAC (Joint Fires Observer/Joint Terminal Attack Controller) performing mission hampered by being within the same 2D plane as the target(s); Entirely new classes of MiniMaps with Gaze Guidance Lines which intuitively link 2D map objects to the same objects within the AR-enhanced 3D real-world. FAR/SV software runs on a variety of platforms and devices along with user-selectable options ranging from inexpensive COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) AR-HMDs, Military Grade HMDs/Monoculars, HoloLens, HoloLens2, and other new emerging hardware such as ONR/USMC Warfighter Augmented Reality (WAR) system and Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) Program of Record.
Luna Innovations Incorporated (Luna) has developed a framework to design, test and deploy condition monitoring computational processes that track the health of shipboard equipment. Signal processing and modeling techniques are robust, efficient and tailored to conserve energy when run on battery-powered sensor nodes like Luna’s condition-based maintenance hardware. This allows nodes to operate as edge computing resources that diagnose faults locally, report relevant damage features or transmit entire data histories for higher fidelity models that operate on shipboard computers to verify predictions and reduce risk. Performance has been demonstrated for the Navy through relevant environment testing, using both industrial and submarine-grade equipment in partnership with the original equipment manufacturer of hydraulic systems. The ultimate goal is to inform maintenance practices and lower total ownership costs.
Cardinal Engineering, a system survivability and shock qualification engineering firm, has developed a design and qualification software tool that can be used by equipment suppliers or Navy Approval Authorities to evaluate new COLUMBIA Class equipment designs for shock survivability in order to reduce design hours and ensure a new item is capable of achieving shock qualification by extension. The prototype software tool, termed Comparative Design Assessment Tool (CDAT), compares and assesses designs for new equipment relative to designs of equipment that have already achieved shock qualification by guiding the user through shock qualification by extension logic found within MIL-S-901D Interim Change #2. CDAT takes a complicated technical ship specification and turns it into a simple software tool that a non-expert can use.
Serving high-profile commercial companies such as Google, Facebook, Broadcom, and SES Networks and overseeing radio and satellite communication procurement efforts for DARPA and NASA, RKF specializes in wireless systems spanning hardware, systems, and software engineering for space-based, drone, and terrestrial communications. The Hybrid Open Transceiver new Advanced Integrated Line-of-Sight Equipment System (HOT nAILES) is a modernized line-of-sight radio frequency communications distribution system for VHF/UHF communications to/from shipboard platforms with improved performance and SWAP-C. Targeting the AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radio (DMR) as part of the FFG(X) development, where key system components/related parts have been analyzed for inclusion and TRL in the design. Partnership with a program of record is underway along with the large business prime for that program; company seeks inclusion in all future naval ship builds.
Current hydraulic actuators come significant problems; oil needs vigilant servicing to fight off leaks while contamination and low system efficiency can cause thermal issues. A transition to more efficient electric actuation is needed in multiple applications, specifically for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV). Continental Controls and Design (CC&D) provides state of the art proven integrated actuation solutions with unmatched force density. CC&D's Electric Actuation System (EAS) is a miniature three-inch system that can produce 10,000 pounds of force in a completely integrated product, weighing about 11 pounds with continuous force capability equivalent to a hydraulic system. Our pressure vessel demonstrator allows high fidelity endurance testing with arbitrary force, speed and pressure profiles with a self-contained push/pull actuator pair. CC&D's goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for facilitating low cost and reliable actuation.
Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. is developing a composite standardized payload canister to support rapid integration of payloads into the Virginia Class Submarines. Our design incorporates universal connections and fittings that interface between the individual payload tubes within the payload canister and the host ship’s electrical, hydraulic, data, flood/drain, and structural connections to facilitate the integration of a variety of payloads. Composite materials offer benefits related to corrosion resistance, reduced weight, acoustic dampening, vibration dampening, and faster manufacturing processes. New materials, architectures, and consolidation processes are expected to meet performance requirements, effect life cycle cost reductions, and maintain required production rates. Once the chief components have been designed, documented, manufactured and tested at the end of the Phase II Base effort, a full-scale canister will be fabricated for evaluation of material, process, and structure capabilities.
By integrating ultrasonics with a 5-axis machine a process was developed that reduces fabrication costs of sapphire hyper-hemispherical windows for photonic masts. Meller Optics Inc. is world a renowned manufacturer of sapphire precision optical components. The targeted program is for a non-rotational AMPPM (Affordable-Modular-Panoramic-Photonics-Mast) sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The Ultrasonic machining platform adjusts power with a closed loop feedback mechanism that maintains optimal amplitude. The diamond grinding tool used under ultrasonic conditions reduce grinding forces which reduce part breakage risk. The tool maintains geometric shape longer than conventional grinding/machining methods, making the process robust and deterministic. The Navy’s photonics mast contractor, L3 KEO, as well as other Primes looking to produce platforms requiring sapphire windows, such as shipboard EO sensors and hypersonic vehicles, would use this process to reduce costs.
Ballistic Devices Inc. has developed and successfully demonstrated a high voltage capacitor technology capable of supporting less than 100ns charge and discharge times in the 8000 to 80000 volt range suitable for resonance, DC block and pulse shaping applications. Our company designs and develops high fidelity electronic components for extreme applications. The ability for our capacitors to rapidly charge and discharge high currents (>1000A) combined with our large component values, enable higher energy systems in a more compact form. By using the latest in materials technology and innovative material qualification methods, we have developed reliable, large capacitance, light-weight, high energy density capacitors that are temperature stable and ideally suited for use in pulse power systems in high power radio frequency applications
TOPGUN detects and classifies ships in color video using state-of-the-art deep learning techniques, which can be used by any manned/unmanned vessel to avoid collisions. TOPGUN detection is reliable even in cluttered scenes, and detected ships are classified into categories, including cargo vessel, sailboat, and military ship, to support safe navigation for unmanned vessels and increased situation awareness for manned vessels. We have demonstrated TOPGUN live on the water using commercial cameras and processing hardware. We are combining TOPGUN with whale and obstacle detection on a smart camera with an embedded processor to create a maritime smart camera that provides situation awareness and collision avoidance for military and commercial vessels. Ideal partners are building unmanned surface vessels, smart cameras, or ship surveillance and security systems.
InnoSys has developed modular, integrated smart addressable driver and controller units and modules that provide no-single point of failure efficient and extremely reliable driver power of Flight Deck Lighting Addressable Smart Control Modules (DLASCMs) for flight deck landing lights for DDG1000 class ships as well as other fixed wing and helicopter carriers’ flight deck lighting that are low-risk, affordable, easy to maintain/replace. InnoSys is a minority women own small business with extensive expertise, experiences and facilities that develops and manufactures smart driver and controller electronics in its Salt Lake City, Utah location. The initial targeted defense application or platform is power system for flight deck lighting. We have developed and demonstrated to NAVAIR. We are looking for additional defense applications and customers including NAVSEA.
Metamagnetics designs and manufactures magnetic signal conditioning and antenna products. We recently developed a compact conformal very high frequency (VHF) / ultra-high frequency (UHF) azimuthal omnidirectional transmit/receive antenna. The antenna bandwidth is 350-700 MHz but can be scaled for other frequency bands. This antenna has a significantly lower profile (4”) than conventional dipole antennas (~16”) and can be mounted directly to a metallic surface while maintaining omnidirectional performance. The result is a significant reduction in visual signature with this antenna. The antenna can be mounted on the surface of platforms such as airplanes, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Humvees, and man-packs. Our goal is to integrate this antenna into government and prime contractor communication systems to reduce their visual signature while maintaining performance.
Avionics systems require an increased range of processing elements, networks and peripheral devices with increased reliability and decreased costs. Inflexible hardware-based fault-tolerance is a significant life cycle cost. Reliable Platform Service (RPS) software provides superior fault resilience while utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Significant cost savings in hardware and faster lifecycle upgrading are achieved, keeping pace with commercial developments, all of which require extremely robust fault awareness and tolerance. RPS also permits dynamic fault tolerance over changing configurations and operating modes and is scalable/extensible to legacy or new systems. RPS fits into the Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) and Future Airborne Computing Environment (FACE) of avionics components. Our goal is to transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems to provide robust, affordable fault protection.
ARES, an advanced aerial refueling modeling and simulation tool, utilizes a multi-body dynamics approach that enables analysis of the tanker and receiver aircraft, hose, drogue, and reeling mechanism characteristics to accurately predict hose/drogue dynamics and probe loads during refueling operations. As such, ARES enables detailed analysis of refueling operations for new technology and tactics, techniques, and procedures development; mishaps; and flight testing and certification. When integrated into manned flight simulators, it improves the accuracy of refueling simulations to enhance pilot training. Platform agnostic, ARES is easily integrated with other modeling and simulation tools to enable real-time pilot-in-the loop simulations. SDI’s goal is to develop ARES as the software tool of choice for use in flight simulators and in the design and development of aerial refueling systems.
Current flight simulator displays don’t provide accurate depth cues at close proximity; Holochip solves this problem. For wide angle collimated displays and head-worn displays, correct accommodation and vergence cues are provided, eliminating the vergence-accommodation conflict and improving the user’s spatial awareness at close to far range operations (less than 10 ft to over 60 ft). This system can be integrated into chin, cargo hatch and out-the-window visual systems for fixed, rotary wing and vertical/short takeoff and landing aircraft simulators and other virtual reality platforms. The system has been prototyped and is currently being installed in an operational environment where it will be evaluated by pilots. Holochip specializes in providing advanced technology solutions to problems of critical importance within the fields of simulation-and-training and image sensing. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for facilitating simulation, training and operational display technology that improves the warfighter’s spatial awareness and effectiveness.
LSO DAT transforms text-based LSO carrier landing evaluations to allow machine learning to reveal evidence-based insights, optimizing training while reducing workload. Prototyped for the LSO School, embarked air wings, and aviator training units, it applies advanced data science to identify and highlight trends and areas of concern in performance. Handwriting recognition (OCR) allows LSOs to maintain their familiar CONOPS while gaining benefits from the tools. Collaboration with the user community has created familiar and intuitive visualizations. LSO DAT provides improved capability to the fleet as a standalone tool, and is ready to be integrated into data analysis suites and enterprise data systems. BGI is an innovative veteran-owned business that merges expertise of engineers, data scientists, and operational analysts to provide key innovations to the warfighter.
Current methods used to qualify additive manufacturing (AM) materials and processes during manufacturing are expensive and time-consuming. Senvol is developing data-based machine learning software that supports the qualification of AM processes, machines and materials, rapidly optimizes process parameters, predicts material properties of components, supports quality assurance, and minimizes data generation costs. The software can be applied to any AM process or material and has been prototyped and functionality verified. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology significantly decrease AM data generation costs such that qualification of AM components can be achieved faster and with fewer resources. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems that enable the adoption and deployment of AM.
Improving shipboard landings in high sea state conditions for varying class of autonomous vehicles remains a constant challenge for the US Navy. Our modular solution provides a completely general framework with applicability to rotorcraft and fixed wing UAS operations. The system involves two primary components: 1) a predictive deck motion estimation (DME) algorithm, and 2) a swappable guidance and control algorithm. The framework has been flown and verified on multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Systems Technology, Inc. has addressed the Navy shipboard approach and landing problem for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft over its 60-year history through advanced flight control designs, handling qualities assessments, ship motion projection, and Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS) stabilization. Our goal is to transition this technology by integrating our DME algorithm with prime contractor platforms existing guidance systems.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has the potential to revolutionize the way the Navy procures, maintains and utilizes aircraft, ships and submarines. SHEPRA has developed a process to incorporate nanotechnology materials in the form of carbon nanotubes in metal powders for use in metal AM. The nature of this technology allows for the use of any metal alloy and results increases in the overall Strength, Stiffness and Thermal and Electrical Conductivity. With the use of this technology it is now possible to AM fabricate components consistent with wrought metal properties. Applications include the maintenance and sustainment or new product development with enhance capabilities. SHEPRA is currently working with AM material suppliers, system manufacturers and DoD primes to create an ecosystem to most effectively deliver this technology to the Navy and other DoD services.
Ecological Advanced Support Interface Toolkit for Heads-Up Attention to Improve Warfighter Knowledge (EASI-HAWK) enables better spatial orientation through natural visual and auditory cues that extend beyond the foveal visual system; seamlessly transitioning pilots from aided to unaided vision. EASI-HAWK, an auxiliary toolkit, supports head-up displays (HUDs) and head-mounted displays (HMDs) under development for the F/A-18 and F-35 variants, enhancing pilot effectiveness. Charles River Analytics, a leading provider of innovative R&D solutions for increasingly complex and important human-systems challenges seeks integration with HUDs and HMDs and EASI-HAWK’s visualization display components with a number of military aircraft and land vehicles. The underlying display design principles provide benefits for guiding effective display criteria to support remotely piloted and pilot-optional aircraft, as well as augmented display devices for private and commercial pilots.
This superconducting electronics company offers design, development, fabrication, testing and packaging services for their digital Radio Frequency (RF) product-lines. The goal of the Phase II is to develop a cryogenic digital readout scheme of cryogenic microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays, using superconductor analog-to-digital converter (ADC) technology. The application of this technology (ADC’s ) to the MKID array has the potential to scale back or eliminate the most power hungry component (the HEMT amplifier) in current read out systems and allow the number of pixels in the array to grow, improving image resolution and field of view. The concurrent ADC improvements will improve the HYPRES Advanced Digital Receivers ability to contribute to spectral dominance in naval multi-function RF applications, including communications, Electronic Warfare (EW), Intelligence, Surveillance (target identification), Reconnaissance (ISR) and Radar.
Issac utilizes model-based systems engineering to model components and interactions before manufacturing. It also utilizes prototype development of MVDC fault detection and isolation methods in a lab environment. Current effort is to provide a detailed specification and architectural recommendations for Fault Detection, Localization and Isolation (DLI) and Next Generation Electric Ship (NGES). The effort includes: 1. Exploring architectures to discern thresholds for DLI parameters; 2. Exploring technologies through prototype development and testing; 3. Understanding potential impacts and developing requirements for other NGES subsystems; 4. Understanding cross-system integration issues and architectures and specifications to mitigate risks. These activities can help with innovation and provide a competitive advantage for other industries that use DC to power vehicles or microgrids.
MicroLink has developed an advanced solar cell technology that is lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient. The solar cells are physically like aluminum foil, so the cells can bend around curved surfaces and flex back and forth without any damage to the cells at a significantly reduced weight penalty over current systems. The solar cells are also similar to the ones used on space satellites; they are highly efficient and are designed to produce significant power in a limited area. In this project, MicroLink is integrating its advanced solar cell technology onto a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) called the Puma to augment the battery power on the aircraft and double the flight endurance over that of a battery-only powered flight.
Current Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) systems typically require a human in the loop to offload the data; Trident’s Enhanced Autonomous Condition-Based Network (EACBN) is designed to automate retrieving CBM data both inside and outside the wire through a full download of parametric data and periodic health snapshots. A Semantic Syntactic Data Diode (S2D2) will securely isolate the CBM data collection, enabling cross-domain transmission to blue force tracking. The system has been fully prototyped and completed hardware-in-the-loop testing. Trident Systems Inc. employs a world-class team that delivers technology solutions that make a difference in the areas of Integrated Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), radio frequency (RF) Electronics, and Assured Collaboration Systems. The EACBN’s goal is to integrate it directly into Program of Record platforms to streamline the collection of bulk CBM data DoD-wide.
Seatrec’s thermal energy harvesting systems exploit small temperature differences within the ocean to generate electric power. This essentially-infinite environmental power source enables underwater platforms, sensors, and vehicles to transcend the endurance limitations of traditional storage batteries while reducing operations and maintenance costs and enhancing safety and environmental stewardship. Compared to traditional and sometimes hazardous energy storage methods (primary and rechargeable batteries, seawater batteries, fuel cells, and diesel generators) environmental energy sources offer increased endurance and reduced logistical complexity. Thermal energy harvesting can be effective underwater, at night, at high polar latitudes, and in situations where other environmental sources such as wind or solar are unavailable, inappropriate, or tactically undesirable. Phase II laboratory development has demonstrated fundamental proof-of-concept and ongoing research will result in increased power output. Our goal is to engage in early-stage field trials with a defense contractor developing capabilities for persistent underwater monitoring, including underwater sensing, communications and UUV networks.
Realistic training for warfighters is a high priority, particularly for building convincing simulations involving force-on-force situations. Creative Microsystems Corporation (CMC) is developing a wearable helmet mounted Holographic Enabled Display System (HEDS) for Marine force-on-force training. The innovative design surpasses all currently available see-through near-to-eye and AR displays for field of view (FOV), brightness, and resolution. HEDS will have daylight usability and an ultra-wide field of view based on CMC’s holographic imageguide design. The display enhances the users' situational awareness (SA) by presenting high density visual information in a manner that does not detract from their natural perception of their surroundings. Creative Microsystems has extensive experience in optical engineering, patented holographic display design and fabrication and a history of robust designs delivered to the military.
This technology enables surface ship Ka-band communications links with Low and Medium Earth Orbit (LEO/MEO) satellites by developing a radome-integrated Ka-band transmit antenna system for Commercial Broadband Antenna Program (CBSP). A radome integrated antenna system implemented with additively manufacture frequency selective surface (FSS) based radiating elements is developed; this approach enables the new Ka-band transmit capability while maintaining existing CBSP system functionality. SI2 Technologies (SI2) focuses on antenna and array systems, Frequency Selective Surfaces, structural honeycomb absorbers, flexible hybrid electronics and additive manufacturing in support of the Department of Defense. Targeted defense applications include existing radomes on surface ships and submarines. SI2’s prior work in antenna design and development is directly applicable to this task and mitigates development risk. SI2 is always looking for partners as the technology matures.
In-situ monitoring of fatigue, cracks and wear, in structures ranging from aircrafts, ships, and infrastructures is critical to DoD development. This technology is a “Smart Washer” that becomes part of the fastener system that detects onset of wear and monitors crack growth. The functionality and innovation of the technology has been tested and validated for different varieties of structures including combinations of titanium, aluminum and carbon composites. Physics Renaissance specializes in developing innovative advanced sensor technologies to address problems critical to the fields of vehicle testing, health monitoring, smart sensors and condition based maintenance. The goal is to take this technology, which has been tested in a lab relevant environment, and develop it to a TRL6 for an operational environment. Physics Renaissance will transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for facilitating condition based maintenance solutions.
