Low-Cost Innovative Projects (Projects Less Than One Million Dollars Each):
Abstract
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), International Prototypes and Experiments (IP&E) Office, selects multiple low-cost projects in the areas of Force Application, Force Protection, Force Support, Logistics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Interoperability, and Countering Unmanned Systems. These projects were selected to deliver prototypes for evaluation, assessment, and Service adoption within 12 to 36 months. Soldier Borne Sensor System (Army)This project evaluates a next generation micro unmanned aerial systems with improved sensor capabilities and flight performance characteristics to enable enhanced situational awareness at the squad level.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier for follow-on procurement and fielding through the Soldier Borne Sensor Program of Record. Top Attack Armor (Army)This project comparatively tests improved vehicle protection technology for defeating overhead threats to Armored Fighting Vehicles. This provides protection against modern anti-tank threats while minimizing negative mobility impact.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Product Manager for Vehicle Protection Systems for integration into Ground Combat Systems and Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team programs for fielding through an engineering change proposal. Vehicle Mounted Camouflage System (Army)This project comparatively tests vehicle coverings that reduce detection across multiple spectrum bands including infrared, microwave, and radar to increase survivability in contested environments. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Product Manager for Vehicle Protection Systems for integration into Ground Combat Systems and Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team programs for fielding through an engineering change proposal. Water Free Chemical Decontaminant System (Army)This project evaluates a portable decontamination system that does not require water. This technology enables the thorough decontamination of sensitive equipment in forward environments, a capability that does not exist within the DoD today. If successful, this technology will transition to the Joint Program Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Protection for follow-on procurement and fielding. Bacteriophage (Army)This project evaluates commercial phage mixtures for incorporation into a feminine hygiene wipe to selectively kill microbes that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Use of phage technology is also potentially applicable to numerous other medical issues, and is an approach for combating multidrug resistant microbes. If successful, this technology will transition to a follow-on human study field trial prior to a fielding decision. Nanostructured Graphene Composites for Microwave Attenuation (Army)This project evaluates graphene-based composites for lightweight, low-cost, printable coatings to electromagnetically harden Joint lethality assets against detection and interdiction by enemy Integrated Air Defense Systems.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team for integration with XM1155 Extended Range Artillery and other related munitions programs. Long Run-Time Thermal Batteries for Long Range Munitions (Army)This project comparatively tests novel electrolyte materials with low-melting temperature to increase thermal battery run time. Longer battery run time is required to support precision guidance capabilities for new rockets and missiles with longer range than legacy munitions. If successful, this technology will be transitioned to domestic thermal reserve battery manufacturers for incorporation into munitions procured by the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition. Spectrometric Gamma Camera (Army)This project evaluates a portable gamma camera that enables localization, identification, and quantification of the threat coming from a radioactive source at a distance to increase detection performance and operator safety. If successful, this technology will transition to the Mounted Enhanced Radiac Long-Range Imaging Networkable vehicle mounted system by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Defense. Unmanned Military Vehicle Mobility in Arctic Environments (Army) This project evaluates the mobility of a foreign Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for use on common Arctic surfaces such as snow, packed snow, and ice. This vehicle addresses Arctic mobility needs as described in the U.S. Army’s 2021 Arctic Strategy. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle Program of Record for follow-on procurement and fielding. Three-Dimensional Printed Metal Parts (Army) This project comparatively tests foreign and domestic materials for printing three-dimensional metal parts using Fused Filament Fabrication methods as an alternative to traditional manufacturing and laser based printing methods that are not suitable for use in forward deployed locations. This enables rapid manufacture of metal parts at the tactical point of need and significantly reduces the logistical burden. If successful, best performing materials will transition to various DoD programs for follow-on parts qualification testing and fielding to include the Army's Infantry Battalion Mortar System, the Air Force's M137A1 cannon for the AC-130 gunship, and the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fabrication laboratory Program of Record. Artificial Intelligence for Off-Road Autonomy (Army) This project evaluates artificial intelligence capabilities through a series of operational challenges, utilizing vision and proprioceptive sensing, machine learning, and intelligence navigation to increase survivability and readiness of current systems. This technology enables navigation in complex military scenarios, providing increased tactical advantage through terrain sensing and increased mobility. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team for integration into the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle and Robotic Combat Vehicle programs. Warfighter Water Purification (Army)This project evaluates a man-portable water purification unit that relies on low-temperature plasma to eliminate all microbiological threats from indigenous water to provide potable drinking water at a rate of 5 thousand liters per day. There are currently no fielded devices at this small scale that are able to destroy all microbiological threats in water.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment for follow-on procurement and fielding through the Individual Water Treatment Device Program of Record. Space Qualification Testing of Event Based Sensors (Air Force/Space Force)This project comparatively tests neuromorphic imaging sensors and algorithms for potential application to space-based surveillance platforms. This novel sensor technology provides benefits over legacy sensors for size, weight, and power constrained platforms such as small satellites. Results will inform various DoD Missile Warning and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance programs. Follow-on application specific technology demonstrations are being explored prior to a fielding decision. Comparative Real Time Air Quality Sensing of Pilot Breathing Lines in High-Performance Aircraft (Air Force/Space Force)This project evaluates an active in-line pilot breathing air monitoring capability in high performance military aircraft. This technology accelerates the delivery of technology that addresses an urgent operational need for the Air Force.If successful, this technology will transition to platform programs of record through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Office. Event Based Sensing for Moving Target Indication (Air Force/Space Force)This project comparatively tests commercial event-based cameras for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications to enable new approaches for affordable, long dwell early warning and moving target detection. This innovative technology could provide an affordable, rapid response surveillance capability.If successful, results will inform various DoD Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance programs. Follow-on application specific technology demonstrations will be explored prior to a fielding decision. Air Launched small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) for Kinetic Engagement (Air Force/Space Force)This project evaluates the performance of new low-cost, air launched sUAS for multiple, simultaneous kinetic engagements. The air launched sUAS will be integrated into a Common Launch Tube (CLT) – found on numerous AFSOC and USSOCOM platforms – and equipped with Electro-Optic (EO) and kinetic payloads for target acquisition and engagement. This technology provides an affordable precision standoff strike capability with minimal risk to large conventional aircraft or ground forces. If successful, this technology will transition to Air Force Special Operations Command MQ-9 Reaper Medium Altitude Long Endurance-Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program of Record through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Low Cost Supersonic Turbojet (Air Force/Space Force)This project tests an affordable commercially available turbojet engine for supersonic performance at high altitudes. This technology is not currently available from domestic manufacturers and enables swarms of very inexpensive unmanned aerial platforms that can operate at supersonic speeds. If successful, this technology will transition to on-going air launched unmanned aerial vehicle development programs. Precision Vertical Takeoff and Landing Unmanned Aerial System (VTUAS) Recovery (Navy/USMC)This project evaluates a pilot-free, autonomous recovery of Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Systems (VTUAS). This technology provides autonomous deployment, operation and recovery of VTUAS while reducing warfighter threat exposure and increasing survivability. If successful, this technology will transition to follow-on demonstration events prior to follow-on procurement and fielding recommendations. Extended Reality (XR) Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) (Navy/USMC)This project comparatively tests commercially available XR HMDs for T-45 operational flight training simulators. This technology provides advantages over virtual reality headsets by allowing users to see and interact with mock cockpits in the real world while simultaneously conducting flight training in a virtual environment.If successful, this technology will transition to Undergraduate Flight Training Systems and Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Offices for follow-on procurement and fielding. Organic Precision Fires – Infantry, Light (Navy/USMC)This project comparatively tests Group 1 loitering munitions to provide an organic asset with precise kinetic effects within a Marine Infantry Company.If successful, this technology will transition to the Marine Corps Infantry Battalion Experimentation office for follow-on user evaluations through the Marine Corps Rapid Capabilities Office prior to follow-on procurement and fielding. Portable High Power Directed Energy Systems for Aviation Support (Navy/USMC)This project evaluates a portable high power laser system capable of removing aircraft corrosion and coatings in operational environments. This technology reduces the health risk to maintenance personnel and increases maintenance efficiency.If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office for follow-on procurement and fielding. Beyond Lithium-ion Battery for Expeditionary Warfare Support (Navy/USMC)This project evaluates next generation Lithium-Sulfur battery cells for various military applications including ground vehicles. Lithium-Sulfur batteries provide up to double the energy storage as existing Lithium-ion batteries while also improving safety. If successful, this technology will transition to battery manufacturers as DoD customers such as the Army's Ground Vehicle Systems Center, publish new battery specifications in future solicitations. Micro-Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Rapid Response Underwater Incidents and Threats (Navy/USMC)This project comparatively tests low cost, man portable, micro-ROVs as a rapid response platform for inspection and preparation for neutralization of threat objects in the undersea environment. This technology provides an expeditionary capability to rapidly respond to asymmetric threats. If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) Program through an Engineering Change Proposal. Minimizing Electromagnetic Emissions Switched Beam Antenna (Navy/USMC)This project evaluates a novel antenna design that combines both omnidirectional and electronically steerable directional beamforms in a single system. This provides increased range and throughput for line of sight communications while decreasing risk of detection.If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Amphibious Tactical Communication System as well as other applicable service communications programs of record for follow-on procurement and fielding. Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (USSOCOM)This project comparatively tests different fast rope designs used by foreign militaries to address domestic production supply chain issues. Fast rope provides a critical capability enabling rapid deployment of personnel from helicopters where aircraft cannot touch down. If successful, new fast ropes will be purchased directly from manufacturers by the Army's Integrated Logistics Support Center. Green Pulsed Lasers for Optical Communications (Navy/USMC) This project comparatively tests compact, high-energy, air-cooled pulsed green lasers to increase the performance of air-to-underwater optical communications. This technology enables secure communications from aircraft to underwater vessels at operationally relevant depths with data rates 100 times higher than existing radio frequency communications.If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Undersea Communications and Integration Program Office for insertion into future optical communications programs of record. Limit of Detection of Rapid Response Fentanyl Strips (Army) This project seeks to determine the precise limit of detection of commercial off the shelf fentanyl test strips. This data is necessary to inform end user requirements prior to field user evaluations and wider military adoption. This technology provides a capability for trace detection of fentanyl in the field to counter emerging threats to military forces.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits, and Outfits modernization program for follow-on procurement and fielding. The technology will also be available for purchase by individual units for immediate use as needed. Vehicle Filtration Systems (Army) This project comparatively tests modern NATO approved air filtration systems with unique design attributes against inefficient legacy domestic filters. This technology provides enhanced protection from damaging particles associated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons for military vehicles.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle Program of Record for follow-on procurement and fielding. Additionally, this technology has applicability to several existing and future planned DoD vehicle programs. Foreign Object Damage Barrier (Navy/USMC) This project evaluates an innovative barrier system to prevent Foreign Object Debris from (FOD) entering paved runways and airfields. This technology reduces FOD incidents by up to 80% which reduces the likelihood of damage to aircraft engines and increases readiness.If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy and Marine Corps Common Aviation Support Equipment program office for follow-on procurement and fielding at tactical land based airfields. Naval Enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Antenna System (Navy/USMC) This project comparatively tests foreign GPS Anti-Jam antennas against existing domestic systems. Foreign technology provides new capabilities such as GPS interference signal direction finding and reduces procurement costs by over eighty percent.If successful, this technology will transition to the Global Positioning System (GPS) Based Positioning Navigation and Timing Service Program of Record for follow-on procurement and fielding on various DoD vehicle platforms. Intelligent Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for Contested Environments (Navy/USMC) This project will demonstrate the expeditionary utility of an advanced logistics UGV that leverages Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to integrate and fuse sensor inputs. This technology provides fully autonomous navigation capabilities during operations in contested environments. If successful, the results of this effort will inform future UGV acquisition requirements including the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle and Army's Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light development programs. High Durability Armor Steel (Navy/USMC) This project comparatively tests the environmental toughness of foreign high hard steels used for ballistic protection in armored vehicle applications. This effort addresses domestic supply chain deficiencies and significantly reduces sustainment costs by providing better quality, more durable, and longer lasting materials.If successful, the Army Research Laboratory will modify existing armor steel specifications and this technology will be adopted by vehicle manufacturers. Ration Heater (Army) This project comparatively tests foreign exothermic ration heater performance, shelf life and safety characteristics. This technology provides a heat source without generation of hydrogen by-product that is potentially flammable or explosive if used in confined spaces.If successful, this technology will transition to the Army's Combat Feeding Directorate for follow-on procurement and fielding through the Meal, Ready-to-Eat Improvement program. Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Force Protection (Army) This project evaluates a novel, medium-hardness steel alloy underbody armor add-on kit for the JLTV. This technology provides a relatively lightweight force protection capability to counter anti-vehicle mines and improvised explosive threats. If successful, this technology will transition to the JLTV Joint Program Office for follow-on procurement and fielding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 43311e82ed2023778c5b441139cd4e4f