Low Cost Innovative Projects (Projects Less Than One Million Dollars Each):
Abstract
OSD CTO selected multiple low cost projects in the areas of Force Protection, Force Support, Anti-Access/Area Denial, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Interoperability and Countering Unmanned Systems. These projects were selected to deliver proof of principle prototypes for evaluation, assessment, and Service adoption within 24 to 36 months. -Insensitive Munitions Fuze for the M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade (Army): Comparatively tests off-the-shelf hand grenade fuzes to provide increased safety to the soldier while maintaining lethality for the widely used M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The M67 has been in use since the 1960's and does not meet current Insensitive Munitions safety standards. If successful, Army Program Executive Office Ammunition expects to acquire and field by FY 2023. Received technical data of candidate fuzes in 3Q FY 2018. Initiated test planning in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Panoramic Infrared Sensor Test (Navy): Comparatively tests foreign naval panoramic Infrared sensors with autonomous detection capabilities to enhance shipboard detection and tracking of both surface and air targets to include low, slow, and small unmanned aerial systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems 2 for insertion into the FFG(X) and CVN I-Stalker programs. Contract preparation was completed in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -105MM Family of Multi-Purpose Munitions (Army): This project evaluates advanced munitions for the Army's next-generation Mobile Protected Firepower platform. This technology provides selectable munitions capable of defeating dismounts hiding behind walls and lightly armored targets. If successful, the Army will pursue delta qualification testing prior to fielding. This project initiated test planning in 3Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Accurate Tracking & Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Navigation (Navy): This project tests sensors that enable the accurate real-time tracking of unmanned underwater systems without the need for a high-cost Inertial Navigation Systems. Current unmanned underwater vehicles use dead reckoning from a single GPS fix obtained at the start of the mission prior to submerging. If new technology can be shown to close capability gaps in current systems then transition strategies will be considered for both the UUV and ROV programs. In 4Q FY 2018, test articles were procured. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Aerostable Penetrator (Army): Evaluates a foreign off-the-shelf 2.75 inch rocket motor integrated with a prototype U.S. developed flachette warhead to optimize lethality against light armor targets dispersed over an area. This project will demonstrate an affordable replacement solution for Cluster Munitions. If successful, this capability is anticipated to transition to the Army's Joint Attack Munition Systems Program Office. Received test articles in 2Q FY 2018 and initiated phase 1 baseline warhead testing in 3Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Aluminum Foam Blast Protection (Army): Evaluates a lightweight blast protection material for use in the storage and transportation of volatile munitions to increase safety and reduce costs. The material properties will be determined for applicability to various defense applications. If successful, the Army will evaluate the Insensitive Munitions characteristics of a packaging solution for the XM1128 rocket assisted 155mm munition. This project initiated test planning in 3Q FY 2018, received initial test articles and initiated phase 1 material testing in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. This project will complete phase 1 testing in 2Q FY 2019, conduct phase 2 munitions packaging prototype evaluation in 3Q FY 2019, and complete final test and closeout reports in 4Q FY 2019 using FY18 funding. -Autonomous Aircraft Material Maintenance (Navy): Test a trailer-mounted, autonomous cold spray metallization technology for in-situ repair of corrosion damaged areas on aircraft. If successful, the technology will be available for follow-on procurement and fielding by the Navy's Fleet Readiness Centers. In 4Q FY 2018, conducted a repair demonstration on a V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and H-1helicpoter gearbox. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Diagnostics/Prognostics Test for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (USSOCOM): This project will conduct clinical studies to provide an assessment of the effectiveness of using a panel of specific micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) biomarkers to objectively detect a traumatic brain injury. The ability to objectively diagnose a TBI within an acute time period (<15 min) allows medical providers to properly asses, evacuate, or return to duty military personnel instead of unnecessary prolonged observation or evacuation degrading unit readiness. If successful, the miRNA blood based biomarker panel would be incorporated as a diagnostic aid at military treatment facilities. Through the development of a portable diagnostic system (PDS), the Diagnostic/Prognostic Test for TBI will be incorporated into the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Set and Program of Record. This project initiated test planning in 2Q FY 2018, received test articles in 4Q FY 2018, and initiated phase 1 west coast study. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Joint Acquisition Counter Electronics Evaluation (Air Force): This project tests a high power electromagnetic (HPEM) device for potential use in electronic warfare (EW) and counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) weapon systems. Performance will be tested against company's claims of power density improvement, power consumption, and employment as an HPEM for EW and counter-UAS applications. HPEM provides an option against counter-UAS swarms and counter electronics missions with functional non-kinetic kill against restricted targets and eliminates collateral damage. Enhances DoD capabilities in Directed Energy focus area. If successful, the technology will transition to the Counter-electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project in support of the U.S. Air Force Pacific Command (PACAF), U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), and Air Force Global Strike Command for precision strike missions. Additional counter-UAS applications for base defense will be explored. This project initiated test planning in 3Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Multi-Agent Identification Kit and Equipment (MIKE) Butt-pack (Army): Tests an off-the-shelf colorimetric chemical detection system currently in use with NATO assembled into a small, lightweight packaging configuration for U.S. military use. Enhances interoperability between U.S. and NATO forces and reduces resupply requirements, life cycle and procurement costs. If successful, the technology will be available for immediate purchase by Special Operations units and will be pursued for acquisition by the Army through the Guardian Joint Program Management Office. This project initiated test planning in 3Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Night Vision Device Capable Deck Status Display (Navy): This project evaluates a Deck Status Display currently in use with over ten countries that provides landing status to pilots through symbology instead of colors enabling safer night landing operations. If successful, this project will transition into a Program of Record under Naval Air Systems Command, PMA 251. Contract preparation was completed in 3Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Quantum Communication, Cryptography, and Networking for Secure Satellite Communications (Air Force): This project evaluates a Quantum Key Distribution System (QKDS) for application to high priority encryption requirements. QKDS enables secure encrypted communication without the need to pre-generate, store, and secure large numbers of encryption keys. Quantum cryptography technology promises secure encryption, while making network intrusion impossible without detection. Enhanced DoD capabilities in the Quantum science focus area. If successful, the technology will transition to the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and the Air Force Global Strike Command for satellite payload and ground station applications. This project initiated test planning in 2Q FY 2018 and initiated phase 1 laboratory testing In 4Q FY 2018. This effort continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Reserve Battery for Munitions (Army): Comparative test of foreign off-the-shelf reserve battery solutions for use with medium caliber, mortar, and artillery applications to enhance the industrial base. If successful, the Army's Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center will pursue acquisition through either direct purchase from a foreign source or licensed production by a U.S. company. This project will complete phase 1 laboratory testing in 3Q FY 2018 and initiate phase 2 live fire testing in 4Q FY 2018. This effort continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Tactical Debriefing System (TADS) (Navy): This project evaluates a mission and military exercise debriefing tool currently in use with the Finnish Air Force to increase the quality of and reduce the time required to generate after action reviews. The system will be modified to support Electronic Warfare debriefing, a capability that does not currently exist. If successful, this technology will transition to the EA-18G and future naval aircraft mission debriefing systems. Test planning and contract preparation was initiated in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Advanced Energy Storage and Power Batteries (Navy/USMC): Tests advanced lithium-ion batteries and new cell chemistries for military vehicle applications that will, at a minimum, double energy density. If successful, will allow one-for-two replacement of existing batteries, reducing logistics burden by 50 percent and new battery cell chemistries will be incorporated into existing US supply chain in 6T batteries for military vehicles and ships. Cycle life and low temperature performance testing were completed in 4Q FY 2018. Rate capability and safety testing to be conducted in 2Q FY 2019 using FY 2018 funds. Final test and closeout reports will be completed in 3Q 2019 using FY 2018 funds. -Aerial Ground Mapping for Characterizing Landing Zones (Air Force); Test airborne electromagnetic ground survey techniques currently used in commercial applications for characterizing landing zones for military aircraft. This technology will replace the current approach of inserting manned teams on the ground to perform the manually