Casualty power is critical to sustainment of mission capabilities. There is currently no way to restore medium voltage direct current power to zones isolated by damage. Our technology will provide a safe, lightweight and affordable way to solve that problem. This modular system can be scaled to lower voltage direct current applications, significantly improving utility and safety. We demonstrated system technical feasibility and designed it to reduce personnel hazards while maintaining or increasing deployment speed compared to existing 450VAC systems. We bring portability and safety: a team of personnel composed of sailors of average size and strength can rig the system, in a worst case scenario, within 30 minutes. The system has safety features that do not exist in current US Navy casualty power systems.
ARC is BGI’s powerful toolset that identifies key trends in recorded maintenance data. Actionable reports enable Condition Based Maintenance+ objectives, increasing operational availability while reducing workload. ARC integrates into any maintenance infrastructure. In use by the H-53E Fleet Support Team, enhancements are in development to support additional platforms. A plug-in architecture and user-scripting capability allow adaptation to a range of platforms and applications. “Field,” “Analyst” and “Enterprise” configurations provide common tools at all levels. User feedback shaped ARC to be useful upon delivery, optimal with moderate configuration. ARC is an ideal solution for identifying health trends in support of predictive maintenance for any military or commercial fleet. BGI is an innovative, veteran-owned business, merging expertise of engineers, data scientists, and operational analysts to support warfighters.
The Hardware Open Systems Technology (HOST) Hardware Integration Tool Set (HHITS) is a web-based Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) tool that models hardware systems built using standards such as HOST, SOSA™, and OpenVPX™. Using an innovative graphical user interface, engineers perform integration by searching and selecting hardware modules from the integrated repository, virtually integrating modules, identifying integration issues by applying rule sets, mitigating issues, and capturing the design details prior to acquiring any hardware, saving time and money. The benefits are reaped throughout a program’s lifecycle from initial design of a new capability to sustainment through simplification of obsolete module replacement. SimVentions’ goal is to deliver HHITS to the government, prime contractors, and hardware vendors to facilitate the design of hardware configurations.
The integration of disparate technologies in Systems of Systems (SoS) is complex, costly and resource intensive. Skayl’s PHENOM + CinC (Configurable infrastructure Capability) provides integration scalability, flexibility, dependability, security and value. PHENOM is a software-based integration ecosystem providing interoperability solutions for mission-critical, real-time data communication including aviation, command & control, medical devices, and smart cities. PHENOM’s advanced semantic architecture enables automated data discovery and a unique, fully configurable integration infrastructure. Phase II is complete, and Phase III negotiations are underway. Skayl’s principals are subject matter experts heavily involved in the leadership of architectures and standards including the FACE™ Technical Standard, UCS, NATO STANAG (Standardization Agreement) 4586 and other STANAGs. Skayl’s goal is to provide the government with tools that enable rapid, cost-effective integration and testing for application in mission-critical, real-time data communications.
Lynntech is developing practical all solid-state (PASS) batteries with enhanced safety and performance for military aircraft and other applications. Lynntech has significant experience developing advanced batteries. for military and commercial applications. PASS batteries utilize core-shell electrodes and high conductivity solid electrolytes. These features provide a clear competitive advantage over current Lithium batteries based on improved safety/abuse tolerance and cycle life, in addition to high energy and power densities. The F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) is an initial transition target as the sponsoring program office, while Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264) has shown interest to support efforts by the Electrical Power branch within NAWCAD to begin an assessment for the potential for a post-Phase II initiative. Lynntech has performed both lab-scale and scaled-up electrode/electrolyte preparations, including cell fabrication and evaluation, which demonstrated the capability of PASS batteries to meet the Navy’s requirements.
Early detection of lithium battery faults provides critical warning before these issues evolve into more hazardous situations, such as fire, toxic off-gassing, or catastrophic failure. Lynntech is developing an early warning fault indication system (EWFIS) with low volume, weight, and energy. It provides high speed monitoring at the cell level along with system performance monitoring, triggering an alarm when a battery fault precursor is detected. Lynntech has significant experience in developing lithium batteries, miniature chemical sensors, and integrated electronics. EWFIS can be adapted to many battery packages and chemistries, including Li-ion batteries in Navy’s UUVs and submarines. EWFIS prototypes have been successfully designed, fabricated, and tested for monitoring Li-ion batteries (8 or 32 cells). The ultimate transition goal for this technology is government and prime contractor systems for monitoring lithium batteries, increasing safety and reliability.
Dakota Ridge R&D is developing, prototyping, and patenting a passive shipboard capabilitiy to characterize refractivity environments, temperature, and water vapor vertical distributions. This rapid-cycle low size, weight and power (SWAP), low-maintenance device leverages oceanic horizon and upward high-resolution long-wave infrared images to characterize thermal structures (radio/RADAR ducting) into refractivity, meteorological temperature, and relative humidity profiles. Dakota Ridge’s capability supports acquisition of rapid sequence observations in the vicinity of the ship, to predict battlespace EM/EO propagation characteristics. Currently, no other passive/covert technology produces such resolute results. Extensive modeling and processing of CASPER West R/V Sally Ride Sea Trial observational data has been leveraged to demonstrate the technology’s viability. Dakota Ridge has an established strategic partnership and is collaborating with Ball Aerospace to support development and integration.
A Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Call Processing payload capable of deployment at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to enable extended ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite communication (SATCOM) coverage to the Polar Regions, while utilizing existing terminals is needed. The MUOS extender “Mighty MUOSe” is a demonstrated 2U MUOS CubeSat Payload, which fills this need and supports network data services. W5 Technologies is a telecommunication company driving commercial cellular to the tactical edge. Other applications for this technology include other cellular technologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), deployment at LEO. A deployed constellation of Mighty MUOSes provide sustained competitive advantage, eliminating coverage dead-zones and providing increased communication spot capacity. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government for constellation deployment and expanding persistent MUOS coverage to the North Pole.
Leveraging Tucson Embedded Systems (TES) existing Model Based Engineering (MBE) capabilities, this technology provides an infrastructure to support testing of hardware against requirements and conformance verification. TES’s holistic solution to conformance of hardware utilizes their AirWorthy Environment for Systems Unified Modeling (AWESUM) tool. AWESUM has been successfully developed and used for over 10 years. Originally developed to test Hardware Open System Technologies (HOST) conformance, now it is used to test conformance of hardware against standards, such as Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA™), Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS™) and OpenVPX™. TES specializes in mission critical hardware and software systems, validation and testing, training and research and development. This technology is intended for use by verification authorities, Navy/Army test labs, vendors, and military depots.
Acellent's Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology inspects aircraft/rotorcraft composite structures for predictive maintenance and performs prognostics for remaining useful life (RUL) estimation. Acellent's end-to-end solution ensures the integrity and safety of composite structures by identifying damage, analyzing severity, quantifying the damage and providing the location of said damage, and managing lifecycle. Using artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT), we connect physical structures to assess damage from anywhere in the world. We are the global leader in SHM with proven sensor-based technology and intelligent diagnostic algorithms to detect and monitor damage. Acellent’s active SHM system for helicopter tail booms are aimed to be integrated with Advanced Digital Transfer System (ADTS) and onboard helicopter data acquisition and storage system, like the Health Usage Monitoring System (HUMS). We are looking to transition this SHM system for field usage on U.S. DoD helicopter platforms.
Founded in 2011, Storagenergy is passionate about developing energy technology and providing environmental solutions for difficult energy problems. Our major focus is energy; energy generation, energy storage, renewable energy systems and providing environmentally friendly solutions for serious energy issues. Currently, Storagenergy is developing an All Solid State Battery (ASSB) pack plus a Battery Management System (BMS) for Navy power applications on aircraft. Our transition targets are PMA 265 (F/A-18 Program Office) and AIR 4.0T (Chief Technology Office). Our goal is to continue development of our ultra-thin solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) that will eliminate the safety concerns of conventional Li-ion batteries specifically their highly flammable organic solvent electrolytes. To date, Storagenergy has perfected an ultra-thin (<30 µm) SPE membrane that promises to enhance our ASSB’s performance.
ArtusJava is a software tool used to remove dead code and features without need to access source code or the original developers. Use of Java is pervasive due to its mature ecosystem, rich community resources, and quick development cycle. The vast majority of today’s Java applications use only a fraction of their code and libraries causing the exploitable attack surface to be larger than necessary. PJR’s ArtusJava is a software re-engineering system that uses binary and static analysis, slicing algorithms and cutting techniques to safely remove bloat and allow the user to selectively remove unwanted features from the compiled binaries. Results in a smaller, simplified application with less vulnerabilities.
Net-centric fleet operations generate an abundance of health and status data that can require skilled engineers to interpret to identify and isolate failing systems (Tier III support). DATEM, a TRL-8 machine learning system targeting Ship's Signals Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F, instantly pinpoints failed ship sub-component (e.g., DATEM automatically identifies 91% of failures) just from ships’ health and status signals, enabling Tier I technicians to resolve Tier III-level troubleshooting. This results in quicker, more accurate failure resolutions at lower tiers of support, which maximizes up-time, increases operational availability, and lowers costs. For 35+ years Charles River Analytics has been solving critical DoD research and operational problems using Artificial Intelligence. Beyond deploying to SSEE, we aim to solve other Navy critical health and status data understanding problems by adapting DATEM to new systems.
NAVAIR seeks to replace the current Landing Signal Officer Display System (LSODS) monitor and physical button design with a ruggedized touchscreen featuring a reconfigurable physical button-like haptic response. This project aims to create a LSODS haptic overlay touchscreen with tactile/haptic feedback built in that can be integrated to upgrade legacy systems and future rugged touchscreen designs. These haptic touchscreens will provide a simplified user interface, provide a method for users to verify they are hovering over an actual software button and to trust that their entries will be made whether they are distracted or wearing gloves. Suitable for integration into rugged screens used by the DOD and Industry, the software will allow designers to easily assign and manipulate haptic feel for user interface (UI) buttons/widgets to create truly scalable and customizable systems.
This technology combines edge-diffraction modeling, boundary-element methods, and parallel processing to create a model of acoustic scattering of midfrequency active sonar from underwater targets that are larger than mines and smaller than conventional submarines. ARiA’s approach offers an accurate and efficient method for calculating acoustic scattering of midfrequency threats that is 10 times faster than current state-of-the-art target-scattering models and scales well at high frequencies. This method has been validated against third party BEM software and analytical solutions. ARiA provides research and development in interdisciplinary acoustics, signal processing, modeling & simulation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to transition this technology as a tool for ONR, NAVAIR, and NAVSEA to use in creating midfrequency synthetic target signatures for developing signal-processing algorithms.
Applied Optimization, Inc. (AO) is developing an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) solidification science-based additive manufacturing (AM) framework for multi-scale thermal and microstructure modeling, melt pool thermal-fluid flow analysis, thermodynamic and kinetic models, and a cellular automata (CA) framework. The dynamics of solidification interface velocity will be modeled using interface response function theory to predict the material inhomogeneities caused by the phase selection phenomena and the AM scan strategy. The evolution of the solidification front will be traced within the CA grid to predict the solidification grain growth and orientation and the sub-grain morphology and texture. AO seeks to identify DoD Prime contractor and Programs focused on AM to include powder bed AM process optimization for the mitigation of build defects and microstructure inhomogeneities.
The Theater Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Contextual Reasoning application (TASW-CR) presents a set of threat submarine mission objectives to watch floor analysts, enabling them to use available information to evaluate and weight likely mission objectives. Using these mission objectives and contextual information such as weather, geographic features, state of hostilities, and location of blue forces, combined with sparse contact information on submarine and other hostile forces, TASW-CR produces constrained estimates, probability distributions, on the threat submarine’s present and future state. Probability distributions are produced by a non-linear Bayesian tracker, capable of employing probabilistic motion models representing the mission objectives identified by the analyst. Incorporating contextual information with sparse contact information reduces the area of uncertainty (AOU) for the present and future state of the threat submarine.
Virtual training of small unit leaders requires many additional personnel to serve in lower level roles. DeepAgent solves this problem by providing high skill level, realistic virtual humans in training simulations. This system has been prototyped and automatically learned behaviors for virtual humans in a simple simulation. DeepAgent can be integrated with a variety of simulations and automatically creates high performance, realistic behaviors for virtual humans at low cost. SoarTech has over twenty years of experience working with the military to develop behaviors for virtual training simulations and autonomous platforms. Our goal is to integrate DeepAgent with government and prime contractor virtual training simulations used for small unit infantry leader training. Additionally, we plan to apply this technology to develop behaviors for autonomous platforms.
FIRST RF is an advanced technologies company specializing in antennas and radio frequency (RF) systems in communications, radar, AESAs and Electronic Warfare. Under contract N68335-18-C-0566; topic number N131-007 High Gain Common Data Link (CDL) Antennas for Networking UAV Node, a multi-beam Ku-Band phased array system will demonstrate multi-node point-to-point network which allows multiple deployed units on land, air, or sea to transfer mission-critical information without relying on potentially vulnerable or oversubscribed space assets. Upon completion of airborne testing, a multi-beam TCDL antenna and radio communication system will have demonstrated a modular, low-cost, light weight, electronically steerable and multi-beam system capable of maintaining air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-ship data links which will provide greater access to ISR and improves overall situational awareness to the fleet.
Pacific Antenna Systems (PAS) has produced highly innovative low probability of intercept (LPI) / low probability of detection (LPD) advanced antenna systems in Ku Band and W Band that will provide up to 5G wireless capabilities. The antennas also provide multi-beam, directional network communications between surrogate nodes, connectivity between TDLs and IP-based networks to seamlessly move high density information. Increased network reliability is achieved through spectrum and waveform agility. Ours technologies have been flight tested in relevant environments on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Antennas are applicable to all ground, air, and surface platforms including manned and unmanned. Community of interest is Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR). PAS design history includes over 70 years of antenna systems design experience in Communications, Radar, High Power Microwave Antennas and Electronic Warfare.
The CLIPBoard is a tablet-based ruggedized electronic replacement for the Navy’s paper-based supply management processes. Its embedded barcode scanner and ability to work away from “the cloud” provides transaction-based FIAR compliance even during disconnected logistics operations. Premier Solutions HI LLC (PSHI) has combined current system capabilities with Fleet and Sailor inputs to shape a sailor-oriented solution that exceeds operational requirements. The CLIPBoard is targeted for transition into NOSS (Naval Operational Supply System), the new USFFC and NAVWAR logistics management system currently under acquisition. The CLIPBoard’s connected and disconnected operations will free sailors and logistics operators from manual data entry while providing users and commanders with role-based up-to-date views of critical supply metrics wherever they go.
United States military personnel face many of the same health, wellness and readiness challenges as elite professional athletes and performers. 90% of military, non-combat musculoskeletal injuries are related to physical training. The Navy desires to maximize warrior readiness by monitoring human performance factors and provide training programs that increase performance and reduce the risk of injury. Based on the industry-leading CoachMePlus sports performance technology, Warrior Performance Platform (WP2tm) is a configurable tool that centralizes and analyzes nutrition, performance and recovery data and leverages wearable fitness device data to enable leadership to continuously evaluate, adjust and optimize unit and individual performance. For this initiative we will demonstrate the viability of the WP2tm platform to improve factors related to human performance while curtailing chronic overuse / stress-related injuries.
Piezoelectric morphing actuator replaces servos in existing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) platforms. AVID provides a control system kit, which includes; the control and electronic driver boards necessary for vehicle control with the piezoelectric actuator. This technology keeps the vehicle in the fight longer, without needing to replace servos after landing. AVID has successfully demonstrated equivalent or increased performance in flight with increased reliability over servos during an Air Force Phase 2 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project. The technology was then sponsored by the Air Force for an enhancement that demonstrated successful integration of the morphing flight control (MFC) actuation on a production micro-UAS. The technology garnered further funding from the Navy for its capability to withstand the marine environments. AVID has developed the morphing technology to be advantageous on folding wing canister launched systems in the 100 lb weight class, and ducted fan vertical take-off-and-landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) system to enhance controllability.
Current state-of-the-art Naval Aviator drysuits provide critical protection during emergency coldwater immersion yet afford minimal air and water vapor permeation by employing waterproof membranes described as "breathable". In actuality, these membranes do not allow air to permeate through the cloth. Therefore, NanoSonic, who specializes in advanced materials research, developed a porous elastomeric gel membrane 5x more air permeable than current MIL-DTL-32149A drysuit fabrics per ASTM D 737 while being waterproof at 1 psi for 1+ hours as measured in accordance with AATCC Test Method 127-2008. NanoSonic’s precursor copolymers are readily scalable to pilot scale production quantities, and its membrane production techniques may be transitioned to a continuous roll-to-roll production process.
The high transmission of thermal infrared light through haze and fog makes it ideal for secure, ship-to-shore communication in inclement weather. However, the lack of practical tunable optical systems has resulted in limited utilization of infrared light for communication applications. To address this issue, Plasmonics Inc has developed a new class of active optical elements employing phase change materials (PCM). Unlike existing acousto-optic modulators, the PCM infrared modulator is compact (active region < 1mm thick), broadband (> 10% bandwidth), and has a wide field-of-view (> 60 degrees). Plasmonics Inc is looking for partnerships to integrate this new technology into a variety of platforms, including free-space optical communication systems, beam deflectors, and active tags for target identification.
MultiEye™ is a cost-saving and performance-improving free space optical (FSO) communication system being developed for ONR. It features faster, more secure communications with increased bandwidth, low probability of detection and low probability of interception. The device provides simultaneous high data rate communication between multiple Navy ships and aircraft. MultiEye™ utilizes SA Photonics’ field proven technology for atmospheric on-the-move FSO systems, and consists of a multi-beam shipboard FSO terminal as well as individual terminals for aircraft and rotorcraft. The company, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions its own small-scale production as well as teaming with well-known primes, as it has on past product developments.
Navy rotorcraft components sustain damage from flight operations, logistics handling, and removal and replacement during maintenance. Blending away the damages to reduce stress risers may cause fatigue cracking, and blending lowers thickness in the repair location reducing the ability for future repair capability. Damage that exceeds design tolerances generally cause the component to be scrapped. Creare has developed a compact repair system for full dimensional and strength restoration of aircraft components to enhance the logistics and maintenance of Navy aircraft. Our Compact Repair System miniaturizes additive friction stir technology using compact, high speed spindles and additive tools to facilitate repair of such damage and to return the component at or above its original strength.
