DoD 2020.1 SBIR Solicitation

Agency:

Department of Defense

Branch:

N/A

Program / Phase / Year:

SBIR / BOTH / 2020

Solicitation Number:

DoD 2020.1 SBIR Solicitation

NOTE: The Solicitations and topics listed on this site are copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date. For this reason, you should use the agency link listed below which will take you directly to the appropriate agency server where you can read the official version of this solicitation and download the appropriate forms and rules.

The official link for this solicitation is: https://rt.cto.mil/rtl-small-business-resources/sbir-sttr/

Release Date:

December 10, 2019

Open Date:

January 14, 2020

Application Due Date:

February 12, 2020

Close Date:

February 26, 2020

Available Funding Topics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a software application to allow Soldiers to easily identify, document, and manage vehicle maintenance issues that includes an augmented-reality based guidance system for operators and mechanics.

DESCRIPTION: The Army’s current approach to preventative vehicle maintenance is outdated and analog. Currently a soldier must locate the technical manual for the vehicle and follow the listed instructions. Any deficiencies, known as faults, are then written by hand on a paper form. Faults that cannot be immediately rectified must also have a fault code – found in the technical manual – listed next to the deficiency. Upon completion of the preventative maintenance the paper form is then passed to a mechanic to verify the faults, and passed again to a clerk who enters the faults into a software system that tracks the maintenance status of the fleet as well as locates or orders the required parts. There are numerous pain points in this process. Technical manuals are sometimes missing and often damaged. The analog maintenance process also only captures faults as recorded and does not allow leaders to see when preventative maintenance was not performed at all, when steps were skipped, or faults were misidentified. The current process also does not make the vehicle maintenance history available to the operators and mechanics working on the vehicle line, leading to further misidentification of problems. The passing of the form to numerous people can lead to its loss and delayed entry into maintenance and supply chain management system. Human error in transferring fault codes from the manual, to a form also introduces error. Leaders have no way of managing this process without inserting themselves into the paperwork routing process, creating bottlenecks and increasing the time delay between fault identification and part sourcing. Lastly, this entire process is inefficient because it must occur sequentially and requires one busy Soldier to physically find another busy Soldier simply to pass a piece of paper. Automating this process will increase maintenance readiness of the Army’s fleet of vehicles by assisting soldiers in performing preventative maintenance through visual aids and by allowing leaders to track the fault identification and verification process in real-time. Capabilities of this solution could include (but are not limited to): -A computer vision enabled augmented reality application, implemented on a handheld or headset computing platforms, that allows operators and mechanics to receive visual aids for maintenance activities and provide recommended solutions -Real-time geolocation of vehicles with faults within the motorpool, ability to prioritize verification based on vehicle type, geography, bumper number, fault-type or other criteria -Picture-taking capability to allow for remote verification of faults -Integration with training manual so that fault codes, and part identification (and alternate identification) numbers appear when fault is identified -Ability to see past maintenance history of a vehicle when conducting services to confirm past faults have been corrected, and visualize part status for outstanding faults

PHASE I: Develop a solution that either assists with either/both maintenance supply chain operations or provides visualize aids during maintenance for a single vehicle type. Solutions are not required to be part of integrated whole. Proposals will be evaluated on a holistic basis based on the value they provide to the Army, allowing for solutions with a different constellation of features to be scored based on usefulness to maintainers and operators.

PHASE II: Develop an integrated solution, implemented on handheld or headset computing platforms, that integrates both augmented reality assistance with maintenance activities and supply chain activities into a single platform for a single vehicle type. As with phase I proposals will be evaluated on a holistic basis to assess the value they provide to the maintainers/operators of vehicles based on the included features.

PHASE III: Develop application for numerous vehicle types that interfaces with existing maintenance status and supply chain systems to facilitate improved preventative maintenance and equipment procurement. Potential commercial applications of the technology exist within the transportation sector (automotive, airline, rail) and electronics repair industries.

REFERENCES:

1: N. Neethu and A. Bk, "Role of Computer Vision in Automatic Inspection Systems," International Journal of Computer Applications, August 2015, pp. 28-31.

KEYWORDS: Vehicle Maintenance; Augmented Reality; Computer Vision; Supply Chain; Heads-up Display

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: RISC-V is an open source instruction set architecture (ISA). The offeror shall develop a RISC-V Digital Signal Processor (DSP) architecture using a true Harvard cache and bus architecture (completely separate instruction and data bus architecture).

DESCRIPTION: We are interested in RISC-V DSP architecture to create an open source DSP standard with preplanned expansion opportunities similar to the RISC-V design philosophy [1-5]. We are also interested in the benefits provided by a true Harvard architecture over a unified von Neumann architecture. A true Harvard machine can perform simultaneous program instruction and data memory operations. The cybersecurity benefits for completely separating (isolating) program instructions from data has been ignored by the computer industry. The offeror shall develop a RISC-V DSP architecture using a true Harvard cache and bus architecture [6] (completely separate instruction and data bus architecture). We are not interested in a modified Harvard architecture [7] nor a von Neumann architecture [8]. The offeror shall develop a RISC-V DSP architecture which provides for fixed point and floating point complex multiply and add and other DSP related instructions with planned extensions for 64 bit and higher. The offeror is required to meet the performance objectives (1)-(4) by comparing the performance of an equivalent RISC-V floating point microprocessor to the proposed RISC-V DSP. The only architecture differences between the RISC-V core and RISC-V DSP are the instruction extensions and architecture extensions to support DSP operations. (1) For a 256 by 256 complex double precision floating point matrix, and an 8 by 8 complex double precision floating point convolution kernel, demonstrate a 20 % higher performance. (2) For a 16k (1024*16) input sequence, and a 500 (or 501) tap double precision floating point, FIR Hilbert transform, demonstrate a 20 % higher performance. (3) For a 16k (1024*16) point double precision, floating point complex number FFT, demonstrate a 50% higher performance. (4) For a 64k (1024*64) point double precision, floating point complex number FFT, demonstrate 10% less energy used for the calculation. Higher performance definition: 20 % higher performance means 20% less wall clock time to execute.

PHASE I: For the Phase I proposal, offeror shall describe the feasibility of developing a true Harvard RISC-V DSP architecture using a hardware/software co-design approach. The phase I proposal must address requirements (1)-(5). Proposals that do not meet the requirements will be deemed non-compliant and will not be reviewed. (1) Propose a co-design approach for RISC-V DSP architecture and DSP software extensions. (2) Propose DSP extensions for RISC-V architecture and a path forward to standardize the proposed extensions. (3) A design concept to achieve the performance metrics in the description section. (4) Describe potential Army, DoD, and commercial applications; and (5) Provide a business model to market (a) the proposed open source RISC-V DSP and (2) if the offeror chooses to develop a closed source version a second marketing plan. For the phase I effort, the offeror shall demonstrate the feasibility of developing a RISC-V DSP architecture using a true Harvard machine architecture. (1) Develop models, simulations, prototypes, etc. to determine technical feasibility of developing a true Harvard architecture RISC-V DSP. (2) Deliver a System Architecture Report describing RISC-V DSP architecture. (3) Publish a proposed, open standard for RISC-V DSP ISA and Harvard cache and bus Architecture. (4) Write a report describing the benefits [9] and costs of a true Harvard architecture over a von Neumann architecture covering (1) higher bandwidth, (2) better isolation between instructions and data, (3) more parallelism, et al. The intention of this report is to (1) illustrate to the microprocessor community the parallel performance advantages of a Harvard architecture and (2) to show to the cybersecurity community that the isolation provided by a Harvard architecture is significantly better than a von Neumann architecture.

PHASE II: Phase II: Offeror shall develop a RISC-V DSP based on offeror’s proposal and phase I effort. The offeror shall demonstrate RISC-V DSP for an Army application (like Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator [10]). The Offer shall propose potential applications for a system demonstration and implement an application with government concurrence. Offeror shall create an open source RISC-V DSP version in a standard hardware description language (VHDL, Verilog, SystemC, etc.) and provide an open source license. The offeror shall publish an open source architecture document covering RISC-V DSP (VHDL, Verilog, SystemC, etc.) code and system development board. Offeror is free to develop another version which may be fully proprietary. Offeror shall deliver 2 prototype systems to the government point of contact for test and evaluation with all software tools and licenses (if required), and hardware description language code(s) and software to build and use the system. Offeror shall provide 2 days of on-site training for the system.

PHASE III: Offeror will develop and market RISC-V DSP based on phase II development work and marketing plan from phase I. Offeror may target low power applications or high end DSP market. Offeror will integrate RISC-V DSP into an Army Aviation or Missile subsystem currently under development or via technology refresh.

REFERENCES:

1: D. Patterson and A. Waterman: The RISC-V Reader: An Open Architecture Atlas, Strawberry Cannon LLC, 2017. ISBN 978-0-9992491-1-6.

KEYWORDS: RISC-V, Digital Signal Processing, Harvard Machine, Hardware/Software Co-design

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop methods to use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and real-time computational intelligence to optimize Army logistics and sustainment simulations and predictions for both legacy and future Army aviation systems. Identify aviation platform life cycle metrics, such as Materiel Availability (Am), Operational Availability (Ao), sparing, cost, maintenance man-hours, and other KSA's, to be optimized by AI. Provide to a logistics engineer knobs to turn to see effects on metrics such as system reliability, system availability, system downtime, administrative delay time, maintenance man-hours, manpower, and OPTEMPO.

DESCRIPTION: The CCDC AvMC Logistics Engineering Lab (LogLab) developed a sustainment simulation capability for Army aviation using a government-owned software tool called System of Systems Analysis Tool (SoSAT). Multiple PM's use this capability to conduct analysis and provide input for major acquisition documents. The LogLab is looking to upgrade the simulation capabilities of the software tool using artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize logistics outcomes for CCDC AvMC customers like Future Vertical Lift (FVL). Artificial intelligence would determine strategies of sparing, costs, supply chain locations, maintenance staffing, maintenance levels, scheduled maintenance times, to best measure and optimize sustainment options and logistics support for Army aviation and weapon systems. SoSAT is a government-owned software package and will be provided. Notional and/or representative Army aviation reliability and supply data will be used. The size of the dataset will also be representative of actual datasets used and expected to be used by future Army aircraft -- a typical 30-year Army aviation model is approximately 25GB, and multiple models could be combined, yielding datasets in the range of 100-200GB. Any AI solution will need to run on US government network computers and will be export controlled.

PHASE I: Perform a design study to determine how to use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time computational intelligence to optimize sustainment and logistics support. Deliver a final design of AI's capabilities, a simulation model of Army aviation assets, and a demonstration of an AI-infused logistics model capable of making intelligent trade-off decisions to meet specified PM threshold and objective sustainment metrics -- specifically, downtime and readiness levels as calculated by Army aviation, using inputs such as failure rates, ALDT, repair times, and maintenance man hours. A successful design will be able to optimize support, minimizing aviation system downtime and maximizing aviation system availability, using logistics inputs (component failure rates, repair part shipping times, repair times, maintenance man hours and maintainer staffing). Designed AI must be capable of handling, learning from, living in, and analyzing datasets upwards of 200GB in size. Designed AI must also show a 75% reduction in results data processing time over current methods, a 10% reduction in data input, import, and formatting time over current methods, and a 30% reduction in output dataset size. Test method to determine success for above metrics will be accomplished through analysis.

PHASE II: Deliver and implement a working prototype of an AI-infused logistics model (as designed in Phase I) capable of deep learning and making intelligent trade-off decisions to meet specified PM threshold and objective sustainment metrics. The model will also provide the capability to measure the impacts of technology insertions, obsolescence, reset, and other significant events in the entire Army aviation platform's life cycle, and to optimize such downtime and upgrade scheduling over that typical life cycle (30-50 years). Prototype AI must be capable of handling datasets upwards of 200GB in size. Prototype AI must be able to learn from baseline sustainment datasets, learn from excursion datasets on the fly, and apply learned behaviors. Prototype AI must show a 100% reduction in results data processing time over current methods, a 20% decrease in data input, import, and formatting time over current methods, and a 50% reduction in output dataset size. Test method to determine success for above metrics will be accomplished through demonstration. Mission profiles and operations in the model will be based on notional Army aviation and weapon concept of operations (CONOPS).

PHASE III: Deliver a polished and complete working AI-infused logistics sustainment model making intelligent trade-off decisions to meet specified PM threshold and objective sustainment metrics to all Army PM's and for all Army aviation platforms. The final product should model and optimize logistics and sustainment at multiple levels of fidelity from battalions to component parts, from individual missions to entire 50-year life cycles, use advanced web and cloud services to compute and be hardware-independent, may include an asynchronous mobile application to view and sort results, handle upwards of 1TB of data, and be hosted or otherwise available to all CAC-enabled personnel. Test method to determine success for above metrics will be accomplished through operations.

REFERENCES:

1: Rosienkiewicz, Maria. (2013). "Artificial Intelligence Methods in Spare Parts Demand Forecasting. Logistics and Transport." 2013.

KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence, Logistics, Simulation, Modeling And Simulation, Sustainment, Availability, Reliability, Maintainability, Supportability, Software Development, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Real-time Computational Intelligence, Data Science, Software Architecture, Deep Learning, Support Vector Machines, Levenburg-Marquardt, Particle Swarm Optimization

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop an actively controlled, legged, articulated landing gear which significantly improves rugged landing capabilities of large UAS air vehicle. The articulated landing gear will also support landing under degraded visual environments (DVEs), shipboard landing, and extreme terrain operations.

DESCRIPTION: Landing safely on uneven ground in unprepared areas and landing safely on a pitching and rolling ship represent two of the greatest challenges faced by rotorcraft conducting military operations today. It is often impossible for UAS operators to know the slope dynamics of the micro-terrain below them when landing in these environments at night, or in DVE. Compounding this problem is on-site, non-aviation ground personnel that may be unaware of landing limitations; or remote operators with limited awareness of landing site topography. Conducting these types of landings is a difficult task even for UAS operators and can lead to air vehicle accidents during military operations. The use of an actively aircraft controlled articulated robotic landing system can mitigate a large portion of the aforementioned risks. These actively controlled legs allow the air vehicle to conform to uneven and sloped terrains and significantly reduce the cognitive loads placed on the autopilot system. Progress has been made towards thedevelopment of such systems, with theoretical and computational models being developed to simulate the rigid body dynamics and controls involved in the design of an articulated landing gear [1-3]. The concept of articulated robotic landing gear has also been successfully demonstrated and flight tested on a small scale (~200 lbs.) unmanned helicopter [4]. An additional benefit of actively controlled landing system is its ability to enhance hard landing survivability. The system can act as a shock absorber with a relatively large stroke, and through active and passive control, can spread impact loads over longer duration times hence reducingactive and passive control, can spread impact loads over longer duration times hence reducing loads seen by the landing gear and the airframe. Studies conducted using rigid body simulation tools have shown that such a system can reduce peak loads by 70 to 90% for particular landing conditions when compared with conventional landing gear [1]. This program will investigate the capability of actively controlled robotic landing gear as a benefit of replacing traditional landing gears with such a system. The focus of the project is on evaluating the capabilities of such a system through design, fabrication, and testing. The end result should be a validated design and simulation package for the deployment of these system to various UAS platforms. Towards the goal of commercialization, the system should be sized for a four-legged Class IV UAS in the 3,000-5,000 lbs. gross weight range and subsequently analyzed using a comprehensive simulation tool set. The program should explore optimization of the design for landing in extreme conditions while maintaining the capabilities of the system as an articulated landing gear and minimizing weight. The program should also define criteria for material selection when sizing the system for various aircraft. The use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites should also be explored.

PHASE I: The awardee will study a robotic landing system sized for a helicopter or vertically landing Class IV UAS in the 3,000-5,000 lbs. gross weight range and investigate its capabilities to land in extreme environments. Detailed trade studies should be performed including studies on drive system power draws, system weight and volume in various modes, and drag. The study should include stress analysis to prove crashworthiness while optimizing the design for weight minimization. Determine potential automation software, structural, and other failure modes, effects, and mitigations. Also should determine increase in suitable landing zones available for design concepts for various slopes (e.g. % earth with < 7 deg slopes vs. % earth with < 25 deg slope and variations in landing surface quality) and resultant operational impacts that may mitigate weight penalties. An experimental test plan for characterizing and validating the modeling tools used in the design process should also be proposed as part of this effort. The study should address weight savings/penalties over comparable conventional landing gear. Lastly, assess suitability for limited ground mobility.

PHASE II: The awardee will fabricate a working prototype and experimentally validate its capabilities. Awardee is expected to perform mechanical characterization experiments to calibrate all modeling requirements, predict the systems capabilities, and experimentally validate model predictions. Using the experimentally validated simulation tools, scaling factors and contributing issues will be clearly articulated in the final report with an assessment for scaling up to the 7,000 lbs. and 21,000 lbs. range.

PHASE III: Integrate prototype into flight test demonstrators as a modular solution which may be added to existing platforms to increase mission capabilities. The system may also be repackaged for commercial UAS operators. Successful demonstration at this scale may provide future opportunities at larger scales as well as for manned rotorcraft/VTOL systems. Commercial opportunities may exist for surveying in areas of rough terrain, autonomous package delivery, and paramilitary and police “perch and stare” surveillance

REFERENCES:

1. Kiefet, J., Ward, M., and Costello, M., (2016). “Rotorcraft Hard Landing Mitigation Using Robotic Landing Gear”. Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control. 138(3). 2. Manivannan, V., Langley, J.P., Costello, M., and Ruzzene, M. (2013). “Rotorcraft Slope Landings with Articulated Landing Gear”. In AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics (AFM) Conference (p. 5160). 3. Kim, D., and Costello, M. (2017) "Virtual Model Control of Rotorcraft with Articulated Landing Gear for Shipboard Landing."

KEYWORDS: Robotic, Landing Gear, Crashworthiness, Impact Mitigation, Unmanned Aerial Systems

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Additive Manufacturing is a quickly growing field of technology that has been adopted across the military and even deployed on the ISS by NASA. The technology allows for the creation of complex components that cannot be achieved using traditional subtractive methods such as machining. The CCDC Aviation and Missile Center is interested in using Additive Manufacturing to create thermal management solutions to handle device heat fluxes of more than 1,500 watts per square centimeter, supporting high performance missile and radar electronic transceivers at a system-on-a-chip level enabling significant miniaturization beyond current state-of-the-art. Oscillating heat pipes rapidly remove localized heat by incorporating phase change material in capillary channels that oscillate between material states enabling large heat flux. Copper heat sinks structurally landscaped around printed circuit board components provide a path for the heat to be transferred. By utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive metal printing, complex geometries can be achieved that cannot be created through traditional subtractive manufacturing (machining). This topic is focused on 3” to 5” diameter thermal management solutions to support hypersonic missile, densely packaged Radio Frequency (RF) and electronic integration. Barriers to this development include, but are not limited to, the capability to print (additively manufacture) metal heat pipes with integrated wicking, bi-metal print capability, modeling and measuring heat generation and measuring effectiveness of the resulting thermal system prototype.

DESCRIPTION: It is the intent of this topic for the offeror to demonstrate the capability to create landscaped thermal management copper structures employing oscillating heat pipe technology. Proposals must employ metal additive manufacturing to generate the prototypes.

PHASE I: In Phase 1, the offeror shall research, develop and fabricate prototypes of wicking oscillating heat pipes that can handle device heat fluxes of more than 1,500 watts per square centimeter. A phase change material must be designed in the heat pipe. The heat pipe should be approximately 5-7 inches in length (knowing that effective thermal conductivity varies with heat pipe length), with a diameter less than 1/4”. The thermal structure should sustain heat transfer in variable gravity orientations. The final prototype of Phase 1 shall be printed using copper or similar thermally conductive material. The design shall be fully modeled and heat removal effectiveness simulated. Prototypes are required during Phase I and must be supplied to CCDC Aviation and Missile Center.

PHASE II: In Phase II, the offeror shall use methods developed in Phase 1 to research, develop, fabricate, and evaluate integrated thermal heatsinks ranging from 3” to 5” in diameter and less than 1/2” thickness (including all landscaped structures) using oscillating heat pipes within board-landscaped, additive copper or similar thermally conductive structures enabling cooling of system-on-a-chip processor technology with high throughput to handle device heat fluxes of more than 1,500 watts per square centimeter. This technology is aimed at supporting thermal management for direct sampling that would eliminate much of an analog receive chain for significant miniaturization. The desired products of Phase II include: 1) a developmental board design, 2) thermal analysis and design of an integrated solution using additive structures, pockets of phase change material and oscillating heat pipes structured in a heatsink that would surround components of a Radio Frequency (RF) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) printed wiring board design, 3) prototypes of the landscaped thermal mitigation solution, 4) model/simulation results compared with measured effectiveness of the thermal system prototype. Heat generation levels should include that created through RF power amplification, general processing, and digital transceiver system components that would be highly integrated onto the heat sink-based thermal management solution resulting in a significant miniaturization of these type systems. Prototypes are required during Phase II and must be supplied to CCDC Aviation and Missile Center. In addition, the offeror shall expand the research and development to rugged prototypes of printed thermal management structures that can withstand environmental concerns including humidity, dust, shock, and vibration such as that of a missile launch and relevant lifetime. All results are to be fully documented, and before and after prototypes of evaluations are to be supplied to CCDC Aviation and Missile Center.

