Low Cost Innovative Projects (Projects less than one million dollars each)
Abstract
Typical Rapid Reaction Fund (RRF) projects are completed with a single year of funding and at a cost less than $1.000 million to deliver conceptual prototypes for evaluation or assessment by warfighters and interagency users. In FY 2017, RRF selected, executed, and transitioned multiple low cost projects: • Vital Infrared Sensor Technology Acceleration (VISTA) Focal Plane Array (FPA): This project integrated a novel FPA sensor with a cryogenic cooler and electronics to provide significant performance improvements in detection ability, while also reducing size, weight, and power demands. This capability transitioned to the U.S. Army. • Soldier Borne Sensor - Autonomy in Complex Environments (SBS-ACE): The project developed autonomy algorithms for extremely small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The technology transitioned to the Army’s SBS program of record. • Eminent Shroud: This project explored combining targeted electronic warfare (EW) effects to increase impact on adversaries without affecting U.S. and partner forces. This capability transitioned to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. • Extending Communication beyond LOS: This project integrated an unmanned parafoil system with an unmanned surface vessel to extend digital communications and sensor connectivity beyond current line-of-site limitations. This capability transitioned to the U.S. Navy. • Denali: This project used non-traditional methods of adaptive filtering to mitigate the effects of electro-magnetic interference (EMI) on military satellite communications. Adaptive signal processing enabled the use of otherwise unusable or degraded channels, thereby increasing satellite effective capacity. Denali transitioned to the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) program of record. • Prototype Dynamic Beamforming Elements (PDBE): PDBE developed an advanced communications technology capable of being deployed on multiple platforms. This technology transitioned to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. • Tactical Arterial Compression System Development: This project developed a personal, wearable solution to control difficult to treat junctional and extremity bleeding. The capability transitioned to Naval Medical Research Unit-San Antonio for further assessment before an operational evaluation by elements from the U.S. Army Rangers and the Air National Guard. • Black Ink: The project developed a classified submarine warfare enabling technology. The technology transitioned to the U.S. Navy for implementation in submarine sensor systems. • Enhanced Bugeyes: This project enhanced the Bugeyes 360-degree filming and immersive training kit with customized software to support team participation in 360-degree video playback. Enhanced Bugeyes enables oversight by an instructor for fully immersive, classroom training of complex environments and dangerous missions. The capability transitioned to Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific. • Optical System Protection: This project developed a prototype optical system that uses a custom-designed phase mask to protect imaging sensors from damage by high intensity lasers. A field unit was built and successfully tested to demonstrate the optical system’s capabilities at visible wavelengths. This project transitioned to the Dahlgren Naval Surface Warfare Center High Energy Lasers department. • Passive Foliage Penetration (FOPEN): Passive FOPEN developed a capability to image targets under foliage using common passive sensors on airborne platforms. After a successful operational demonstration, the real-time hardware and software was integrated and deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Payload Dispenser: This project enhanced the multi-purpose small UAV “Quick Strike” system to address Joint Special Operations Command requirements for delivery of specialized payloads from a small UAV to remote or otherwise difficult to reach environments. The capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Eminent Tower: This project leveraged advances in mobile cognitive radar frequency (RF) technologies to port existing electronic warfare capabilities from large fixed-site facilities to mobile systems. Eminent Tower transitioned to the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) program. • Automation for Strategic Target Deployability: This project enables the automated and timely mapping of key infrastructure at scale using commercial imagery. Further details of this project are classified. • Joint Advanced Video Activity Analytics (AVAA) Workflows: This project developed a capability for the rapid exploitation of video imagery, enabling analysts to rapidly assemble automated analysis workflows using custom computer vision algorithms as building blocks. Developed building blocks include automated video enhancement (stabilization, de-hazing, etc.), scene classification, automatic object identification, and object and anomaly tracking. The capability deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. • Directed Laser Focus: The project applied optical phase conjugation via digital holography to tailor a laser beam’s spatial energy distribution and optimize overall system performance when transmitting long distances through the atmosphere. This capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Swift Vision: The project developed a computer-vision-enabled unmanned aerial system that supports a classified maritime mission. The capability deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. • Silent Saber: This project developed a laser system used by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians for the neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from greater range. The capability transitioned to Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JSEOD). • Scalable Effects Anti-Personnel (SEAP): This project developed expeditionary kinetic payloads capable of engaging enemy combatants while also minimizing collateral damage. The capability transitioned to Naval Special Warfare Command. • Solid State Pulsed X-Ray Generator: This effort developed a compact solid-state pulsed X-ray generator prototype for use by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). The prototype images the interior of IEDs while significantly improving accuracy and speed. The prototype transitioned to Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JSEOD). • Machete LADAR Enhanced Onboard Processing: This project developed improved real-time onboard processing algorithms for an airborne LADAR system, reducing the time necessary to generate actionable data products. The capability deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. • Gradient Virgo: Gradient Virgo integrated precision measuring matrix (PMM) software into the V-Space Tactical voice recognition system. The PMM integration allows for improved speaker correlation and recognition with a decreased error rate. This capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Multi-Intelligence Tactical Edge Analytics: This effort developed optimized methods for partial processing of intelligence data at the collection source. This reduces required bandwidth for transmitting intelligence and results in actionable data products faster. The