Current and future weapon systems place / will place highly variable, unpredictable demands on power systems and require increasingly energy-dense power supplies that are compact, lightweight and provide long service life without compromising safety. Bioenno Tech’s innovative, long calendar life/improved cycle life (> 6years / > 6,000 cycles vs today’s 2,000 cycles), Lithium-ion (Li-ion) solid-state battery (LiSSB) technology exceeds the energy density and power density thresholds of current systems over an increased range of operational temperatures – potentially eliminating fire hazards – enabling ultra-safe operations. Bioenno Tech is optimizing/scaling up battery designs, materials, processing and conducting prototype testing to validate that their LiSSB system is suitable for integration into Navy aircraft electrical systems and to demonstrate the safe and effective functionality of the system in an operational environment.
Candent Technologies is an innovative, lean, Indiana, USA, company focused on the development of highly efficient, high power density, low cost, propulsion and power systems. Under ONR STTR sponsorship, Candent is developing an advanced technology axial flow waterjet propulsion system designed as a “bolt on” replacement for the lower unit of the existing MFE55 outboard motor used on the Combat Raiding Rubber Craft (CRRC), an inflatable boat made by Zodiac and Wing (with similar commercial versions made by them and several other manufacturers), and used by SOCOM, USMC, Navy, USCG, Army, and Air Force (AFSOC). The system incorporates a high efficiency, low cavitation impeller to reduce the acoustic signature of the system, and to provide improvements in maximum speed, range, and boat draft capability.
Deep learning can exploit high dimensional data in tracking systems to improve snippet screening and reduce latency of contact follower creation and classification. A robust machine learning capability will improve the performance of the active off board sensors deployed from on the P-8A aircraft; increasing the speed of its search mission. Signal Systems Corporation (SSC) is a small business specializing in signal processing for distributed acoustic sensors able to provide machine learning capabilities to platforms that are informed by deep domain knowledge of underwater acoustics, multistatic sonar, and tracking. The risk of performance degradation in operation is being mitigated by segregating representative flights from the normal process of training and evaluation. SSC seeks to integrate this technology into existing field level detection and tracking systems as either a primary or a sub-contractor.
For environments utilizing recycled air, like the upcoming Columbia-class submarine, respirated carbon dioxide (CO2) can accumulate to unsafe levels unless it is actively removed. Owing to their simplicity, regenerable solid adsorbents are being increasingly applied to mission critical CO2 scrubbing applications. Diamine-appended metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) display high CO2 loadings yet require milder regeneration conditions, leading to both increased space and energy efficiencies when compared to existing technologies. Mosaic Materials has identified a diamine-appended MOF adsorbent formulation yielding high CO2 removal rates with long-term performance stability testing underway. Adoption of advances adsorbents as drop-in replacements with existing life support systems enables increased crew sizes or mission times. Our goal is to sell this technology to the government for deployment into existing and future life support applications.
High fidelity radio frequency (RF) link analysis requires in-situ antenna radiation patterns be utilized; consequently, EMAG, has developed a very fast, state-of-the-art, 3D polarimetric ray tracing solver that’ll interface with commercially available antenna modeling software and provide comprehensive electromagnetic propagation effects as well as a three-dimensional space availability analysis necessary for evaluating RF system performance. It simulates networks of aerial nodes in real-world scenarios imported from geographical information system (GIS) databases, creating computationally efficient system simulators for dynamic modeling of aerial links, whereby yaw, pitch and roll of the aircraft can be varied dynamically during flight missions. This module is integrated in to the commercially available EM.Cube®, an industry-recognized simulation suite for electromagnetic modeling of RF system engineering problems, which is already used by those in the government, industry, and academia.
Grid Logic has developed a technology for rapidly fusing thermoplastic components to create high-performance seals and joints for demanding applications. The non-contact welder could be adapted for a wide variety of irregular/inaccessible joint types. In December 2018, Raytheon used the Grid Logic’s SBIR prototypes for Navy tests to validate seal performance under high pressure water environment in which sensitive devices were sealed for long-term operation on the ocean floor. Tests substantially exceeded performance targets. The company showed potential for reducing processing time from hours to minutes and equipment costs from over $1 million to the low $100,000s. Grid Logic develops manufacturing and repair technologies. The company will offer thermoplastic welders and certified components to defense and commercial customers. It expects that its systems will be used by prime contractors as part of high-performance solutions.
Ignition issues, including difficulties with high-altitude relight, are a complex phenomenon involving turbulent flow, combustion chemistry and heat transfer. To handle these challenges, the current technology consists of a physics-based approach to model the ignition process in devices such as combustors and augmentors. Our innovative tool can be used to determine the proper placement of an ignitor in the combustion device, to assist in understanding problems with high altitude relight under specific flight conditions or in designing ignitors with specific characteristics for optimal ignition probability. This technology is applicable to current and future Navy aircraft, as well as propulsion systems for all branches of the military, or any device with a combustion system, including power generation systems (e.g. gas turbines and boilers). This tool is physics-based, relying on fundamental principals in modeling the ignition process, and has been validated and tested using experimental data from a variety of different combustion systems.
Advances in Additive Manufacturing (AM) have enabled the possibility of incorporating printed components into sonobuoy prototyping and full-scale production efforts at reduced costs. Improvements to part quality and material options allow for increased sonobuoy capabilities that, when combined with the decreased lead time and low price for small production runs, can lead to significant added value for new sonobuoy development. Triton Systems, Inc., a high-technology development small business firm founded in 1992 that develops advanced materials, their processing, and manufacturing technologies for commercial, industrial, and government use, has completed a study of this added value associated with the development of AM techniques for sonobuoy production and printed component prototypes for testing and incorporation into sonobuoys.
Current mission profiles and ability for mid-air refueling have extended flight times for military aircrew. Triton's new bladder relief system provides a low-cost, disposable human interfacing component that fully integrates with all aircrew equipment and Aircrew Life Support Systems (ALSS). This will allow aircrew to avoid the challenge of relieving themselves in flight, remain fully hydrated, and maintain peak cognitive and physical performance as well as situational awareness. Our system is designed for both female and male aviators, has gone through several rounds of prototyping, and its functionality has been verified. Triton Systems, Inc. develops advanced human systems technologies for commercial, industrial, and Government use. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and commercial markets by licensing our Intellectual Property to manufacturing partners.
The Sera Star Systems / AVOX team has developed a High-Performance Oxygen Mask (HPM) Retrofit Kit for the current US Navy MBU-23/P series masks used on today’s high-performance, On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS)-equipped fighter aircraft and trainers. Our retrofit kit incorporates an innovative face piece and other mask fit technologies designed to accommodate a larger anthropometric group, thereby increasing mask discipline, endurance, and performance while decreasing the likelihood of physiological events (e.g., Hypoxia). Our strategy leverages the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process as an attractive alternative to developing a new oxygen mask, which would be a much lengthier and costlier approach.
The Planar Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) system measures airflow velocity, such as in the exhaust plume of a jet engine. MetroLaser is a leading developer of laser-based instrumentation for a wide range of defense and industrial problems. Like particle image velocimetry (PIV), PDV provides spatially resolved measurements, but unlike PIV it does not require adding particles in many practical flows. The MetroLaser PDV system is hardened for outdoor use in full-scale aircraft testing. Since it is a non-contact method, it does not disturb the flow field or suffer from probe survivability issues. Demonstrations on a lab-scale turbojet engine showed good agreement with measurements from a pitot probe. MetroLaser is seeking customers for indoor/outdoor airflow velocity measurement services that include setup, conducting experiments, processing data, reporting, and sales of complete PDV systems.
Mentis Sciences Inc. is developing a lightweight, thermally managed, universal electronics enclosure for manned and unmanned rotorcraft. The system is designed for a payload of up to 175lbs. Mentis employs a unique combination of New England ingenuity and subject matter expertise to engineer composite solutions for the Automotive, Defense, Aerospace, and Medical industries. Initial targeted platforms for the pod will include electronics packages for Naval rotorcraft. Using the modular enclosure means new sensor packages can avoid flight qualification tests. By the conclusion of Phase II, a prototype will be delivered for ground-based testing and evaluation. The goal for this technology is to reduce the time to field new electronic and sensor systems in this quickly evolving field.
Wolf’s compact self-adjusting tether system technology significantly enhances aircrew safety and mobility over existing/legacy tether systems. Wolf’s system automatically manages tether slack and locks tether payout during high-speed events – increasing fall protection as well as crashworthy protection for mobile aircrew in the event of a survivable aircraft mishap. Initial targeted platforms include tiltrotor and rotary wing platforms in any service branch. Compatible with the CMU-37, Aircrew Endurance Vest (AEV), Wolf’s system increases aircrew safety and mobility while allowing for connection to existing airframe attachment points – eliminating the need for aircraft modifications. Prototype testing has demonstrated/verified key system functionalities. The end objective is to manufacture and sell this product in conjunction with a contract manufacturer for use in tiltrotor/rotary wing platforms.
WRT developed an advanced, efficient and integrated technology for detection and characterization of obscured seabed targets. Deployed on inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROV), the system integrates high-sensitivity miniaturized-magnetometers (MAG) for standoff target detection and 3D electromagnetics (EM) for target identification. This technology addresses obscured sub-bottom targets in cluttered seabed environments, where acoustics technologies have limited capabilities, and fills mine countermeasures (MCM), unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive device (IED) detection performance gaps. The combined MAG and 3D-EM system is tightly integrated on an inspection-class ROV, deployed from multiple vessels, including rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB)s. This provides the warfighter a flexible and low-cost solution to various detection challenges. WRT is a small business with advanced capabilities for integration of advanced miniaturized geophysical sensors and realtime processing on unmanned platform.
Q-Peak has developed fiber connectors which achieve low loss at record power levels. Q-Peak Inc. is a small business located in Bedford, MA with over 30 years’ experience delivering laser components and systems, including pulsed and continuous wave sources spanning ultra-violet to infrared. Q-Peak will deliver mid-IR fiber connectors with improved power handling for military aerospace air vehicle fiber networks. Using materials developed at the Naval Research Laboratory, Q-Peak has created a proprietary process which prevents stray light from harming sensitive optical components. Having demonstrated that optical characteristics of the fiber are unharmed by its process, Q-Peak is conducting high power testing. Q-Peak is seeking commercial and government partners to invest in and integrate its connectors into high power fiber laser products.
The Navy needed a fast rise time High Power Radio Frequency (HPRF) pulse shaping tool to augment its capabilities for lethality and counter-electronics testing; consequently, Verus Research created a family of plasma switches that integrate into existing HPRF sources enabling pulse shaping beyond the original source capabilities. It meets the Navy’s requirements by allowing for existing slow rise, long pulse systems to generate a fast rise, “dial-a-pulse” capability, augmenting existing capabilities, providing an inexpensive modification to Navy test facilities sources, as opposed to acquiring multiple new sources at potentially millions of dollars in additional expenses. It meets the need of any application requiring adjustable pulse width for high power, fast rise time, PRF testing, including electronics effects testing, antenna testing, or modeling of RF coupling.
MinAu is an advanced software solution for the maritime environment that addresses current and future mission needs by creating optimized operating directives for teams of different autonomous, cooperative, agent-based vehicles. By employing collaboration strategies, these teams can maximize their mission effectiveness in dynamic environments (where conditions may not be known at deployment) by adapting their behaviors when unanticipated situations are encountered. Unlike current systems, MinAu’s novel algorithms minimize energy expenditure and data exchange between assets when mission operational behaviors are adapted. Use of open community standards significantly eases integration with existing/future systems. Applicable missions include seafloor mapping, mine detection/mitigation, and port/hull inspection. MinAu is derived from Orbit Logic's operationally proven software products, which execute missions faster, with fewer resources, more insight, and less risk.
Navy system operators must protect their software applications from cyber-attacks without impacting the performance of mission-critical systems. Detecting Anomalies in Application Memory Space (DAAMS) is a machine learning enabled software framework that efficiently monitors application memory spaces to automatically detect and report known and unknown cyber-attacks as they occur. DAAMS is primarily designed to detect cyber-attacks on Navy ship-based systems such as AEGIS and SSDS, yet it can be applied to any system that may be vulnerable to attacks on application memory, including real-time and embedded systems. Charles River has over 30 years of steady growth providing innovative, cost-effective solutions through intelligent systems R&D. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems to increase protection from cyber threats.
The Navy utilizes polymer-bound energetic materials for warheads, propellants, and pyrotechnics. Properties like mechanical strength, pot-life, processing, and cure times are either key features or challenging impediments. Advances in additive manufacturing utilizing diverse materials can be leveraged to perform formulation testing and rapid prototyping of unique energetic formulations. This enables potential fast-tracked scale-up processes for the direct manufacture of warheads, propellants, and pyrotechnics. Lynntech has experience developing novel feedstocks for additive manufacturing and working with energetics; we are developing photo-curable and multi-stage cured polymer/binder systems for COTS 3D printer rapid prototyping (print, cure, and testing) of explosive formulations. These unique 3D printable feedstocks can be integrated into development and manufacturing processes utilized by government and prime contractors for testing and production of energetics.
RF photonic links operating at the near-IR offer improved signal fidelity at shorter ranges compared to telecom wavelengths. The enabling technology is the photodetector at the link’s back-end, which is capable of high-power handling at mmW frequencies despite its small size, light weight, and environmental robustness. Vehicular systems that are SWaP-restricted, but demand bandwidth for applications such as imaging, radar, and sensing, are ideally suited to replace bulky cables with flexible optical fibers. PSI has successfully prototyped this photodetector technology at both the component and system level, and has spent the past decade streamlining our core competency of high-speed modulator and photodetector production. Our goal is to transition this technology to a manufacturable state to provide integration into government and prime contractor short-range photonic links.
Triton is developing an oil-free “frying” technology to replace the deep fat fryer currently used on Navy submarines. It uses controlled dynamic radiant heating to produce the same heat flux profile that occurs in deep frying, resulting in sensory acceptability equal to deep frying. This technology will replace the deep fat fryer currently used in submarine galleys including the Ohio and Virginia classes and the new Columbia class. It is a drop-in replacement with the same footprint and power requirement. Several generations of developmental prototypes have been built to incrementally build confidence in our technical approach, component selections and control strategy. Triton Systems is a developer of breakthrough technologies and products supporting DoD and commercial requirements. We conceptualize, research, and develop ideas that provide market-driven solutions.
IFOS’ tagging technology leverages growth-provision fiber links based on the emerging MIL-1760 connector standard. Powered by an optical interrogator based on miniature and robust photonic integrated circuits that enables small form-factor, it easily integrates with military aviation platforms. Scalable network configurability ensures passive, continuous monitoring does not interfere with network communications. IFOS, a leading developer of photonic sensing solutions, is targeting advanced fighter aircraft and has engaged the Prime Contractors. To date IFOS has demonstrated concept feasibility in the laboratory and is now fabricating the flight-worthy photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based optical interrogator to power the network built-in-test solution. The IFOS technology is seen as a near-term upgrade that will enable expanded mission operability, enhanced prognostics and monitoring of deployed aircraft, and greater warfighter confidence in this aircraft and other platforms.
Lack of real-time prognostics leads to inefficiencies in preventative and corrective maintenance resulting in wasted resources, increased cost, and reduced mission readiness. SNAPPR is a hardware health-monitoring tool that provides real-time prediction of faults and system health, using these predictions to recommend maintenance actions enhance mission readiness and control costs. SNAPPR technology is modular and extensible, simplifying application to other systems requiring preventative and corrective maintenance. SNAPPR is being demonstrated on the Aegis Radar sub-system and undergoing functional verification. Charles River Analytics is an applied S&T company that works in many areas of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cognitive Systems Engineering with applications ranging from robotics, sensor processing, and autonomous system to decision assistance, interactive training, and advanced human interfaces and visualizations. The ultimate goal is to integrate and transition this technology to the prime contractor for the Aegis radar.
Maintaining operator skills on the Navy’s AN/SQQ-89A (V) 15 (SQQ-89) sonar system requires supervised training with instructor feedback. Creative Technologies Inc. ‘s (CTI) SQQ-89 Gamification Capability (SGC) will automate this with software combining three features. Experts train a machine learning (ML) expert module which measures student performance interpreted by a second ML module. A synthetic ocean, Just Add Water Simulation (JAWS), is used to create training scenarios. Phase II proof-of-concept prototypes have validated the ML technical approach. CTI specializes in serious game and ML algorithm development. SGC is intended for the SQQ-89 program of record. SGC modules can be used to measure performance in tactical systems and training aids; JAWS can serve as a simulation driver in a broad range of virtual environments throughout the DoD.
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for naval applications typically use large batteries with excessive holdup time for bus-transfer events on submarines. PC Krause and Associates (PCKA), a company specializing in electromechanical and thermal dynamics of integrated systems including power electronic converters rated up to hundreds of kilowatts, is developing a UPS that utilizes wide-bandgap semiconductors and high power-density energy storage to fit a 40 kW UPS with ≥100 ms of holdup into a 4U height, 19 in. rack-mount enclosure. Prototype hardware has been constructed that demonstrated key subsystems and operating modes. The initial target application is power holdup for critical loads on modern submarines; however, the technology is adaptable to other UPS applications. PCKA is seeking interested military customers and prime contractors for technology integration and deployment opportunities.
SonoWatch is an autonomous acoustic lookout system designed to detect and identify navigation signals defined in the US Coast Guard Navigation Manual. The system detects, localizes, and determines the navigation meaning of the signal. The initial deployment for SonoWatch will be unmanned surface vessels (USV). SonoWatch is designed around a versatile hardware platform ruggedized for harsh maritime environments that can be expanded through future software updates. McQ will develop new sensing capabilities and features to meet the future requirements of the Navy and other potential customers. McQ specializes in low power electronics design, efficient communications, advanced algorithm development, and wireless video management solutions. McQ will transition this technology into acoustic array detection applications both maritime and land-based.
The Navy is looking for magnetic sensors compact enough to mount on unmanned vehicles (UV)s for signal intelligence applications. QUASAR Federal Systems (QFS) is offering a lightweight, low power, low magnetic signature, 3-axis fluxgate sensor for mounting on a UAS. QFS‘s expertise is the development, marketing, and sale of unique electromagnetic sensing technology. Many companies make fluxgate magnetometers, but only a few have sensitivity comparable to our technology, which is small enough to be attractive for UV applications. There are two key components - the compact sensors, which meet the Navy’s sensitivity and dynamic range requirements, and the low power, compact, 24-bit digitizer/processor. The likely transition path is forging a partnership with a larger defense contractor for system integration with QFS providing design and testing support.