PHASE III: For Phase 3 of this effort, the offeror shall expand upon the thermal management solutions of Phase II to develop a fully integrated RF System-on-a-Chip processing structure at high throughput. The purpose of this demonstration is to show the level of efficiency using actual RF transceiver system components at a frequency of interest in the millimeter wave band. The prototype will consist of RF power amplification, and components to conduct direct sampling at the RF frequency to eliminate much of the analog receive chain to achieve miniaturization. The prototype shall be highly integrated onto the thermal management heat sink-based solution. Prototypes are required during Phase III and must be supplied to CCDC Aviation and Missile Center. Phase 3 dual use applications: Particular military applications include generic radar sensor system applications for use on missile technologies that can be applied to hypersonic missile fight environments. Commercial applications include all high throughput processing system applications. Transitions of opportunity include both immediate and local capability generation of additively manufactured designs of thermal management solutions for highly integrated processing and RF system-on-a-chip sensors. The most likely path to transition for the thermal management technology is a commercial development or for a CCDC missile program such as Long Range Maneuverable Fires to adapt the technology during their development and test cycle. These programs run through 2029.

REFERENCES:

1: Ian Gibson, David Rosen, Brent Stucker, (2014), Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Rapid Prototyping to Direct Digital Manufacturing, Springer, 2014.

KEYWORDS: Heat Pipes, Thermal Management, Advanced Manufacturing, Metal Printing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop an advanced additive manufacturing technology for constructing functionally graded radomes for use in missiles and other hypersonic vehicles.

DESCRIPTION: Radome is a cover or enclosure that protects radar antennas from environmental influences, and made from an electromagnetically transparent material. The radome can have a huge influence on sensitivity, radiated antenna pattern and immunity to vibrations. Minimization of microwave reflection at the surface of the cover should be a key aspect in designing a radome, and therefore, materials with low dielectric constant (< 5) and low loss tangent (< 5~10%) are needed without compromising thermal and mechanical characteristics required for the target environment. For hypersonic vehicles at Mach 5~10 (1~2 miles/sec), the temperature of the aircraft can reach anywhere from 1500C to 2000C. Thus, the radome materials must also satisfy certain unique thermal and mechanical requirements relevant to the harsh operating environment. Among them, high melting temperature >3200F (or >1760C), high flexural strength >50-100 MPa and high Young’s modulus > 50-100 GPa are critical parameters. In addition, high thermal conductivity, low water absorption, low density, high particle, rain and thermal impact resistance, and high mechanical strength, hardness, and flexibility are also important characteristics depending on the application. Different radome wall structures have been used, including half-wave wall, thin wall, A-sandwich, B-sandwich, C-sandwich, multilayer, and graded radome wall structures. Half-wave wall or thin wall radomes are individual layer radome materials suitable for narrow band applications. Layered and graded radome wall structures are used for broadband radome applications. Conventional sandwich or layered radome wall structures are typically fabricated by epoxy bonding which has a limited range of operation temperature and, therefore, they suffer from delamination at high operation temperatures due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients. Functionally graded radome wall structures enable the combined properties for hypersonic radomes, and are under intensive research. Additive manufacturing processes are based on layer-by-layer manufacturing, which constitute an excellent fit for fabricating the functionally graded radomes for hypersonic vehicles. At the same time, the additive manufacturing has numerous advantages such as rapid prototyping with a fast turn-around time, low-cost entry, low waste generation and high energy efficiency. Additive manufacturing also allows fabless designing 3-D complex structures like composition and functionally graded radomes by using commercially available software and fabricating the structures at remote shared facilities for additive manufacturing, and hence lowering the costs. Besides the selection of materials and fabrication processes, the electromagnetic design of functionally graded radomes is also highly critical for the optimum radome performance for hypersonic vehicles. Radome materials and structure must be carefully designed for minimum transmission loss in the desired frequency bandwidth and minimum boresight error, in addition to the other electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and environmental requirements. These interrelated challenges must be addressed with a combination of materials selection, functional graded radome wall structure, electromagnetic design, and innovative manufacturing technologies.

PHASE I: Identify candidate radome materials and facilities capable of high temperature electrical, thermal, and mechanical testing of the radome materials for temperatures ranging from 500C to 1500C. Develop high temperature material characterization capabilities at small sample sizes and perform high temperature (from 500C to 1500C) material characterizations: thermal testing (thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, melting temperature, and thermal capacity), electrical testing (dielectric constant and loss tangent for different frequency bands from 50 MHz ~ 50 GHz, and resistivity), and mechanical testing (flexural strength, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio). Develop an electromagnetic design of functionally graded radome materials (FGRMs) with melting temperature >1760C, a low dielectric constant (< 5), low loss tangent (< 5~10%), high flexural strength (> 50-100 MPa), and high Young’s modulus > 50-100 GPa for hypersonic vehicles operating at temperatures >1500C. Identify a feasible and scalable additive manufacturing process for the identified radome materials. Provide experimental data along with projected performance in the target environment.

PHASE II: Develop a scalable additive manufacturing process for the FRGMs and demonstrate the production of a scale-down version of a 3-D radome with functionally graded wall structures. Perform electrical, thermal, mechanical, and reliability testing of the radome across the temperature range from 500C to 1500C (required) / >1760C (desired). Optimize functionally graded radome material design and process and conduct detailed testing of the radome materials and fabricated 3-D structures for reaching the desired electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements stated above for hypersonic vehicles. Demonstrate a scalable manufacturing technology during production of the radome materials. Validate process repeatability and demonstrate the ability of the FGRMs to withstand the simulated aerothermodynamics heating/loading in hypersonic flight environments and to ensure reliability and structural integrity of the proposed materials. Deliver a prototype of the scale-down version of the optimized 3-D radome to US Army for evaluations. Provide complete engineering and test documentation for the development of manufacturing prototypes.

PHASE III: Expand on Phase II results by optimizing the functionally graded radome as necessary for integration into a hypersonic defense system/advanced target vehicle. Develop and execute a plan to manufacture the functionally graded hypersonic radome developed in Phase II, and assist the transitioning this technology to the appropriate missile defense prime contractor(s) for the engineering integration and testing.

REFERENCES:

1: J.B. Kouproupis, "Flight capabilities of high-speed-missile radome materials," Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, 13, 386 (1992).

KEYWORDS: Radome, Hypersonic Vehicle, Functional Graded, Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics Environment

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace

OBJECTIVE: Development of modeling tools that properly account for transient combustion effects on the observable signatures of maneuvering hypersonic configurations during extreme maneuvers.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has in interest in the observable signatures of hypersonic configurations during extreme maneuvers. Such configurations may employ liquid or solid propellant devices to provide thrust during said maneuvers. However, the associated accelerations are severe and can alter thruster chamber pressure and thrust level significantly. Such variations also occur near the end of liquid or solid propellant burns. As a result, the thrust characteristics, aerodynamic maneuverability, and observable signatures vary significantly from expected steady state conditions. Such changes in behavior must be taken into account when designing survival tactics for offensive assets or when designing and testing detection, track, and guidance algorithms for defending assets. Consequently, the Army seeks modeling tools that can predict the transient combustion effects on the observable signatures of liquid and solid rocket motor thrusters employed by hypersonic configurations during extreme maneuvers.

PHASE I: Develop a physics-based modeling technique that fully accounts for the three-dimensional flowfield and chemical kinetics combustion processes that occur within liquid and solid propellant motors during extreme maneuvers and produce observable effects, to include soot and smoke trails, on the resulting exhaust plume signatures. It is expected that the technique will also incorporate the ability to address in-flight ignition transients and thrust tail-off.

PHASE II: Integrate the model from the Phase I effort into the current DoD plume flowfield modeling tools. Demonstrate the capability for several transient configurations of interest to the Army. Assess the integrated modeling suite against available plume signature data (visible/IR). Deliver the modeling software in source code and executable format along with all files needed to compile and successfully execute to serve as a prototype for evaluation and cybersecurity assessment by the Government. Deliver technical and software user documentation, model demonstrations and assessment cases with results for Army use. Maximum practical use of existing plume flowfield modeling software is desired to reduce development and validation costs.

PHASE III: Demonstrate applicability of the newly developed capability for multiple configurations of interest to the Army. Commercialization: The capability to accurately account for transient combustion effects on the observable signatures of maneuvering hypersonic configurations will enable the DoD, including MDA, to significantly improve their respective abilities to predict what US configurations will look like to its adversaries and what threats to US assets will look like to sensors on-board defending assets.

REFERENCES:

1: Salita, M.

2: "Modern SRM Ignition Transient Modeling (Part 1): Introduction and Physical Models", AIAA-2001-3443, July 2001.

KEYWORDS: Transient, Combustion, Liquid Rocket Engines, Solid Rockets, Observable Signatures, Hypersonic, Maneuver

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate a computational tool for material and process development of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) that can assist in minimizing production time and optimize density, compression and tensile strength, toughness and thermal stability of the resulting CMC composites for missile structures. The computational tool will be informed by an enhanced understanding of the effect of time, temperature and processing conditions on the fiber/matrix interphase region which is in direct relation to the mechanical properties of the composite.

DESCRIPTION: Army missile systems strive to improve performance while maintaining affordability. Lightweight, high-temperature composite materials are required to continue system performance improvements. A key parameter contributing to the performance of CMC structures is the interaction between the fiber and matrix during production and operation. Gaining an enhanced understanding of the fiber/matrix interphase region will support development of computational tool for material and process development of CMC structures.

PHASE I: Develop a proof of concept for a computational tool, based on a comprehensive understanding of the CMC’s fiber/matrix interphase variables of effect as they relate to time, temperature and processing conditions. Baseline the cost for a material and process system (for an applicable missile structure). Optimize the cost of materials and processes in pursuit of a 40% reduction in costs as compared to baseline. Performance will be measured by the material characteristics of the resultant mechanical properties generated by the tool to include tensile and compressive strength, as well as density and void content.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the ability to fabricate an applicable CMC missile structure at a processing cost of 40% less than baseline. The solution should be tailored to optimize the composite tensile and compressive strength, toughness and thermal stability for temperatures ranging from 500°C to 1500°C. The tailored properties should be demonstrated by testing and documented to include fiber/matrix interphase properties, compressive strength, tensile strength, void content, and density. Deliver comprehensive engineering and test documentation of the applicable structure.

PHASE III: Demonstrate a commercially-viable CMC solution in a representative missile structure with tailored mechanical and physical properties generated by the optimization tool. The tailored properties should be demonstrated by testing. The fiber/matrix properties should be evaluated and documented. Additionally, support transitioning the technology to suitable prime contractors for further engineering development, integration, and testing.

REFERENCES:

1: Naslain, Roger R. "Fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites: state of the art, challenge and perspective." Kompozyty (Composites) 5 (2005): 1.

KEYWORDS: Ceramic, Fiber/matrix Interaction, Interface Region, Surface Science, Carbon

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a prototype optical inertial navigation sensor that exploits anomalous dispersion to enhance the overall signal to noise performance of the inertial sensor.

DESCRIPTION: Much work has been performed in recent years on exploring the potential of utilizing anomalous dispersion to enhance the sensitivity of optically-sensed inertial navigation sensors such as Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLGs), Passive Cavity Gyroscopes, and optically sensed accelerometers. Theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments have confirmed that sensitivities can be enhanced through the use of anomalous dispersion. While theoretical calculations have shown that it should be possible to anomalous dispersion to result in a net increase in sensor performance, in laboratory experiments to date, the attenuation in the optical signal (introduced by the absorptive media that also introduces the anomalous dispersion) has been larger than the increase in the sensitivity enhancement, resulting in a net decrease in overall inertial sensor performance. This solicitation seeks innovative approaches to this challenge to develop an optical inertial sensor design and readout architecture wherein the employment of anomalous dispersion results in laboratory and prototype demonstrations of an inertial sensor that has a net increase in the overall signal to noise. Incorporation of anomalous dispersion enhancement to optical inertial sensors has the potential to significantly increase the performance of inertial navigation systems at relatively low cost, resulting in a decreased dependence on the Global Positioning System (GPS).

PHASE I: In Phase I the offeror shall research and develop a theoretical model of an optically sensed inertial sensor (gyroscope or accelerometer, active or passive) whose net signal to noise ratio should increase when anomalous dispersion enhancement is introduced into the optical system. The offeror shall develop a laboratory experiment that demonstrates consistency with the theoretical predictions of the developed model including a demonstration of an increase in the overall signal to noise ratio when anomalous dispersion enhancement is introduced into the optical system.

PHASE II: In Phase II the offeror shall research and develop a theoretical model of an integrated prototype of the optically sensed inertial sensor (gyroscope or accelerometer, active or passive) demonstrated in Phase I. The offeror shall fabricate the prototype sensor and demonstrate that the prototype sensor demonstrates consistency with the theoretical predictions of the developed model including a demonstration of an increase in the overall signal to noise ratio when anomalous dispersion enhancement is introduced into the optical system. Potential military and commercial applications will be identified and targeted for Phase III exploitation and commercialization.

PHASE III: The use of inertial navigation sensors is pervasive in commercial applications including automobiles, gaming consoles, and mobile phones. Successful demonstration of anomalous dispersion enhancement could lead to significant improvements in the performance of these sensors which could lead to a significantly expanded application space in both the commercial and military industries

REFERENCES:

1: M. S. Shahriar, G. S. Pati, R. Tripathi, V. Gopal, M. Messall, and K. Salit, "Ultrahigh enhancement in absolute and relative rotation sensing using fast and slow light," Phys. Rev. A 75(5), 053807 (2007).

KEYWORDS: Inertial Sensor, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Anomalous Dispersion, Dispersion Enhancement, Positioning, Navigation, PNT, GPS-denied Navigation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop a metal matrix composite (MMC) feedstock that can be used in additive manufacturing to produce metal matrix composite parts. The desired feedstock would be analogous to the slit tape used in the polymer composites industry for tape placement. This MMC tape can then be used in ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM), or similar process, to create MMC components. The feedstock should have greater than 50% fiber volume and have no fibers present on the surface of the tape.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has a need for strong lightweight structures across multiple Cross Functional Teams (CFTs). Not only in primary structures such as gun tubes, muzzle brakes, and air frames but also in other components such as projectile bodies. Polymer composites are often called on for these applications but they lack high temperature capability and are often weak in the matrix dominated direction. Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) offer the possibility to obtain steel like strength and stiffness in the fiber direction with the density of aluminum. At the same time, the MMC retains aluminum level strength and stiffness in the matrix dominated direction. The problem with MMC's has always been fabricating them. Generally this has been done by either consolidating powder or infiltrating molten aluminum into a ceramic fiber architecture. Both of these tend to be expensive processes and severely limit the size of the part that can be fabricated. What is needed is a feedstock / process that is analogous to the fiber / tape placement process used in polymer composites. In that process a fully consolidated tape of either thermoset or thermoplastic material is used to build a composite structure one layer at a time via sheet lamination. For thermosets the part is cured after this process. For thermoplastics the part is fully consolidated during the process. There have been attempts to use Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing to create MMC components out of sheets of MMC material. These efforts have met with mixed results. To date the MMC feedstock has fibers on its surface which are broken during the UAM process and damage the sonotrode. The work around for this was to use a thin sheet of pure aluminum between the MMC feedstock and the sonotrode but that severely lowered the possible fiber volume fractions. This topic seeks to develop an MMC feedstock that can be used via UAM (or similar solid state joining process) to fabricate MMC parts of arbitrary size while maintaining a fiber volume fraction greater than 50%. The feedstock and manufacturing process should retain the Additive Manufacturing capabilities of UAM in that interior voids and features are capable of being produced.

PHASE I: Develop a process to fabricate metal matrix composite (MMC) feedstock with a fiber volume greater than 50%. The feedstock should be in tape form with a thickness on the order of 0.005" to 0.015" thick and a width on the order of 0.25" to 0.5". The preferred composite composition is an aluminum matrix with continuous aluminum oxide fibers (Nextel 610 or equivalent). The fibers should be uniformly dispersed throughout the tape but the surfaces should be pure matrix material. ASTM tests should conducted to demonstrate good adhesion between the fibers and matrix, and to determine the mechanical properties of the feedstock. These properties should be compared to theoretical predictions for the same fiber loading. Several layers of the MMC feedstock shall be consolidated via an additive manufacturing process and assessed for layer adhesion, fiber volume, fiber distribution and mechanical properties. The deliverable shall be 5 lbs of the MMC feedstock.

PHASE II: Refine the feedstock and produce it using a process representative of plant-scale production manufacturing. Increase the fiber volume with a threshold of 55% and a goal of 65%. No fibers should be visible on the tape surface. Sample MMC parts will be made and tested for mechanical properties. Minimum set of properties that shall be tested for are: longitudinal strength and modulus, transverse strength and modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear strength and modulus, compressive strength and modulus, and fiber volume. Minimum levels for longitudinal stiffness and strength are 30 Msi (207 GPa) and 210ksi (1450 MPa) respectively. All tests will be conducted according to relevant ASTM standards. Tests should be done to adhere the MMC feedstock to a steel substrate via additive manufacturing methods. The material deliverable will be a mutually agreed upon MMC part with a volume exceeding one cubic foot and with internal features. Additionally 25 lbs of feedstock shall provided.

PHASE III: In collaboration with the prime contractor and Benet Labs, apply a wrap to a complete gun tube for live fire testing in an operational environment. Explore automotive, down-well piping, and manufacturing technology applications for the material. Adapt the low-cost manufacturing process to material applications with less stringent temperature requirements.

REFERENCES:

1. L. Burton, R. Carter, V. Champagne, R. Emerson, M.l Audino, and E. Troiano, Army Targets Age Old Problems with New Gun Barrel Materials, AMPTIAC Quarterly, v8n4, 2004. http://ammtiac.alionscience.com/pdf/AMPQ8_4ART08.pdf

KEYWORDS: Advanced Composites, Additive Manufacturing, High Temperature Composites, Metal Matrix Composites

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design, develop and demonstrate a digital touch display that is capable of operating at very low temperatures and has minimal input power requirements.

DESCRIPTION: Small ruggedized electronic devices have been and are being developed for use by the warfighter and will play a critical role in most of the CFT capabilities to be fielded. Further these displays will be required to allow artificial, machine learning and the Internet of the Battlefield to enhance the warfighter and become a reality. These devices need to have the capability to operate in a wide range of environments and temperatures. Temperature range shall be described for this SBIR as 60°C to -40°C for operating and 71°C to -40°C for storage. Along with operating in server environments the warfighter is always looking to reduce the weight of his equipment and the length of time that the equipment can operate before batteries need to be replaced. Because of this the equipment being developed is looking for components that have minimal power needs and do not use heaters to achieve low temperature requirements. Minimal power consumption shall be described for this SBIR as a maximum of 10mW. This SBIR focuses on common displays that are used on these devices. A common display is described with (but not limited to) the following features: night readable, allow touch screen interface, 4K resolution, minimum 5 inch diagonal screen, capable of displaying common charter set at 18-Font, monochrome, readable from distance of 2 feet. The technology being developed should look to be scalable to match current displays on the market.

PHASE I: Investigate innovative approaches to develop displays to meet the topic requirements. Develop and document the overall component design and accompanying software interfaces.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype that can operate while meeting the above requirements.

PHASE III: Develop and demonstrate the technology developed in Phase II that is capable of being inserted into an existing ARDEC supplied system. Conduct testing to demonstrate feasibility of the component for operation within a simulation environment, and with actual fielded hardware.

REFERENCES:

1: https://pmmortars.army.mil/pmmortars/Products/lhmbc/

KEYWORDS: Display, Low, Temperature, Power, Electronic, Device, LCD, OLED, LED, Vacuum, Florescent, E-paper

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design and prototype counter swarm algorithms. This is a three part objective – (1) the prototype should be able to pick up on adversary swarm behavior based on sensor data; (2) The prototype should have algorithms that are able to translate the data associated from the adversary’s swarm behavior into logical input into its own swarm; (3) create a swarm of autonomous agents that constantly ingest data from (2) and dynamically decide its action and try to counter the adversary swarm.