intensive, time consuming task of characterizing potential landing zones, often in hostile environments. If successful, the technology will transition to the Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center to conduct follow-on operational testing prior to fielding. This project conducted baseline testing during 1-3Q FY 2018 and completed phase 1 test report in 4Q FY 2018. This project will conduct phase 2 initial system testing during 1-3Q FY 2019 and will complete phase 2 test reports in 4Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -Autogated White Phosphor Image Intensifying Tubes (USSOCOM):Tests auto-gated white phosphor image intensifier tubes integrated into existing night vision systems to enable greater detection, recognition, and identification ranges for head mounted goggles, hand held surveillance devices, and weapon mounted sights. If successful, the technology will transition to USSOCOM's Program Executive Office Special Operations Forces Warrior for integration into future Binocular Night Vision Device purchases. This project received test articles in 2Q FY 2018, conducted integration and testing in 2-3Q FY 2018, and user demonstrations in 4Q FY 2018. This project will complete final test and closeout reports in 1Q FY 2019 using FY 2018 funds. -Compact Long Range Observation System (USSOCOM): This project evaluates a lightweight, low-power, hand-held precision targeting device to enhance target observation, recognition, and identification of targets during day and night operations at long range. The device features new high operating temperature, mid-wave infrared multispectral technology and will be modified to incorporate U.S. Global Positioning System sensors for evaluation. If successful, the technology will transition to USSOCOM's Program Executive Office Special Operations Forces Warrior. This project received test articles in 2Q FY 2018, conducted integration and testing in 2-3Q FY 2018, and user demonstrations in 4Q FY 2018. This project will complete final test and closeout reports in 1Q FY 2019 using FY 2018 Funds. -Cruise Missile Gas Turbine Engine (Navy): Tests an off-the-shelf, multi-fuel turbine engine currently in use in various foreign missile systems to provide up to a 200 percent performance increase for legacy US Navy missile systems. If successful, this will transition to the Harpoon Block 2+ missile. In 2Q FY 2018, phase 1 Size, Weight, and Power requirements testing was completed. In 4Q FY 2018, Phase 2 fuel efficiency testing was completed. In 1Q FY 2019, flight testing on a missile is to be completed using FY 2018 funds. Final test and closeout reports to complete in 3Q FY 2019 using FY 2018 funds. -Efficient Turbocharged Internal Combustion Engine for UAS Application (Air Force): This project tests a commercially available aircraft engine to enhance the Long Endurance Aerial Platform (LEAP) UAS to meet increased altitude mission requirements. If successful, the technology will be procured for the LEAP program by US Special Forces Command and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. This project initiated test planning in 2Q FY 2018 and conducted lab testing in 3-4Q FY 2018. This project will complete final test and closeout reports in 1Q FY 2019 using FY2018 funds. -Enhanced Shipboard Navigation Capability (Navy); This project will evaluate the performance of a multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite System receiver for US Naval surface ship and airborne applications to provide an additional navigation source in addition to GPS positioning and time solutions. If successful, the new sensor input will be transitioned in the PMW/A 170 GPTNS Program of Record. In 2Q FY 2018, receiver lab testing was completed. In 4Q FY 2018, the receivers were demonstrated during Trident Warrior 2018. Final test and closeout reports will be completed in 1Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -Fast In-Shore Attack Craft (FIAC) Asymmetric Force Engagement (Navy): This project evaluates the capabilities of a 2.75 inch "fire and forget" imaging infrared rocket versus existing laser guided rocket capabilities against FIAC swarms. If successful, the technology will be transitioned to the Office of Naval Research for additional evaluation and integration into defensive systems. Contract preparation was completed in 4Q FY 2018. Characterization and live-fire testing will be conducted in FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -Gallium Nitride (GaN) Amplifier Study of Space Environment Radiation Tolerance (Air Force): Comparatively tests foreign and domestic GaN technology in simulated space radiation environments. GaN offers 5 to 10 times performance improvement over legacy technology. Project success would result in more resilient satellite payloads that are able to survive in the harsh space radiation environment. Additionally, more efficient amplifiers could lead to reduced payload size, increased performance, and reduced procurement costs. Enhances DoD capabilities in the Space Preeminence focus area. If successful, the technology will transition to the Space and Missile Systems Center Global Positioning System Program Office for follow-on operational evaluation on the Navigation and Timing Satellite 3 (NTS-3) flight experiment. Test articles were received in 1Q FY 2018 and a test plan was developed. Concurrent phase 1 benchmark characterization testing and phase 2 radiation effects testing was initiated in 2Q FY 