resulting capability transitioned to a classified DoD operation. • Universal Language TRAnslator (ULTRA): This project developed an Android application that enables the remote warfighter to translate uncommon languages without the need for internet connectivity. The application included an expanded lexicon of military-specific terms that are not normally contained in commercial translation tools. The prototype also includes a toolset that allows users to build additional language modules, which can be downloaded onto an Android phone to be used remotely. This technology deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. • Midwave Infrared (MWIR) Halo Beacon: This project developed a rugged, waterproof beacon for signaling friendly forces while preventing detection from overhead surveillance. The resulting prototype transitioned to Naval Special Warfare Command. • Flexible Buoyant Body Armor: The project developed a flexible and buoyant body armor system. Within this effort multiple experiments were conducted to achieve National Institute of Justice ballistic protection levels three and four. This capability transitioned to the Air Force Research Laboratory. • High Accuracy Video Object Classification (HAVOC): HAVOC developed an inexpensive, customizable, and highly accurate real-time automatic target recognition (ATR) system for rapid exploitation of full motion video (FMV). This technology transitioned to multiple Special Operations Forces (SOF) components. • Hive Final Mile: This project demonstrated a revolutionary enterprise resource planning tool for distributed logistics in a decentralized battle space. Hive provides warfighters with faster and more accurate resupply by enabling individual warfighters to request supplies through an Android interface. The system aggregates and routes requests, prioritizes shipments, and tracks delivery of supplies to enable automated distribution logistics. Hive transitioned to the U.S. Marine Corps and separately for evaluation in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. • SOF Combat Diver Communications: The project developed and demonstrated an underwater non-detectable communications system for integration into multiple platforms. This technology transitioned to the Naval Special Warfare Command. • Orthos: The project developed customizable, concealable field-sets that communicate position, brief messages, or code words to multiple, multi-purpose cross-connected receiver platforms in challenging threat or degraded communications environments. Orthos transitioned to Special Operations Forces (SOF) warfighters from multiple components. • Jungle and Urban Non-Global Positioning System Orientation (JUNO): The project incorporated bionic power leg brace sensors into dead reckoning algorithms developed for navigation in Global Positioning System denied and degraded environments. The prototype transitioned to the Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) for integration into the Pacific’s Battlefield Objective Navigation Display (BOND) application for dismounted infantry. • Computational Reconfigurable Image Spectrometer (CRISP): CRISP developed a small form factor, enhanced-sensitivity hyperspectral imagery (HSI) sensor capable of operation without active cooling. The capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Advanced Persistent Malware Threat Intrusion Projection Tool: This project developed a prototype computer network intrusion protection system (IPS) to detect, quarantine, and report attacks on DoD and defense industrial base computer networks. This capability transitioned to a DoD Crime Center. • Shortstop: This project developed enhanced network security capabilities and automated security workflows. Shortstop allows operators to respond to attacks in relevant timeframes. The technology deployed as an operational prototype in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. • Whistler: This project developed an ability to detect unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and alert dismounted soldiers of their presence. The technology was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Dancer: This project enabled joint warfighters to send and receive encrypted messages with a low probability of being detected or intercepted. The capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Spatially Selective Electronic Attack: This project developed a capability to target electronic warfare (EW) effects to a small geographical region, and reduce impact on neutral or partner forces. This capability transitioned to a classified customer. • Distributed Detection and Tracking: This project developed technology to identify and track moving people or vehicles across several disparate overhead video feeds collected by a distributed “swarm” of UAVs. The capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command. • Tactical Application Security: This effort enhanced current network security capabilities by providing a method to virtually contain and dynamically encrypt computer processes. This technology transitioned to the U.S. Army. • Millimeter Wave (MMW) Sensing for Autonomy Phase II: This project developed and evaluated a commercial automotive radar technology as a low-cost sensor for autonomous military applications. The technology transitioned to the Air Force Research Laboratory for further development. • Identity Operations (ID-OPS) for Open-source Intelligence (OSINT): This effort developed the techniques and software needed to discover potential threats by connecting individuals to other persons, places, events, or materials, and analyzing their patterns of life. The capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command and other government partners. • Face Acquisition Recognition of Identities (FAR-ID): This project provided long range surveillance and near real-time identification capabilities to the warfighter by using advanced optics capable of detecting and matching faces from distances exceeding 500 meters. This technology transitioned to Program Manager DoD Biometrics. • Single Sweep: This project developed novel algorithms to process raw radar data differently in order to identify unmanned aerial vehicles in real time. This technology transitioned to the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command. • Model Enhanced Analysis, Design, & Execution (MEADE) Predictive Control System: MEADE successfully prototyped a software system and concept of operations that improves DoD’s ability to conduct analysis and planning at the operational level. The effort was provided as an operational prototype to the Joint Special Operations Command and three Theater Special Operations Commands. • Lite Saber: This project created a payload for unmanned aerial systems that extended the range and data transfer rate of ground force communications. This capability was provided as an operational prototype to U.S. Special Operations Command for a military utility assessment. • Autonomous Littoral Connector (ALC): This project developed the capability to autonomously move cargo from a maritime prepositioned force to the beach and to return without human intervention. The capability transitioned to Office of Naval Research for incorporation in the Autonomous Continuous Trail Unmanned Vehicle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 3c25be865f7f71cdce82b6978a5685d7