DESCRIPTION: Swarm technology—the ability of autonomous agents to autonomously make decisions based on shared information—has the potential to revolutionize the dynamics of conflict. And we’re inching ever closer to seeing this potential unleashed. In fact, swarms will have significant applications to almost every area of national and homeland security. There is a gap for detection, tracking and effective defeat of incoming threat swarm with the use of friendly swarm. The focus of the prototype should be the development of the algorithms that can decipher the swarm behavior of the adversary swarm, develop its own expert and effective Counter swarm algorithm and then implement its own swarm that targets the adversary swarm.

PHASE I: Investigate innovative methodologies and design concepts that can achieve the criteria for the system listed above. Develop design documents for the potential implementation of the system. Demonstrate a proof of principle of the design using simulated environment for a simple swarm pattern.

PHASE II: Further design, develop and demonstrate a prototype capability that meets the following three sub-objectives – (1) decipher simple and complex incoming swarm behavior based on simulated track data; (2) develop counter swarm algorithm in the same simulated environment that demonstrates the friendly swarm to effectively defeat the incoming threat swarm; (3) implementation of a small swarm that can ingest the counter swarm algorithms as input. Government will provide the threat swarm scenarios for (1).

PHASE III: Demonstration of full up swarm on swarm (n to n) field exercise – simple and complex. Government will provide the threat swarm scenarios.

REFERENCES:

1: https://www.cna.org/cna_files/pdf/DRM-2017-U-014796-Final.pdf

KEYWORDS: CUAS, Counter, Unmanned, Aerial, Systems, Swarm, Network, Drone, Detection, Tracking

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design and prototype a combined radar and ES system to detect, track, and identify UAS’s to be integrated with a weapon system. The system should be able to detect and track a UAS system using a radar and then transition to an ES mode at a much higher bandwidth to determine the UAS link characteristics to be able to correctly identify the threat. The system should be able to interleave both ES and Radar dwells as well as have a large enough bandwidth to accommodate all UAS bands.

DESCRIPTION: The combined Radar and ES system will help determine intent of UAS for site protection. Both ES and Radar systems can provide unique attributes of a UAS system to the operator. Radars are able to detect and track multiple UAS systems in order to provide a precise 3D location of the UAS system. ES systems can determine UAS transmitter characteristics in order to correctly identify the UAS system and also detect intercommunication between two UASs. Hence, the combined ES and Radar system will provide the operator with the necessary situational awareness of the UAS’s that are around the protected site. In addition, having one integrated system vs multiple systems integrated together will shrink the kill chain time line.

PHASE II: Further design, develop and demonstrate a prototype capability that meets the following objectives – (1) Develop hardware and software that is able to operate as both a radar and ES system. (2) Detect and track a UAS system and interleave both radar and ES dwells to gather information on the UAS system and intercommunication between two.

PHASE III: Demonstration of full up radar and ES system that can track and identify multiple UAS systems. Also develop signal processing algorithms to extract additional information from the UAS system.

REFERENCES:

1: http://mil-embedded.com/articles/common-and-systems-emerging-military-missions/

KEYWORDS: UAS, Radar, ES, Bandwidth, Systems, Detection, Tracking

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Investigate and develop innovative solutions for harvesting and converting heat generated during aerodynamic flight into electrical energy and power for precision guided munitions. The technology should be capable of surviving typical artillery gun launch loads and should conform to fit within an artillery projectile.

DESCRIPTION: The Army’s Long Range Precision Fires mission expands the current portfolio of conventional artillery to advanced munition technologies with extended range capability (>70km). Extended range requires the projectile to fly to higher velocities and altitudes as well as longer flight times. At high Mach speeds the projectiles may be exposed to high temperatures and heat fluxes up to 3500°C and 1000 W/cm2 respectively. Additionally, due to extended flight times, the electronics required for precision guidance require more power in order to maintain operation throughout the flight. The presence of high heat fluxes results in waste heat into the projectile which could potentially damage critical electronics. This coupled with the need for new power sources to sustain operational capability of onboard electronics systems creates a new opportunity for the investigation of novel energy harvesting technologies that can remove the excess heat from the airframe via conversion to electrical energy. The new source of electrical energy can thus be used to power fuzes, guidance, navigation, and control technologies, actuation systems, and staging technologies. The Army is currently looking for novel thermoelectric materials and thermoelectric generators (TEG) that extend the current state of the art in thermal limits (>1500F) and thermoelectric effectiveness (ZT>2). Materials of interest include, but are not limited to, low dimensional materials, nanocrystalline and nanocomposite materials, organics (conducting polymers), inorganics (tellurides, oxides, Half Heusler alloys, skutterudites, silicides, etc.,), and organic-inorganic composites.

PHASE I: During the Phase I contract, successful proposers shall conduct a proof of concept study that focuses on thermal energy harvesting materials and energy conversion technologies that can withstand and operate within varying thermal loads ranging from 5 W/cm2 to 700 W/cm2 and temperatures ranging from ambient to 2000°F (objective). Investigations should include analysis of material performance under transient thermal loading, potential power output (threshold of 100W and objective 250W), and generator efficiency (ZT>2). A final proposed concept design, including a detailed description and analysis of potential candidate electronics packages for the new power source, is expected at the completion of the Phase I effort.

PHASE II: Using the data derived from Phase I, in Phase II the proposer shall fabricate and integrate a prototype of the technology into a nominal projectile form-factor. Specifically the TEG shall conform to a volume = 1 in3. The proposer shall further their proof of concept design by demonstration that the technology can sustain power to a representative electrical component or system under thermal loading up to 15 minutes (objective) and by performing mechanical and thermal testing on the proposed materials and power generator architecture. Upon evaluation of the design through a critical design review, the prototype hardware’s survivability shall be demonstrated via high G testing in an air launched munition and aerothermal ground testing. Information and data collected from these tests will be used to validate operational performance.

PHASE III: Phase III selections shall ruggedize the final design, identify large scale production alternatives, and fabricate 20 prototypes that can be integrated into a nominal projectile form-factor to be identified by the SBIR: Army 20 Topics and Concepts Government. Live fire tests will be conducted and the prototype integrated with projectile form-factor will have to withstand shock loads approaching 35,000g’s. Phase III selections will develop of a cost model of expected large scale production to provide estimates of non-recurring and recurring unit production costs. Production concept for commercial application will be developed addressing commercial cost and quality targets. Phase III selections might have adequate support from an Army prime or industry transition partner identified during earlier phases of the program. The proposer shall work with this partner (TBD) to fully develop, integrate, and test the performance and survivability characteristics of the design for integration onto the vendor’s target platform. COMMERCIALIZATION: High efficiency energy harvesting and conversion technologies are continually in demand by the aerospace and automotive industries. Commercial and dual applications of this technology include electrical power supplies for satellites, fuel cells and combustion engines such as for aircraft and ground transportation.

REFERENCES:

1: Ali Shakouri, Thermoelectric, thermionic, and thermophotovoltaic energy conversion, Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, 2005, https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a458490.pdf

KEYWORDS: Energy Harvesting, Energy Conversions, Thermoelectric Efficiency, Seebeck Effect

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this effort is to determine the feasibility, develop concepts and demonstrate novel technology for harvesting 10-100 mW of power (average) in close proximity to energized conductors or overhead power lines.

DESCRIPTION: The Army’s modernization priority for Network Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (NC3I), requires a variety of sensing assets capable of intelligent, autonomous and reliable processing and communications. Unattended sensors have become more capable with technology advances, and can integrate with networks to provide raw, processed or fully analyzed sensor data. The sensors, processing and communications require power which can be provided by batteries, but even sub-Watt sensing assets require large, heavy batteries to operate for extended periods of time. Advancements in technology have driven improved efficiency and cost in energy harvesting, especially with solar-based methods [1]. However, solar is not viable in many cases and is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Energy harvesting for many unattended technologies must be dependable in a variety of environments, especially indoors where sun exposure is unlikely. In addition, RF methods for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that harvest wifi/bluetooth signals are only applicable to a small sub-set of use cases. Such sensing assets are often located in close-proximity to strong 50 or 60 Hz electric and magnetic-fields produced by conductors providing power to loads or overhead power lines. These devices are ideally sustained by power extracted from these fields, enabling extended operation, although energy-harvesting from any ubiquitous source would enable in-situ placement of low-power sensing devices with no need for energy-related maintenance [2][3][4]. Viable energy-harvesting methods for low-frequency fields do not currently exist to provide enough power in a form factor suitable [5][6] for the majority of unattended sensing applications. The development of this technology would greatly expand the number of viable permanent installation points for a future Army network of assets, and ensure minimal maintenance with respect to the powering of the devices. Low-power sensing devices typically consume 10-100 mW, depending on the application, which informs the amount of harvesting needed to operate the sensors indefinitely. Harvesting technology capable of sustaining sensing assets in the majority of emplacement scenarios near powered conductors (e.g., high/low-temp, day/night/indoors) will enable unattended operation and eliminate the logistical difficulties of wiring power or swapping batteries. Phase I: Briefly describe expectations and desired results/end product. (Please spell out any acronyms. Save your work after each narrative.) The Phase I effort will research concepts and determine the technical feasibility of harvesting energy in close proximity to overhead power lines or powered conductors. This effort should identify and define the physics of energy harvesting to be explored and the enabling technologies to capture and store that energy. The research will include studies on the effects of indoor and outdoor environments on the technology, to include extreme temperatures. The theoretical limits of energy extraction for form factors up to a maximum volume of 100 cm3 (no dimension to exceed 15 cm), factoring in all known/expected losses, will be determined. A successful technology design will be capable of producing at least 10 mW consistently in a 100 cm3 volume or less. This effort will produce a conceptual design for a harvesting technology that can be demonstrated in the Phase II effort.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will research concepts and determine the technical feasibility of harvesting energy in close proximity to overhead power lines or powered conductors. This effort should identify and define the physics of energy harvesting to be explored and the enabling technologies to capture and store that energy. The research will include studies on the effects of indoor and outdoor environments on the technology, to include extreme temperatures. The theoretical limits of energy extraction for form factors up to a maximum volume of 100 cm3 (no dimension to exceed 15 cm), factoring in all known/expected losses, will be determined. A successful technology design will be capable of producing at least 10 mW consistently in a 100 cm3 volume or less. This effort will produce a conceptual design for a harvesting technology that can be demonstrated in the Phase II effort.

PHASE II: In the Phase II effort, the harvesting technology preliminary design from the Phase I effort will be finalized, fully designed and demonstrated. The system build will be capable of demonstrating sustained power output of at least 10 mW in a design volume of less than 100 cm3. The technology will be built and demonstrated in laboratory experiments and in a variety of environmental conditions. The demonstration will include testing at a variety of potential locations expected to provide reasonably large field strength, (e.g. near the exterior of 3-phase cables under load, under power distribution lines). Measurements of the power extracted during these test scenarios will be presented to demonstrate the technologies’ viability as a sustaining source of energy for sensor operation. The system design, five functional units, and detailed performance evaluations will be delivered for government evaluation with the Phase II final report.

PHASE III: Following a successful system development and demonstration in Phase II, Phase III will extend the effort to refine the design. The finalized design will be suitable for the manufacturing of production quantities for both military applications and commercial markets. Commercialization would be of great interest to the electric power industry while also providing a new technology to assist in military efforts concerned with long-life unattended sensors

REFERENCES:

1: N. Lewis, "Research opportunities to advance solar energy utilization", Science 22 Jan 2016: Vol. 351, Issue 6271

KEYWORDS: Electric, Magnetic, Field, Battery, Power, Energy, Sensor, Solar, Harvesting

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a highly robust and reliable ignition system for an aviation diesel engine capable of igniting low ignition quality jet fuels.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has a critical need for an ignition source for Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) engines that can burn fuels with low ignition quality, characterized by the cetane number. Defense logistics agency’s (DLA) fuel analysis has shown a wide variation in fuel properties including samples with poor ignition behavior. Combustion instability derived from low ignition quality fuels can lead to increased maintenance, loss of aircraft and capability, and increased risk to the Warfighter. A robust system for ignition energy assistance is critical to enable operation of propulsion systems using a wider range of fuel, allowing Army propulsion systems to be more tolerant to low ignition quality fuels. This will enable semi-independent operation for future Warfighters with reduced logistics burden. The highest priorities for this SBIR are that the ignition system be robust, similar in size and shape to existing glow plug technology, easy to install, and capable of operating in a military environment using a variety of fuels. Historically, glow plugs have been used to assist ignition of diesel engines during cold start conditions by increasing the combustion chamber temperature before fuel injection. However, existing glow plugs are not designed for long duration ignition-assistance because of operating temperature limitations and energizing response times. The proposed ignition assistance system should have similar geometrical, and weight restrictions as a glow plug. It should be capable of enduring engine environments which are prone to vibrations, pressure cycles and thermal stresses. A new ignition system design employing novel materials should be considered that will ensure consistent engine ignition, regardless of operating conditions and fuel types. The primary challenge of this application is the development of materials suited for each component of the device that are capable of withstanding the harsh environment. Current existing materials have potential to handle the high temperatures or high strengths, but have not yet been evaluated for the desired application. Through research and investigation, an optimal combination of materials can be identified that meets the restrictions imposed in this ignition system. The part of the device inside the engine block, should use materials capable of withstanding combustion temperatures, with surface temperatures reaching higher than 1600°C. The primary body material should be resistant to temperatures higher than 800°C, with the material for the transition section between the part inside the engine and the body having a tolerance of higher than 1000°C. A fracture toughness of higher than 15 MPa m1/2 is desired since the system is expected to perform at high reliability for no less than 1000-hr under such conditions. The system should have a response time of less than 1 sec and the igniter should be powered by aviation standard 28 Volt DC power. The system should also be capable of adjusting its output energy to match the requirements of the input fuel. The unit should operate in the extreme environments found at altitude, where pressures may be as low as 30 kPa (absolute) and temperatures as low as -40°C. With these requirements met, a new ignition system could be incorporated into compression ignition engines, allowing for their operability with different fuels, while mitigating the risks of engine damage and flame blow-out. With this risk abated, Army UAV engines will perform more reliably, enabling highly sought capabilities. The new ignition system will support the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (FVL CFT) via the “Multi-fuel capable hybrid electric” task within the Future UAS project in the Advanced Unmanned Aircraft System Line of Effort (AUAS LOE). Commercialization of this technology can allow for higher combustion reliability when used in terrestrial engines, and a high degree of insensitivity to variations in fuel properties for aerial applications.

PHASE I: Develop and design a new ignition assistance system concept that can meet the Army requirements of igniting low cetane number fuels (20-40) in extreme environmental conditions. The designed system shall be powered by 28 Volt DC. It shall operate at high surface combustion temperatures exceeding 1600°C, where output energy is controllable, and a fast response time of less than 1 sec from 400°C to 1600°C is attainable. It shall embody dimensional and operational characteristics that would enable its integration into compression ignition engines via a typical glow plug port for an existing system of comparable weight. Novel materials with suitable properties for the part inside the engine, main body, and transition section should be identified with measured fracture toughness (>15 MPa m1/2), and maximum allowable temperatures exceeding 1600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C, respectively. Additional operating requirements may be provided by the Army once contract award is made. The awardee shall provide a comparative analysis between the concept ignition assistance system and existing off-the-shelf technologies. CAD models should be supplied to the Army to determine interface compatibility with existing Army engines. The manufacturability of the proposed technology shall be assessed, identifying crucial fabrication process elements and projected production costs. The expected result is a thorough feasibility study, design, and proof of concept of an ignition assistant system. The success of Phase I will be judged based on the metrics of energy deposition level, response time, and fatigue analysis.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate the technology and manufacturing methods of the assisted ignition system. Assess and quantify the capabilities of the ignition system in realistic diesel engine operating conditions with a variety of Army supplied aviation fuels. Implement new materials that meet the Army requirements for fracture toughness and maximum allowable temperatures as part of the ignition assistant system. Parameters for assessment include the Army requirements of less than 1 sec response time, ignitability of low cetane number fuels (20-40), operating on a 28 Volt DC power supply, weight restrictions of less than 0.5 lbs and ability to perform with high reliability for no less than 1000-hr within conditions of a compression ignition engine. In addition, system complexity and ease of installation will be assessed. Manufacturing assessment will evaluate the method, repeatability, materials and tolerance-holding capability. Deliverables include a formal report, test and analysis results and (10) prototype sensors and hardware.

PHASE III: This technology, as envisioned, can be commercialized for terrestrial and aerial vehicles by increasing fuel insensitivity and therefore overall fuel efficiency, as well as providing a high degree of combustion reliability. A more direct impact will be on small manned and unmanned aircraft systems, which is a rapidly growing industry. A reliable ignition assistance system would allow for further development of multi-fuel capable aviation engine systems. This in-turn could facilitate the development of higher efficiency, reliable small UAV engines fueled with heavy fuels such as F-24, Jet A, diesel, and alternative, bio-derived heavy fuels. Success of the project would lead to more advanced and reliable propulsion systems for future commercial and DoD UAV systems.

REFERENCES:

1: Mueller, Charles J., and Mark P. Musculus. "Glow Plug Assisted Ignition and Combustion of Methanol in an Optical DI Diesel Engine." SAE Technical Paper Series, 2001, doi:10.4271/2001-01-2004.

KEYWORDS: Ignition Assistance System, Igniter, Multi-fuel Capable Engine, Unmanned Aerial System, Compression Ignition, Altitude, Aviation, Performance, Reliability, Unmanned Ground System

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this program is the development and application of innovative methods to design, build, and test a prototype composite integrated bevel gear/shaft design that is sized for a helicopter intermediate gearbox. This effort is expected to enhance the state-of-the-art and cover all aspects of hybrid gear development, including composite material selection, tooling, joining, and molding techniques, leading to the delivery of working prototypes.

DESCRIPTION: Propulsion systems on military (and commercial) helicopters are a key contributor to the overall weight of the aircraft. In some instances it accounts for almost 30% of the aircraft’s empty weight. This percentage is expected to be even higher in the Army’s future vertical lift (FVL) aircraft that employ more advanced variable speed transmissions due to the need for improved operational flexibility. Unfortunately, transmissions with variable speed capabilities are heavier than the fixed ratio transmissions currently in use due to the weight from the additional components. To counter the added weight and help meet Capability Set #1 and #3 requirements in FVL, the Army is currently pursuing innovations in hybrid gear technology where the steel hub is replaced by a strong, lightweight composite material. Recent experiments have successfully demonstrated the technology on a representative hybrid bull gear that was able to transmit 5000 Hp in a simulated transmission environment while weighing 20% less than the full steel counterpart. This approach is expected to reduce operating costs while increasing performance in terms of greater speed range and payload. In an effort to reduce drive system weight even further, research is focusing on the concept of an integrated design by fabricating the gear hub and its adjoining steel shaft as one piece from a strong, lightweight composite material and then joining it with a steel gear. This approach builds on previous hybrid gear achievements and is the next logical step in reducing weight in rotorcraft drive systems. It also poses new challenges for the designer to identify the proper molding techniques and tooling to fabricate the composite material into an integrated, one-piece design. Both the Army and Navy are very interested in utilizing hybrid technology to reduce the overall weight of a rotorcraft’s main transmissions. However, demonstrating the viability of the technology in an actual main transmission would be expensive due to the high costs of running such a specialized test facility. For this research topic, the Army and Navy have selected a helicopter intermediate gearbox (IGB) as the technology demonstrator because of its relatively simple single gear pair reduction stage design that features two meshing bevel gears with integrated shafts supported by bearings. The bevel gear configuration adds complexity that should advance the state-of-the-art of hybrid gear technology. Whereas the hybrid bull gear was a double helical design with predominately torsional loads, the forces associated with bevel gears in the IGB are complex and include tangential, radial, and axial loads. This load environment requires advanced fabrication and joining techniques, especially at the composite material-bevel gear interface. The integrated assembly must meet the precise gear dimensional and performance specifications for aerospace applications and the tight dimensional tolerances on the shaft inner and outer diameter for balance requirements and the accommodation of tapered rolling element bearings. The goal of this program is the research, development, and application of innovative technology and methods to design, fabricate, and experimentally evaluate a prototype composite integrated hybrid bevel gear/shaft technology that is applied to a helicopter IGB. This effort is expected to enhance the state-of-the-art and cover all aspects of hybrid gear development, including composite material selection, tooling, composite-metal joining, and molding techniques, leading to the fabrication and delivery of working experimental prototypes. The success of this effort will elevate the TRL to 6 and accelerate the implementation of integrated hybrid gear/shaft systems into rotorcraft drive systems.