Virtualization has the potential to increase cyber resiliency for Navy combat systems by providing flexible system configurations that can adapt to degraded performance conditions. Vendor and combat system agnostic virtual resource management and performance analysis tools are necessary to reach this potential. Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) designs, develops and delivers solutions that enable the rapid delivery of warfare capabilities for the DOD. A sustained competitive advantage is achieved through vendor-agnostic management of virtual resources and reliable, real-time performance assessment capability that is normalized on system events, configurable to any combat system. This technology will be applied to AEGIS and SSDS to validate the innovation by 2021, available for transition to government and contractors desiring to leverage virtualization for increased cyber resiliency.
The goal of this project is to develop and construct a thin, lightweight, low power, large aperture, electro-optic (EO) transmissive scanner that utilizes an EO active nano-material phase wavefront control, suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. This nano-material beam-steering technology large aperture system offers an ultra-low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) scanner that fits on UAV’s airframe and achieves ultrafast and wide scanning angles with diffraction limited beam quality. Ultimara seeks to partner with UAV prime contractors to integrate and demonstrate its lightweight, low cost, high performance, laser beam steering technology.
Permanent fiber optic cable repairs on Naval aircraft usually require significant downtime and relocation of aircraft to a hangar bay or even Depot, Tetramer’s TIMA fiber optic adhesive facilitates a permanent, in field repair option in the form of a mechanical splice. The actual repair steps themselves typically can be accomplished using the fielded Fiber Optic Repair Set (FORS) in about an hour, depending on the location of the repair and the existing environmental conditions. TIMA fiber optic adhesive requires no special storage conditions to maintain its excellent shelf life. Currently undergoing MIL qualification, TIMA was developed for avionics platforms but can easily be transitioned to shipboard and small network applications. Tetramer is a small business based in South Carolina which prides itself in being your partner in molecular architecture. Tetramer’s team of experienced chemists help design custom solutions to materials problems and provide small scale high value material synthesis.
Next-generation Augmented Reality(AR) interface, ‘Iron Man’ type Holographic Augmented Semi-Transparent Controls & Displays attached to your body WITHOUT wearing ANY hardware. Big Easy-to-Read, Easy-to-Use Controls & Displays, Weightless, with intuitive Haptic Feedback. Strongly supports Navy-wide efforts to replace metal controls & displays with augmented reality controls & displays that move with you no matter where you are. If one warfighter’s display goes down any other WARC-H (Wearable Augmented Reality Controls with Haptic Feedback), user can take their place.
The U.S. Navy must maintain and expand its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Warfighter readiness is the linchpin of the Navy's ASW strategy, the complexity of the ASW domain necessitates time-consuming training, and practical experiences to transfer skills to the operational environment. An innovative training approach is needed to accelerate mastery and foster transfer of ASW skills. Tier 1 Performance Solutions' Transformation Accelerated through Redesign, Guidance, and Enhanced Training (TARGET) is comprised of two components: (1) a task-centered instructional design strategy for ASW education, and (2) a performance support tool to assist ASW instructors as they apply task-centered instructional design. The tool greatly expands the impact of our solution by allowing instructors to apply the task-centered learning approach to other ASW topics and throughout Navy schoolhouse training.
Freedom Photonics is developing a Built-In-Test (BIT) methodology and hardware for fiber-optic plant on F-35, which provides a cost-effective in-situ network health monitoring and installed network port position identification without degrading the ongoing communications on the same fiber link. Freedom Photonics is a manufacturer of unique and innovative photonic components, modules and subsystems. Our approach leverages our existing tunable swept laser technology, and provides a scalable solution for many network ports, while allowing for both BIT and network intelligence. To date, Freedom Photonics has developed and demonstrated the feasibility and the merit of a novel approach of incorporating O-Band gratings and O-Band interrogators into the existing planned architecture. Besides working with LMCO, we are looking for other customers for this technology and transition partners.
The Advanced Direct Digital Exciter for Radar (ADDER) is a key component of a technology refresh for the SPS-49 system. It provides improved system performance and extends the service life of the system. The application for this product spans ship-based radar systems from UHF to Ku-band. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this system offers significant performance improvement while lowering sustainment costs. The modular nature of the product offers opportunities to upgrade and refresh aging radar systems across the fleet at a reduced cost since they can leverage this technology. Previous successful development of similar boards used by the larger DREX+ system mitigates risk. The ultimate goal is to transition this technology into radar system upgrades across the DoD.
The aerial countermeasures employed by the military to protect personnel and equipment must become more adaptable and sophisticated in order to match pace with advances in target acquisition methods. This technology will enable them to do so. It consists of a fully autonomous system which 3-d prints countermeasure grains with tailor-able geometries to better imitate the characteristics of the targeted vehicle. The technology has been prototyped and functionally verified. Special Aerospace Services (SAS) is a tactical engineering firm providing analytics, research & development, rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing services. We serve clients in the aerospace and aviation industries as well as other high-tech sectors. Our goal is to contract with the Department of Defense and prime contractors to facilitate production of the technology.
The Modulated Underwater Laser Imaging System (MULIS) provides an improved method for observing mines through turbid water. The device creates images at a further distance and with better resolution, so that the mines may not only be detected but imaged and identified. MULIS is built on SA Photonics’ proven Modulated Imaging Lidar Optical Source (MILOS) laser source, and will be mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle. The company, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions its own small-scale production as well as teaming with well-known primes, as it has on past product developments.
Quantum Semiconductor LLC is a fabless semiconductor company developing Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) Image Sensors (CIS) with new photo-diode technology incorporating new CMOS-compatible optoelectronic materials. Foundry-fabricated photo-diodes exhibit high gain, which will enable single-photon counting, at low voltages compatible with standard CMOS circuitry. These ultra-sensitive pixels for visible and infra-red can be applied to passive imaging, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), or LAser Detection And Ranging (LADAR). The photo-diode for operation in the visible and near-infra-red range, and custom circuitry, are protected by 13 US patents. A proprietary Monte-Carlo semiconductor device simulator has been developed to model the new physics in order to maximize the performance. Quantum Semiconductor is seeking strategic partnerships with prime defense contractors, or semiconductor companies, or investment from venture capital.
The technology consists of a specialized powder feedstock for 3D printing of energetic structures utilizing Hewlett-Packard’s commercial-off-the-shelf line of 3D printers. The initial target application of the developed technology is ongoing research into novel shaped charges, for maximizing payload efficiency. Initial material formulations have been synthesized and tested on test beds simulating a production scale 3D printer. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as the technology being developed allows for low cost, low waste deployment of customized energetic structures with decreased lead times while being based on a decentralized production chain. E&G Associates specializes in the development of custom powder materials and processes with an emphasis on practical engineering techniques.
Charles River Analytics is a leading provider of innovative R&D solutions for increasingly complex and important human-systems challenges developed Blended Advanced Decision GUI Environment for Reasoning Support (BADGERS) enabling shipboard maintainers to rapidly analyze system status and predicted malfunctions, evaluate high-level mission impacts, and efficiently make maintenance decisions through intuitive and innovative data visualizations. BADGERS will help the execution of maintenance analysis, planning, and execution in the Navy community, including for complex, mission-critical systems such as Aegis Weapon System (AWS), the Operational Readiness Test System (ORTS) and the Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS) by combining an advanced ecological approach to supporting maintenance display visualization design. We seek to demonstrate its capabilities on the AEGIS deck and would entertain licensing BADGERS technology to lead system integrators (LSIs).
This effort delivers a polymer film and film capacitor production process. The capacitors exhibit sustained performance at elevated temperatures with high-power density and fast recovery. CTD specializes in developing state-of-the-art composites for extreme conditions and demanding applications including superconducting magnets, defense, and industrial markets. The targets for these capacitors are ONR’s Railgun and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). The solution involves a novel film capacitor that enables continuous, sustained operation and performance at elevated temperatures supporting pulsed power applications, while exhibiting characteristics that support affordable and scalable manufacturing. Current work is towards pilot scale film processing techniques that retain the high performance of lab produced films. On success our goal is to secure a scaling partner for manufacturing the capacitors to address the market demands aligned with existing capacitor production processes and application requirements.
Object Graphics Language (ObjGL) is a novel, high-level, cross-platform, display agnostic application programming interface (API) streamlined to render simultaneously to a variety of multi-view displays. ObjGL enables a Heterogeneous Display Environment (HDE) allowing the operator to select the best visualization device for the task, increasing effectiveness and efficiency. To date, ObjGL demonstrations include a simple battle simulation application operating on a light-field, multi-planar, head-mounted, and 2D display simultaneously. Standardization of ObjGL/HDE enables the AEGIS display environment to exploit and integrate emerging 3D displays with ease. As the recognized world leader in light-field displays and enabling technologies, FoVI3D’s small but deep technical team offers licensing and co-development opportunities to defense primes to manufacture, integrate, and deliver an improved system to support visualization technologies enabling quicker informed operator decisions.
The Improved Skirt System for Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) uses a new elastomer coating technique to create a strong, abrasion resistant textile to withstand extreme physical requirements. Materials Sciences LLC (MSC) is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on applying knowledge of material mechanics to create unique solutions. The skirt system for the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) sees perhaps the most extreme punishment of any coated fabric, resulting in high replacement costs and down-time. MSC’s approach uses an alternative coating method which enables high-performance textile designs that are incompatible with conventional techniques. The product has shown superior performance to the existing product. MSC is currently tooling up production capabilities to support the SSC integrator as a new material supplier for the skirt fabricator.
The Cognitive Reasoner for Electronic Warfare Systems (CREWS) applies artificial intelligence signal processing to quickly classify complex, highly agile threat signals based on functional characteristics learned from the observed, possibly incomplete, waveform data. Research Associates of Syracuse (RAS) provides innovative signal processing solutions to challenging Electronic Warfare/Electronic Intelligence (EW/ELINT) problems. Initial targeted applications are Block 2 and 3 versions of AN/SLQ-32. CREWS technology is expected to reduce significantly (or even eliminate) reliance on threat libraries for emitter classification, which lowers maintenance cost and improves threat awareness in complex emitter environments. Phase I demonstrated accurate performance of selected machine learning classifiers trained using limited real radar data. Phase II is developing and demonstrating a full cognitive processing prototype using more extensive radar threat datasets. RAS seeks prime contractor support to integrate CREWS software into EW systems.
Transparent Sky, employing embedded hardware onboard small unmanned aircraft (sUAS), performs near real-time reconstruction of 3-dimensional scene models, in minutes, from aerial imagery. With a goal of real-time, frame-by-frame 3D reconstruction of collected imagery. The system expands upon Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) technology providing advanced 3-D reconstruction capabilities. Transparent Sky’s capability provides tactical advantage to small units, enabling them to become proactive, providing capability to observing battlespace events from any angle or perspective, study patterns of life, and measure scene object range. The system has low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C), and is designed for simple operation and maintenance. Transparent Sky’s seeks strategic partnerships with Department of Defense and Commercial entities interested in exploiting content derived from sUAS, immersive real-time 3-D WAMI surveillance.
The capabilities of large undersea unmanned vehicles (UUV) for long-range covert missions can be compromised by periodic resurfacing to snorkel depth to recharge, and noise from diesel-electric motors. Giner’s Non Flow Through Fuel Cell eliminates the need for external water management components, and utilizes compact hydrogen storage in the form of solid sodium borohydride. The performance of the fuel cell has been verified in NASA and DARPA programs, and on commercial contracts. In addition, an advanced prototype of the hydrogen storage technology was successfully tested by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). This lightweight, compact, high-density power plant eliminates the need to surface, and is silent. Giner provides electrochemical solutions to the toughest business and operational problems. We seek a partnership with a prime contractor to integrate this system into target vessel designs.
Intraband manufactures high power, reliable, and efficient mid-infrared (IR) semiconductor lasers based on its patented Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology. Our initial targets for Intraband QCLs are directed infrared-countermeasure (DIRCM) systems including the Department of Navy’s Large Aircraft Infrared Counter-Measure system (LAIRCM) deployed on large helicopters and other systems. Intraband is interested in defense applications such as remote chem/bio sensing and covert communications. In 2018, we published the highest continuous-wave (CW) output power, 2.6W, for a metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition-grown QCL and continue to innovate via new programs in the areas of ultra-high efficiency and brightness, surface emission, and QCL arrays. We plan to sell to DIRCM manufacturers and seek partners to aid in ramping production, and to develop module manufacturing capabilities, and new application opportunities.
DVTI leads a team developing a property-oriented, materials modeling tool that enables rapid transition of high entropy alloys (HEAs) capable of withstanding high temperature turbine engine environments. Next generation engines will operate at temperatures exceeding the limits of today’s nickel-based superalloys. HEAs meeting the baseline requirements were identified and screened. On-going work is enhancing the predictive capabilities for a high temperature oxidative environment. DVTI is a materials and manufacturing company that utilizes a novel vapor deposition process – directed vapor deposition (DVD) – to create advanced materials and functionally coated products. DVTI seeks to provide services to commercial partners for the development of novel alloy systems and expanding its coating services business segment, which utilizes DVD to apply high quality metal and ceramic coatings onto complexly shaped components.
Triton is developing a capability for the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) that will straighten the array and improve its acoustic performance. Towed arrays are idealized as straight lines in the water, but the ocean environment disturbs the system and makes it difficult to maximize the arrays’ capability. Triton is developing breakthrough technologies and products for US Navy Ocean Systems. Triton’s competitive advantage is provided by software and control algorithms underlying this technology. In Phase II, modeling and simulation has been conducted and prototype testing is ongoing. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into Navy towed array systems.
Triton Systems' High Optical Power Hull Penetrator is a key technology to deliver high optical power to submarine systems. Special fibers are used to mitigate issues seen in attempting to put high electromagnetic energy through fiber in a submarine. The penetrator allows more power to be delivered to a submarine system while decreasing risk to the rest of the submarine architecture by using proven hull penetrators. Triton System Inc. has a wide ranging expertise in underwater vehicle systems engineering and ultimately would like for the technology to be purchased by prime contractors for integration into submarines. As a technology incubator, Triton has helped deliver over $4 billion in shareholder value.
To address the Navy need for fast, affordable, and reliable tunable notch filters at X-band frequencies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposed to develop a new Tunable, Rapid, Electronically Controlled X-band (T-REX) notch filter, based on a resonating RF structure utilizing ferroelectric-based capacitors for ultrafast-frequency tuning. The innovation in the resonating RF structure provides a large tunable range by using tunable capacitors to quickly (<50 ns) change the impedance to shift the operational frequency. As a result, the initial T-REX Phase I protoype filters offer notch attenuation >-40dB within the 8.8 GHz to 12 GHz range, minimal passband insertion loss (<0.3 dB), and a notch bandwidth from 800 MHz to 1200 MHz with low reflected power (<10%), which directly addressed the Navy need for low-cost electronic warfare and military communications systems that suppress interference. In Phase II, POC will further optimize the T-REX filter design. POC will develop a fully functional prototype, covering the entire frequency range (from 8 GHz to 12 GHz) for demonstration and evaluation at a Navy facility, to reach technology readiness level (TRL)-6/-7.
Chaff payload improvements have resulted in improved efficiency enabling the ability to provide 2 payloads per cartridge. The Navy’s chaff cartridge has a volume of 6.6 cubic inches. The volume of a dual chaff payload is 3.0 cubic inches. Quad-M is in a unique position to develop and produce a dual chaff device. Their experience includes aircraft countermeasures/payloads, missile penetration aids, and satellite deployment systems. This experience in qualification of equipment and hardware integration is essential for success. A final design of the dual chaff system is complete. Small scale Hazard of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) testing and chaff dispensing testing will be performed. During Phase II.5, environmental qualification will be completed. Program and funding support from NAVAIR for the dual chaff capability is essential for transition to Phase II.5/III.
Vibration induced noise in propeller and rotary aircraft can exceed attenuation capabilities of flight helmet systems. Aircrew exposure to high vibration induced noise compromises safety and increases mission risk. Creare’s Flight Head and Hearing Protection System (FHHPS) is a modular upgrade kit that provides substantial reduction in helmet vibration and noise. The kit consists of passive helmet vibration dampers and replacement ear cups. The vibration damper is tuned to the propeller or rotor blade pass frequency of the target airframe and placed on the outside of the helmet. Prop or rotor vibration is absorbed by the damper and cancelled in the helmet. The dampers and our high volume replacement ear cups add up to >15 dB of attenuation greatly reducing noise exposure, noise-related fatigue, and missed radio calls.
To enable future compact, affordable, high-performance transmit/receive (T/R) modules, the Navy seeks to develop advanced, low SWaP-C, high-density capacitors for power conversion circuits for radar and electronic warfare transmitters. Among capacitor technologies available, multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are receiving the most attention. However, commercially available MLCC-based capacitors suffer from limitations such as low energy density, poor temperature stability and high power loss. To meet Navy requirements, Bioenno Tech is developing a compact, affordable, novel class of high energy density, low-power-loss MLCCs based on nanocomposite dielectrics that are thermally stable over a wide temperature range . These MLCCs will achieve at least a two-fold increase in energy storage density without compromising performance parameters such as internal impedance, voltage rating, leakage current or reliability.
Boron nano-fuel is an engineered combination of boron nanoparticles (BNPs) and synthetic missile fuel designed to increase the range of Navy weapon systems. Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (ACT) specializes in heat transfer research with extensive experience in converting SBIR projects for the US government. The US Navy has keen interest in BNP-fuel due to its higher volumetric energy density. Unlike synthetically engineering fuels, using BNP additives enables fuel enhancement without significantly increasing fuel viscosity. Specifically, ACT has demonstrated a 1.3 cP change in viscosity from an 8% BNP mixture with JP-10, while simultaneously achieving a 10% increase in energy density. The ultimate goal is to transition this technology to prime contractors for the mass-production of BNP-enhanced fuels.
Vadum has developed a Distributed Coherent Electronic Warfare (DCEW) protocol that enables swarms of size, weight, and power constrained nodes to collectively jam an uncooperative target. Beamforming is achieved with minimal latency and overhead, and no dependence on node positions or numbers. This system can be integrated into Group I-III unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to perform stand-in jamming, but is flexible for use in any distributed beamforming application such as covert communications. Initial benchtop testing has verified success of the DCEW protocol. Vadum specializes in developing advanced hardware, sensors, and algorithms for surface and airborne systems used by the electronic warfare community. Our goal is to integrate this technology on a prime contractor’s UAS system as one of several payloads for swarm-based applications.
