Low Cost Innovative Projects (Projects Less Than One Million Dollars Each):
Abstract
The OSD Global Capability Programs (GCP) Office in execution of the FCT Program 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. Projects: -Civil Affairs Solution-Army Analytics (USSOCOM): This project tests intelligence software that fuses imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems and satellites with other sensor data and uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to rapidly provide actionable analytics. This technology supports Department of Defense Civil Affairs operations by analyzing population migration caused by conflict or natural disasters to enable dynamic planning for large scale operations. This project enhances DoD capabilities in the AI/ML focus area. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Distributed Common Ground System Program of Record. Test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Test article contract award completed in 3Q FY 2020. -Insensitive Munitions Fuze for the M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade (Army): Comparatively tests off-the-shelf hand grenade fuzes to provide increased safety to the operator 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, this technology will transition to the Army’s Program Executive Office for Ammunition for follow on acquisition. Test articles delivered, and initial safety testing occurred in 4Q FY 2019 through 3Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. Final testing and close out report will be completed by 2Q FY 2021. -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 for insertion into the future Guided Missile Frigate and Supercarrier I-Stalker programs. Test articles received and acceptance testing occurred in FY 2019. Shipboard testing of the sensor was scheduled for 2Q FY 2020; however, was delayed due to the COVID-19. The Program Manager will make a transition decision and a close out report will be completed in 3Q FY 2021. The project will continue into FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Autonomous Aircraft Material Maintenance (Navy): This project tests 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. The project completed several demonstration events in FY 2020 for the military aviation community. The Program Manager will make a transition decision and a close out report will be completed in 2Q FY 2021. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 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 night vision compatible symbology instead of colors enabling safer night landing operations. If successful, this project will transition to the Navy’s Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program of Record. Test articles underwent acceptance testing in 4Q FY 2019. Performance evaluation occurred in FY 2020. Final testing to be completed in 2Q FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. The Program Manager will make a transition decision and a close out report will be completed in 3Q FY 2021. -Reserve Battery for Munitions (Army): This project comparatively tests 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 completed laboratory testing in 2Q FY 2019, initiated live fire testing in 1Q FY 2020 and completed bench testing in 2Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Smartshooter Evaluation (Army): This project 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. Test articles acquired, tested, and demonstrated in FY 2019. Operational assessment conducted in 4Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds and a close out report will be completed in 2Q FY 2021. -Individual Assault Munition (Army): This project tests a new warhead for existing shoulder fired weapon systems to increase lethality by enabling fire from enclosure and the ability to engage structures and light armored targets. Performance verification testing occurred in FY 2019. Acceptance and firing testing completed in 3Q FY 2020. Airdrop test will occur 2Q FY 2021. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for Small UAS (Air Force): This project comparatively tests foreign hydrogen fuel cells to increase the performance and range of Small UAS versus using traditional battery technology. If successful, this technology will transition to Air Force Special Operations Command Small UAS programs for follow-on procurement and fielding. Laboratory testing of individual fuel cells occurred in 2Q FY 2019. Safety certification and integration with platforms occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Tuning and endurance flights were completed in 4Q FY 2020. This project will close out and final test report produced by 1Q FY 2021. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Low-Cost Autonomous Target Classification (L-CATC) (Navy): This project conducts 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. Test article engineering change for the underwater acoustic sensor initiated in FY 2019. Final test evaluation of the sensor was scheduled for 4Q FY 2020 but was delayed until 1Q FY 2021 due to COVID-19. A close out report is expected in 1Q FY 2021 using FY 2020 funds. -105 Millimeter Family of Multi-Purpose Munitions (Army): This project tests two variants of a multi-purpose 105 millimeter(MM) munitions including high explosive and anti-personnel/anti-material for increased lethality, safety, and reliability. If successful, the technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle program. Test article contract awarded in FY 2019. Test articles delivered in 4Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Uncooled 120 Hertz Longwave Infrared Focal Plane Arrays for Night Vision Sensors (Army): This project comparatively tests foreign developed focal plane array technology for next generation night vision devices. Recent advancements in optical technology offer increased resolution and refresh rates for night vision applications, which enable enhanced situational awareness. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to Army’s Project Manager for Soldier Sensors and Lasers for insertion into programs of record. Test article acquisition and integration occurred in FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Modular Airdrop Platform (Army): This project tests an innovative airdrop platform system with underside airbags that eliminates the need for energy dissipating material. The technology will increase lethality and readiness by enabling a rapid roll-on/off capability and will significantly reduce logistics costs. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems - Cargo Air Delivery for insertion into the Advanced Low Velocity Airdrop System Program of Record. Ground testing was completed 3Q FY 2019. Platform and static drop tests were completed in 1Q FY 2020. Air drop testing scheduled for 3Q FY 2020 is on hold due to COVID-19 delays and will resume in FY 2021. -Magnetic Signature Duplicator System (Army): This project evaluates the performance of a foreign magnetic signature duplicator and against known landmine threats. If successful, the technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Mounted Detection System Program of Record for follow on acquisition. Test planning and contract award occurred in FY 2019. Test article received in 2Q FY 2020. Range testing that had been scheduled for 3Q FY 2020 remains on hold due to COVID-19 delays. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Personal Dosimeter as an Emergency Response System (Army): This project tests foreign Dosimeter technology along with an automated field analytics system for rapid identification and triage of individuals exposed to radiological or nuclear substances. This technology will be tested alongside the current Joint Personal Dosimeter to determine capabilities in an operational environment. If successful, this technology will transition to the Joint Program Manger Guardian Program of Record. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Operational testing scheduled for 4Q FY 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Artificial Intelligence (AI) Neuromorphic Chip (Army): This project evaluates a low-cost neuromorphic chip to replace the current paper and pencils method for counting 120-millimeter mortar rounds to more accurately determine weapon system life cycle maintenance. This effort demonstrates a tactical application of AI, will increase readiness, and could save millions of dollars in maintenance cost. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Stryker Program Office for follow on acquisition. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Test article received in 1Q FY 2020. Acceptance tests completed in 2Q FY 2020. -Vector Engine Processor for Use with Legacy Hypersonic Codes (Navy): This project evaluates a high-performance vector processor to significantly reduce time required to evaluate hypersonic designs. If successful, the technology will transition to the High-Performance Computing Modernization Program. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in FY 2019. Test articles received in 2Q FY 2020. Evaluation with legacy hypersonic codes began in 3Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -High Powered Microwave (HPM) Electro-Optic Electromagnetic Field Sensors (Air Force): This project tests various foreign electro-optic electromagnetic field sensors for use at Department of Defense test ranges to enhance directed energy research, development, test and evaluation efforts. Current radio frequency antennas are too large to embed within HPM targets and thus, are unable to accurately measure HPM effects. If successful, the technology will transition to the Air Force Research Laboratory for follow on procurement as a test asset in support of future HPM test and evaluation efforts. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Test articles received in FY 2020. -Enhancing DoD Infrastructure Repair (Army): This project evaluates a rapid setting polymer-based mortar for repair of damaged airfield runways and critical infrastructure. This will increase readiness and significantly reduce shipping costs by providing a qualified material source that meets performance requirements in theater. If successful, the Army’s Engineering Research & Development Center will include this product as an approved rapid airfield damage repair capping material. Contract preparation and test planning initiated in 4Q FY 2020. -Rapid Response Fentanyl Test Strips (Army): This project evaluates the efficacy of commercially available rapid immunoassay test strips to detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs. This provides an easy to use, small, low cost detection method that does not require power chemicals. If successful, the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense will transition this technology into Reactive-Chemistry Orthogonal Surface and Environmental Threat Ticket Array (ROSETTA) Program of Record. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. -Extended Reality (XR) Helmet Mounted Display (Navy): This project comparatively tests emerging XR technologies for T-6B operational flight trainers. This will increase training effectiveness while significantly reducing costs and footprint versus legacy flight training systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office for follow on acquisition. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. -Space Qualification Testing of Event-Based Sensors (Air Force): This project comparatively tests neuromorphic imaging sensor technology under simulated space conditions. This technology offers advantages in performance, size, weight, power, and signal processing that are suitable for space-based applications. If successful, this technology will transition to follow-on high altitude. Contract preparation completed in 4Q FY 2020. Testing continues in FY 2021 with FY 2021 funds. -Precision Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial System (VTUAS) (Navy): This project evaluates an ultrasound navigation aid to autonomously guide the landing of VTUAS on moving platforms in all weather conditions. This increases survivability by reducing operator exposure to threats while conducting VTUAS recovery. If successful, this will transition to Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office. Test article contract awarded in 3Q FY 2020. Test articles received in 4Q FY 2020. -Accelerating Human Performance Discovery (Army): This project evaluates an advanced fluorescence microscope with live-cell imaging and analysis against existing capabilities. This technology greatly reduces analysis time from weeks to hours of live-cell imaging and streamlines the development of human performance optimization products. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army’s Combat Feeding Directorate and other Service laboratories for continued human performance research & development activity. Contract awarded and test articles received in 4Q FY 2020. -Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for Vehicle Protection Systems (Army): This project evaluates an autonomous system that combines passive UAS detect, locate, identify and intercept for potential application to ground combat vehicles. This technology eliminates the need to integrate separate C-UAS detect and defeat systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army’s Product Manager for Vehicle Protection Systems for follow-on acquisition. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. -High Power Phased Array Radar (HPAR) (Air Force): This project demonstrates an expeditionary S-band active electronically steered array radar with digital beamforming. This technology provides long range surveillance, detection, and tracking of aerial targets in complex electromagnetic and operational environments. This project enhances DoD capabilities in the Air and Missile Defense focus area. If successful, this technology will transition to the Air Force’s Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar Program of Record. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. Comparative demonstration scheduled to occur in 1Q FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. -Nano-Clay Seals for Long Service Life (Air Force): This project evaluates the service life of emerging nano-clay enhanced compression O-ring seal materials against existing nitrile rubber. This technology significantly reduces aircraft engine life cycle costs. If successful, the Air Force Research Laboratory will modify current military specifications and the technology will be available for purchase through the Defense Logistics Agency. Contract awarded in 3Q FY 2020. -Accurate Tracking & Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Navigation (Navy): This project tests sensors that enable accurate real-time tracking of unmanned underwater systems without the need for a high-cost Inertial Navigation Systems. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to Navy Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) and Remotely Operated Vehicles programs of record. Operational demonstration that was due to take place in 3Q FY 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19 and will now occur in 2Q FY 2021. PM will make a transition decision and close out report will be completed by 4Q FY 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- d912b75704cea8d6f84a95bb826ea554