PHASE I: Phase I should identify potential lightweight composite materials, tooling requirements, and molding processes that will enable the design and fabrication of an integrated hybrid bevel gear/shaft assembly that can withstand the speeds and loads present during endurance qualification tests for Army helicopter IGB’s. The qualification tests for IGB’s simulate normal cruise and more aggressive flight maneuver conditions. To simulate normal cruise the IGB transmits 524 shp with the input pinion operating at 4114 rpm and the output gear operating at 3318 rpm. Total time at this condition is 60 hrs. To simulate more aggressive flight maneuvers the gears are required to transmit 630 shp with the pinion operating at 4114 rpm and the output gear 3318 rpm. Total time at this condition is 30 hrs. Dimensional drawings for the pinion and gear assemblies will be provided by the government for design purposes. Each all-steel gear assembly (pinion and gear) currently weighs approximately 5.5 lbs. Major focus points of the effort should include maximizing strength while minimizing weight, identifying adequate joining techniques to connect the composite material to the steel bevel gear, and developing molding processes that can meet the strict dimensional tolerance requirements. The geometry of the hybrid gear/shaft assemblies should closely mimic the current all steel designs sufficiently to be drop-in replacements. Based on previous results it’s expected a weight savings of at least 20% over the current design should be achievable. The final report shall identify the composite material, tooling, and molding processes for fabrication of the hybrid gear/shaft assemblies along with structural analysis to demonstrate the viability of the composite design to successfully complete the qualification tests.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the ability to fabricate and deliver at least two integrated hybrid gear/shaft prototypes based on the lessons learned in Phase I. The steel gear portion of the hybrid prototypes will be made available from all-steel input pinion and output gear assemblies from previously flown IGB’s. The prototypes should be able to transmit 524 shp with the pinion operating at 4114 rpm and the output gear at 3318 rpm for at least 60 hrs. The prototypes should also be able to withstand the aggressive flight maneuver load of transmitting 630 shp for 30 hrs with the input pinion operating at 4114 rpm and the output gear at 3318 rpm. Their geometry should closely mimic the current all steel designs sufficiently to be drop-in replacements. The prototypes will be delivered to the Army and undergo flight qualification testing in the Helicopter Drive System (HeDS) Facility at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland. The flight qualification tests will be conducted by the Army and any test data will be shared. It’s expected successful completion of Phase II should boost the technology to TRL 6.

PHASE III: Commercialization of the technology enabling integrated hybrid gear/shaft designs should find a large market in both the military and commercial sectors. Major helicopter manufactures will use the technology to reduce weight, decrease operating costs, improve operational flexibility, and extend mission range. Successful integration will also propel the technology into other areas requiring power transfer and distribution

REFERENCES:

1: Handschuh, R.F., LaBerge, K.E., DeLuca, S., Pelagalli, R., "Vibration and Operational Characteristics of a Composite-Steel (Hybrid) Gear," NASA TM 2014-216646

2: ARL-TR-6973, 2014.

KEYWORDS: Gear, Hybrid Gear, Composite, Transmission, Drive System, Future Vertical Lift, Rotorcraft

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: To create a monolithic, chip-scale mid-wave infrared photonic circuit that emits an order of magnitude more single mode average power than single emitters. Lasers should be directly coupled to the beam combining components either on the same chip or by effectively creating one “super-chip” containing the lasers and the beam combiner

DESCRIPTION: The coherent beam combining of semiconductor lasers has been pursued thru a number of methods. Major efforts have been pursued at near infrared diode laser wavelengths near 1 micron, with some success. Examples include the evanescent super-mode concept recently attempted for mid-wave infrared quantum cascade lasers which built upon prior work with shorter wavelength lasers. Although this approach may still be viable to a certain level, it is complex. More straight forward approaches are seen that leverage advances in low loss integrated photonics whereby lasers can be combined coherently from individual lasers spaced at any given degree as dictated most likely by thermal management consideration. Thus, the beam combining can leverage designs and processes developed over the past decade for the very best high power single mode mid infrared lasers to create a combined single mode output of ten times or more continuous wave power (from continuous wave input lasers). Research is progressing on these methods in the near infrared, but should now be investigated for U. S. Army needs at longer wavelengths. Much improved SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) systems can be envisioned for a number of relevant applications. Other approaches to direct diode near-IR beam combined lasers rely upon the spatial multiplexing of broad-area diode lasers through beam shaping optics. These approaches cannot provide the desired high brightness (or high coherence) since at best they can achieve the beam quality of a single high-power broad-area diode laser, which has a M2 value of ~10 or higher. In addition, these systems are usually realized by use of free space and/or fiber optical components, not suitable for chip-scale integration. However, it is well known that photonic integrated circuits (PICs) can significantly reduce the SWaP of many optical and laser systems and are under large scale research and development for use in telecommunications and data centers. Thus, the aim is to hereby use PICs to replace the bulk optics approaches in the current beam combining systems by encompassing recent advances in coupling from lasers to integrated waveguides and by use of low-loss silicon nitride or other very low loss integrated photonics materials that could significantly reduce the system SWaP and improve the beam quality. The potential research topic includes creating a PIC-based beam combining architecture, improving the coupling between semiconductor lasers and PICs, and increasing the power handling capability of PICs. Thermal management of closely spaced mid-infrared lasers including some kind of cooling may be a concern for studying the ultimate limits of such chip-scale approaches but would probably not be too challenging for a significant order of magnitude improvement over a single laser emitter. Another consideration for one of the key applications would be achieving high modulation speed. Therefore, once the beam combining has been established one would also like to pursue the high speed modulation of such an array. Other considerations such as distributed feedback cavities for improved linewidth and modulation performance and coherence lengths may also be pursued.

PHASE I: Conduct research, theoretical analysis, and numerical studies on PIC based beam combining systems for high power single mode mid-wave infrared semiconductor lasers (3-5 micron wavelengths), develop measures of expected performance, and document results in a final report. The phase I effort should investigate specific PIC based laser beam combining system architectures and include modeling and simulation results supporting performance claims. The proposed beam combining system should use coherent beam combining and leverage state-of-the-art semiconductor lasers (average power and wall-plug efficiency of at least 1 W and 15% or more) at the chosen wavelengths. Simulations should show capability to scale the coherent combining of at least 10 lasers on chip of about 1 cm2 with close to 90% combining efficiency.

PHASE II: 1) Demonstrate PIC based beam combining of multiple (10 or more) 3-5 micron single mode semiconductor lasers with high beam quality (near diffraction limited) and experimental combining efficiency >85%; 2) Demonstrate high coupling efficiency (>90%) between the lasers and the beam combining PIC; 3) Explore the power scaling limits and power handling capability of the integrated beam combining systems. The data, reports, and tested hardware will be delivered to the government upon the completion of the phase II effort. 4) Begin studies of high-speed modulation of such beam combined arrays. Modulation speeds of at least 1 Gb/s are requested as the phase II goal at the 10 W power level.

PHASE III: Further scaling of power level and modulation speed can be pursued in the phase III. Applications of such mid-wave infrared lasers can be pursued for various military and civilian applications. Free-space laser communications systems can be developed and tested, and narrow linewidth distributed feedback or external cavity systems may be pursued for coherent lidar or other uses. Directed energy countermeasures type of applications would also be of interest. Industrial applications for material processing and fabrication may be desirable depending upon the power scaling potential. Scaling to much high power levels by using 100s of lasers (possibly with multiple PIC stacks) can be investigated experimentally.

REFERENCES:

1: S. Li and D. Botez, "Analysis of 2-D Surface-Emitting ROW-DFB Semiconductor Lasers for High-Power Single-Mode Operation", IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Vol. 43, No. 8, August 2007.

KEYWORDS: Coherent Beam Combining, Mid-infrared Lasers, Photonic Integrated Circuits, Free-space Laser Communications

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop a scalable process for the manufacture of nanoparticles that enable a narrow band of transmission within a broadband of infrared attenuation.

DESCRIPTION: Nanoparticles with tunable electromagnetic properties have the potential to impact a wide range of technologically relevant applications for both the Army and society as a whole. These particles play a vital role in technologies such as drug delivery, solar energy conversion, sensors, smart windows, and optical filters, to name a few. A subset of this research is the design and synthesis of nanoparticles, or collections of nanoparticles, that attenuate a broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum, while allowing for a narrow band of transmission. In recent years, research has demonstrated nanoparticles or collections of nanoparticles that exhibit a narrow band of transmission within a broadband of attenuation. These approaches have included: 1) nanoparticles with multiple resonances, e.g. multilayered particles that exhibit plasmon-plasmon coupling or plasmon-exciton coupling; 2) collections of nanoparticles that exhibit multiple resonances, e.g. mixtures of disparate nanoparticles that exhibit disparate resonances based on size and refractive index; and 3) nanoparticles that exhibit the Christiansen Effect at a given frequency, i.e. particles that have a refractive index that is close to the refractive index of the medium. While these nanomaterials have demonstrated promising optical properties, large-scale production and aerosolization challenges have not been resolved. Enabling the transmission of this narrow band of “light” is particularly attractive for those technologies in which “unwanted” or “harmful” bands of radiation are filtered out, thus enabling the “desired” radiation to reach a given substrate or receiver. For example, a glass-based smart window contains nanoparticles embedded in the glass designed to attenuate a vast region of the infrared region (thereby reducing heat in a given building), while simultaneously allowing for the transmission of a discrete band of IR radiation (e.g. a CO laser operating at a wavelength of 4 µm). There is an essential need to research and develop a scalable process for manufacturing nanoparticles and associated powders that enable the transmission of a narrow band of infrared radiation while simultaneously attenuating broadband IR radiation as a whole. This will require a unique large-scale production process that can precisely control both particle size and shape. Additionally, the developed process should enable the removal of certain particle sizes and shapes from a given batch, enabling the generation of a potential transparency band. Hence, tunability of nanoparticle size and shape, and the ability to selectively remove various sizes and/or shapes from the manufacturing process are highly desirable. In this project, nanoparticles, or a collection of nanoparticles, are sought to enable the transmission of a narrow band of infrared radiation within any of the following infrared bands: near-IR (0.9-1.5 µm), shortwave IR (1.5-3.0 µm), mid-wave IR (3-5 µm), or long-wave IR (8-12 µm). In addition to the transmission requirement, broadband attenuation in all other regions of the infrared regions (NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) is desired. Latitude will be given to the proposer in choosing the wavelength of transmission. This wavelength will largely be dependent on the physics and chemistry of the chosen nanoparticle(s). Preference will be given to those proposals that address manufacturability, and demonstrate the desired transmission can be exhibited as both a colloidal suspension and as an aerosol with minimal or no agglomeration. Demonstration of specific applications (e.g. smart windows) is not sought in this topic.

PHASE I: Demonstrate nanoparticles(s) with a transmission peak at a specific wavelength in the IR region and a transmission band with a bandwidth of 50 nm or less (full width at half maximum). A minimum pass to block ratio of 5:1 (in terms of transmission) is desired. Develop a process to fabricate 500 milligrams of the given nanoparticles, and using materials from this process, demonstrate the transmittance/extinction spectra as a colloidal suspension. Extinction of the particles(s) in the “block” region should be a minimum of 5 m2/g (as a colloidal suspension). Here, we define extinction as the sum of the absorption and scattering cross-sections, per unit mass of material, i.e. m2/g. This extinction term is typically determined via Beer’s Law, when the particle concentration (g/m3), the path length (m), and the transmittance are known. At the conclusion of phase I, provide 1 gram of fabricated powder to CCDC Chemical Biological Center.

PHASE II: Demonstrate a scalable process to achieve a minimum of 100 gram batches (up to 1 kilogram batches) of nanomaterial. Demonstrate the desired transmittance/attenuation spectra as an aerosolized powder, using samples taken directly from the batch process. Extinction of the particles(s) in the “block” region should be a minimum of 5 m2/g (as an aerosol). CCDC Chemical Biological Center will assist in the testing of the aerosolized materials. Provide CCDC Chemical Biological Center with 1 kilogram of material and manufacturing plans to achieve greater than 1 kilogram batches.

PHASE III: The proposed technology has a broad range of civilian and military applications. It is envisioned that these materials can be integrated into current and future military platforms which include laser protection systems, smart windows on vehicles, signature management, and camouflage systems. This technology could impact additional DoD interest areas in biomedical applications, sensors, and decontamination. In the civilian sector, advanced smart windows, catalysts, sensors, filtration systems, biomedical devices, and drug delivery systems are envisioned.

REFERENCES:

1: Bardhan, R., Mukherfee, S., Mirin, N.A., Levit, S.D., Nordlander, P., Halas, N.J., "Nanosphere-in-a-Nanoshell: A Simple Nanomatryushka", J. Phys. Chem. C 114, 16, 7378-7383.

KEYWORDS: Nanoparticles, Christiansen Effect, Multi-resonant Nanoparticles, Fano Resonance

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an ultra-low space, weight, and power-cost (SWaP-c) Free Space Optical (FSO) communications capability for individual solider tactical operations in contested radio frequency (RF) environments.

DESCRIPTION: It has become imperative that the Army develop alternative capabilities to communicate with reduced electro-magnetic footprint, while assuring low probability to detect and low probability of incept (LPD/LPI) capability and supporting necessary bandwidth for modern battlefield operations. The Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication concept provides an alternative pathway for inherent LPD/LPI communications, while providing significant bandwidth and low electro-magnetic (radio frequency)emissions. One of the inhibiting factors preventing widespread use of traditional FSO communication systems based on macro-scale optics can be linked to their size, weight, complexity and overall cost per link. An ultra-low SWAP-c, FSO communication system could provide accessibility of this technology geared toward the Army need for ensured communication while on the move and at the lowest echelon. Challenges associated with accomplishing this goal are many-fold and will require modern-day automated photonics technology manufacturing to achieve the long-term goal of a low cost while overcoming specific issues associated with pointing-and-tracking (PAT), transmitter beam divergence, receiving aperture size limitations, and low signal detection at GHz-level speeds. Given these challenges is it envisioned that one of the few solutions would be derived from modern integrated photonics technology ARL is seeking a small business to demonstrate an ultra-compact FSO communication system. This demonstration should be capable of high bandwidth (Gb-level), low bit error rate (BER)(10-6), automatic PAT in an extremely compact form factor (< 100 cm3, 100s of grams, < 10 Watts of power consumption). There have been several rudimentary demonstrations of one necessary aspect for this program (e.g. wide-field of view beam steering) in a chip-scale form factor [1-2]. These systems might have the potential to address the SWAP-c requirements due to inherent size and long-term high volume fabrication pathway. Although these systems are interesting, none have demonstrated FSO communication functionality and there remains many impediments to embodiment of a full communication system that needs innovative and applied research and development to overcome. These ultra-compact FSO systems must overcome technical hurdles which the macro-scale system have done in past, including: aperture limits, low-signal detection at high data rate, full implementation of PAT with required field of view (FOV) and slew rates and finally low power consumption.

PHASE I: Complete a conceptual system design for a ultra-low space, weight, and power-cost (SWAP-c), (< 100 cm3, 100s of grams, < 10 Watts of power consumption), Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication system with delineation of critical elements and associated risk poised to meet the Phase II and III goals. Detail the key design considerations and trade-offs associated with the approach including scalability for cost. Develop prototype plans for Phase II. Demonstrate proof-of-concept of core link technology including rudimentary beam steering and modulation functions.

PHASE II: Demonstrate an initial prototype Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication system with data bandwidth of 1 Gbps, automatic pointing-and-tracking (PAT) function with 30 degree field of view (FOV) and maximum FOV slew time of 500 microseconds, bit error rate (BER) of 10-6 over 1-hour interval at 90% network capacity at an outdoor-range exceeding 200 meters in a modem form factor of 100 cm3 or less, weighing less than 400 grams and consuming 10 Watts or less power. Technology should be at the level of TRL 4/5 at the end of this phase with a dedicated plan toward fabrication scaling for reduced unit cost.

PHASE III: Advance prototype Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication system to TRL 7/8 with data bandwidth of 2 Gbps, automatic pointing-and-tracking (PAT) function with 45 degree field of view (FOV) and maximum FOV slew time of 500 microseconds, BER of 10-6 over 1-hour interval at 90% network capacity at an outdoor-range 1000 meters in a modem form factor of 50 cm3 or less, weighing less than 200 grams and consuming 5 Watts or less. It is envisioned that this technology will enable near range dispersal of secure FSOC network for US tactical ground forces, which could also provide a dual-use commercial application pathway for local area networks in highly congested urban environments. Similarly a system of this type and capabilities would greatly reduce the cost of setting up urban Local Area Networks in developing areas. Applications of FSO communication system have direct pathway to transition through existing Army development investments currently underway for the alternative communication space. Finally, it is expected that the core of this technology will mature aspects of beam steering and integrated receivers, which could have direct dual-use in low SWAP-c laser ranging (LADAR) application for military and civilian use on autonomous platforms

REFERENCES:

1: Chung et al.: Monolithically Integrated Large-scale Optical Phased Array in SOI CMOS, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 53, No. 1, January 2018

KEYWORDS: Photonics, Free-Space Optical Communications - FSOC, Optical, Communications, Local Area Network - LAN, Network, Laser, Light, Free-Space

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to leverage recent advances in laser forming of metals to develop a cost effective manufacturing capability for conformal and non-conformal millimeter and sub-millimeter wave antennas that have complex shape, smooth surfaces, micron scale features, and bulk metal conductivity.

DESCRIPTION: Of interest to the Army is the potential for a given technology to merge capabilities and operate in contested environments which is a goal of the Network C3I Army Modernization Priority with which this topic aligns. Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas that operate with several decades of bandwidth and cover millimeter and sub-millimeter wave (mmW and s-mmW) frequencies enable backend hardware flexibility without replacing the antenna. What’s more, UWB antennas with complex shape that have polarization diversity can merge capabilities that require different polarizations and operate at different frequency bands. Fabricating antennas at mmW frequencies is challenging given the small features, especially when the antenna has a complex shape, such as a double curved surface. MMW antennas require micron-scale precision and high electrical conductivity. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are the current cost effective means for fabricating antennas of the prior description at sub-mmW frequencies, but the capability of AM to fabricate mmW antennas is limited. While AM offers a fine level of control such that complex 3D geometries can be manufactured, the technology does have some particular limitations such as less than bulk metal conductivity inks and pastes that require plating and rough surfaces which can be detrimental to the antenna performance [1] – [4]. Multi-scale prints, where a large antenna has small features, can also pose a challenge for AM techniques, and the time to print multi-scale antennas can be extensive. Some of these challenges may not be so significant for some antennas, but is significant for antennas such as the ultra-wideband (UWB) and polarization diverse multi-arm conical sinuous antenna [5], the impulse radiating UWB TEM horn [6], or the high-power and high-gain slot array in waveguide [7] designed for millimeter and sub-millimeter wave (mmW and s-mmW) frequencies. As such, a technology gap exists. A potential solution to the technology gap is a fabrication capability based on laser forming metal sheets. Laser forming is a method by which sheets of metal can be made to bend or buckle by the application of localized heat through a laser [8 – 9]. Judiciously choosing the locations and paths that the laser will heat can be used to create 3D shapes such as cuboids, coils, and doubly curved surfaces (e.g. the conical sinuous antenna and the TEM horn) [10]. Combining laser folding with laser cutting and welding allows for the manufacturing of closed geometries with features cut into them (e.g. the slot array in waveguide). Remaining research questions to be answered include thermal optimization of the process, improving sidewall roughness of cut surfaces, incorporation of welding, and process repeatability. In addition, developing the process such that the antenna technology developer can move a design from a computational electromagnetic modeling tool, such as HFSS, FEKO, or CST, to the laser device would better facilitate rapid prototyping of conformal antennas with small features. Using laser induced heat to deform metallic sheets like copper, steel, and brass to make 3D shapes has been demonstrated [10 – 13]. Application of the technique to a slot array in waveguide at w-band was also attempted but the lack of a combined laser welding function prevented the antenna from being completely closed [13]. It has also demonstrated that aluminum foam can be bent using laser heating [14]. The laser formed fabrication of antennas would prove beneficial to the commercial sector. The new fabrication capability could prove cost effective and would expand the domain of antenna types that can be fabricated at mmW frequencies. The capability would also allow for the fabrication of smoother, more precise, and subsequently better performing conformal antennas.

PHASE I: Phase I shall explore the technical merit and feasibility of a laser forming based fabrication concept for mmW and s-mmW antennas to be executed in Phase II. The concept should prioritize commercially available laser systems. A study will address the research questions regarding optimal laser parameters for forming steel, aluminum, brass, and copper sheets with thickness ranging from 10 um to 1 mm to predict laser settings (i.e. power, exposure time, etc...) that are needed to optically cut, form, and weld the metal sheet into a 3D geometry and quantify the angle of resolution for bending and buckling. The laser cutting must achieve positional accuracy of no more than 10 microns, RMS surface roughness and line edge roughness less than 1 micron for both internal and external features, and minimum line width and spacing of 10 um. Laser forming angle resolution must be no more than one degree. The welding process must be within roughness spec, structurally robust, and maintain high electrical conductivity (>50% bulk conductivity). Documented process demonstration and study results are the primary deliverable.