Radar, electronic support measures (ESM), a.k.a. anti-radiation homing (ARH), and electro-optical (EO)/imaging infrared (IIR)/laser detection and ranging (LIDAR) currently provide different sensor phenomenology that can lead to different salient feature manifestation that depends on operating conditions (e.g., acquisition geometry) and scene content type. Current technology approaches develop automatic target recognition (ATR) systems for a single sensor, each designed to exploit the salient features specific to each sensor type, which leads to suboptimal classification performance for each sensor type and not a higher confidence performance by combining independent sensor data into a single solution. The capability to combine the salient feature information from the different sensors to get improved target classification, and possibly identification, of the ships, is needed. We propose a two-prong machine learning approach that simultaneously uses two complementary techniques, deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) and compressive manifold learning (CML), to exploit the automatic feature and regularities discovery of deep learning to fuse the multiple sensor data and the sparsity representation of the data in manifold learning to fuse the raw sensor data as represented by their highly compressed lower-dimensional manifolds. This two-prong approach combines with the baseline handcrafted features used to augment the features discovered by the deep learning CNN algorithm, will provide unprecedented robust ship classification and potentially identification performance. For operational utility, we will leverage industry commercial off the shelf (COTS) multi-core graphical processing units (GPUs) processors such as those already developed by NVIDIA and Intel specifically for deep learning implementations.
The technology developed was a compact multifunctional software defined radio hosting both MUOS and Legacy UHF waveforms on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite platform. The communications link provides low latency, anywhere on orbit data control and connectivity from the user to the space vehicle, which is not currently available to the satellite user. Vulcan Wireless is currently focusing on Machine to Machine (M2M) communications, whereas most Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) terminals are designed for voice and data and are much larger. We see multiple paths to transition to M2M applications, first is into LEO space vehicles, second unmanned aerial vehicles, and unmanned underwater vehicles. This system has been prototyped and its functionally verifiable. We transition products from conception to production for military and commercial customers.
Hyperion Technology Group has developed a system that utilizes a network of listening post arrays (LPs) each containing sensors to detect and localize rocket, artillery, and mortar fire Points of Origin (POO) and Points of Impact (POI). The LPs communicate wirelessly with a centralized Command Post (CP) which uses a geo-positioning algorithm to pinpoint the precise location of the POO or POI. This technology was developed for the Marine Corps which is currently seeking a replacement for their Ground Counter Fire Sensor. The new, demonstrated technology can outperform the current system by integrating improved acoustic sensors, improved signal processing, and improved space, weight, and power characteristics, thus allowing for greater accuracy, faster set-up times, and reduced false alarms. This leads to improvement of war-fighter effectiveness, reduction in operation and maintenance expenses, and increased operational availability.
Altex, a leading combustion and gasifier company, has teamed up with HDT Global, a manufacturer of a vast array of military equipment including shelters and heaters, to develop a multi-fuel self-powered heater for shelters and other markets. The Clean Multi-Fuel Soft Wall Shelter Heater System (CMF-HEAT) operates on JP-8/Diesel and readily available biomass and wastes and saves 50% fuel, paying for itself in less than one year. The heater uses the current HDT Global SHC heater as a platform, it is light and compact. An Alpha unit has been fabricated and being tested, leading to a Beta system for simulated field testing. Team is seeking support to produce five units for field testing along with a procurement commitment contingent on successful field testing.
The USMC’s call for durable, light-weight and affordable exhaust systems for amphibious vehicles is answered by Triton’s light-weight, multilayered composite exhaust system technology. Designed to replace legacy and envisioned metal exhaust system technologies, initial prototype testing demonstrated that Triton’s technology reduces overall weight by approximately 50 percent at approximately 55 percent of the target cost with no performance degradation. Triton Systems, Inc. specializes in developing lightweight, affordable composite products to replace heavy and/or metallic structures to resolve problems of critical importance for military and commercial customers. We seek partnerships with government organizations/test facilities to demonstrate/validate prototype system capabilities and with prime contractors to license the manufacturing and incorporation of the technology. The initial target platform for this technology is the USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV).
The United States Marine Corps wants to eliminate liquid fuel needs except for mobility platforms by 2025. Mide, an agile company with proven ability to develop advanced engineering solutions and a proven track record of generating innovative ideas, is developing a Biomass-Incinerating-Stirling Cycle-Energy-Provider (BISCEP) power source. Our Stirling Engine will provide Marines with an alternate power source thereby reducing their dependency on fossil fuels. The end product will have energy densities greater than 25W/sq ft and 5W/lbs. In addition, our revolutionary engine will be produce either nominal 24VDC output or a 120VAC output.
QorTek, an innovative research and development company focusing on smart materials and electronics, has developed a new antenna protection device, the eHalt. eHalt is an add-on for currently fielded radio equipment suited for man-pack, hand-held, and vehicular implementation. eHalt physically disconnects the antenna from the radio from accidental contact with overhead high voltage wires thereby protecting the warfighter. eHalt requires no external or internal power supply and effects a mechanical disconnect in case of high voltage contact. The prototype is a demonstratable unit that will be tested by Harris Communications and the MARCOR Systems Command (MCSC) ground radios team. The integration of this product into fielded communications equipment will allow Harris and other equipment suppliers to conform to the USMC’s safety requirements for antennas.
The Marine Corps Systems Command requires an integrated protective solution for radio antennas used by dismounted USMC Radio Operators. Long radio antennas are mission critical assets; however, if contacted with low-hanging power distribution lines (common in war-torn regions), lethal amounts of electricity can be imparted to the operator and radio. METSS intends to provide high-voltage antenna protection of 35KV RMS, while providing equivalent radiation pattern omnidirectional gain across frequencies between 2 and 88 MHz. Solutions will enable retrofit to existing antennas in the field or while in depot. The added protection will not cue enemies, snag, or fail in harsh conditions. METSS’s solution will be light, easy-to-use, and support whip and blade antennas for the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS).
USMC seeks to develop a renewable 1kW-class hybrid energy power source that will reduce the weight and volume by 50% versus currently deployed systems. West Coast Solutions (WCS) is meeting the challenge with the hybrid/solar Ultra-Lightweight Expeditionary Power System (U-LEPS). Our approach is anchored in our industry-leading, inherently safe, high energy density (150 Wh/kg) lithium-Ion batteries. Peak power handling capacity of U-LEPS is up to 2 kW with over 6400 Wh energy storage, meeting or exceeding the capabilities of existing systems. U-LEPS is inherently more robust and user-friendly than currently-fielded technology. Simulations, risk reduction tests, and engineering reviews have been accomplished to ensure requirements will be met. U-LEPS solves SWaP issues, saves fuel, and reduces convoys, thus reducing operational costs and, most importantly, saving lives.
Triton Systems, Inc. develops advanced technologies for commercial, industrial, and Government use and is currently designing and building a low-power, hand-operated reverse osmosis (RO) system to desalinate brackish water which will allow Warfighters to sustain themselves until resupply operations can be conducted. For use by USMC Warfighters, this capability is smaller in size than current hand-operated sea water RO systems and includes an energy recovery pump to minimize operator fatigue and special membrane coatings that will increase water production and minimize fouling. This will permit continued operation in austere environments for several weeks when resupply of potable water cannot be regularly made. Our goal is to transition this technology to the Marine Corps so that it becomes a part of their Modified Table of Organization (MTO&E) at the squad level.
A recent report estimates that only about 7% of Marines insert earplugs correctly. Blast and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (B/NIHL) and tinnitus are the top two disability claims for US soldiers and veterans [GAO Report, GAO-11-114]. The USMC wishes to reduce these numbers by developing an improved hearing protection device. Triton Systems, a technology development company providing innovative solutions to the government and industry, is developing the True Awareness Hearing Protector, which uses a passive acoustic filter that allows low level noise through while blocking harmful loud noises. The design minimizes the effects on the warfighters’ situational awareness and their ability to detect and localize low level noise. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and commercial markets by licensing our Intellectual Property to manufacturing partners.
The Windlift Man Portable Wind Energy System (MPWES) uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to generate 6 kW (peak) of wind energy at 200-500 feet. MPWES integrates with battery storage and a backup generator to provide on-site energy production and storage. The system weighs only 440 lbs. and the renewable energy density (Watts/lb.) will be approximately seven times greater than the GREENS system, the current state-of-the-art solar system deployed by the USMC. The UAV also provides the opportunity for persistent surveillance and communications. Windlift is an engineering and computer programming company developing the next generation of Airborne Wind Energy Systems. The company is looking to obtain enough funding to complete all R&D and build efforts to provide a resilient energy platform for expeditionary use.
HYPRES, Inc. (HYPRES) – a superconducting electronics company – offers design, development, fabrication, testing and packaging services for their digital Radio Frequency (RF) product-lines. This Phase II effort develops Co-Site Interference Mitigation for Wideband Receivers. HYPRES Advanced Digital Receiver (ADR) enables full spectrum monitoring and maximizes signal reception for military satellite communication, signal intelligence, radar, electronic warfare systems and tactical data links, providing improved surveillance capabilities, detection of smaller targets, and superior range. Direct RF digitizing eliminates front-end analog components reducing size, weight, and power by 50%. A world leader in advanced digital RF superconductor technology development and production, HYPRES seeks program office and prime contractor support, and equity investors to transition ADR systems for DoD applications and commercial markets.
Triton Systems, a technology development company that provides innovative solutions for military and commercial applications, is currently developing a communication system for helmeted divers to replace the current system developed in the 1960’s. Currently these divers have difficulty communicating among themselves and with the surface due to outdated equipment and sustained background noise levels over 100 dBA. The system has been prototyped, and increased intelligibility has been demonstrated for divers both transmitting and receiving messages. While this communication system has been designed specifically for helmeted divers, it could be adapted for use by other branches of military service with unique communication system requirements. Triton’s goal is to integrate and transition this technology into government and prime contractor systems for specialized communications systems.
There is a critical need to improve Navy aircraft shipboard recoveries in degraded visual environments and high sea state conditions. Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) is developing The Jet Aircraft Shipboard landing Man-machine Interface for Naval Environments (JASMINE) that combines enhanced head-up display symbology and advanced flight director modes with the NAVAIR-developed MAGIC CARPET control laws to guide strike fighter pilots to carrier landings while reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety. With a 60-year history, STI is an industry leader in the design, analysis, and pilot testing/evaluation of manual and automatic flight control systems and related technologies. Development risk is diminished through simulation evaluations conducted by Navy strike fighter test pilots. Rockwell Collins, developer of head-up displays, will provide support and guidance for fleet integration of JASMINE.
Platelet products play an important role in treatment of hemorrhage patients. However, platelet products are unavailable at forward surgical facilities (Role 2) due to their short shelf life (3-5 days). CFD Research’s platelet apheresis platform will allow for collection of fresh leukocyte-reduced platelet products in expeditionary settings. The ruggedized system will enable Role 2 teams to utilize freshly donated platelets to broaden treatment options and improve outcomes for combat casualties. Proof-of-concept for the system has been established. Development of integrated prototype for field testing is ongoing. CFD Research develops cutting edge technologies and provides innovative solutions for Aerospace, Biomedical and other industries and has extensive experience in the development of biomedical devices. Our goal is to transition the technology into Role 2 surgical teams.
Performance of detection and classification of targets in active sonar systems may be degraded in the presence of stationary clutter, ownship motion-induced clutter, and active interference. Applied Research in Acoustics’ (ARiA) sparse estimation algorithms estimate and separate targets, reverberation, and mutual interference signals from a cluttered signal and enable novel classification features to be computed from sparse representations. Integration of ARiA’s advanced signal and information processing enables automated and semi-automated sonar signal detection and classification, thus reducing operator workload. ARiA’s signal and information processing enhancements are targeted for the AN/SQQ89A(V)15 Integrated Undersea Warfare (USW) Combat System Suite’s pulsed active sonar (PAS) function segment (PASFS) echo tracker classifier (ETC). However, the developed algorithms are suitable for integration into most active sonar or radar platforms.
SimVentions has substantial expertise and capabilities in a wide range of technologies built by providing advanced development and solution-based application services to the government. Our InformeDB technology is an enterprise solution moving programs from document centric to data centric collaboration, offering improved methods and tools to optimize platform lifecycle management. Understanding the complete system of systems integration issues and coupling it with the other key challenges of a program’s tradeoff decisions is critical in proactively aligning and coordinate numerous new capabilities from the R&D through shipboard integration. Stakeholders can now manage, track, report and visualize dependencies based on a real-time authoritative data. SimVentions seeks relationships with defense program offices and primes for application of Informedb to Projects and Programs of Record.
The Navy has added mine-detecting capability, called Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance & Analysis (COBRA), to its MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. Bodkin Design & Engineering (BD&E) has developed a gimbaled, multispectral, small Size, Weight & Power (SWaP) illumination source to be evaluated in conjunction with the COBRA camera to demonstrate its ability to meet COBRA program requirements for Night Time Detection to enhance 24-hour surveillance capability. This illumination source utilizes flashlamp technology that can be used with any multispectral or broadband sensor. BD&E is an innovative engineering company with a 25+ year history of designing successful electro-optical systems for government & commercial applications. Our goal is for our illumination technology to become the COBRA program illuminator system of choice for Night Time Detection. We seek teaming arrangements with government organizations and primes to test and validate system capabilities and integrate the technology.
Intellisense Systems Inc (ISI) has developed a new Submarine-Deployable Weather Sensor (SDWS) based on a new design that integrates ISI’s miniature weather sensor electronics with proven deployable buoy systems. Specifically, the innovation in ISI’s compact and robust weather sensor design integrated through novel packaging within a mature deployable buoy architecture will enable a low-cost, small sensing device. This device will accurately measure weather parameters above the ocean’s surface after deployment at depth. ISI has demonstrated the feasibility of SDWS by integrating and packaging a basic sensor buoy prototype that can be deployed from underwater and accurately collect weather data leveraging multiple designs from existing weather sensor products to reduce risk. As a final product, the SDWS will provide a simple means for submerged submarines to measure real-time surface weather parameters to aid in both navigation and to define the current atmospheric state.
Intrusion detection and extended surveillance are important to all levels of security from monitoring high valued assets in transit to providing perimeter security at a Forward Operating Base. IAI - a R&D company with extensive experience in RF sensing has developed a comprehensive, low-cost, low-power sensor field and cognitive sensor manager that can discover and task other sensors and supporting analytical services to enable area and container situational awareness for extended periods of time. Using a variety of sensing modalities, the Cognitive Ultra-low Power Sensor System (CUPSS) improves perimeter security, provides integrated surveillance, reduces false alarms, and integrates all modalities of sensors.
Innoveering is developing a non-invasive, portable sensing system that can measure and accurately quantify the flow characteristics (pressure, temperature, density, void-fraction, and/or velocity) of a multi-phase fluid within a 2-inch thick metal structure that is multi-species, compressible, highly turbulent, and highly transient. Advanced signal processing methodology and spatially distributed pitch-catch multi-frequency ultrasonics are adapted to measure and convert signals to engineering properties of interest. The methodology for velocity, pressure and void fraction measurement of the key physics associated with the real transient fluid flow event has been demonstrated. The targeted program is Strategic Systems Programs, which aligns well with Innoveering’s mission of developing revolutionary technologies that address sensing and control challenges in the aerospace, defense and energy markets.
Starting from a 3D model, Sciaky Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAMTM) technology uses an electron gun to deposit wire feedstock, layer by layer, until the near net shape “preform” is complete. Sciaky’s primary business is selling precision EBAM and welding systems. EBAM shows great promise for refractory metal applications on the Trident D-5 missile program. SBIR testing results show elevated temperature tensile properties exceed OEM values by 150% and can allow both legacy and new components to be manufactured in a cost effective manner. Demonstrations to date have shown process capability to produce geometries common to actual hot gas valve assemblies. Sciaky’s goal for this project is work with the US Navy to fully qualify EBAM for use on the Trident D-5 missile programs.
Kyma produces a high quality gallium nitride (GaN)-on-polycrystalline diamond (GoPD) wafer product for high-power radio frequency (RF) GaN Field Effect Transistor (FET) applications and is a leading wide bandgap semiconductor (WBGS) materials & related products developer for high performance device applications. The product should benefit the Active Electronically Steered Array (AESA) radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems performance. Kyma’s novel buffer layer approach enables high quality GaN overgrowth on the polycrystalline diamond substrate and provides a competitive advantage which should be sustainable via continuous improvements in production tools and processes. The greatest technical risk is realizing a high quality buffer interlayer between the polycrystalline diamond and the GaN. Customers can license the technology to bring the process in-house or can purchase GoPD wafers directly from Kyma.
The Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ramp was originally designed only for ship-to-ship and ship-to-pier cargo transfer operations; consequently, Great Lakes Sound & Vibration (GLSV), a full-service engineering and manufacturing company developed a Modular Buoyant Kit (MBK) for the stern cargo ramp; facilitating Splash-Off Launch and Retrieval (L&R) of Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) and Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs). The modular design does not require a brand-new ramp design, only some modifications, and allows rapid change-over between cargo transfer and amphibian L&R operating modes. GLSV is teamed with Lake Shore Systems, the original equipment manufacturer for the EPF cargo ramp, which will facilitate integration. Extensive modeling and simulation to simulate the system dynamics, including ship motion and ramp motion due to wave interaction has been performed.
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is developing a high energy density battery that will extend the operating time or enable new capabilities of Navy devices. This battery, currently targeted for use in high data rate sensors, combines advanced materials and provides 50% more energy density than the batteries in use now. PSI’s unique cell design leverages novel anode materials and coating technologies as well as innovative cell build/formation techniques to offer both increased energy density and cycle life. PSI has successfully demonstrated the ability to scale the required component and cell level technologies necessary to build and deliver the targeted high energy density battery. PSI’s goal is to deliver safe, high energy batteries to meet the increased power needs of Navy sensors and equipment.
