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. -Soldier/Sniper Weapon Observation and Reconnaissance Device (Navy): Tests a rifle mounted, Android command and control device to provide enhanced situational awareness and targeting capabilities at the individual soldier level. Completed Phase I prototype lab testing in 2Q FY 2017. Completed Phase II engineering field test and final reports during 4Q FY 2017. If successful, the technology will transition to Program Manager, Marine Intelligence. -High Efficiency Flexible Photovoltaics (Navy): Tests high efficiency, lightweight, flexible solar cells for cross-domain military applications that will increase power for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, small satellites, man-portable and ground-based renewable energy systems. Complete solar backpack, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, and simulated space testing in 1Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, transition decision and final closeout report expected in 2Q FY 2018. -Cruise Missile Gas Turbine Engine (Navy): FY 2017 New Start - 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. Initiated test planning in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Autonomous Aircraft Material Maintenance (Navy): FY2017 New Start - Tested a trailer-mounted, autonomous cold spray metallization technology for repair of corrosion damaged areas on aircraft. Initiated test article contract award preparation in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Advanced Energy Storage and Power Batteries (Navy): FY 2017 New Start - Tests advanced lithium-ion batteries and new cell chemistries for military vehicle applications that will, at a minimum, double energy density. Initiated test planning in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Gimballed Laser Target Designator (Navy): FY 2017 New Start - Tests a miniature 3-axis stabilized electro-optic/infrared turret payload with integrated laser designator on a Group 1 Puma Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Initiated test planning in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Energy Storage for Directed Energy Weapons and Sensors (Navy): FY 2017 New Start - Tests foreign graphene-based ultra-capacitor technology against industry leading domestic products to enable high energy storage capabilities necessary for directed energy weapons and sensors. Receive test articles and conduct phase I individual cell testing during 1-2Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Conduct phase II module configuration testing in 3Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Complete final test and closeout reports in 4Q FY 2018. If successful, the technology will transition to the Multifunction Energy Storage Future Naval Capability effort. -Tunable Laser Eye Protection (Air Force): FY 2017 New Start - Tests a prototype active tunable eye protection system for aircraft pilots to counter laser threats across different wavelengths. Received test article 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Gallium Nitride Amplifier Study of Space Environment Radiation Tolerance (Air Force): FY 2017 New Start - Comparatively tests foreign and domestic Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in simulated space radiation environments. GaN technology offers 5 to 10 times performance improvement over legacy technology. Initiated performance benchmark testing in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Advanced Mobile Universal Electrical Tester (Air Force): Evaluates a handheld, wireless automated test device for rapid identification of aircraft electrical system failures. Conduct extended operational testing on various military aircraft throughout FY 2018 using FY 2017 funds. Complete final test and closeout report in 4Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, this technology will transition to the Air Force’s automated test equipment program office. -Secondary Propulsion Thrusters (Navy): Tests pump-jet propulsion technology to replace existing hydraulic propeller-based submarine secondary propulsion system which is plagued by high procurement, operational, and maintenance costs. Prototype lab testing will continue throughout FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, potential exists for technology insertion for Virginia-class Block VI and baseline design for Columbia-class submarines. -Low Cost Small Satellite Components (Navy): Tests mature and cost effective foreign small satellite components including Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), Electrical Power Systems (EPS), and X-band radios to enhance on-going US Navy nanosatellite development programs. Completed ADCS and EPS testing in 4Q FY 2017. Complete X-band radio testing in 3Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Complete final closeout report in 4Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, technology will transition to the Naval Nanosatellite Program of Record. -Underwater Wireless Power Transfer (Navy): Evaluates foreign wireless power transfer systems for potential use in Navy underwater systems and other defense applications. Wireless power transfer enables enhanced endurance of autonomous underwater vehicles and sensors, increased situational awareness, and new mission capabilities. Completed phase III pier-side testing in 4Q FY 2017. Conduct user demonstrations throughout FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, transition potential exists for various Department of Defense programs. -Millimeter Wave Sensing for Autonomy (Navy): Tested technology that enables rapid and affordable evaluation of commercial automotive millimeter wave radar technology for defense applications including unmanned aerial systems. Completed flight test events