PHASE II: Phase II will build on the Phase I concept by refining the process to fabricate and deliver two RF antenna prototypes that demonstrate the precision and repeatability of the Phase I process. The antenna designs are an upper W-band longitudinal shunt slot array and a 4-arm C- to upper Ka-band conical sinuous antenna. Antennas should be characterized through laboratory measurements of the reflection coefficient, radiation pattern, and efficiency. The measured results of the antennas and devices should be compared to simulation results acquired by using computational electromagnetic software such as CST, FEKO, or HFSS. The measured reflection coefficient should be better than -10 dB and the gain should be within 3 dB of the simulated results. The end of Phase II should demonstrate antennas using a complete laser forming manufacturing capability and deliver said antennas for evaluation.

PHASE III: Phase III will focus on the commercialization of fabrication technology for mmW and s-mmW antennas. The final process should demonstrate consistency and repeatability in manufacturing antennas for both military and commercial applications. Commercialization of the technology would be of use to the antenna development community as a whole by providing a cost effective means to producing high performance conformal antennas at mmW and s-mmW frequencies.

REFERENCES:

1: G. Zhang, et al., "Investigation on 3-D-Printing Technologies for Millimeter-Wave Terahertz Applications," Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 105, No. 4. April 2017.

KEYWORDS: Laser Forming, Sub-millimeter Wave, Millimeter Wave, Conformal, Antennas, Manufacturing Processes

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop an expert probabilistic genotyping software system to reliably interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data using a fully continuous approach.

DESCRIPTION: Forensic DNA laboratories are preparing for the implementation of NGS technologies to supplement and eventually replace current capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based human identification. The advances in sequencing technology provided by NGS approaches allow interrogation of the human genome in new ways, enabling both short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be analyzed for forensic purposes within a single workflow. Utilizing NGS technology to analyze STRs allows the sequence of the repeat region to be viewed, enabling identification of isoalleles, alleles with the same length that contain unique sequences, which can further differentiate individuals who would otherwise have the same allele designation at a particular locus when analyzed using a CE-based analysis. These capabilities make NGS a powerful tool for forensic human identification and may ultimately enable resolution of even more complex mixtures than is currently possible [1] [2], but the transition to this technology also presents challenges. Data gathered from NGS analysis is more complex than CE-based data, and to take full advantage of the advanced capabilities in resolution of mixtures new software solutions are required. Multiple software platforms exist to analyze raw NGS data and create a visual representation where mixtures and low-level samples can be interpreted manually by a DNA examiner. These software platforms, however, do not address how to reliably and objectively interpret complex DNA mixtures commonly seen in forensic DNA analysis, particularly for limited or degraded samples collected in operational environments. To enhance the amount of actionable information collected from DNA evidence and fully utilize the sequence information NGS offers, an expert probabilistic genotyping software system designed to analyze sequence information must be developed. The software must be compatible with data generated by currently available NGS STR and SNP chemistries. Furthermore, the software should enable data-in to answer-out analysis with minimal user interaction. The software must be capable of utilizing statistical theory to calculate likelihood ratios (LRs) from published allele frequencies. In addition, computer algorithms and biological modeling must be used to infer genotypes from mixed DNA profiles entered into the software system. These capabilities should be optimized to computationally model NGS data and maximize the number of true positives while minimizing false positives.

PHASE I: Develop a prototype expert probabilistic genotyping system that can ingest NGS data from at least one NGS STR and SNP chemistry/platform type. The software must demonstrate the ability to analyze clear two-person mixtures with input from a reference profile for inclusion. A fully continuous approach is required, incorporating biological parameters such as peak height ratio, mixture ratio and stutter. The output file should deconvolute the mixture into potential genotypes, providing weights to each genotype inferred, display sequence information for both contributors, and contain a likelihood ratio for two competing hypotheses using published allele frequencies from a single population. It is highly desirable that the software parameters include population allele frequencies, drop-out, drop-in, stutter, and kit variance. Ideally, these parameters will be customizable to allow laboratories to use any NGS STR and SNP technology available. Design of the software platform must not prohibit backward compatibility with CE data. Preferably the software platform will run on commercially available computing systems. Ideally at the end of the phase I effort, the analysis of at two-person DNA mixture can be demonstrated in minutes.

PHASE II: Extend the methods and computer algorithms developed in Phase I to allow for ingestion of NGS data from all currently available NGS STR chemistry/platform types. Improve the software system to interpret at least four-person mixtures and low-level DNA samples. Calculate the likelihood ratio for each genotype using allele frequencies from user-selected population groups (typically Caucasian, African American and Asian) in a single run. Establish a training set of samples to evaluate the software system performance. For guidance on testing probabilistic genotyping systems, please refer to the “SWGDAM Guidelines on Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems” [3]. Incorporate the developed methods and computer algorithms into a mature software system with a user-friendly interface and the ability to allow integration of data output into case reports. The software must be designed to allow backward compatibility with CE data. Prior to mixture deconvolution, it is highly desirable that the software has the ability to utilize NGS SNP and STR information to infer the number of contributors (NOC). Ideally the analysis of a complex four-person mixture could be completed within hours. In addition to monthly technical progress reports, deliverables will include: a detailed report demonstrating specifics on how the software obtains its answer (black box systems are unacceptable), a user guide for the software including set-up and troubleshooting, and a report describing the results of the Phase II sample set testing.

PHASE III: The development of an expert probabilistic genotyping software system that reliably interprets NGS data using a fully continuous approach will have a significant impact in the forensic science community at the federal, state and local levels. The software will fully utilize the sequence information that NGS affords, allowing for the objective and reliable interpretation of more complex DNA mixtures than is possible with capillary electrophoresis-based methods. Software developed under this topic will initially be tested and evaluated in Government forensic laboratories to assess applicability within forensic analytical workflows. There are a number of commercial applications for analysis of samples that will directly benefit from this new software capability including: research purposes, law enforcement, and medical diagnostics.

REFERENCES:

1: Butler Gettings, K., Kiesler, K. M., Faith, S. A., Montano, E., Baker, C. H., Young, B. A., Guerrieri, R. A., Vallone, P. M., "Sequence variation of 22 autosomal STR loci detected by next generation sequencing," Forensic Sci. int. Genet, vol. 21, pp. 15-21, 2016.

KEYWORDS: Next-generation Sequencing, Probabilistic Genotyping, Fully Continuous, Forensic DNA Analysis

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a graphene-based composite EMI shielding material capable of replacing metal shielding in IC packages and printed circuit board components.

DESCRIPTION: As soldier electronics and their components operate at faster speeds, smaller size, and in closer confinements a substantial increase in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) can lead to system failures. This effort supports the FREEDOM ERP as it enables enhanced technologies to protect next generation of highly mobile RF communications for battlefield dominance in the broad bandwidth frequencies X-band (8-12 GHz) to the Ku-band (12-18 GHz). Metal EMI shields in IC packages and printed circuit board components have limitations in poor chemical resistance, oxidation in long term harsh environments, high density, flexibility, and form factor. Current strategies to obtain the desired EMI shields mainly rely on increasing the material's thickness to prolong the EM wave absorption routes or loading large amounts of fillers in order to increase its electrical conductivity [1]. However, these factors inevitably increase the production cost and limit scalability. Generally, conductive fillers have high aspect ratio and large specific surface area, such as carbon nanofibers (CNF), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), stainless-steel fibers (SSF), and graphene layers offer advantages without the limitations imposed by pure metals. Fillers are preferred because they can be dispersed in lightweight polymers to establish efficient conductive paths in the composites and form sufficient interfaces with the polymer matrices, leading to enhanced electrical conductivity and interfacial polarization that are beneficial to the EMI shielding performance. Among the conductive fillers, graphene has the best conductivity, lowest density, and highest thermal conductivity [2]. Silver and cooper have excellent conductivity but the aging stability of metallic nanostructures is big concern for long term storage of electronics in systems for harsh environments. The development of graphene filler ink formulation offers a major opportunity for improving the deposition of composite shielding materials. Graphene filler ink materials can be dispensed economically by drop casting or using printing technologies with controlled patterning capabilities leading to new technologies, and applications. The inks can be deposited on substrates by methods such as drop casting, inkjet printing, and aerosol-jet printing [3-5]. A path forward lies in the improvement of ink formulation. Ink formulations rely on factors including selection of flake size, solvents, and surfactants that provide the best combination for direct exfoliation of pristine graphene. Several factors limit achieving the high theoretical conductivity 10exp8 S/cm of graphene, which is 3 orders of magnitude higher than highly conductive metals such as copper. These factors include inter-flake percolation, type of binder that hold the fillers together, and post decomposition by annealing. Also, there is a lack of “pristine” graphene flakes in the market [6] that can be improved. The ultimate goal is to deposit a shielding material with properties that would be capable of replacing metal shielding fully in printed circuits.

PHASE I: The responsive proposal shall develop a shielding material. Identify an ink formulation and description of above mentioned factors (i.e. graphene content, inter-flake percolation, surfactants, selection of ink binder, drying agents, and annealing process for binder decomposition) with a printing approach that forms a composite shield on a substrate. For all solutions the ability to block the greatest amount of incident EMI waves by the deposited shielding material is a driver. METRICS: Graphene-based composite material (less than 1mm thick) on Kapton or Mylar substrate: -Electrical conductivity greater than 100,000 S/m -Substrate or annealing temperature less than 250°C -Good flexibility and film adhesion to substrate after manual bending, and no micro cracking. -EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE) greater than 50dB across broadband frequencies (8-18 GHz) During the phase-I the contractor shall report and deliver on the following: (1) Report on the material selection, process development, challenges, and accomplishments. (2) Document the method of deposition, and minimum size linewidth achieved. (3) Characterize the composite structural properties, composition and size of the nanostructures. (4) Document the binder, surfactants, solvents used including the effects of annealing/sintering temperature or post chemical treatment on the conductivity of the deposited composite. (5) Conduct EMI shielding efficiency studies, record the scattering parameters using a vector analyzer with two port measurement techniques or an equivalent method in the frequency range 8-18 GHz to validate performance claims. (6) Delivery of deposited material samples on Mylar or Kapton substrate with pattern size 0.5”x1.5” for validation: (a) Deposition single layer of uniform film on sample as a baseline. Include data of the measured film uniformity, roughness, thickness, resistivity, conductivity, and EMI SE. (b) Deposition multiple layers (up to a maximum total thickness of 1mm) that demonstrates best achieved conductivity and EMI SE. Include data of the measured film uniformity, roughness, thickness, resistivity, conductivity, and EMI SE. (7) Propose improvements for phase-2, challenges, solutions, and applications.

PHASE II: This phase addresses a current needs relevant to the US military: a lightweight and durable EMI shield on IC packages and printed circuit boards components that protect against radio frequency interference (RFI). Develop a scale-up demonstration/validation program, on an application relevant to the US military based upon the previous phase I requirements and on-going proprietary developments. METRICS: -Ability to the composite film adhere to variety of electronic substrates and packaging (Mylar, Kapton, Si, SiO2, glass, ceramic, paper), determine the limitations. -Repeatability of printing square shield patterns (1 mm, 1 cm, 5 cm, 10cm), determine the limitations. -Reliability of formulated solution for printing without clogging the printing head, determine the number of cycles. -Storage of ink formulation beyond 3 months without observable segregation and settling, determine the maximum time within contract period. -Stability of composite film at mil specification temperatures -65 degrees F to 165 degrees F. This phase is intended produce a full scale 3D prototype EM shielding. The full scale system will also address key factors in maintaining an effective shield, such as conformal coating that allows for continuity of conductivity over integrated circuits. The main technical objectives: (1) Demonstrate/validate a system that is capable of repetitive or continuously coating. (2) Fabricate a full-scale 3D prototype of the shielding on IC’s and PCB components. (3) Validate that the EMI shielding performance meets the specified requirements.

PHASE III: Implement a business case and partner with a DOD supply chain to commercialize the EMI shielding material system to a TRL 7 System prototype demonstration in field environment. We envision use of shielding in military applications such as solider radios, prognostics/diagnostics, unmanned air vehicles (UAV’s), drones, unattended ground sensors, security access/entry, RF ID tags, and air defense systems. For commercial applications in cell phones, computers, and medical equipment.

REFERENCES:

1: M. Verma, et al. "Graphene nanoplatelets/carbon nanotubes/polyurethane composites as efficient shield," Composites Part B 120 (2017) 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.03.068

KEYWORDS: Shielding, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Radio Frequency (RF), Flexible Shielding Effectiveness (SE) Conformal

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Explore, fabricate and evaluate ceramic matrix composite combustor research prototype for gas turbine engine and other air breathing propulsion applications, using advanced innovative design and manufacturing methods, to identify and mitigate SiC-SiC ceramic matrix composite materials and manufacturing vulnerabilities for CMC combustor operating in austere environments.

DESCRIPTION: To meet the demands of current and future requirements, military gas turbine engines (GTEs) are required to operate at ever higher temperatures. Current engine temperatures can exceed 1500 °C, with future engines projected to exceed 2000 °C. Implementation of Silicon Carbide (SiC-SiC) ceramic matrix composite (CMCs) components including CMC combustor in propulsion engines of interest to the US Army is now a tangible reality, representing the most fundamental change in design and manufacturing practices for gas turbine engines since the introduction of single-crystal superalloys [1]. Advanced CMCs offer significant advantages over the current set of superalloy-based systems, but these materials can be brittle and will degrade over time, due to high temperature creep, thermal shock and cyclic thermomechanical loads. Specific innovation research focus areas include increased thermomechanical durability, increased resistance to environmental interactions, cost-effectiveness of processing and manufacturing, and improved approaches to CMC combustor component fabrication and integration. Computational tools and integrated experimental/computational methods are sought, including models/tools to predict degradation and failure mechanisms within CMC combustor. Application of SiC-based CMCs in combustion environments for gas turbine engine combustors operating at 1310° C or higher require significant scientific advancement in the SiC-SiC CMC material system. Unfortunately, exposures of these materials to high temperature combustion environments limit the effectiveness of thermally grown silica scales in providing protection from oxidation and component recession during service. The nature of the SiC based ceramic recession issue dictates that the combustor material system must provide prime reliant performance to ensure full component lifetime [1-13]. Thus the CMC combustor requires SiC-SiC bulk material system with improved state of the art thermal/environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for limiting oxygen/water vapor transport, and high temperature phase stability, integration with metallic engine components mitigating thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch and optimized effusion combustion liner holes.

PHASE I: Research and formulate innovative CMC combustor analysis and design methods leading to the development of affordable, high speed with high throughput manufacturing of SiC-SiC ceramic matrix composite materials for gas turbine combustors. Beyond a combination or standalone SiC-SiC manufacturing methods such as conventional chemical vapor deposition, pyrolysis infiltration process, and melt infiltration process, explore advanced manufacturing processes of CMC components including additive manufacturing methods and Field Assisted Sintering Technologies (FAST). Perform combined computational fluid dynamics and computation structural dynamics modeling and high fidelity simulation of CMC combustor concepts under combined effects of aerodynamic, thermal, combustion chemical reactance and structural loads. Using the proposed advanced manufacturing processes and preliminary design, fabricate at least three prototype curved CMC specimens with embedded impingement holes and thermal/environmental barrier coating and subject to at least 20 hot/cold two hour duration thermal cycles of steady-state combustion flame temperature of 1482 deg Celsius or higher to identify potential CMC material vulnerabilities at combustion temperatures. Post-test material characterization of the CMC curved specimens will be performed to identify any manufacturing defects and material degradation due to thermal cycling. Prototype ceramic matrix composite coupons will be delivered to CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) for high temperature strength testing, fluid flow characterization, and microstructure analysis. A preliminary research grade CMC combustor analysis and design shall be conceived and delivered to CCDC – ARL at the end of Phase I.

PHASE II: Explore, develop and validate the innovative SiC-SiC CMC research combustor using design and fabrication approaches of Phase I. Partnership with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of gas turbine engine is encouraged. The proposer shall conduct high fidelity modeling and design analysis of the research grade CMC combustor prototype (e.g. representative medium lift rotorcraft turboshaft engine combustor prototype) including computational thermal fluid structural analysis with conjugate heat transfer methods to develop the combustor pattern factor and identify potential hotspot and highly stressed zones. Explore innovative methods for SiC-SiC CMC component integration with hot metal superalloys and advanced manufacturing of optimized embedded impingement and effusion holes within the combustor liners with thermal/environmental barrier coatings. Fully instrumented jet burner rig ground based experimental tests need to be conducted on the CMC combustors at CCDC-ARL Hot Particulate Ingestion Rig (HPIR) or another federal government or industry test facility subject to thermal cycling of at least 100 hot/cold two hour duration thermal cycles of steady-state flame temperature of 1550 deg Celsius or higher to identify CMC combustor material state vulnerabilities at engine relevant austere environment and explore possible mitigation solutions. The proposer shall perform pre and post experimental test nondestructive evaluation of the CMC combustor and post-test material characterization of the CMC combustor material system to explore and identify embedded defects including fiber and matrix cracks, identify zones of SiC fiber agglomeration, SiC matrix silica pools, large void spaces within the CMC substrate, and durable interphase materials. The proposer will research methods to alleviate the aforementioned possible defects in CMC combustor material system. Additionally, ceramic matrix composite combustor prototype(s) will be delivered to the CCDC - ARL for further full field high temperature characterization and research development including CMC microstructure analysis and further enhancement.

PHASE III: The proposer will partner with an Engine OEM and conduct validation testing including full scale engine ground testing. The CMC combustor technology can be transitioned as prototype CMC combustor for a medium size rotorcraft turboshaft engine to PM Advanced Turbine Engine, PEO Aviation, Huntsville and CCDC – Aviation and Missile Center at Corpus Christi, TX. The end result of this research effort will be a validated approach for development of CMC Combustor transitioned to medium size future vertical aircraft propulsion system.

REFERENCES:

1: Ghoshal, A., Murugan M., Nieto, A., Walock, M. J. et al, "High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composite Materials Research for Next Generation Army Propulsion System"

KEYWORDS: Ceramic Matrix Composite Materials, SiC-SiC (Silicon Carbide - Silicon Carbide), CMC Combustor Design, Interphase Layer, Jet Burner Rig Test

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate methods to enable distributed production of potassium formate.

DESCRIPTION: The ability to manufacture materials near their point of use is a priority for the crosscutting Sustain and Train Cross Functional Team (CFT) in the Army Modernization Priorities. For example, chemical deicing represents about one-third of winter maintenance expenditures for bases and municipalities. Currently sodium chloride is often used to deice road surfaces despite concerns about corrosivity, to both motor vehicles and infrastructure, and environmental impact including vegetation damage through chloride uptake, soil damage through sodium accumulation, and drinking water contamination. This effort seeks the development of methods for onsite production using waste carbon dioxide from point source at moderate conditions (low pressure and temperature) on posts/bases of potassium formate which is an environmentally friendly/low corrosion deicing material (reference 2). Recent results show that electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to form formates is possible. This approach could enable systems that utilize inexpensive and readily available materials and would economically produce potassium formate in a form readily usable for roadway and runway deicing.

PHASE I: Explore catalysts and processes to electrochemically reduce carbon dioxide to produce formate under moderate conditions. Characterize system efficiency and byproducts as a function of reaction conditions to achieve >75% process efficiency. Provide 5 lbs of formate generated using the laboratory system. Determine system degradation mechanisms to enable system life of >8000 hours. Demonstrate at laboratory scale a system capable of producing potassium formate under moderate conditions (<100 psi, and <100 degrees Celsius), Prepare analysis of cost/pound of formate focusing on the use of nonflammable, inexpensive, readily available starting materials. Estimate scaled up production costs.

PHASE II: Continue process/catalyst optimization. Build and deliver a system capable of generating 20 lbs/day of potassium formate under moderate conditions using waste carbon dioxide and low cost/readily available materials in a cost effective manner. Demonstrate operation of the system for a minimum of 5 days, generating 100 lbs of material. Determine and optimize operation costs and system efficiency which should be >85%. Ideally the system will be capable of utilizing intermittently renewable energy sources. Goal should be to achieve production cost including cost of starting materials of <$800/ton of potassium formate.

PHASE III: Build a system capable to producing 100s of lbs/day of potassium formate using renewable energy sources under moderate conditions that uses safe, readily available, and inexpensive starting materials. Goal should be to achieve production cost <$800/ton of potassium formate. This system could be used on posts/bases or municipalities and airports for roadway and runway deicing and reduce corrosion and environmental impact associated with road salt.