Paragon’s Buswork Integrated Cooling System (BICS) is a low-profile TRL 5 solution for battery module cooling that implements our proven Low-profile Hybrid-Manufactured (LPHM) Coldplate technology. BICS is uniquely suited to high-power energy storage cooling with its combination of high electrical isolation, >7kV, and low thermal resistance, <0.02°C/W. This technology is a drop-in replacement for conventional copper busbars. BICS moves heat more effectively by acquiring heat from batteries through the cell terminals, taking advantage of anisotropic cell construction. This produces better temperature uniformity without any cell-to-liquid contact, addressing the complexity of conventional liquid cooling approaches. BICS also permits use of any common thermal working fluid. Intended for future electronic ships systems and high-power weapons, for commercial ships, and applications for power distribution and storage, BICS reduces system size, weight, and power, and reduces lifetime cost.
Colorado Engineering Inc (CEI) is a woman owned small business enterprise which specializes in extremely complex mixed signal system design related to high frequency RF and digital system processing. CEI developed an industry leading architecture Radar Advanced Receiver/Exciter (RARE), through SBIR funding, Topic Code MDA05-034, Contract Number HQ0006-08-C-7908, that has been incorporated into several programs of record. RARE is a modular and scalable architecture which can be used far beyond Radar. RARE, now known as 3DR is being adopted for High Performance Computing and missiles. Colorado Engineering’s strategic semiconductor partnerships and its access to their technology roadmap will enable CEI to advance this modular architecture for future product generations, which can be utilized in sea, land, air and space applications where SWaP-C is critical.
The Navy’s 2075-TH hydraulic fluid, which is used for external hydraulic (HEX) system motion control, is covered under MIL-PRF-17672. This legacy fluid is significantly challenged by the evolution in submarine force inter-deployment training cycles, higher Fleet operating tempo, and changes in maintenance planning philosophy that require the motion control fluids work longer and harder in the undersea environment. The reduced performance of the 2075-TH HEX fluid has led to many instances of component failures critical to operational submarines. METSS’s new synthetic fluid formulation (2075-S) will demonstrate significant improvements in fluid oxidative resistance, additive stability, and tolerance to seawater contamination in extended service life operations. The new synthetic product will improve in-service operability and reliability, while extending product service life and reducing overall maintenance costs.
The complexity of the Battlespace has evolved to the point that it is no longer possible to manually maintain awareness of, and optimally allocate all recourses in real-time. Accelerated decision-aiding coupled with dynamic, optimal sensor and weapon target pairing (i.e., enhanced mission planning, battle management aiding and automated resource controllers) are urgently needed to maintain the initiative against near-peer and above peer threats. LG-RAID Enhanced Mission Planning capabilities address the acute lack of adequate, real-time, integrated, multi-resource planning tools. LG-RAID technology rapidly produces superior integrated plans providing warfighters the tools to create and evaluate the viability of their proposed integrated plans (space, air, surface, subsurface) against a broad range of enemy threat systems and courses of action.
Lange couplers, used as power combiners in high-power amplifiers, have a substantial effect on system-level efficiency. Nuvotronics has developed cost competitive Lange couplers with improved performance over current processes. An AS9100D certified manufacturer of mmWave solutions and components, our proprietary photolithography wafer-based additive manufacturing process produces the industry’s smallest, lightest, highest performing solutions. Shipborne high-power transmit amplifiers are replacing vacuum tube technology with solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) where hundreds of modules with Lange couplers are combined. Radar transmit/receive (T/R) modules employ Lange couplers in the transmit output stage. Our patented process makes Lange couplers that are exceptionally small, light, capable of handling high power, and extremely repeatable mechanically and electrically and could become a key component in future Navy radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
High-power gallium nitride (GaN) electronics, such as the radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) in radar and electronic warfare systems, are thermally limited. Replacing the silicon carbide (SiC) substrates on which GaN is grown with high-thermal-conductivity diamond can speed heat extraction, thereby reducing the cost of RFICs per Watt of output power by a factor of 3. Modern Microsystems’ GaN-on-Diamond technology transfers high-quality GaN epitaxy onto diamond carrier wafers for improved device reliability, higher power capability, reduced size, and lower cost. Initial prototypes demonstrate three times the power of identical GaN-on-SiC transistors. The goal is a fabrication process for custom GaN-on-Diamond wafers that are compatible with existing RFIC foundries. Modern Microsystems seeks prime or third-party partners to be a home for the process.
Hypersonic missiles, projectiles, and vehicles traveling at increased Mach speeds (e.g., Navy Hyper Velocity Projectile) utilize leading edges which experience temperatures that exceed the capabilities of most refractory metals. At the same time, the dynamic launch forces are too extreme for high temperature ceramics. Such competing needs call for a hybrid design which utilizes a combination of materials. However, joining metals and ceramics is complex, especially at elevated temperatures. MR&D provides design/analysis service for these advanced materials and for the community of interest - providing the necessary experience to develop a novel metal/ceramic joint. The design will be developed through finite element modeling coupled with fabrication and testing of full-scale test articles subjected to representative flight loads.
SA Photonics is pleased to propose LightCables, a ruggedized terminal addressing the needs of both legacy (copper) and modern (copper/fiber) shipboard cabling systems. LightCables is built on the core technology of Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM). Multiple analog or digital electrical signals are modulated onto different optical carriers and combined onto a single lightweight fiber-optic cable pair. LightCables can hence provide dramatic communication capacity on a single fiber-optic cable pair, dramatically reducing the amount of shipboard copper cabling. This system can be integrated into existing platforms, allowing the incorporation of more sensors, tactical displays and consoles. SA Photonics, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions teaming with well-known primes, as it has on past product developments.
Pacific Engineering, Inc. is developing an Adaptable Universal Composite Canister (AUCC) System for the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). This design is adaptable, permitting the packaging of a wide variety of underwater deployable payloads (UUVs, UAVs, etc.) while providing the required common hosts services within a shock mitigation environment. This modular approach permits a variety of missions through deployment of an assortment of payloads without requiring that the submarine return to port, thereby increasing the number of roles that a submarine can perform. In addition to lowering the costs of launching payloads, the AUCC enhances mission capability by permitting rapid loading and integration. As an added benefit, the AUCC will permit Team Sub to field and evaluate other payloads which could be deployed via the VPM.
Biofouling can increase fuel usage and the acoustic signatures of submarines and ships. Boston Engineering is developing a semi-autonomous system to kill biofouling life effectively, reduce skilled manpower requirements, and address environmental concerns. The Maritime UltraViolet Antifouling (MUVA) system uses an ultraviolet light (UV-C) module to eliminate fouling without physically touching – or damaging – coated underwater surfaces. Boston Engineering’s modular design supports manual, semi-automated, and automated operation. Additionally, the MUVA also enables remote management. For more than 20 years, Boston Engineering has been developing game-changing products for its customers, and also leverages that expertise to commercialize its own capabilities for maritime environments. The company will apply its experience to address antifouling requirements across the U.S. Navy, DoD, Coast Guard, and commercial maritime organizations.
Radio Frequency (RF) over fiber optic cable provides many performance advantages over copper interconnect technology, but RF performance issues in the electrical-to-optical (E/O) conversion process currently limits widespread DoD utilization. The linearized RF over fiber (RFoF) link under development dramatically improves the E/O conversion process enabling the radical performance improvements required for widespread RFoF technology deployment in applications such as Electronic Warfare (EW), Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), sensors, and communication systems. Initial testing confirms the modeled RFoF link performance improvements. Already the RFoF link performance leader, Photonic Systems Inc (PSI) provides innovative RF, microwave, and photonic products for defense, aerospace, and telecommunications markets. PSI is seeking DoD equipment manufacturers to support the transition of this technology into systems.
Bettergy, founded in 2008 to conceive, develop and commercialize innovative energy technologies for both military and civilian applications, has developed a number of novel energy storage technologies. Bettergy is developing a very high energy density air-independent power source to meet Navy requirements for use in sensors and other undersea applications. The battery is much lower cost than existing technologies and, due to the use of non-flammable components, is safe for transport and the environment. The battery is long duration, has a long shelf life and is adaptable to different form factors. Having successfully demonstrated its technology, Bettergy's plan is to transition this energy storage technology to U.S. Naval operations. Other potential applications for this technology include unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and other undersea applications.
The Unmanned Diesel Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft (UD-GARC) is low-cost, high endurance multi-mission platform for Intelligence, Search, Reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and coastal patrol applications. As the diesel, unmanned variant of MAPC’s robust air droppable manned GARC currently in service for high-sea state rescue, the UD-GARC is uniquely qualified for swift deployment /recovery. UD-GARC is a fleet enabler because it can travel an extended range (500 n.mi) at high speeds and loiter, communicating with other naval vessels/land-based control centers well beyond the line of sight. MAPC’s previous experience with Unmanned Surface Vessels, Littoral Combat Ships, and Launch and Recovery systems allowed us to design an entire integrated system for the Very Small Class 1 USV, ready for fleet use.
The US Navy is looking to rapidly manufacture parts while at sea, specifically develop qualified materials and an Additive Manufacturing (AM) methodology to produce defect free parts and maintain geometric tolerance in a shipboard environment. With over 25 years’ experience, Triton Systems Inc. (TSI) is a technology incubator that develops materials and systems applications. Currently, TSI is developing non-halogenated flame retardant thermoplastic feedstocks for use in additive manufacturing of polymeric components in a closed environment, where the risk of fire and smoke are especially critical. The goal of this Phase II effort, hopefully the feedstock and fabricated components will meet the stringent Navy Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) requirements. TSI is looking for a partner to help commercialize the feedstock to be used in a variety of 3D printers.
The oscillating heat pipe (OHP) heat spreader is a highly efficient passive thermal device capable of transferring extremely high heat fluxes from a small source to a larger, lower heat flux rejection surface. This technology will allow high power operation of electrical components without altering the system design. ThermAvant Technologies is a leading developer of the OHP with applications to Navy radar and electronic warfare systems. ThermAvant’s competitive advantage is the advanced manufacturing, predictive modeling capabilities, and design experience with this technology. These advantages also minimize the risk for producing the OHP. ThermAvant’s OHP technology can be used in a wide range of high heat flux, small form factor, and structurally integral applications thereby allowing increased performance and reduced weight of high power devices.
Innovative Defense Technologies’ (IDT) Automated Verifcation & Validation (V&V) for Distributed Testing (ADT) supports the definition and testing of complex system of system (SoS) interface requirements with a focus on leveraging existing infrastructure, resources, and subject matter expertise from distributed test environments. IDT has developed Automated Test and Re-Test (ATRT), which is an enabling technology for ADT, founded on the patented model based systems engineering approach that accelerates the deployment of software capability to the fleet. ADT is initially supporting testing of SQQ-89 to Aegis baseline 9, however the tool suite was built to be used by any complex system that requires V&V of system of system interfaces. IDT seeks collaboration with government programs with complex, software/data intensive SoS that require distributed test and analysis capability.
Star Lab’s Warden is a minimally invasive technology designed specifically to detect advanced cyber threats inside unique defense compute environments, e.g., systems running customized Linux and real-time operating systems. Consisting of a lightweight sensor package, an ensemble of detectors, and an artificial neural network, Warden identifies potential cyber threats and reports them via the syslog mechanism. Warden’s functionality has been prototyped, tested, and verified using realistic test and training environments for the Aegis Weapon System. Star Lab, an embedded systems security company, is dedicated to protecting devices and systems operating in open, hostile environments. Our goal is for prime contractors to integrate Warden as they modernize combat systems to defeat never-before-seen cyber-attacks.
Interphase Materials is a specialized engineering company that improves operational efficiency of industrial and defense cooling systems through our proprietary surface treatment technologies. We develop and apply advanced materials to deliver capability enhancements that assist warfighters operate at optimal efficiency. Our nano-coating technology creates a protective film which prevents fouling and improves heat transfer efficiency. The technology, developed for submarine heat exchanger applications, can significantly benefit heat transfer efficiency across various platforms, such as engine and HVAC systems. Interphase Materials’ environmentally-friendly surface treatment improves heat transfer by 5-10% and is easily applied to existing operating systems. Interphase is seeking DoD transition partners to demonstrate the products’ benefits across platforms that experience fouling and efficiency issues to improve their efficiency and position the technology for procurement.
Sonalysts is developing a reliable, modular, and scalable Digital Early Warning Receiver (DEWR) that will integrate with the digital foundation of submarine Electronic Warfare (EW). The system leverages modern integrated circuit (IC) video detectors and high speed A/D converters to capture real-time pulsed RF data. DEWR implements innovative DSP algorithms for improved pulse characterization and emitter feature extraction. The technology has been developed and matured through multiple SBIR awards, and can be transitioned to the fleet using a low-risk phased implementation plan. DEWR is targeted for undersea warfare platforms, but is easily extensible to surface naval missions. Sonalysts is an employee owned small business with over 40 years of demonstrated performance in a variety of technical disciplines, including electronic warfare and RF systems development.
Lynntech Inc is developing new polymeric materials that can be extruded to make filaments compatible with fused filament fabrication (FFF) techniques. The newly developed polymer formulations, textile design, and printing process will reduce the number of steps required to manufacture clothing items and simplify production of personalized garments. It will also allow production of clothing articles with mechanical strength and water vapor transport capabilities essential for military fabrics, and allow low volume manufacturing of garments in remote locations. Moreover, this technology will allow for design of garments from a 3D body scanner. Lynntech, a 2016 Tibbetts award winning small business, is looking for textile partners to integrate our 3D printing techniques and formulations into their customizable clothing article development.
Infrared sensors have been used to evaluate thermal stress of clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but current methods rely on a qualitative assessment of these images and are subjective, prone to errors, and restricted to stationary human subjects or manikins. Our solution, TSAPE, uses a 3D imaging sensor to estimate motion, determine body pose and locate body parts. A thermal camera aligned with the 3D sensor measures temperature. The targeted application is thermal stress analysis of military garment. The solution will enable objective comparison of thermal performance. During Phase I, IAI successfully demonstrated the capability by providing objective thermal measurements for clothing in indoor, shaded outdoor, and at a Navy climatic chamber. The proposed solution will assist researchers to measure heat stress of garments.
Propel, a textile technologies design and development company, has developed knit textiles with embedded electrically functional networks (E-textiles). Our innovations include electrically functional engineered yarns (E-yarns), textile electrodes and textile-electronics integration methods. Using these innovations, together with 3-D knitting, we engineer electrically-enabled textile structures which retain their textiles properties without compromising electrical functionality. The demonstration prototype is a sensor-enabled base layer shirt for Navy SEALs, permitting continuous real-time monitoring of the wearer’s physiology. Beyond this prototype, electrically functional textiles are applicable within any military platform for which the scalable distribution of sensors over a broad surface area is a game changer. Additional applications for the E-textile technology include, but are not limited to, structural health monitoring, RF monitoring, chemical-biological monitoring, antennas, heating, and lighting.
LightSpin Technologies is developing the Photomultiplier Chip, a device that can detect optical signals with high internal gain, low noise, and multi-GHz bandwidths. Photomultiplier Chips allow precise timing of signals as small as single photons. LightSpin’s approach enables unique optimizations including speed, sensitivity, and radiation hardness for applications including free space optical communications, remote sensing, medical imaging, high energy physics, and the detection of special nuclear materials. LightSpin is the first company to demonstrate functional GaAs and GaInP devices, with preliminary experimental results indicating the potential to achieve multi-GHz bandwidths. LightSpin’s Photomultiplier Chip technology is protected with several issued and pending patents on the design and fabrication techniques. LightSpin intends to provide commercial detector modules to prime contractors for Department of Defense applications.
Vacuum Process Engineering, Inc. has over 40 years of experience in precision brazing, diffusion bonding, heat treating, thin film coating and contract manufacturing services. We are currently developing a large scale Scandate Tungsten Nanocomposite production facility to provide high-quality advanced thermionic cathode material to the US vacuum electronics industry enabling the development of any high-performance radar and electronic warfare systems reliant on advanced vacuum electron devices. Our product is capable of significantly improved emission characteristics at lower temperatures and with longer lifetimes than commercially available cathodes and VPE has already produced high-quality material with a threefold increase in production. Our goal is to supply sintered STN pellets to cathode manufacturers in order to manifest the next generation of advanced vacuum electronic devices.
nGimat, a world-class developer and manufacturer of nanotechnology-based engineered materials, has developed Scandia-doped tungsten nanopowders that enable thermionic cathodes to achieve higher power or higher frequency in RF (or higher frequency) applications. Today, these cathodes support numerous Navy applications that utilize vacuum-tube-based RF electronics. By providing higher power or higher frequency, cathodes produced with nGimat’s nanopowders enable various strategic applications (e.g., next-generation satellites, jamming systems, and communications). Additionally, the service life of the cathode, and therefore the larger system, can be increased by over 200%. We have demonstrated the high purity nanoscandia and improved mixing capabilities necessary for technical success. nGimat seeks to partner with an integrator of cathode-based systems capable of developing and manufacturing finished products and identifying additional commercial applications for nanoscandia.
Creare has developed a compact waste-to-energy (WTE) system designed to process up to four tons per day of heterogeneous solid waste. Our key innovation is drop-through ionic gasification technology from partner Cogent Energy Systems. This technology fully converts waste in a single stage for maximum energy efficiency and system reliability by completely immersing waste feedstock in a plasma zone reaching 10,000oC, which entirely dissociates organic matter to its atomic state. The atoms/ions reform as ultra-pure, multi-purpose synthesis gas capable of producing surplus electricity and/or fuels. A full-scale WTE system is operational at Cogent’s facility in Idaho Falls where safety and performance testing is reducing program risk. Our 2019 goal is to deliver an on-site, full-scale system designed for in-situ operational testing, evaluation, and validation.
The sinking hose system for the Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) is a high-pressure collapsible hose which will remain stable on the seafloor when filled with fuel yet is “lay-flat” so that it can be stored in containers. Materials Sciences Corporation, a small business that performs design, analysis, testing, product development, and low rate production of fiber reinforced materials and products, applies a legacy of analytical mechanics to create and produce new products and services with high-tech materials. This product replaces the floating, low-pressure ABLTS hose with a 500 psi, sea-floor hose that is still deployed from lighterage vessels. MSC has demonstrated feasibility of integrating heavy layers while maintaining flexibility and the exposure of the materials to water and fuel.
Semiotic Digital Encoding (SDE) is a technique to transform information from the data domain to the knowledge domain. Knowledge can be transmitted using significantly less bandwidth. The original information can be recovered by transforming it back to the data domain. The resulting communication is lossless, secure, and platform independent, using as much as 80% less bandwidth than the original requirement. The concept enables the command and control of multiple UASs in a degraded or denied communications environment by utilizing the ultra-low bandwidth space allowing mission critical information to transition remaining available bandwidth without loss of mission capability. The SDE capability, as a platform-independent capability to reduce the bandwidth dependency for structured messages, will have a broad application across platforms, platform types and, missions. Initial applications may include data links for control systems such as the Common Control System (CCS) for unmanned air platforms and air vehicles such as the Fire Scout.
