Rapid Reaction Fund
Abstract
The Rapid Reaction Fund (RRF) project accelerates the development and transition of high-potential science and technology (S&T) projects through operationally useful conceptual prototypes. It achieves this by anticipating adversaries' exploitation of technology, including available and emerging commercial capabilities, and rapidly responding to new threats and opportunities. Needs are identified and prototype projects are funded within the year of execution to demonstrate the feasibility of new technologies, enable integration into larger systems, and increase ‘speed to market’ by providing cost effective capabilities faster than typical acquisition cycles. In prior years, RRF supported the development of alternate power sources for sensors and systems; provided low-cost capabilities for small-footprint operations; expanded human, social, and cultural knowledge relevant to military decision making; increased small unit situational awareness; advanced the interface between law enforcement and military operations; developed advanced biometrics and forensics capabilities; performed strategic multi-layer assessments; and, established a prototyping through non-traditional pathways outreach effort that facilitates better interactions with small, non-traditional companies developing innovative technologies. In FY 2018 and FY 2019, RRF will continue to provide a hedge against technology risk by identifying and developing near-term capabilities to support irregular warfare operations. RRF projects support goals from the new Under Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering). The RRF’s current focus areas include: open source data analysis; autonomous systems and behaviors; urban characterization; prototypes for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; additive manufacturing to rapidly field prototypes; maritime technologies; and, novel applications of repurposed commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) technologies. Typical RRF projects address these focus areas through a conceptual prototype within 6 to 18 months and for less than $1.000 million. Recent success stories and significant transitions of note include: • Advanced File Carver: This project developed a completely new tool that allows the rapid extraction and recovery of files from large data stores such as hard drives. The Advanced File Carver significantly increased the functionality available to users over comparable GOTS/COTS competitors while simultaneously increasing performance speed ten-fold. Additionally, this tool provides capabilities previously unavailable, including the reconstruction of partially overwritten files, and the recovery of digital images whose headers were deleted. As a GOTS solution, the Department of Defense (DoD) has made this technology available across the Department and to over 15 federal agencies. • Ingres Tactical WiFi: The airborne Ingres system uses active WiFi signals and advanced processing algorithms to provide an accurate geolocation of target devices in dense, electromagnetically congested, urban environments. Ingres can identify WiFi transmitters, such as a target's phone or laptop, with better than ten meter accuracy from standoff distances. Ingres is transitioning to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command to perform evaluations in operationally relevant environments. • Aluminum Start System: This project developed an electric plasma start system for aluminum combustors to replace the standard hydrogen-oxygen pilot-flame ignition system. Aluminum combustors are an effective alternative to fossil fuel engines that can use sea water instead of air for oxidizer; however, current systems require pressurized hydrogen and oxygen to initiate combustion. The prototype microwave-powered steam-plasma torch eliminates hydrogen-oxygen start systems and their associated risk. This effort transitioned to the U.S. Navy for follow-on development and integration into the aluminum combustion power system for large displacement unmanned underwater vehicles. • Bloom: Responding to an emerging operational need, Project Bloom developed a moored buoy capable of long duration surface measurement operations. The system provides a platform for radio frequency (RF), magnetic, optical, radiological, and chemical sensing on a standardized and easy to deploy buoy. The Bloom buoy includes an internal winch capable of submerging it for "sleep" periods and to avoid approaching craft. The operational prototype was deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and transitioned.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 828_0603826D8Z_3_0400_PB_2019
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