REFERENCES:

1: P. Kang

2: S. Zhang

3: T. J. Meyer

4: M. Brookhart, Rapid Selective Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formate by an Iridium Pincer Catalyst Immobilized on Carbon Nanotube Electrodes. Angew. Chem. Int. Edit. 2014. 53 (33), 8709-8713.

KEYWORDS: Potassium Formate, Deicing, On-site Production, Manufacturing At Point Of Need

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative, remote sensor technology for measuring peak pressure and dynamic pressure differentials inside large caliber gun tubes.

DESCRIPTION: For propellant engineers and internal ballisticians, accurate measurement of internal cannon pressures (during a firing event) is crucial for research and development purposes. Of special importance are the measurement of the peak pressure in the chamber and the calculation of differential pressure [1] (the difference in pressure between two points) across the chamber section of cannon gun tubes. Currently, internal chamber pressure is measured using piezoelectric transducers [2]. The transducers are installed such that the piezoelectric sensor is exposed to the internal volume of the chamber, thus requiring the gun tube and/or breech assembly to be drilled and tapped. Ballistic pressure data is recorded at high frequency (>250 Hz) and plotted to form Pressure vs Time Graphs. For prototype weapons, it may be impractical to drill the gun tube to accommodate traditional pressure gages. This topic seeks an innovative solution for collecting internal ballistic pressure data, without modifying the system under test. The measurement of the peak pressure in the chamber and the calculation of differential pressure may be achieved by one application of the remote sensor technology or by two different applications/methods. The system developed under this effort must meet the following key system attributes (KSAs): Pressure Range: 0 – 150kPsi Sampling Frequency: = 250 Hz Resolution: = 0.5% Temperature Range: 0 – 3,600 °F Ability to withstand explosive shock and high G-forces resulting from explosive charge detonations Robust design capable of surviving impacts by foreign materials during detonations

PHASE I: Evaluate novel applications of advanced pressure sensor materials and data acquisition technologies for use in a ballistic environment. Desired outcomes; Design a concept for remote monitoring of internal pressures, with the potential to meet the KSAs, without requiring any modification to the gun tube (e.g., drilling a hole), further refine the KSAs and conduct an analysis of alternatives to select the best combination of materials and data acquisition technologies for prototypes to be delivered in Phase II.

PHASE II: Subject the most promising material solutions (identified in Phase I) to testing, simulating live fire conditions. Desired outcomes; Produce at least one prototype using the selected sensor / data acquisition system combination, subject the “as manufactured” prototype to simulated firing conditions to assess performance against the KSAs and perform final design refinements. Document the final solution and manufacturing process in the form of a technical data package. TRL: (Technology Readiness Level) TRL Explanation Biomedical TRL Explanation TRL 6 - System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.

PHASE III: Conduct a live fire demonstration of the final prototype in an operational environment with participants from various U.S. Government agencies and contractors from the weapons and defense industry. Explore potential applications for both military and private sector customers. This technology could be used for monitoring pressure vessels, steam turbines, oil & gas pipelines, and aerospace applications.

REFERENCES:

1: ASTM F2070-00(2017), Standard Specification for Transducers, Pressure and Differential, Pressure, Electrical and Fiber-Optic, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2017, www.astm.org

KEYWORDS: Pressure, Differential, Transducers, Artillery, Cannon, Chamber

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design and build a system that can remotely and independently determine the location of a howitzer and the orientation (azimuth and elevation) of the gun tube, display the position and pointing data, in real time to a terminal/monitor at the control center and other remote locations located as far as 25 km.

DESCRIPTION: During certain types of large caliber firing tests, the weapon pointing is done automatically by the system under test and or by the system operators. The tactical nature of these events makes it very difficult to perform an independent verification of the gun tube pointing prior to firing. There is a need, from a range safety standpoint to verify the location of the howitzer and orientation of the gun tube during such events to ensure weapons are fired within the established safety corridors. A system is required that is portable/mobile/deployable and operates independent of the weapon platform. The system then needs to be able to determine and transmit the location and pointing data to a control center and other remote locations which may be located as far as 25 km away. The data must be transmitted in real time and must consist of weapon location, gun tube horizontal angular measurement and a gun tube vertical angular measurement. The system must enable the user to input custom maps for graphical display purposes. At the control center and the remote locations, the terminal or display must numerically and graphically display the data in real time. The reference azimuth for the angular measurements must be user selectable (i.e. azimuth with respect to true north, geodetic north, etc.) The system developed under this effort must meet the following performance goals: Vehicle location accuracy: ± 1 meter Gun tube azimuth accuracy: ± .1 degree Gun tube elevation accuracy: ± .2 degrees Rugged & mobile: • Temperatures from -40 to +140°F • Water and dust proof • Deployable in rough desert terrain, portable via pickup truck or similar and self contained.

PHASE I: Perform a feasibility study in support of the development of a Remote gun location and Gun tube pointing determination system which meets the specification above. Evaluate innovative technologies which may be used to build, integrate the system and leverage existing technologies. Perform trade-off analysis to determine the best approach for howitzer location and gun pointing determination system, and develop a preliminary design for the system.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype system. Demonstrate the system technology and characterize its performance.

PHASE III: The system developed under this topic could be used by other test and training ranges to increase safety when firing large caliber weapons. The system could also be marketed to foreign militaries for use on their training and test ranges.

REFERENCES:

1: Army AL&T magazine

KEYWORDS: Artillery, Fire Control, Quadrant Elevation, Azimuth Of Fire, Range Safety

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Design and build a system that can stop large caliber ammunition with minimal damage to the external and internal features and components.

DESCRIPTION: During various phases of large caliber ammunition development, there is a requirement to assess internal ballistics, strength of design, and function of critical components, requiring a need to perform "soft catch" testing, where the munition can be fired at operational velocities, and captured in a way that does not damage the projectile. This is often needed to assess the performance of munition behavior during setback and the effect on fuze function, or that subcomponents (such as deployable fins) survive firing and launch. Current soft catch methodologies use hay, water, sand, and ballistic gelatin. Although there has been a limited level of success using these methodologies, a significant portion of test munitions are damaged during firing and recovery, which requires additional testing and prototype munitions, causing a medium risk to systems under test, due to increased cost and timelines. The system developed under this effort must be able to consistently catch large caliber ammunition regardless of the features and fill such as pyrophoric white phosphorus, high explosive agents, sensor heads and other electronics, deployable aerodynamic features, submunitions, and depleted uranium (DU) penetrators with minimal damage to munition’s external and internal features. The system developed under this effort must meet the following performance specifications: Stop munitions up to 400 lbs Stop munitions up to 16” in diameter Stop munitions with kinetic energies of 20 MJ at a minimum Must be able to catch and recover up to 10 munitions in a 10 hour period Rugged: • Temperatures from -40 to +140°F • Water and dust proof

PHASE I: Perform a feasibility study in support of the development of a soft catch system for large caliber ammunition which meets the specifications above. Evaluate innovative technologies which may be used to build, integrate the system and leverage existing technologies. Perform trade-off analysis to determine the best approach to the soft catch system, and develop a preliminary design for the system. Metrics: Develop a model of concept design with detailed analysis and predicted performance. Provide modeling and simulation analysis on key components along with limiting factors of the materials to be used.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype system. Demonstrate the system technology and characterize its performance. Metrics: design and develop a prototype based on Phase 1 modeling. Prototype must be able to: Stop munitions up to 400 lbs Stop munitions up to 16” in diameter Stop munitions with kinetic energies of 20 MJ at a minimum Must be able to catch and recover up to 10 munitions in a 10 hour period

PHASE III: The system developed under this topic could be used by other test and training ranges to increase safety and reliability when firing and recovering large caliber ammunition. The system could also be marketed to foreign militaries for use on their training and test ranges.

REFERENCES:

1: Technical Manual 43-0001-28, Army Ammunition Data Sheets

KEYWORDS: Artillery, Large Caliber, Soft Catch, Recovery, Internal Ballistics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a system for turbulence profiling from a laser ground station for propagation to ground, air, and space targets given real-time optical measurements with integrated forecasting capabilities.

DESCRIPTION: The propagation of laser sources through the atmosphere from a ground site is affected considerably by atmospheric turbulence conditions surrounding the laser transmitter, in addition to turbulence conditions aloft. Turbulence conditions are affected by prevailing meteorological conditions in addition to local topography for the laser operating site, or at the target if located on the ground. For airborne targets, the turbulence conditions depend on the drop-off of turbulence with altitude near the ground and wind-shear conditions aloft. Propagation to space targets may involve long paths where inhomogeneous conditions exist over a range of altitudes. For laser propagation paths to ground, air, and space targets, the turbulence profile will determine the properties of atmospheric effects on laser illumination, and the ability to correct of an atmospheric channel with adaptive optics (AO) compensation systems. A system is desired for measuring existing turbulence conditions in the volume surrounding a laser installation site, as well as forecasting turbulence conditions at later times. The system may involve auxiliary sources, sensors, and platforms which work cooperatively with the ground station for turbulence profiling.

PHASE I: Develop new approach or employ existing techniques for turbulence profiling from a ground site to ground, air, and space targets. Quantify the capabilities of the turbulence profiling method through numerical simulations. Illustrate how the measurements may be used to aid turbulence forecasting capabilities. Develop a preliminary design for field testing to be conducted during Phase II.

PHASE II: Using the results from Phase I, develop prototype turbulence profiling hardware for use in field testing. Conduct field tests for ground and air targets out to 10 km range. Devise methods to extend operation ranges for space targets. Demonstrate the turbulence profiling and forecasting capability through field testing at an appropriate laser operating location.

PHASE III: Military laser systems operating at ground sites will be provided environmental turbulence conditions for assessing performance limitations. Optical communication systems may be environmentally adapted for optimized performance given measured or forecast turbulence conditions.

REFERENCES:

1: T.C. Farrell, D.J. Sanchez, P. Kelly, A. Gallegos, W. Gibson, D. Oesch, E.J. Aglubat, A.W. Duchane, D.F. Spendel, T. Brennan, "Characterizing Earth’s Boundary Layer (CEBL)," Proc. OSA, Propagation Through and Characterization of Distributed Volume Turbulence (2014).

KEYWORDS: Communication, Lasers, Meteorology, Sensing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Design and create a tool that automates and optimizes planning and test execution of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning/Deep Learning enabled Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) network and systems.

DESCRIPTION: Recent advances in the areas of artificial intelligence/ machine learning/deep learning (AI/ML/DL) have provided the opportunity to automate time-consuming manual processes in C3I network Test and Evaluations (T&E). Specifically, the incorporation of such things as neural networks and training processes has elevated AI/ML/DL as key innovation areas to improve test planning and reduce validation/verification of test infrastructure prior to test execution. This effort would mature these AI/ML/DL concepts to develop a planning/execution tool to generate a location specific network (system under test) architecture recommendations (based upon number of nodes, topography, Radio Frequency propagation, number of communication hops, etc.). Node locations will ensure that testing of the performance edges are verified (e.g. number of communications hops is selectable 1 – N drives node location). Additionally, this tool will recommend an optimal data collection infrastructure, perform the data collection, analysis and presentation. Real-time performance monitoring, analysis and feedback during test operations will enable improvements to the data collection and test processes. The collected dataset(s) will provide inputs to the AI/ML/DL tool enabling learning and improvement of tool functionality over time. The tool will also provide root-cause analysis for anomalies identified during test, improving use case implementation and execution. The system would follow a Modular, Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to allow T&E of a variety of Army systems. The MOSA approach would also provide extensible AI/DL/ML functions to identify and expand upon critical characteristics of the C3I systems. This tool will enable non-deterministic approach to C3I T&E. This tool must also provide C3I T&E community results expressed in statistical terms for comparison to historical C3I systems performance. Expected uses of the tool outputs are: Descriptive analysis - data aggregation/mining provides insight into what has occurred Predictive analysis – statistical models/forecasting to understand what may occur Prescriptive analysis – optimization/simulation provides course of action recommendation Note: Model validation, learnability, algorithm efficiency and empathy are among the key features of this tool.

PHASE I: Develop a tool design that includes artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) algorithms and concepts, hardware and software specifications, and protocol operation (both internal and external).

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) tool in a realistic environment. Conduct testing to prove feasibility over extended operating conditions.

PHASE III: End-state of this effort is transition of this tool to military Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) programs of record and the commercial market. This tool is envisioned to optimize incorporation and application of artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) capabilities in the decision-making process. This will provide verification and validation of AI/ML/DL algorithms and confidence in the increasing independent autonomy of Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) systems. DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military and civilian Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) applications where equipment and systems must be optimally located - for example, in military exercises/operations or in enhancing critical industrial/commercial operations in congested/convoluted topographical environments.

REFERENCES:

1: "SUMMARY OF THE 2018 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY: Harnessing AI to Advance Our Security and Prosperity". February 12, 2019. Online at https://media.defense.gov/2019/Feb/12/2002088963/-1/-1/1/SUMMARY-OF-DOD-AI-STRATEGY.PDF

KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Test And Evaluation (T&E), Command, Control, Communication And Intelligence (C3I)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Provide comprehensive call completion rate determination during an operational radio test by obtaining objective measures of the voice quality of each call made. This requires instrumenting radios/operators and automatically grading the voice quality and call completion rate.

DESCRIPTION: This effort requires developing instrumentation to collect the voice traffic; harvest, manage, and correlate the voice data; and automatically determine the quality of the received voice traffic to determine call completion rate. The requirement can be subdivided into the following four areas: • Voice Collection: The ability to capture all outgoing and incoming voice calls with minimum to no interference with the radio operator. This requires any appended collection capability to have a very small size and weight while having enough power and data storage to not require battery changes or data harvesting within a 96-hour test window. This collection must capture the voice in a manner that is representative of what the Soldier hears. Collecting voice-over IP (VOIP) traffic will not meet this requirement because it does not address the quality of the system under test microphone or speakers which are key components of effective voice quality. • Voice Data Harvesting and Management: The ability to harvest and manage all collected voice as well as capture key metadata about the voice data (e.g. time collected, location, unit, radio identification, etc.). • Voice Data Correlation: The ability to correlate all outgoing/sent voice calls with their corresponding received calls. A call is considered a single transmission sent/received pair. The metadata collected must be sufficient to perform this correlation of the voice data files. • Voice Scoring: The ability to automatically apply a scoring algorithm to compare the sent with received voice data. An example of a scoring algorithm is the OPTICOM Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis algorithm. The voice scoring algorithm must be adjustable to allow for calibration to a user-determined acceptable level. This would be done by conducting a manual voice quality test and comparing the manual scoring to the automated scoring algorithm result. From this comparison, a pass or fail value would be determined and the voice scoring algorithm would be calibrated to that user-determined acceptable level. Finally, the system will need to generate reports showing call origination and reception over time and call-completion rates over time based on the pass/fail value provided.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a prototype voice collection capability and present how it will be capable of meeting size, weight, and power constraints in an operational environment. Develop a design for voice data harvesting, management, and correlation to allow for voice scoring. Demonstrate a voice scoring algorithm using government-supplied sent/received voice traffic.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype voice collection capability. Develop a prototype voice data harvesting, management, and correlation capability to allow for voice scoring. Implement a prototype voice scoring algorithm and reporting capability.

PHASE III: The end-state of this effort will be to transition and mature this research and prototype capability to deployable test instrumentation for evaluating voice communications during operational testing of new tactical radio systems (e.g. Leader Radio, Manpack). Commercial applications: Conducting voice assessment of customer service call center agents to verify they can be easily understood. Automated assessment of students learning to speak a new language.

REFERENCES:

1: Beerends, John & Schmidmer, Christian & Berger, Jens & Obermann, Matthias & Ullmann, Raphael & Pomy, Joachim & Keyhl, Michael. (2013). Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Assessment (POLQA), The Third Generation ITU-T Standard for End-to-End Speech Quality Measurement Part I-Temporal Alignment. AES: Journal of the Audio Engineering Society. 61. 366-384.

KEYWORDS: Voice Collection, Voice Scoring, Call Completion Rate, Radio, Operational Test, Voice Correlation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop an electrochemical cell capable of 5.0 V operation without capacity fade to support high power/energy demand of situational awareness devices in support of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team (CFT).

DESCRIPTION: Lithium-ion batteries are a ubiquitous solution for portable energy storage for military applications. Their high energy density and recharge-ability at a reasonable cost make them very attractive for use in portable systems such as the centralized power source on the Next Generation Squad Weapon or on the Warfighter to enable the Integrated Visual Augmentation System. However, this chemistry is presently limited to lower voltage operation due to the voltage stability of the cell-level components. Traditional lithium-ion batteries utilize carbonate-based organic electrolytes that degrade at elevated voltages above 4.4 V that result in CO¬2 generation, increased cell impedance, and active material consumption which prevent longevity of the cell. Other liquid electrolyte systems with high voltage stability often fail to achieve a suitable anode SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) to allow for continued cycling without capacity fade. In addition to electrolyte limitations, because selected anode potentials are often already close to the potential of lithium, the voltage of the cell is primarily dictated by cathode potential. Therefore, selection of a suitable cathode is critical to achieving the high voltage targeted by this topic. The C5ISR Center is interested in a cell system of electrolyte and electrodes that yield a high energy, high power 5 V electrochemical energy storage solution. Such a solution will directly apply to Soldier Lethality systems but can be leveraged to meet the demands of the Integrated Tactical Network, radio batteries, or incorporated into a storage component for pulsed power applications. The resultant cell chemistry must perform across a wide temperature range between -30°C and 60°C. The cell must target a specific energy density greater than 400 Wh/kg at C/5 rate or 300 Wh/kg at a 5C rate at the cell level in order to achieve high performance at a battery level. Cell chemistry must demonstrate < 2% irreversible loss (on 3rd cycle at C/5) after 1 month of storage fully charged at 55°C. Considerations must be made to optimize cell efficiency to prevent wasteful charging conditions. The resultant cell must achieve 50% of capacity at -20 °C at C/10 rate.

PHASE I: Investigate various electrolyte/electrode systems to optimize the electrochemical performance at operating voltages at or above 5.0 V. Demonstrate high voltage operation with greater than 150 cycles in a laboratory cell and begin testing across a range of temperatures between -30°C and 60°C with emphasis on low temperature performance. Deliver 10 representative laboratory coin or single-layer pouch cells to C5ISR Center for preliminary electrochemical performance testing.

PHASE II: Refine and optimize the cell-level materials selected in Phase I and develop and deliver prototype cylindrical cells or multi-layer pouch cells to meet target performance requirements in the specified temperature range with rate capability outlined in this topic.

PHASE III: Transition technology to the U.S. Army for packing into a battery system in appropriate physical and electronic configuration. Integrate this technology into portable military devices that require high energy density power sources. Alternatively, integrate this technology into an energy storage component for pulse power applications.

REFERENCES:

1: Chief of Staff of the Army Priority #1

KEYWORDS: Energy Storage, High Energy, Portable Power, High Power, Pulse Power, Soldier Lethality, Future Vertical Lift

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capability intended to enable Warfighters operating in low RF signal power environments (under tree canopy, vehicles, buildings, and other RF challenged areas) based on a network assisted techniques and time transfer but minimizes the utilization of the network. The primary goal is maximizing access to the PNT source (acquisition/tracking) in low RF signal environments; secondary goals are anti-jam, precision accuracy, and integrity.

DESCRIPTION: Prior work has developed and demonstrated Network Assisted GPS; however, there is a concern for the appreciable load for the function on the network required to accomplish the function. At the current time, the PNT ecosystem is growing well beyond just GPS with respect to the number of services, technologies, and users. Under this topic, research will be devoted to the services, the aiding data and sources, a means to support efficient data transport, storage of the data at the receiving side, techniques for signal acquisition/tracking, security concerns, and the system approach to resolve the problem. System trades will be conducted. The metrics that will be examined (not exclusive) will be time to first fix (TTFF), carrier to noise levels (characterizing environments in which the technique[s] are found useful), amount of data bytes required to be sent via the network to accomplish acquisition and continued tracking, efficacy of the aiding with respect to the time since the aiding information was last received, and ability to acquire with sparse information/time accuracy. Secondary goals are anti-jam (J/S), precision accuracy including positioning, velocity, and timing (PVT), and integrity (ability to sense a failure). Investigations will be conducted with regard to the integration of this capability with Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P) and Nett Warrior.

PHASE I: Conduct the trades and analyses necessary to determine the functional system approach. Reduce risk in Phase I through prototyping and/or system modeling. Conclude Phase I with the definition of the Phase II system specification.

PHASE II: Develop, build, and demonstrate a system prototype. Initial concentration of the prototype can be to use just a few PNT services; however, the scalability of the system to include multiple PNT services should be proven. Use cases to be demonstrated are dismounted Soldier’s access to PNT services in forested/jungle, residential, urban, and within buildings (required). Additional use cases are the demonstration of anti-jamming, precision accuracy, and integrity (desired).