Safe’s Multi-Axis Vibration Reduction for Increased Comfort (MAVRIC) aircraft seat has an electronically controlled suspension to protect Navy aircrew from chronic injuries caused by whole body vibration. The seat’s ergonomic design also reduces discomfort and fatigue for extended mission endurance. Safe is an engineering firm with a core focus on safety and survivability; ongoing technology development in seats, armor, survival rafts, and restraints; and recent deliveries of spacecraft crew protection devices. The vibration damping technology can be used for any vehicle occupant subject to injury hazards from severe vibration exposure. The prototype MAVRIC Operator seat increased the duration of safe exposure 16-fold, and the Copilot seat is now entering testing. Safe seeks Navy support to fully qualify the seat and deploy it to the E-2C/D fleet.
The anticipated deployment of electric-powered weapons systems on Navy ships and increasing power demands of radar and electronic warfare systems will place a highly variable and unpredictable demand on shipboard power systems. Issues associated with this can be greatly mitigated by integrating energy storage into the power system. However, this energy storage system must be capable of very high charge and discharge rates without excessive internal heating that can reduce both performance and battery life. The technology being developed will enable such an energy storage device, by combining proven high power, long-life electrode and cell designs with internal and external thermal management technology that prevents excessive temperature rise without degrading battery performance.
Dynamic Minefield Optimization (DMO) evaluates and optimizes precision placement of maritime mines and sensors/effectors, and also evaluates and optimizes mine and sensor/effector delivery plans for multiple maritime minefields. DMO makes more effective use of scarce maritime mining resources, increases the military effectiveness of maritime minefields, reduces risk to friendly platforms and missions, and reduces operator time-on-task. Daniel H. Wagner Associates has over 55 years of experience in developing/transitioning complex software components to prime contractors and Department of Defense customers, and developed mission effectiveness evaluation and optimization, risk determination, and data fusion algorithms and software components for several U.S. Navy mine warfare systems, including the primary system for mine warfare planning and execution, MINEnet Tactical, and the MK18 Mod 2 Inc 2 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). Word Count: 124
Tactical Edge is a SDVOSB that uses software engineering to solve real-world problems for our DoD and commercial clients using emergent and proven technologies, best practices, and innovative thinking. Its Total Visibility Anywhere (TVA) Data Service leverages the Position Location Information (PLI) data made available through current Government owned Authoritative Data Systems (ADS), and in combination with their custom machine learning algorithms, provides DoD Logisticians with contextual information about where shipments of interest are NOW, displaying those locations on a map, and providing estimated arrival dates to stakeholders who need to know how the shipment will affect their mission. TVA has been verified to work in tactical environments and to be interoperable with government-hosted systems. For a Phase III transition partner, Tactical Edge is targeting government PMOs that specialize in Logistics-focused information, as well as data dissemination platforms.
DVTI is developing protective coatings for shipboard gas turbine engine components to address oxidation and hot corrosion across an enhanced operational envelope for surface ship propulsion and auxiliary power systems. Candidate systems have been identified through computational methods and are being validated through a production-scale coating process. These coatings, processed using directed vapor deposition (DVD), have been tested in salt-laden environments using a 100-hour combined cycle without signs of damage to the underlying substrate. DVTI is operating production scale DVD coating equipment that has been utilized for qualification testing of other turbine coating systems and is in the process upfitting a new manufacturing facility for a separate product line. DVTI seeks to perform coating services for interested parties or discuss licensing options for the technology.
Teqnovations’ ultra-wide-bandwidth, timed-array active, electronically steered array (AESA) antennas enable next-generation SIGINT, radar, and data communications systems operating between 8 GHz and 200 GHz. True-time-delay beam steering enables transmitting and/or receiving RF signals in a 5:1 frequency range without squint or RF pulse distortion. Low SWaP-C, timed-array antennas enhance performance of systems on ships, planes, drones, satellites, and the ground. Teqnovations continues to develop its patented, low-SWaP-C, timed-array antenna technology for multiple governmental and commercial applications. Teqnovations has prototyped novel, ultra-wide-bandwidth true-time-delay units (TDUs) and conceptually designed a complete, modular Ka-band SATCOM antenna system to include an integrated receiver. Teqnovations is looking for Defense customers with un-met needs to support development and prime contractors to integrate our technology into advanced systems.
Hypersonic vehicles require reliable, maintenance free, compact, high temperature capable power sources – requirements that are difficult to attain using battery-based systems. eM-TECH’s Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) system technology meets those requirements. In addition, it also increases the temperature limits of legacy TEG systems from approximately 600 C to 1250 C while achieving a figure of merit (ZT) above 1 through the innovative use of silicon carbide and stable aerogels. eM-TECH, Inc. specializes in providing advanced technology solutions to problems of critical importance within the fields of materials chemistry, thermal management, adhesives, composites, and ultra-high heat to electricity conversion. We seek partnerships with government test facilities to demonstrate/validate the prototype system capabilities and with prime contractors to license the manufacturing and incorporation of the technology.
TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has developed a moisture stable igniter formulation for Navy countermeasure flares. TDA’s novel igniter has been shown to be up to 90% more stable to degradation in high humidity conditions than the current igniter formulations and is thus more reliably ignited when exposed to moisture. The moisture stable igniter formulation has energetic properties that are comparable to the current Navy igniter, with no loss in performance when substituted in Navy hardware. The formulation can be used as a drop-in replacement for the current Navy igniter and is relatively similar in cost. TDA is a small technology manufacturing, research and development company in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and intends to manufacture and supply the igniter formulation directly to the Navy and other customers.
SA Photonics’ Wideband Agile Threat Sensor (WATS) addresses the Navy’s need for an affordable and compact High-Power Radio Frequency / High-Power Microwave (HPRF/HPM) attack warning technology that detects, characterizes and precisely geo-locates HPRF threats while being fully immune to HPRFs. WATS consists of multiple completely passive HPM probes connected by fiber optic cables to an electronic processing system, designed for UAVs and other aircraft and surface vessels. Furthermore, WATS’s tolerance of extremely high electromagnetic amplitudes enables the system to survive repeated exposure to attack without losing sensitivity. SA Photonics, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions in-house product manufacturing, as it has on past product developments.
GIRD Systems has developed the Alternative Precision Landing System (APLS) to provide precise positioning and navigation for shipboard landing systems in GPS-denied environments. APLS provides a complete navigation solution for the aircraft, integrating measurements computed from shipboard transmissions as well as the aircraft’s navigation system, including GPS fusion when available. The APLS architecture can be implemented as a stand-alone system or integrated with existing airborne/shipboard radios, such as the MIDS-J radios. GIRD Systems is an innovative and agile small business specializing in satisfying the DoD’s signal processing and communications needs. Our target is to integrate APLS into the government system by working with a prime contractor. GIRD is also looking to team with prime contractors in applications beyond the SBIR focus.
VIP Sensors' Fiber Optic Vector Sensors (FOVS) system satisfies Navy requirements for a highly sensitive, compact directional acoustic sensing system. An innovative system of fiber optic sensors and compasses coupled with a readout system and a fiber optic interconnecting cable, FOVS is designed to address measurement applications in the challenging undersea environment when deployed in expendable Class A sonobuoys. FOVS sensors have been built and tested, and electronics have been adapted from existing sonobuoy and undersea applications. Specializing in the design and development of systems to address challenging measurement applications, VIP Sensors seeks opportunities to customize and deploy the FOVS technology in various applications to demonstrate their effectiveness and would entertain teaming arrangements with government agencies/prime contractors to incorporate FOVS technology such applications.
Scientific Solutions, Inc (SSI) specializes in novel ocean acoustic technology servicing the U.S. Navy and other DoD components. Main product areas are acoustic monitoring for the protection of marine mammals, unwanted diver and unmanned vehicle detection (SDSN and MODSS) and senior level project management for various aspects at test and evaluation ranges. Marine mammal detection systems are currently deployed and the diver/UUV system is targeted to become a component of the Navy’s Electronic Harbor Security System(EHSS). SSI’s state-of-the-art, unique design and distributed system for detection is patent protected. Additionally, proprietary multistatic algorithms and unique modeling processes will reduce risk and provide greater confidence that the potential threat is not just another false alert. It is our vision that the NAVFAC Fleet Force Protection Ashore will integrate our system into their harbor protection systems.
Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) specializes in developing cyber-security technologies for cyber-physical systems. To help thwart cyber-attack, IAI developed binary code transformation techniques when applied to legacy software enhance critical systems with a “fast-crash” capability preventing those systems from working in degraded state. BRASS (Binary code Randomization for Attack Sensitive Software) consolidates analytics and transformation modules into centralized work flows for automation and user control for transformation tuning and managing performance tradeoffs. The framework can be used to protect shipboard mechanical and electrical control systems of Hull & Mechanic Engine, from operating in compromised state when cyber-attacks occur. BRASS has been prototyped and verified to support multiple software architectures. Our goal is to integrate and transition BRASS into government and prime contractor multi-layer cyber defense systems.
SDC’s Nanomaterial Enhanced Filament Wound Composite Flywheel (NEFWCF) rotors are ultra-high speed/acceleration rotors for high density energy storage and pulse power delivery. NEFWCF rotors use a novel manufacturing method and nanomaterial enhanced properties to provide significant improvement over state-of-the-art. SDC’s design is modular and reconfigurable to meet a variety of needs for future Navy ship pulse loads. SDC is an aerospace and defense company that specializes in highly engineered composite structures and subsystems as well hybridized material development. Phase II testing has indicated that the desired performance is feasible, and full-scale prototype design is in progress. The goal is to integrate the NEFWCF rotors for future Navy ship pulse loads and become a supplier of this technology to prime contractors.
Forward Photonics is developing a 100 W laser in the mid-wave infrared with integrated cooling system. This power level represents an order of magnitude increase in power over what is available commercially. This is enabled by the proprietary wavelength beam combination (WBC) technology that allows for the combination of a number of individual quantum cascade lasers into a single high brightness output beam. The intended Navy application is infrared countermeasures (IRCM) for both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, as well as ship-based. The goal is for the laser system to be integrated into an IRCM platform with a prime contractor partner with multi-platform uses. Forward Photonics specializes in high brightness direct diode laser systems for electronic warfare, including IRCM and direct energy weapons.
Since 1995, Applied Optimization, Inc. (AO) has collaboratively developed innovative solutions in material science to address technical challenges for industry, NASA, and the DoD. AO is developing a hardware-software system for layer-by-layer nondestructive inspection and near-real-time determination of spatial distribution material defects in metallic parts, fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM) processes. AO’s hardware is comprised of off-the-shelf laser scanners (profilometer) and precision linear motion, implemented into the deposition chamber of commercial SLM equipment. AO’s software implements signal processing algorithms for data reduction and processing of collected 3-D top-surface build geometry/roughness data to predict material defects. AO’s capability employs physics-based models to correlate the phenomenology of interaction between surface roughness and material defects and to provide voxel-by-voxel anomaly flagging. AO seeks to identify DoD Prime contractor and Programs focused on AM to include selective laser melting (SLM) process optimization.
Charles River Analytics, a 30-year old applied research firm focused on intelligent systems applications, has worked with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) to develop Grammars for Graph-based Assessment of Mission Readiness (GGRAMR); providing a framework for the graph database equivalent of relational database “views.” Creating views of graph data that directly support the calculation of unit readiness scores, and support predicting measures of performance (MOPs) for mission essential tasks, it transforms raw graph data into graph data that is organized in specific ways to support critical applications. GGRAMR significantly reduces the cost and complexity of working with graph databases and would greatly benefit programs, such as the Defense Readiness Reporting System-Navy (DRRS-N) that must draw on diverse data from large graph databases.
Current quartz temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) cannot withstand the harsh environment of a high-velocity, gun-launched guided projectile. The Ferroelectric Resonator Oscillator (FEROS) technology is a high-G mechanical shock and temperature shock tolerant, ferroelectric-based oscillator system that can replace TCXOs and be integrated into high-G miniaturized GPS receivers. Initial prototype devices have been fabricated and tested for electrical and temperature performance validating functionality. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) is an advanced systems integrator with expertise in optical, electronics, and avionics systems, surveillance equipment, sensors, x-ray, and software. Our goal is to work with a prime contractor for the GPS receiver integration and transition this technology into the initial targeted platform, the Hyper Velocity Projectile, SHD FY15-17, for the PEO IWS 3C Surface Gunnery Program.
Sentient Science is developing physics-based life predictions and inspection simulation software to provide a modeling framework to simultaneously optimize inspectability and reliability of Additive Manufacturing (AM) designs before they are finalized. Sentient Science is a technology leader in the field of life prediction simulation and prognostics and health management. Sentient Science’s technology is leveraged to optimize the design of additive manufacturing parts in drive trains and structural components in military vehicles (ships, aircraft and land vehicles). Using this technology, AM parts achieve higher mechanical performance and better inspectability throughout the entire life-cycle. Sentient has more than 15 years of experience in microstructure modeling of different metallic alloys. Aerospace original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design teams leverage Sentient Science’s modeling technology in redesign of existing parts or in new component design.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is critical to supporting current and future air vehicle design and, shipboard/dynamic interface operations. Unfortunately, current CFD software is too time consuming for many applications. Continuum Dynamics, Inc. (CDI) is developing a CFD solver library for increasing the accuracy and reducing the cost of CFD. CDI specializes in developing highly efficient analysis software and software libraries to support analysis of, most notably, rotorcraft and dynamic interface applications. CDI’s CFD solver library has demonstrated several orders of magnitude cost reduction over contemporary approaches, and our goal is to integrate the solver with DOD CREATE-AV software and transition the technology to engineers within the government and industry to reduce the cost of supporting operations and platform development.
Temporal loads resulting from wind eddies on aerial vehicles during flight-deck launch and recovery cannot be accurately estimated from current flight test data. To better predict these loads and enhance operations, our simulation tools provide software components for computationally efficient but accurate prediction of disparate scale turbulence interactions. The resulting digital-simulator allows the coarser mesh use without the undesired excessive dissipation and grid-dependency, resulting in an enhanced cost-effective predictive simulation. Kord specializes in aerospace and defense technology software/hardware prototyping, including the DoD simulation tools: Kestrel and Helios. The system has been successfully integrated in naval relevant applications. Our goal is to integrate and transition this technology to DoD acquisition tools and pilot training simulators as well as adoption to the commercial sector.
Charles River Analytics, a leading provider of innovative R&D solutions for increasingly complex human-systems challenges is addressing the need for planning resources and schedules for deployed unmanned logistics platforms that provide energy replenishment, data access and management, and communications capabilities to a heterogeneous suite of UUVs. Their system enables situational awareness of submerged unmanned platform health and status and then develops highly autonomous, multi-vehicle coordination and management algorithms to execute unmanned operations with limited remote supervisory control access. To date the software has been successfully exercised in a series of government-managed Limited Objective Experiments, including in-water operations, simulation-based laboratory tests, and benchside hardware testing. They seek transition into a deployable fleet of platforms to support longer-range and longer-duration UUV missions.
IFOS develops fiber optic sensor systems including Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Systems supporting up to 256 precision sensors per interrogation node, which are immune to electromagnetic interference, electrically passive and less labor intensive to install. By monitoring dynamic strain (load), temperature and other structural health indicators this technology could enhance emerging LCS Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) architectures. Installation of such systems allows for real-time condition assessments, which enables more accurate maintenance planning and scheduling thus minimizing unscheduled/unnecessary maintenance events, translating to reduced operational cost, increased lifetime, and enhanced safety. A demonstration was given with 60 sensors attached to cantilever beam and aluminum plate sampled at 6 kHz. Now, IFOS is now proceeding to system testing on a LCAC in Florida and destroyer grillages at NSWC Carderock.
A new generation of miniaturized atomic magnetometers is being developed and integrated into naval systems such as small unmanned fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms. This project is intended to develop a magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system that integrates these small and low-power sensor elements, control electronics, auxiliary or reference sensors, and digital signal processing methods into a compact form factor. The objective is to develop a capable and flexible system that has utility for multiple naval air assets and can be readily integrated into larger systems or used in a stand-alone fashion. The combination of miniaturized atomic magnetometers with optimal hardware and processing algorithms will accelerate integrated sensor packages that meet the Navy’s requirements for sensitivity and operational performance.
An isogeometric analysis toolkit for Abaqus (IGAFA) is developed for a high-fidelity finite element analysis (FEA) model creation as well as response and failure prediction of metallic and composite structures. IGAFA will create an analysis model with preserved geometry from a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model followed by performing an accurate 3D stress prediction for a complex geometry with structural discontinuities. IGAFA features include: selection of a geometry model, surface and volumetric T-spline construction, FEA and failure prediction, post-processing, and design alternation. In addition, IGAFA can be integrated with simulation tools used for additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or auto placement of fibers for a curved composite structure. Global Engineering and Materials provides software solutions for fracture, fatigue, and multi-scale damage characterization of metallic, composite and hybrid structures. Our goal is to provide the toolkit to DoD Labs and OEMs.
This program targets the development of an integrated cross-cube optical WDM node for avionic applications. The device incorporates four quad WDM receivers (16 receive channels total) cross-coupled to four quad WDM transmitters (16 transmit channels total), with each data path operating at 56Gbps employing PAM4 modulation. The device enables an optical network backbone that does not rely on a lossy passive optical star coupler and incorporates Built-In Test capability, thus significantly improving signal routing and distribution throughput and reliability. Previous efforts have realized the quad transmitter assembly operating at 10Gbps and tunable filter technology suitable for integration into the receiver front-end. Current activity is aligned with development of the laser transmitter capable of achieving 56Gbps PAM4 transmission
Current state-of-the-art undersea warfare modeling and simulation (M&S) tools most often focus on detailed engineering or high-level campaign analysis. None satisfy the operational requirement for a scalable and accessible 2D and 3D cross-domain warfare analytical tool in support of operational experimentation. TRIDENT is a M&S software solution that provides a unique cross-domain bridge connecting systems engineering and mission/campaign-level models in support of experimentation and analysis. This innovative solution is a domain package “plug-in” leveraging Sonalysts’ commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) physics-based Simulation Engine II (SEII) framework. It includes a unique 2D/3D “Seabed-Space” global domain for visualization, PDS real-time data access and more. TRIDENT will enable warfare analysts to quantify and qualify an understanding of revolutionary future warfare concepts in an operational environment.