2018. Testing will be completed in 3Q FY 2019 and final test and closeout reports will be completed in FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -Gimballed Laser Target Designator (Navy): Tests a miniature 3-axis stabilized electro-optic/infrared turret payload with integrated laser designator on a Group 1 Puma UAS. If successful, Navy PMA-263 will procure additional Gimballed Laser Target Designators through the Combatting Terrorism Technical Support Office's Group 1 UAS Program of Record. Testing was accomplished on a surrogate UAS at the Naval Air Systems Command Laser Range in 4Q FY 2018. Final test and closeout reports will be completed in 1Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -HALO Integration with Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) (Army): The CROWS provides the capability to locate and attack targets while gunners remain under armor. The HALO system is an add-on image processor that enhances existing camera streams to allow for continuous standard and Infrared (IR) image “fusion” and a significant reduction in motion blur for the CROWS. The CROWS equipped with a HALO system will increase lethality and force protection by greatly improving image clarity and target recognition capability; and increase surveillance capability in a degraded visual environment. If successful, this capability is anticipated to transition to the CROWS Program of Record for the Army. This project initiated data characterization in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -H-1 Crash-Resistant, Ballistic-Tolerant, Fuel Cell Qualification (Navy): This project is testing a crash resistant fuel tank technology currently used in foreign military aircraft. The design of the platform specific representative prototype fuel cell was approved in 2Q FY 2018. Full scale testing was performed in 4Q FY 2018. If successful, the technology will transition to the Navy's H-1 Program Office for follow-on procurement and fielding. Due to Berry Amendment restrictions, the company will likely be required to partner with a U.S. company for production. Final test and closeout reports will be completed in 1Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funds. -Compact High-Power Radio Frequency Technology for Vehicle & Vessel Stopping (Navy/USMC); This project tests a prototype non-lethal system capable of stopping vehicles and vessels using state of the art foreign microwave components designed for commercial use in medical imaging systems. Enhances the DoD capabilities in the directed energy focus area. In 3Q FY 2018, received test articles. In 4Q FY 2018, radio frequency characterization testing was completed. Developmental testing will be completed in Q1 FY2019 and final test and closeout reports will be completed in Q2 FY2019 with FY2018 funding. -Soldier Power with Inductive Recharge & Intelligent Textiles (SPIRIT) + Ultra Combat Connect (Army): This project comparatively tests wire-free data and power conductive textile and inductive recharge technologies integrated into soldier worn Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. This technology eliminates cumbersome external cables which reduces weight and provides for a wireless recharge capability. Phase I testing was completed in FY 2018. Complete Phase II lab testing in 2Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funding. Complete Phase III field assessment in 3Q FY 2019 with FY 2019 funding. Final test and closeout reports are expected in 4Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 Funding. -Falcon Chemical Agent Sensor (Army): This project tests a lightweight standoff chemical agent detector with an advanced tunable infrared laser. This technology enables the identification and localization of chemical plume threats with higher sensitivity than currently deployed technology. Testing completed in FY 2018. Final test and closeout reports are expected in 1Q FY 2019 with FY 2018 funding. -Smartshooter Evaluation (Army): Evaluates an intelligent fire control system for assault rifles that is capable of identifying, selecting, and locking onto stationary or moving targets. This technology significantly improves shooter accuracy and probability of hit while reducing engagement times. If successful, the Army's Program Manager for Soldier Weapons will transition the technology into its Next Generation Fire Control development program. This project initiated test planning in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Transparent Ceramic Armor (Army): This project evaluates armor technology that is fifty percent lighter and thinner than existing glass-based systems for application on rotary wing and other military platforms. This technology provides a cost effective solution versus competing products. If successful, the technology will be incorporated into the CH-47 Multi-Impact Transparent Armor System program of record. Initial test planning was conducted in 4Q FY 2018. This project continues in FY 2019 with FY 2019 funds. -Low-Cost Autonomous Target Classification (L-CATC) (Navy): This project will conduct at-sea testing of underwater passive acoustic sensors and associated processing software. This technology provides an increased probability of detection and classification for both surface and submerged vessels. Testing completed in FY 2018. Final test and closeout reports are expected in 1Q FY 2019 using FY 2018 funding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 1c9cc0f5b0a4011b454606cc53893566