PHASE III: The endstate for this topic is that there is potential to scale and continue to grow and support the entire Army (perhaps DOD) PNT ecosystem. Continued development and refinement, system will be further expanded in function to cover additional use cases and environments. In the commercial domain, similar parallels exist, for instance in the cellular network today where users need PNT access virtually anywhere, and as the PNT ecosystem continues to evolve, this system will need to be flexible to incorporate them.

REFERENCES:

1: 1) "Network Assisted GPS … Coming Soon to a Precision Fire Mission Near You!", Paul Manz, US Army, PEO Ammunition, https://asc.army.mil/web/news-network-assisted-gps-coming-soon-to-a-precision-fire-mission-near-you/

KEYWORDS: Positioning, Navigation And Timing (PNT), Assured Positioning, Navigation And Timing (APNT), Network Assisted PNT, Network Assisted GPS, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) PNT Ecosystem

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a Si:CMOS chip that is sensitive to low light applications that demonstrates frame rate throttling based on ambient light level conditions.

DESCRIPTION: Current Si:CMOS low light imaging technology has matured to the point where it is relevant for military missions. However, at the lowest light levels, these sensors still suffer from a lack of photons in the VIS-NIR waveband. For the dismounted Soldier, this can cause a lack of situational awareness in the lowest light conditions (overcast starlight, building interiors, etc.). This topic will address this shortcoming by demonstrating the feasibility of frame rate throttling based on ambient light conditions. Using a Si:CMOS chip that is sensitive to low light conditions, the associated readout integrated circuit (ROIC) should be capable of dynamically changing frame rates based on the amount of available light in order to maximize Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) while avoiding saturation. This should support frame rates from 240 Hz down to 15 Hz based on the light level available and be able to throttle in two frame times or less. Solutions that also provide dynamic pixel area aggregation are preferred, but not required. This would have sufficient resolution for situational awareness applications and would be able to fit on a small UAV or be carried on a helmet. These and other potential applications align closely with the Soldier Lethality Army Modernization Priorities.

PHASE I: The vendor shall show technical feasibility through design, modeling, and analysis. The design shall be optimized to operate in low ambient light conditions. Demonstrate a clear path to achieving manufacturability and to meeting small SWAP-C goals.

PHASE II: Produce the ROIC solution designed in Phase I and integrate into prototype imager system. Accompany the imager on at least one field event to observe frame rate throttling performance.

PHASE III: Refine product developed in Phase II into a Standards Compliant Low Light Level Camera (SCL3C)-type module for integration into military applications. Military applications can include dismounted Soldier and autonomous vehicle mobility. This topic supports SL (e.g., IVAS/Digital Soldier, SBS, Smart Sight, ENVG-B), NGCV (e.g., OMFV, RCV), and FVL (e.g., FARA). Nonmilitary commercialization opportunities would include autonomous navigation and integration into scientific CMOS imaging systems.

REFERENCES:

1. Choi, B.-S, et al. (2017). A Low-power CMOS Image Sensor Based on Variable Frame Rate Operation. Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science. 17. 854-961.

KEYWORDS: LLL, Low Light Level, Imaging, Camera, ROIC, Frame Rate

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Cyber Terrain and Electromagnetic Operating Environment (EMOE) Scenario Generation Toolkit (CTAEMOESGT) software that can generate various real world scenarios/use cases/vignettes. This capability will enhance and aid in planning with the use of simulation Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Tactics Techniques Procedures (TTP) within Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) environment.

DESCRIPTION: Develop a predictive tool that is able to enhance Cyber understanding and increases situational awareness within various types of terrains and Electromagnetic Operating environments. The increased ability shall be flexible enough to acquire various types of data inputs that encompass geolocations, relationship of organizational groups, types of urban and rural infrastructures (such as building structures, roads, and traffic flow of people and vehicles), and electromagnetic spectrum usage. This tool will provide trends and support the tactical and strategic decision making process.

PHASE I: Research and draft a feasibility study in a technical report that includes an approach to develop prototype software with the following considerations: 1) samples of scenarios with tips, hints, checklists, examples; and the specific information needs and justifications within the context of the operational intentions by decision-makers; 2) pre-emptive display of template for creating scenarios based on the selection of the fidelity levels, mission types, and events/scales of operations; 3) accurate identification of persons of interest and their malicious activities via multi-source collection/processing; 4) the mechanisms/features for aiding analysts with automation of template and workflows of intelligence driven scenarios based on requirements of the intelligence needs and mission planning; 5) Common Operational Picture (COP) to exhibit realistic activities and modes of conducts under various urban operational environments within Concepts of Operations (CONOPs); and 6) assessment of the lessons learned via the standard schemas/tools and interface with the selected government models and database together with the user friendly Human Machine Interface (HMI). The events and activities in each scenario should be modeled in generic and extensible modules to support creation of specific details and building of libraries of event/activity portfolio by the users. The models should be realistic and diversified to support pattern and link association for trend analysis. The technical report shall include all findings and technical approaches to develop a software prototype to proceed to Phase II.

PHASE II: Research and develop a prototype software and a technical report that capture and allow operators to simulate realistic and diversified scenarios in an urban environment. The prototype shall be able to predict the capabilities, intentions, and potential actions of persons of interest based on lessons learned and support a Course of Action (COA). The software will generate CEMA information for analysis in a usable format to support automated reasoning and a rationale to the user in order to support a decision. The technical report needs to identify the development findings and outcomes, along with the strengths and limitations for each software model, database, algorithm, and technique that was explored and used. In addition there should be a plan to enhance and transition the capabilities of the technology to a U.S. Army Program of Record.

PHASE III: The software developed in this effort may be leveraged in a broad range of potentially high payoffs for military and civilian applications. The predictive analysis capability will assist the military with decision aids to support U.S. Army Program of Record regarding force protection, mission command, surveillance, maneuverability, and training. The commercial potential could be used in modeling building infrastructures, determining the placement of communication systems, transportation, and industrial security. Overall the modeling and simulation tool would be an asset for short- and long-term planning to recognize and deter threats.

REFERENCES:

1: https://publicintelligence.net/us-army-cema/

KEYWORDS: Cyber Terrain, Electromagnetic Operating Environment (EMOE), Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an advanced target classification algorithm that will allow a ground-based Multi-Mission Radar to discriminate among UAS, manned aircraft, and clutter (i.e., birds, vehicles, ground clutter, etc.) by using signatures, target track characteristics, and other features.

DESCRIPTION: With the emerging threat of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the ARMY is enhancing its ground-based Counter Target Acquisition (CTA) Radars with the ability to detect and track UAS. These ground-based Multi Mission Radars (MMR) are able to detect and track airborne objects, such as rockets, artillery, mortars, UAS, manned aircraft, and clutter (i.e., birds, vehicles, etc.). The MMR radars are currently limited in their ability to accurately discriminate among UAS, manned aircraft, and clutter. Misclassifying targets can cause an incorrect responsive action by U.S. forces in critical situations. Significantly improving the classification accuracy of MMR radars is a high Army priority. The main purpose of this effort is to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a classification algorithm that uses target features to discriminate between UAS, manned aircraft, and clutter with high confidence.

PHASE I: Identify candidate algorithms that address the challenge described in the objective section of this document. Investigate current classifier functionality, develop more suitable parametric models, conduct studies on candidate algorithms (size, power consumption, speed, and complexity, relative to available computer processing resources), investigate high resolution waveforms and the frequency at which they should be scheduled to be effective, and perform laboratory testing on viability of candidate models and algorithms. At end of Phase I, prepare and present a study report to do the following: (1) identify algorithms that improve classification, (2) provide process and schedule for productization into the software baseline, and (3) demonstrate a plan for Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate improvements to classify UAS, manned aircraft, and clutter into target type and sub-type categories using previously collected Radar Data and during Live Test Events at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ utilizing current ground based ARMY radar systems.

PHASE III: Productization of improvements into the software baseline: provide analysis, design updates, implementation support, and systems engineering testing for proposed algorithmic updates developed under Phase I and demonstrated in Phase II. Additionally, update the software and firmware to accommodate the final design and provide the following: software source code and executable files, system/subsystem specification updates, and performance specification document updates. Lastly, prepare lab tests, engineering test plans, and procedures to demonstrate the performance of the algorithms during a test event. Effective deployment of this advanced classifier may serve to enhance the performance of current and future ARMY Air Surveillance and Multi-Mission radar systems such as the AN/TPQ-50 and AN/TPQ-53. Both Programs of Record are funded annually for modernization efforts, commonly referred to as Modernization Development Efforts (MDE), which provide a conduit for the integration of improved hardware and emerging software algorithms. This includes initial design and development efforts, laboratory design, productization into the software baseline, and field testing. The general classifier approach also has applicability in non-military radar systems. The same algorithm improvements planned for DoD Radar Systems can be utilized by FAA radar systems and commercial systems to help with bird strike avoidance and UAS detection around airports.

REFERENCES:

1: Bilik, Igal, Joseph Tabrikian, and Arnon Cohen. "GMM-based target classification for ground surveillance Doppler radar." IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems 42.1 (2006): 267-278.

KEYWORDS: Multi-Mission Radar, Target Classification

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this task is to develop a machine learning technique for Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) radars that will mitigate false alarms caused by windblown foliage and other nonstationary clutter while maintaining the ability to detect slowly-moving ground targets. GMTI radars will typically adapt a Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) threshold and/or form a conventional clutter map system. This clutter map contains the Radar Cross Section (RCS), Doppler bandwidth of the clutter return, the extent of region in which the persistent false alarms occur, and the probability density functions of the clutter data. Radar operators will commonly desensitize particular areas of coverage due to these high false alarms. While this approach will minimize the false alarms caused by dynamic clutter, large portions of the radar coverage area can be desensitized. This desensitization can allow an area to be penetrated by hostile forces. The objective of this topic is to determine whether machine learning techniques are able to differentiate between areas of dynamic clutter that are unoccupied from those that contain ground moving targets. This effort will compare the performance of the machine learning approach versus that of a CFAR / conventional clutter map system as a function of the clutter characteristics (e.g., RCS, Doppler bandwidth, and temporal variability), the target speed, heading, RCS, time required to make an initial detection, and the tracking accuracy.

DESCRIPTION: Airborne and ground-based MTI radars are designed to detect, locate, and track slowly moving targets such as walking dismounts. A critical issue for these radars is persistent false alarms caused by nonstationary clutter such as windblown foliage, moving water, and rotating objects. This effort will design a machine learning technique that will improve radar detection, location, and tracking performance by first using simulation, and then demonstrating the technique on collected radar MTI data. A thorough understanding of both machine learning techniques and the operation and performance of GMTI radar must be demonstrated to successfully perform this effort.

PHASE I: Demonstrate through simulation a viable and robust machine learning technique to mitigation of GMTI radar false alarms. The simulation is expected to use statistical clutter based on user-specified RCS and Doppler bandwidth. Targets are expected to be simulated as constant speed with a user-specified RCS. The developer will compare these simulations against a conventional clutter map approach.

PHASE II: Further develop the machine learning technique to process various dynamic clutter / ground moving target data. Data sets will be provided by the Government or obtained by the performer from any available sources including a customer-owned GMTI radar. The developer will compare these simulations against a conventional clutter map approach.

PHASE III: Work with Army and industry partners to incorporate the machine learning technique within an existing or developmental radar system. The offeror will demonstrate the capability and applicability of the machine learning technique for both government and commercial applications. The offeror will provide a comprehensive commercialization program plan to ensure transition of this technology from military to commercial applications such as perimeter security, border security, or other military or civilian application.

REFERENCES:

1: Skolnik, Merrill. Introduction to Radar Systems. McGraw-Hill Inc, New York, 1992, Pp. 392-395.

KEYWORDS: GMTI Radar, Clutter Suppression, Machine Learning

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Build and demonstrate a Low False Alarm, Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Thru Wall Radar System

DESCRIPTION: U.S. Army requires the tactical capability to quickly detect, locate, and discriminate hidden chambers and people. The automated sensor system must be able to distinguish between a normal space, for example the space between wall studs, and an occupied space to enable the operator to quickly focus their Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) operations. The system needs to operate with various common building materials, including brick, cinder block, concrete, wood, sheet rock, etc. The system needs to be automated, easy to operate, and not require specialized technical training to interpret. The urban Warfighter must be able to increase his/her situational awareness in an expeditious manner. This proposal will enable non-wall contact detection of hidden chambers and personnel. Critically important in sense thru the wall programs is achieval of a low false alarm rate due to complex clutter environments and multi-path. Thru Wall Radar System must be immune to interference (e.g., simple jammers). The radar signals must also be Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Low Probability of Detection (LPD).

PHASE I: Offeror will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of state-of-the-art RF systems and their practical application. Offeror will highlight their understanding of operational parameters facing the dismounted and mounted Soldier, as it relates to thru wall detection, in the modern Army. The Offeror will design a radar system with LPI/LPD characteristics and low false alarm rate.

PHASE II: Design, develop, build, and test a mounted and dismounted RF prototype radar for thru wall applications.

PHASE III: Offeror will work with the Army and industry partners to create a commercialization and manufacturing plan for the system to support fielding by an Army program of record. The Offeror will illustrate a comprehensive commercialization program plan to ensure transition of the technology from military to commercial application.

REFERENCES:

1: Walton, "Ultrawide-band noise radar in the VHF/UHF band" - Jul 1999 · IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

KEYWORDS: Low Probability Of Detection, Low Probability Of Intercept, Anti-Jam, RADAR

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Research and develop a federated identity management software system that leverages techniques to match encrypted biometrics (such as fingerprint, face, iris, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), etc.) data and utilize multiple techniques that encompass biometric template protection. The work will leverage a feature transformation and multi-biometric cryptosystems utilizing secure biometric schemes to create derived biometric templates. This approach will create revocability/renewability and un-linkable identification information that is not directly traced back to the original biometrics, thus increasing data security.

DESCRIPTION: The integrated biometric capabilities across the Joint, Interagency, International, Multinational (JIIM) communities greatly increase overall Identity Activity mission readiness in Biometric Enabled Intelligence (BEI) analysis, in support of theater operations with mission enablers for force protection, intelligence, physical and logical access control, identity management/credentialing, and interception operations. Therefore, there are urgent needs, such as maintaining confidence and strengthening our relationships with international communities by demonstrating a wider array of biometric protection capabilities to partner nations. The overall security of this development will minimize or prevent access to biometric data. In the enrollment stage, biometric data is stored as a reference template in a standard format. The biometric data of the person of interest is transformed (or rather derived) into a candidate biometric template for matching against the reference template and cross-matching templates from different databases. The derived biometric template is designed to reveal little or no information about the original biometrics of an individual. The derived biometric template from the original template should conform to the requirements of irreversibility, revocability/renewability, and un-link-ability. “Irreversibility” emphasizes that it is impossible to generate the original template from a person’s derived biometric template. “Revocability/Renewability” implies the ability of revoking and re-issuing the derived biometric template. “Un-link-ability” prohibits the trace of the multiple derived biometric templates to the same original template. The optimal solution is the federated biometric software system with novel techniques to identify/verify invaluable and irreplaceable identity information within an enterprise environment. To maximize protection, the proposed federated software systems should be able to run application software tools at various local storage of derived biometric templates that use encrypted protection schemes/mechanisms in the multi-biometric cryptosystems.

PHASE I: Research and list various types of technologies associated with the proposed approach to develop a prototype software and a technical report that has the following considerations: 1) leveraging existing technologies and upcoming technical advances that address the technical challenges; 2) provide a detailed description of the problem areas and the associated solutions with full explanation of the proposed disciplines, procedures, techniques, capabilities, and resources; 3) describe the operational constraints, feasibility of each approach, capability, applicability, assumption, and restrictions of the outcomes of the proposed effort; 4) indicate which software architecture and development environment (software tools, interface requirements, specifications of input/output data, etc.) would work optimally in a Windows (laptop and desktop) environment; and 5) list the methods and criteria for the performance measurements. Deliver a technical report on the study findings, algorithms, models, techniques, and software architecture of the proposed software system for the next phase development along with the implementation and evaluation plan of the proposed capabilities.

PHASE II: Research and develop a prototype software and technical report that captures the following focus areas: 1) encrypted-derived biometric templates; 2) multi-biometric cryptosystems; 3) processes of encrypted biometric data via application tools at the local storage level for identification and verification of people of interest; 4) enhancement of models of running multiple application tools at various local databases; and 5) development of scientifically sound methods (metrics, experiments, etc.) to evaluate the overall capability of the software. The technical report shall list the strengths and limitations of all algorithms, software models and techniques, and proposed architectures that were explored.

PHASE III: The techniques and algorithms developed in this effort may be leveraged in a broad range of potentially high payoff military and civilian applications. The prototype system will increase the protection of data and enhance the identification of people of interest. The focus is to transition the development into U.S. Army Programs of Record that support the commander’s decision and increase situational awareness. In addition to supporting not only military and other government agencies to identify, track, and reunite civilian populations during Security, Stability, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. Law enforcement agencies and private companies will have the capability to enhance their security and protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data.

REFERENCES:

1: https://medium.com/syncedreview/federated-learning-the-future-of-distributed-machine-learning-eec95242d897

KEYWORDS: Federated Identity Management, Irreversibility, Revocability/renewability, And Un-link-ability

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop approaches for AiTR that advance the state-of-the-art for specific military applications, sensors, and operating conditions.

DESCRIPTION: In recent years the research area of computer vision, a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has received significant attention and investments from both commercial and Department of Defense (DoD) sources. The principal trend has been to use deep learning-based approaches to automate both feature generation and object classification. While this approach has many advantages, especially in commercial applications, it has many disadvantages and limitations in DoD problem spaces. This is due largely to dynamic and unpredictable operating environments, uncooperative targets (e.g., partially concealed or in tree lines), and of course a shortage of data relevant to the problem space. The Army desires innovative approaches for improving performance, robustness, and/or training efficiencies for Army AiTR systems. Possible improvements could be, but are not limited to the following: • Improved probability of detection and false-alarm rates for AiTR algorithms against Army relevant targets with infrared (IR) imagery • Approaches to train algorithms using reduced amounts of data (e.g., transfer learning, synthetic data) • Manually created features that perform as good, or better, to deep learning automated features against Army relevant targets with IR imagery • Algorithm improvements to increase robustness to unpredictable and untrained on environments and backgrounds • Methods to quickly update a trained algorithm to a new target of interest without requiring the algorithm to retrain on previous target data Solutions proposed to this topic should describe an innovative and novel approach to current state-of-the-art AiTR algorithms. The proposal should explicitly describe the innovative aspect of the proposed solution and specify how and why this innovation is helpful to the Army AiTR mission. Where possible provide quantitative metrics.

PHASE I: The proposer shall complete a proof-of-concept AiTR algorithm. This proof-of-concept shall demonstrate the proposed solution and the improvement it provides against the current state-of-the-art. For this phase the proposer shall use their own data. Government Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will evaluate the proposer's design and results to determine utility against Army problem sets.

PHASE II: In Phase 2 the proposer will be provided IR data against targets and environments relevant to Army operations. During this phase the proposer will mature the AiTR approach to a TRL 6 level. In this phase the proposer shall evaluate improvements provided by this solution over current state-of-the-art commercial approaches. Army SMEs will evaluate the final solution against an Army sequestered dataset to determine improvements over current Army approaches.

PHASE III: Transition the developed approach to Army programs of record (PORs) and Army Futures Command (AFC) Cross Functional Teams (CFTs). In this phase the algorithms will be integrated into on-board processing hardware and platform software systems. Additional maturation of the algorithms using actual platform sensor data will take place.

REFERENCES:

1: Haykin, S., [Neural Networks and Learning Machines], Pearson Education, Inc., (2009)

KEYWORDS: ATR, AiTR, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Image Processing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an innovative optical element with broadband color correction with applicability in the MWIR (3-5 micrometer) or LWIR (8-12 micrometer) wavebands. The element should be capable of meeting high optical performance using flat surfaces on a thin (<1 mm) substrate with sub-wavelength or super-wavelength sized features formed on the surface.