in 4Q FY 2017. Complete final closeout report in 1Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, the technology will transition into the Low-Cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarming Technology Innovative Naval Prototype Program. -Small Anti-Jam GPS Antenna for H-1 (Navy): Tested a small anti-jam Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) antenna system for helicopters, Group 3/4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and ground vehicles to provide a counter GPS signal jamming capability to size, weight, and power constrained vehicles. Completed Phase I anechoic chamber testing 3Q FY 2017. Completed Phase II flight testing 3Q FY 2017. Complete final test and closeout report in 2Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, the technology will transition to the Navy's H-1 Helicopters Program Office for fielding. -Software Defined Network for Maneuverable Agile & Resilient Traffic (Navy): Tests network routing technologies that represent a paradigm shift for mission flexibility because network control is moved from a distributed architecture on proprietary devices to a centralized architecture using open software operating on low cost, generic hardware. Widely used by large scale information technology companies, this approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to conduct network configuration management. Completed comparative technology assessment in FY 2017. Conduct user demonstrations in a prototype environment throughout FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, the technology could transition into large scale network architectures across the DoD. -Improved Steels (Army): Tests new classes of high nitrogen steels to improve durability and protection of vehicles. Completed coupon mechanical, weldability, corrosion and initial ballistic performance testing in FY 2017. Testing continues on full size plates in FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, will transition to Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems and Army Research Development and Engineering Center. -Sappherios Sensor System (Army): Tests unattended ground sensor system comprised of dozens of rapidly deployable miniaturized seismic-acoustic, visual, and radar sensors to detect activity over large areas for long periods. Provides real-time autonomous situational awareness by deploying sensors from UAS. Completed developmental testing of enhanced sensor system 4Q FY 2017. Conducted operational evaluation of enhanced sensors as part of Adaptive Red Team/Technical Support and Operational Analysis event at Muscatatuk Urban Training Center 4Q FY 2017. Complete system testing in FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, the technology will transition to Program Manager (PM) Close Combat Support, PM Ground Sensor, and PM Marine Tactical Remote Sensor System. -Soldier Power with Inductive Recharge and Intelligent Textiles (Army): Tests e-textiles that incorporate wireless power and data distribution, in a plug-and-play capability for various worn Soldier systems. System will give soldier a tactical edge by improving sustainability, increased operational time in the field, and reduced logistic support requirements. Received test articles from two companies and completed initial lab testing in FY 2017. Complete comparative testing, field demonstrations, and final reporting in FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Upon successful testing, system will transition to Army, Program Executive Office Soldier and Marine Corps, PM Expeditionary Power Systems. -Evaluation of Towed Jumper Emergency Parachute Assembly (Army): Tests an emergency parachute system used to safely descend a towed jumper, an Airborne soldier whose equipment malfunctioned and is dragged behind the aircraft. Allows the Airborne soldier to safely descend regardless of aircraft exit and consciousness. Operational testing with crash test dummies completed in 4Q FY 2017. Complete reliability testing in FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Upon successful testing, system will be installed in C-130 and C-17 assets supporting Airborne operations and transitioned to Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment. -M3E1 Integrated Fire Control (Army): Tests an integrated Fire Control System for the M3E1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System. Provides enhanced target engagement capability that significantly improves first round probability of hit in day or night with less collateral damage. Completed developmental and safety testing at vendor facility in 4Q FY 2017. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds. -Falcon Chemical Agent Sensor (Army): FY 2017 New Start – Tests a chemical agent detector equipped with a tunable infrared laser which simultaneously identifies and precisely localizes smaller chemical threat plumes with higher sensitivity and improved accuracy. Developed and finalized functionality and operational testing plans in FY 2017. Functionality and performance tests will be conducted in FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. Operational testing and demonstrations will be conducted in 4Q FY 2018 with FY 2017 funding. If successful, the technology will transition to the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense for Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles. -Autogated White Phosphor Image Intensifier Tubes (USSOCOM): FY 2017 New Start – 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. Completed project test planning. Receipt of test items, fabrication, and integration of test articles for baseline evaluation in FY 2018. This effort continues in FY 2018 with FY 2018 funds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- c00b0f926b93e4ba475e8bd2d33f9a5e