Keystone developed a repeatable additive manufacturing (AM) process with the capability for rapid process and part qualifications and certifications. The process is ideally suited to solve obsolescence and difficult-to-source large format products that will enhance Navy sustainment requirements. Keystone is a technology development company with extensive manufacturing and production experience including new product and process aerospace qualifications. Keystone possesses two directed energy AM cells with capacity to produce over 64,000 lbs/year and is seeking Navy/DoD production source approvals for AM or repair. The equipment is a low-cost, robust and industrialized AM solution. To date, two major Navy usage alloys have been characterized with B-basis allowable tensile properties produced in conjunction with Materials Properties Development Standardization (MMPDS), and they are extending their data base to include Ferrium M54.
RF environments are increasingly more complex causing distress for system designers across the warfighter to create a robust RF interference mitigation solution. Metamagnetics’ Auto-tune Filter has created a small chip that can mitigate any number of interferers quickly and effectively without the need of complex processing systems. This enables a variety of platforms to easily install a robust, low SWAP solution for cosite and jamming problems. Potential systems include radios, GPS, EW and radars. Metamagnetics, an advance magnetic material design firm, has enhanced the device’s baseline material and performed higher level testing in systems along with transitioning another version of the technology to a Navy EW system. Metamagnetics is looking to partner with primes for system transition along with government entities to help fund development.
In this program, Freedom Photonics will develop a monolithically-integrated, externally-modulated, 1000 nm laser for analog transmission applications. Applications include EW, antenna remoting, and ISR, for avionic platforms and systems. The transmitter is based on an innovative low-linewidth, low-RIN, high-power semiconductor laser, monolithically integrated with a high-performance semiconductor modulator: no such device commercially exists today. Implementation is in the GaAs material system, enabling high-efficiency performance and un-cooled operation in elevated military temperature environments, significantly reducing SWaP. Prior demonstrations of high-efficiency GaAs based semiconductor lasers have been made, with additional effort required to monolithically integrate the modulator. Further technology maturation efforts are needed, in addition to collaboration with defense partners/end users to tailor the transmitter towards specific system-level target applications.
Forward Photonics is developing the Compact Air-cooled Laser Modulate-able Source (CALMS). This is a 3 W laser with wavelength < 400 nm. The design is compact and fully modulate-able up to 10 kHz. High powered ultraviolet (UV) operation is challenging for direct diode lasers, as the GaN diode technology is not as mature as for other materials. This power level at this wavelength is enabled by the proprietary wavelength beam combination (WBC) technology that allows for the combination of a number of individual GaN laser diodes into a single high brightness output beam. Forward Photonics specializes in high brightness direct diode laser systems.
Lynntech Inc. has developed On-Demand Hypoxia Trainer (ODHT) – a portable, pressure-on-demand, mask-on, train-like-you-fly, hypoxia training device for aircrew. The ODHT is based on an energy-efficient electrochemical oxygen pump and has successfully undergone human effects testing at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Production of the ODHT starts in 2019. The initial customer is the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center, Naval Survival Training Institute; units are scheduled for delivery to NAVAIR starting in late FY 2019. Lynntech, a 30-year old small business successful at developing and transitioning electrochemical-based technologies to the warfighter and 2016 Tibbets Award winner, will manufacture the ODHT in-house and supply it to the customer.
JEM’s innovative frequency-independent Magnetic Flux Channel (MFC) antenna exploits efficient broadband coupling to the bound charge inherent in all magneto-dielectric materials. This enables efficient transmission and reception of RF communication signals in conformal installation environments that severely degrade the performance of conventional antennas using just electric charge control. Successful demonstrations of hardware in SBIR N112-113 laid the groundwork for our conformal frequency-independent designs, such as Archimedean and logarithmic spirals, in SBIR N152-081. Beneficiaries of this technology are networks or swarms of small, self-organizing UAVs to achieve specific intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance or communications mission objectives. JEM Engineering, a woman-owned Maryland small business specializing in communication antenna research, design, manufacture and test, seeks teaming arrangements with government organizations and primes to validate system capabilities and incorporate the technology.
FlexDuo distributed mission processing computer architecture provides reconfigurable FPGA capability to advanced avionics architectures. This capability allows for the ability to perform high speed video processing in support of advanced architectures while also dynamically securing unsecure networks via integrated security. Simultaneously, FlexDuo supports current and future high-speed, high-power hardware and more video-intensive processing. Initially targeting V22 Osprey, AH- 1Z, and UH-1Y helicopters as a rapid acquisition path to securely insert true commercial off-the-shelf hardware into military applications. FlexDuo’s innovative approach helps future-proof systems while reducing cost by minimizing the use of preloaded FPGA-based architectures or specific chips, providing software portability, integration and upgrades via standards-based interfaces, and miniaturization. QuickFlex provides products and services in development of and support of high-performance, state-of-the-art, reconfigurable systems and circuit solutions, novel security protections, fault tolerant solutions, and sophisticated decision engines for embedded, desktop, and networking technologies. FlexDuo technology is anticipated to be a spiral integration into rotorcraft and airframe avionics.
Tactical Troubleshooting Tool (T3) integrates Tactical Data Link configuration settings from multiple legacy systems onboard US Navy ships into a centralized browser-based interface and distributes them via a pub-sub framework to remote, authorized users. Developed by a team of experienced engineers with warfighter input, this project streamlines the process for troubleshooting multi-TDL network connectivity issues by providing a collaborative, real-time environment to view network status and configurations, and recommend corrective actions. T3 interfaces directly with the Common Data Link Management System (CDLMS) but can be configured to interface with other TDL systems. The initial transition target is Command and Control Program Office (PMW 150). Fuse is pursuing opportunities to apply this dynamic, flexible system to DoD and civilian applications that require a remote, global view of aggregated data.
For the last 15+ years, BlueRISC, Inc. has provided next generation system assurance and cyber security products and solutions for government and private industry. ThreatSCOPE Code Injection (CI) is a binary-level, vulnerability analysis toolkit (i.e. no source code required) enabling automated insertion of code into embedded executables/firmware. It provides vulnerability and performance guidance for the insertion of generic and cyber-hardening codes via an interactive GUI. ThreatSCOPE CI is directly applicable to a number of military and commercial embedded systems including unmanned systems (e.g. drones), avionics, industrial control systems as well as legacy embedded systems. ThreatSCOPE CI has been validated on real-world embedded firmware (e.g. Apache web server, avionics OFP) and shown to enable the patching of identified vulnerabilities (e.g. Heartbleed). We seek to license to large system integrators and integrate into Navy software assurance flows.
The MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) Modulating Retroreflector (MRR) employs the Boston Micromachines Corporation (BMC) optical modulator mounted in a hollow corner cube retro-reflector as the enabling component of a secure asymmetric free-space laser communication link. BMC is a provider of MEMS deformable mirrors and modulator products as well as advanced imaging systems. The MRR can be used for remote sensing in applications such as gas detection, surveillance, tagging and tracking in various platforms as the technology is small, light-weight, covert, and anti-jam. BMC has received three SBIRs for the development of this technology. To transition for use in the field, BMC will work with a sponsor to determine the optimal configuration, which may vary from single-component mounting to full 360-degree turrets for use in flexible, mobile applications.
Both military and commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can benefit from onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) sensors to keep well-clear of other aircraft. SARA’s PANAMA military DAA sensor and Passive Acoustic Non-Cooperative Collision-Alert System (PANCAS) commercial sensors are the first systems for UAS that detect aircraft as far away as 10km and meet size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations. PANAMA has been demonstrated in a relevant FAA environment and evaluated independently by the Air Force Test Pilot School when integrated onto a Group 1 UAS. SARA Inc. aims to provide a small SWAP DAA for use with Navy UAS platforms. SARA Inc. develops novel systems for remote sensing, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and pulse power applications. Our goal with PANAMA is to increase the capability and autonomy of U.S. military UAS.
Marine gas turbines operate at less than full power. However, future Navy ops will require engines to be operated at higher temperatures for sustained periods necessitating the insertion of new materials and coatings that exist at these higher temperature conditions. This technology will mitigate that problem. It consists of utilizing an ICME model to promote TBC life >20K hours and assisting in maximizing corrosion and oxidation resistance. Sustained competitive advantage is provided as this technology allows users to understand actual coating life. Moreover, the ICME model can be utilized in other applications where difficult relationships between process variables and resultant properties exist. The isothermal TBC life model has been accomplished and its function verified. ReliaCoat Technologies specializes in in-situ process monitoring and control for advanced coating processes. Our goal is to integrate this technology into government and industry for coating engineering and life prediction.
SkyLight™ is a cost-saving and performance-improving free space optical (FSO) communication system being developed for PEO Space. It has extremely low size, weight and power (SWaP) to allow its use on nanosatellites, namely the CubeSat platform. The device allows small (3U) satellites to communicate with the ground via infrared FSO techniques. SkyLight™ operates with high data speeds at high altitudes (LEO) through varying weather, allowing for significantly enhanced global communications. The company, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions its own small-scale production as well as teaming with well-known primes, as it has on past product developments.
SA Photonics is pleased to propose the SOCRATES™ free space optical communication and sensing system featuring the Photonic Optical Multicast Mast Unit (POMMU) to satisfy the Navy’s requirements for a secure point-to-multi-point optical sensing and communications architecture to enhance tactical and strategic awareness in multiple high-threat, congested environments. SOCRATES™ technology enables 360-degree multicast capability of high bandwidth communication, in addition to threat search and tracking capability. SA Photonics will optimize its field-proven atmospheric FSO technologies coupled with new component capability from partner NCSU to develop a low cost, multicast operation in the marine environment. SA Photonics, which specializes in the development of advanced photonics systems to solve demanding problems for military and commercial customers, envisions teaming with well-known primes to demonstrate, validate and integrate the technology.
ObjectSecurity, a small company in downtown San Diego traditionally focused on cybersecurity, has branched out into data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). ObjectSecurity’s award-winning, patented security product is OpenPMF, employs cool models and algorithms to make it easy to author and maintain fine-grained, dynamic access control policies. ObjectSecurity is engaged in exciting product development to include a supply chain risk analysis product which integrates legacy SAP data dumps and into a graph database, suitable to run risk data analytics. Another, ObjectSecurity project is "AI hacker", which leverages AI to simulate a hacker. ObjectSecurity is a spin-off of the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory. ObjectSecurity’s focus is to transfer the results of academic research to consulting and industrial research and development, and bundle the abilities of several experienced scientists, consultants, programmers and security technology specialists. ObjectSecurity is fully employee-owned.
To date, traditional search techniques such as Information Retrieval (IR) and Information Extraction (IE) have been executed independently providing information that is not analysis ready and is limited in scope. The Building Open-domain Semantic Search (BOSS) technology will combine the strengths of IR and IE into a single capability and address the mutual limitations of both. It will allow users to explore data from any domain through a search that returns structured results. This search capability is semantically-based, allowing users to search text data based on what it means instead of the numerous ways that meaning might be expressed. Decisive Analytics is an Employee-owned company providing data processing capabilities that move beyond simple extraction by automatically organizing, identifying, and extracting activities and relationships from large corpora of text, imagery, video, and audio. We are seeking opportunities to transition this capability to programs where identifying threats from a large corpus of multi-source data set in real time is a difficult challenge.
Future all-electric warships demand improved electrical power density, conversion efficiency and system reliability. GeneSiC’s innovative, highly reliable silicon carbide (SiC) metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) switching module with its low on-resistance, high voltage (6.5kV) high current (100 A), high switching speeds (up to 20 kHz) and high temperature (200 0C) meets those demands. With a cost structure of less than $45.00/ampere, these 6500V/100A modules are ideally suited for applications such as electromagnetic rail gun, Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), propulsion motor drives and shipboard power distribution on future medium voltage electric ship platforms. GeneSiC Semiconductor, a privately held Corporation specializing in developing and manufacturing in high quality, high value-added Silicon Carbide based semiconductor devices, seeks teaming arrangements with government agencies/primes to validate capabilities and integrate the technology.
JPAnalytics’ Modular Clandestine Communications System (MCCS) is an underwater acoustic communications system capable of delivering reliable communications in challenging environments while being virtually undetectable by adversaries. JPAnalytics lives by the motto “Where Data, Theory and Analysis Create Innovative Solutions” to harness its expertise in signal processing, underwater acoustics, communications and embedded systems and develop paradigm-shifting solutions in underwater acoustic communications and detection. The MCCS addresses extensive needs in undersea vehicles, weapons and sensors. Its proprietary processing algorithms and modular signal, software and hardware architectures enable robust operation in challenging environments and efficient system optimization to satisfy user requirements and constraints. The MCCS has been extensively tested with field data and analyzed by independent organizations. JPAnalytics is looking for visionary customers and innovative and resourceful partners.
Applied Optimization, Inc. (AO) is developing Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) models and software to support additive manufacturing (AM) development of conformal heat exchangers (HeX) for power electronics hardware. The conformal geometry of cooling channels is optimized to attain higher thermal efficiency. ICME optimization ensures the manufacturability of quality metallic parts from a variety of AM machines at different geographic locations. AO's team of scientists, engineers, and software developers’ modeling and simulation capabilities has advanced the understanding of the state-of-the-art in additive manufacturing (AM) processing. Employment of AM leads to innovative HeX designs capable of more efficiently removing heat because these designs eliminate or severely reduce joints. AO seeks to identify DoD Prime contractor and Programs focused on AM and thermal management optimization.
Kennon’s aircraft armor system is built on patented technology that greatly increases damage tolerance and multi-hit capability, as verified through prototype testing. The armor’s damage isolation allows it to retain the majority of its structural integrity after impact - permitting its use as a load-bearing structure that can both line cabin walls and be integrated into flooring panels. Low weight and intrusion profile allow the armor to be used for nearly all missions. While the initial target platform is the V-22, core armor structures can easily be adapted to other air, land, and sea vehicles. Kennon is a research, design, and manufacturing company dedicated to protecting high-value assets. Our goal is to provide armor systems for all aircraft and vehicles operating in contested areas/hostile environments.
Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) provides a completely nonintrusive method of full annulus airflow characterization. It uniquely characterizes pressure, density and temperature as well as provides flow speed and angle. During engine operations, complex distortion profiles that cannot be mimicked in a ground test environment are experienced. There is currently no method of characterizing these profiles. FRS, once fully mature, will fill this technology gap as well as enhance ground test measurements. Unlike other current techniques, FRS proposes no obstruction to the flow nor introduce particles into the flow. The target initial platform for this technology is an advanced fighter aircraft. During the Phase I, mean velocity, temperature and pressure measurements were resolved to within acceptable limits for both uniform and distorted flows of a free jet in a laboratory environment. Prime Photonics is a technology company focused on bringing innovative products to the marketplace. Our focus areas include sensor and materials technologies for test & measurement, inspection, control and health monitoring of commercial and military equipment, structures and turbomachinery.
Area-I is a pioneer of advanced solutions for autonomous systems through the design, integration, and testing of unmanned platforms and their control systems. A key facet of these systems is the Maestro autopilot and avionics architecture which enables custom control schemes for advanced guidance, navigation and control and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) mission capabilities. The Maestro hardware and software has been developed by Area-I from the ground up, allowing complete control and customization of the system functionality to the customer’s needs. This effort leverages Maestro’s proven performance record onboard aerial systems to enable advanced mission capabilities of unmanned surface vehicles (USV) in autonomous port patrol, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. The ultimate goal is to transition the technology onto a program of record.
This technology will streamline composite repair processes on aircraft and other vehicles. The approach could potentially transform additional composite fabrication areas. The majority of high performance thermoset resins have two-components and require thermal curing to achieve acceptable properties. The resin system developed by TRI/Austin can be supplied as a one component system that can be cured at ambient temperatures. Without post-cure the resin will provide a glass transition temperature in excess of 350 °F (177 °C). The implications of this development are significant in terms of the ease of use and elimination of procedural steps. While the resin system was developed specifically for vacuum bagging, it is expected to be viable for other composite fabrication methods including resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The resin system can be cured at ambient temperatures in approximately one hour. However, if higher cure speeds are desired it can also be cured thermally.
For the repair of composite aircraft components, a Double Vacuum Debulk (DVD) process is commonly performed on a repair patch to reduce void volume, prior to application of the patch to the damaged structure. Luna Innovations Incorporated has developed an advanced single vacuum bag process utilizing a novel Breathable, Resin Barrier (BRB) which can be utilized to fabricate high quality aerospace laminates. The technology eliminates the dedicated equipment, complexity, and size limitations of the DVD tooling, while reducing process time by more than 50%. The developed out of autoclave process is applicable to legacy material systems and a wide variety of fabrication and repair applications, but the initial implementation target will be at Navy depots to simplify and more efficiently repair aircraft, such as the V-22.
Charles River Analytics, a leading customer-focused provider of innovative R&D solutions for increasingly complex human-systems challenges, is developing Intuitive User Interfaces for Task-Tailored planning (INTUIT) to provide a set of efficient and effective mission planning user interfaces for the Navy’s Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS). These role- and task-tailored user interfaces increase the usability of planning systems and efficiency of operators with varying skill levels across a range of vehicles, mission contexts, and unique tasks. Formal analysis efforts have identified task and information requirements for the mission planning process within the targeted environment, driving the design of a set of display concepts and the prototyping and demonstration environment used to validate INTUIT. Ultimately, INTUIT’s user interface will be integrated into JMPS and other DoD systems.
Aircraft landing gear supports the entire weight of an aircraft during landing and ground operations; consequently, Engineering & Software System Solution, Inc. (ES3) a high-end engineering firm specializing in engineering and design of aircraft components and advanced material coatings for aerospace applications has developed Diagnostic Of Landing gear Fatigue In-service Nexus (DOLFIN) multifunction Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system that can be utilized for fatigue damage tracking of landing gear systems, in this case on the P-8 Poseidon (PMA-290). ES3 is working separate contracts relating to the same topic for the F/A-18 (PMA-265) and is completing a commercial qualification and certification effort on a rotorcraft program that will be fully complete in the next few months. The P-8 DOLFIN program utilizes form, fit and virtually identical functional hardware to this commercial program.