DESCRIPTION: As the Army continues to develop focal plane array (FPA) technology, it moves in either the direction of smaller, lighter electronics or larger formats and therefore physical size. In the first instance, these FPAs can be utilized by the Warfighter as situational awareness devices in conjunction with lightweight personal drones. Their performance in this application can be limited by the optics required to form an image onto the FPA. Conventional optics exceed the SWAP payloads these extremely small devices are able to accommodate and the system’s full potential will remain unrealized. In the second case, FPA sizes grow and the optics required for them also grow proportionally. The larger FPAs with greater pixel counts can enhance the situational awareness, survivability, and lethality of the Warfighter. However, the larger optics required and the weight associated can put a strain on the Soldier and decrease their ability to accomplish their mission. Innovative technologies have appeared that allow for novel optical elements that can be on flat substrates of less than a millimeter thickness. The elements, alone or paired with another flat planar optic or a conventional optical element, will allow for very lightweight optics that maintain a high level of optical performance. The technologies that allow for this are features on the scale of the wavelength of light (sub-wavelength or super-wavelength) that can be formed on the surface of the substrate using photolithography or similar techniques as well as increased computing power and sophisticated software to allow for the design and optimization of these features. As the technology development organization for the Army’s FPA and IR camera programs, the U.S. Army CCDC C5ISR Center NVESD provides research, development, and engineering support to programs such as Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), Soldier Borne Sensors (SBS), and Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG). In this role, C5ISR Center NVESD is seeking to partner with a small business to develop optical elements that can focus broadband wavelengths with an element that has a thickness of less than 1 mm. Wavebands of particular interest to the Army are the SWIR (1-2 micrometers), MWIR (3-5 micrometers) and, particularly in the short term, LWIR (8-12 micrometers). To support uncooled operation, these lenses will require diffraction-limited or near diffraction-limited performance at low f-numbers (F/0.9 to F/1.2) with high efficiency (>80%) across the waveband.

PHASE I: Identify the key parameters and requirements associated with military optical systems. Conduct initial studies and design effort related to producing a planar lens on an appropriate substrate for MWIR or LWIR wavebands. Determine necessary equipment and manufacturing process to fabricate planar optical elements. Produce initial proof-of-concept lenses using the design and manufacturing processes to show viable path to meeting Army program requirements.

PHASE II: Produce planar optical elements on appropriate substrate. Demonstrate diffraction-limited or near diffraction-limited optical performance across a large waveband with high-efficiency at a low f-number. Demonstrate ability to maintain performance across a 30 to 50 degree horizontal field of view. Subject planar optical elements to necessary environmental tests, such as temperature, to show applicability to military systems. Demonstrate path to manufacturing planar optical elements at production quantities. Deliver prototype lenses to C5ISR Center NVESD for further testing and application.

PHASE III: Design and manufacture planar optics applicable to specific Army programs. Most likely applications for insertion include Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS), a handheld drone for squad level airborne recon and surveillance, Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), an augmented reality system for individual Soldiers, Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG), night vision goggles with LWIR camera imagery overlaid, or miniature cameras for covert persistent surveillance. Dual-use applications for planar lenses include any application where thermal cameras are used. Potential applications include law enforcement, fire-fighting, hunting, and paranormal research.

REFERENCES:

1: N. Mohammad, M. Meem, B. Shen and R. Menon, "Broadband imaging with one planar diffractive lens," arXiv:1712.09179 [physics.optics]

KEYWORDS: Optics, Planar Optics, Metalenses, IR Lenses, Diffractive Optics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deliver optical elements that minimize reflection and improve light transmission by the additive fabrication of nanostructured arrays. The fabrication of ANA should include growth methods for IR lensing materials including Ge, ZnS, GaAs, and CaF2.

DESCRIPTION: U.S. Army sensor systems are complex optical instrumentation with rigorous requirements related to their function and operational environments. These requirements lead to very complex optical designs, particularly for imaging systems in the inferred operating at broadbands such as 3-12 µm. For complex systems with many optical elements, it is imperative to reduce unwanted reflections and maximize transmission to the focal plane array. A promising method of reducing reflection is an array of subwavelength features on the surface of an optical element. These features effectively create a gradient refractive index reducing reflection leading to higher transmission. This method is inspired by nature and is often referred to as a “moth eye coating” and has many advantages over other means of AR coatings, including being broadband, omnidirectional, and polarization-insensitive. The Army desires methods of creating additive nanostructured arrays on IR lensing materials. These methods should effectively grow crystals of the substrate lens material at a high aspect ratio perpendicular to the surface to create the desired anti-reflective effect. These methods can include but are not limited to colloidal growth and chemical vapor deposition. Proposed methods should limit lithography and etching methods. A method is required for each of the IR lensing materials, Ge, ZnS, GaAs, and CaF2, with the resulting ANA reducing reflection to below 1% in the 3-12 µm band at incident angles of up to 60°. The method should be able to accommodate substrates from 12-155 mm in diameter and with a curvature of twice the radius. The high-rate production should not significantly increase the cost of optical elements and should be able to be applied to uncoated COTs lens. Successful ANA AR strategies will be supported and implemented through the appropriate Army Cross-Functional Teams and Program Offices. This topic would have particular benefit to the 3rd Gen FLIR Program of Record and its support to the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team (NGCV CFT).

PHASE I: The proposer shall complete an exhaustive literature search and report to the Army experimental strategies for fabrication of ANA for each of the IR lensing materials. The report shall also include design parameters for the ANA that will make effective AR coatings. These conclusions should be supported by modeling efforts and peer-reviewed literature.

PHASE II: Using the results of Phase I, fabricate and deliver a flat and cured examples of all the IR lensing materials for Army evaluation. Each method of ANA manufacture should be well documented and the resulting features thoroughly characterized. Examples of each will be subject to the Army environmental and durability testing procedures.

PHASE III: Transition applicable techniques and processes to a production environment with the support of an industry partner if needed. Finalize a methodology production for elements with appropriate performance metrics. Determine the best integration path as a capability upgrade to existing or future systems. Commercially, this technology will be widely applied in devices in the telecommunications and aerospace industries.

REFERENCES:

1: Boehme, M.

2: Ensinger, W. "From Nanowheat to Nanograss: A Preparation Method to Achieve Free Standing Nanostructures Having a High Length/Diameter Aspect Ratio" Advanced Engineering Materials 2011. 13, 373. DOI 10.1002/adem.201000346

KEYWORDS: Optics, Anti-Reflective Coating, Infrared Sensor

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deliver optical elements that will independently repair damage. The self-healing optics should be capable of returning to their originally manufactured performance after receiving either physical or laser damage. The repair mechanism should be initiated by the damage and require no human triggering and be completed within seconds.

DESCRIPTION: U.S. Army sensor systems consist of the most advanced technology available and are routinely subjected to extreme environments including heat, cold, sand/dust, high winds, and intense lasers which can result in their damage. It is a burden upon the Army in terms of materiel and labor to replace these elements but an even greater threat is the tactical disadvantage of a system becoming inoperable during maneuvers. The Army desires a method of creating self-healing optics that can be applied to its sensor systems. The self-healing mechanism can be implemented in either of two ways: as a coating that can be applied to existing optics or as the development of a new material suitable in high-performance optical elements including mirrors and lenses. Self-healing coatings or materials should be designed to be as broadband as possible, including as much of the 0.2-20 µm spectrum as possible. The self-healing capability should repair damage up to 0.5 mm deep from the elements surface within 2 seconds. Self-healing elements should be able to span sizes from 12-155 mm in diameter. The functional lifetime of an element should exceed 5 years or 10,000 damage repairs before a 2% degradation in performance. The high rate production should not significantly increase the cost of optical elements and total cost of an element should be below $1 per mm2. Unrequired features of interest include compatibility with anti-reflective nanostructured array coatings, greater than 95% reflective mirrors in the 3-10µm band, and mirrors with tunable laser damage thresholds. Successful self-healing strategies will be supported and implement through the appropriate Army Cross-Functional Teams and Program Offices. This technology would be particularly useful for the NGCV and FVL CFTs due to the stressing environments that exposed optics encounter as these vehicles traverse dust, smoke, dirt, fog, soot, rain, etc.

PHASE I: The proposer shall complete a conceptual design of a self-healing system for effectiveness against physical and laser damage and demonstrate experimental proof of principle.

PHASE II: Using the results of Phase I, fabricate and deliver a fully functioning prototype meeting the performance metrics. The prototype should meet all the requirements for TRL 5: “basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment,” and be on the way to meeting TRL 6: “prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment.” At the end of Phase II, the selection and demonstrated implantation of this technology into an Army system is desired.

PHASE III: Transition applicable techniques and processes to a production environment with the support of an industry partner if needed. Finalize a methodology production for elements with appropriate performance metrics. Determine the best integration path as a capability upgrade to existing or future systems. Commercially, this technology will be widely applied in devices such as cell phone screens, eyeglasses, sporting optics, and automotive glass.

REFERENCES:

1: Smimov, E. et al. "Self-healing gold mirrors and filters at liquid–liquid interfaces" Nanoscale 2016. 8, 7723 DOI:10.1039/C6NR00371K

KEYWORDS: Self-Healing, Optics, Laser Damage

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this effort is to investigate, develop, and fabricate a scalable, modular, highly energy dense, smart battery solution set comprised of an energy storage source (6T format) with an embedded battery manager and inverter subsystem. Successful execution of this effort will result in benchmark reliability and operational flexibility characteristics critical to Soldier, robotic enablers, and remote system (weapons and communications) applications in support of Soldier Lethality, Network, and Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) CFTs.

DESCRIPTION: To ensure successful outcomes in the tactical battlespace, all operations require the capability of, and reliability from, electrical power. Therefore, to enable and support the initial phases of offensive and defensive tasks, Soldiers typically use a hybrid power/energy configuration comprised of portable batteries, renewable power supplies, low-voltage generator sets, and the associated hardware to support electro-mechanical interfaces. While a viable approach, it is not always practical in terms of the operational compatibility of a given battery chemistry within varying tactical environments, of the functional interfaces between the battery and inverter, and of Soldier carry, mobility, and ease of use. Commonly available low-voltage COTS batteries may not be immediately suitable for use in certain tactical environments or applications. Energy inefficiency, parasitic power loss, and thermal management issues can arise if the power electronic inverters, battery management system, and selected battery chemistry are incompatible. Finally available COTS inverters are not designed to handle the impact of nonlinear loads and are many times too large and heavy for tactical applications. To take advantage of a true hybrid power and energy solution, the Army seeks a Soldier portable (lift/carry) smart battery with an embedded battery manager and inverter subsystem for tactical applications in a multi-domain operating space. Solutions sought shall be modular and scalable to support operations requiring 2 to 5 kW. Final results shall enable a less complex system configuration with minimal to no interface hardware.

PHASE I: Develop conceptual component, subsystem, and system-level scalable (2 – 5 kW) / modular smart battery with embedded inverter and battery manager design in accordance with the following metrics. Battery: • COTS Li Ion – 6T format • 24 V module w/programmable DC or AC output Embedded Inverter: • Scalable serial connection: 24 V increments • Parallel connection: to enable multiple battery • Variable DC voltage: 3.6 - 48 VDC, • Fixed AC: 1-Phase: 120 VAC • Fixed AC: 3-Phase – 120/208 VAC • Variable AC frequency: 50 and 60 switch selectable Battery Management: Cell-level voltage, cell temp, and SoC monitoring; module/string voltage and current; failure isolation Communication Interface: ModBUS TCP/IP; CANbus with progression to TMS as it becomes available Transport: Ability to be safely transported by commercial and military vehicles and aircraft Results of Phase I shall support battery selection and its integration with the appropriate battery management system and inverter circuitry to realize a scalable, modular hybrid intelligent battery system design for execution in Phase II. Phase I discussions and design should include the following elements: a. Narrative and graphical depiction of the design b. Projected physical attributes c. Projected performance metrics d. Identification of the Technology Readiness Level of the technology

PHASE II: Design and develop a fully integrated proof-of-concept Energy Storage System with an Embedded Battery Management and Inverter Subsystem based on the Phase I results. Integrate and demonstrate operation and function with the Army 2 kW GenSet. Conduct operational/functional tests to confirm performance. Provide an interface design to support the subsequent scaling to outputs commensurate with integration/interface onto Soldier, robotic enablers, and remote weapon/communication platforms.

PHASE III: Finalize development of a modular Energy Storage System with an Embedded Battery Management and Inverter Subsystem. Identify target markets for the system and an industry partner for production of the system. Determine feasibility of teaming with a battery OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for development of an Advanced Technology Demonstrator. Develop partnerships with individual companies and Platform PMs (such as PM-E2S2 and PM-SWAR) for rapid fielding of results into the STEP procurement effort by FY25 and the Network and NGCV demonstrations for FY24.

REFERENCES:

1: 39th Chief of Staff of the Army’s Modernization Priorities #1

KEYWORDS: Energy Storage, Embedded BMS And Inverter, Soldier Lethality, Next Generation Combat Vehicle – Robotic Enablers, Portable, Tactically Compatible

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this effort is to develop and integrate a small, lightweight JP-8 fuel burning engine into a power generation system capable of providing a variable output of 2 to 5 kW of full continuous power at 4000’ 95oF. Successful execution of this effort will result in benchmark mobility (portability), reliability, and survivability characteristics critical to Soldier, unattended ground sensors (UGS), and remote system (weapons and communications) applications in support of the Soldier Lethality CFT. Successful results can also be leveraged to support power requirements for Network and Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) priorities.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has a great need for highly power dense (< 120 lbs), variable output JP-8 fuel burning power generation systems in the < 5 kW range to enable unmanned ground sensors and Soldier systems and operate remote weapons and communication systems. However, there are numerous difficult, technical challenges with the use of heavy fuel in conventional, small engines. Since the ‘90s, the Army has pursued various solution paths to realize a versatile power source that is man-portable and operationally and functionally compatible within the tactical environment. In the less than 9 hp range, gas turbines become extremely inefficient, and IC engines have difficulty burning JP-8. Small IC engines run at high speeds and have very short “strokes” in their power producing process, making efficient diesel combustion difficult. To address issues with fuel atomization and the injection/burning process, the Army invested in two approaches. Investments focused on the development of external combustion engine concepts (such as the Stirling cycle), but at the cost of increased mass and weight and reduced power density. The Army also invested in the adaptation and scaling down in size of reformers, high pressure pumps, and atomizing nozzles to realize fuel processors that enabled the combustion of JP-8 fuel within an existing small sized gasoline engine. This came at a cost of reduced operational environments and power quality, starting difficulties, severe engine derating, and unknown potential long-term maintenance issues. This solicitation seeks 1) innovative concepts to efficiently atomize/vaporize unmodified (no additives) JP-8 fuel, per the Army’s One Fuel Forward Policy 2) engine configurations that allow for longer burn times 3) external burning concepts combined with cycles other than the Stirling cycle Note: Spark ignition and gas turbine engines are also explicitly excluded from this solicitation. The proposed variable speed engine must be fuel-efficient, power-dense, and able to readily burn unmodified heavy fuel (JP-8).

PHASE I: This effort will include the use of a model/simulation tool to evaluate alternative electromechanical and hybrid prime mover technologies to include emerging novel rotary diesels, fuel cells, etc. which can be integrated into a system configuration to generate a variable output of 2 to 5 kW of tactical electric power for Soldier, UGS, and remote applications. The function and operation of a given prime mover will be evaluated to determine its mechanical and electrical response under various loading conditions, control inputs, and environments. The effort will yield a proof-of-concept variable output power system based on emerging engine technology selected for its operational / functional suitability within a tactical environment. Develop conceptual component, subsystem, and system-level design in accordance with the following metrics: • Fuel: JP-8, • Output: 2 – 5 kW continuous output up to 4000’, 95 F • Signature: < 70 dBA at 7 m; < 60 dBA at 0.9m • Environment: full-spectrum military environment (AR70-38 temperature extremes, MIL-STD-810 shock & vibration, sand & dust, humidity, blowing rain) • Transport: Ability to be safely transported by commercial and military vehicles and aircraft Results of Phase I shall support engine selection and its integration with optimal combinations power systems components / subsystems to realize a variable output (2-5 kW) power system design for execution in Phase II. Phase I discussions and design should include the following elements: a. Narrative and graphical depiction of the design b. Projected physical attributes (power density, energy density) c. Projected performance metrics (fuel consumption, power output, etc.) d. Identification of the Technology Readiness Level of the technology

PHASE II: Design, develop, and demonstrate a proof-of-concept variable output (2 – 5 kW) power source based on the Phase I results and provide an interface design to support the subsequent integration/interface with Soldier, UGS, and remote weapon/communication platforms.

PHASE III: Finalize development of a variable output 2 – 5 kW power system. Identify target markets for the system and an industry partner for production of the system. Determine feasibility of teaming with a generator set OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for development of an Advanced Technology Demonstrator. Develop partnerships with individual companies and Platform PMs (such as PM-E2S2 and PM-SWAR) for rapid fielding of results into the Small Tactical Electric Power Program (STEP) by FY25.

REFERENCES:

1: US EPA, 2003, Proposed Tier 4 Emissions Standards, EPA Document Number EPA420-F-03-008, http://www.epa.gov/nonroad/f03008.htm#q2

KEYWORDS: Variable Output Generator Set, Man-portable Power, Soldier Lethality, Remote Weapons/communication System Power, UGS Power, Integrated Tactical Network

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate ability to track small arms ammunition projectiles in real time from the platform point of origin to point of impact, using passive or active imaging techniques with any associated algorithms and/or image processing, with an objective to improve Soldier Lethality and eliminate or reduce the need for tracer rounds.

DESCRIPTION: Using weapon-mounted, or close proximity, video from standard or specialty imagers in a variety of wavebands, determine the best method for tracking small arms ammunition projectiles from the weapon point of origin, in flight, to their impact point. Approaches may use passive or actively illuminated techniques, and may include bullet modifications, for both day and night applications with potential to correct or adjust reticule aim point. All techniques will be subject to size, weight, power, and cost concerns associated with Army fielding and Dismounted Soldier requirements.

PHASE I: Phase I investigates advantages and disadvantages of approaches and techniques to imaging and/or tracking small arms projectiles in flight, from origin point at weapon to include impact point, with specific imager selections and imaging modalities. Approaches may include passive or active illumination, with image processing, for both day and night applications. While techniques using existing ammunition are desired, approaches may also include modifications to the projectile itself, but the modifications must be compatible with the cost and manufacturing of small arms ammunition. Radiometric/photometric analysis, with signal to noise ratios, should be included to indicate compatibility of bullet tracking capability with selected Electro Optic imagers and various backgrounds in support of recommended solution space.

PHASE II: Phase II develops and integrates a brass board prototype system for data collections and determination of viability for selected techniques.

PHASE III: Phase III determines potential applicability to law enforcement and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), while developing and integrating a prototype system for demonstration. Size, Weight, Power, and Cost will be the focus of final system design, with further emphasis on ease of user operation.

REFERENCES:

1: Austin A. Richards and David M. Risdall "Passive thermal imaging of bullets in flight", Proc. SPIE, vol. 5405, p. 258-263 (2004).

KEYWORDS: Small Arms, Bullet Tracking, Tracer, Active Imaging, Image Processing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design and fabricate a dual-band relay imager lens assembly which leverages newly discovered infrared material, Calcium Lanthanum Sulphide (CLS), and/or a curved focal plane array (FPA). The relay imager lens assembly should demonstrate the impact of CLS or a curved FPA on overall size, weight, number of elements, and performance.

DESCRIPTION: The Army is acquiring dual-band FLIR thermal imaging systems for use on airborne platforms and ground-based platforms wherein the optics image both the MWIR and LWIR infrared spectrums. This includes the 3rd Gen FLIR Program of Record that supports the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Cross Functional Team (CFT). There are a limited number of materials which transmit both the MWIR and LWIR. Dual-band optical elements must correct aberrations to ensure all desired rays entering the optical assembly image correctly onto the focal plane. Of those aberrations, chromatic aberration contributes the most to the optical blur observed on the FPA. Chromatic aberration is a wavelength-dependent aberration where each wavelength focuses to a different location. Lens materials with complementary chromatic dispersions, i.e., change in index of refraction versus wavelength, are needed to correct for chromatic aberration in dual-band systems. While existing optics demonstrate the capability of achieving high performance in dual-band sensors, the number of optical surfaces needed to establish such performance is also high because the available materials do not possess the ideal dispersion relationships. The number of elements in an optical system impacts the transmission of the assembly. Each optical element will attenuate the energy impinging on the focal plane, thus limiting the system range performance. In addition, these elements contribute to the assemblies' overall weight, size, and cost. Recently NVESD has discovered that the optical properties of Calcium Lanthanum Sulphide (CLS) may be well-suited for use in dual-band sensors. Introducing CLS or a curved focal plane into the imaging system may reduce the number of elements required to meet diffraction-limited optical performance. Because of the limited number of materials which transmit in the MWIR and LWIR, the new CLS material properties may directly reduce the chromatic aberration in the optical system. Furthermore, a curved focal plane could aid in aberration correction by defining a field dependent focus location. Research of optical designs that take advantage of the new material and curved focal plane architectures is required to identify optimal forms which meet sensor needs. The following table of first-order parameters represents a typical system level requirement: Focal length 94.4mm Entrance pupil location (ref L1) 35mm Entrance pupil diameter 39.1mm Waveband 3.5-5um & 7.6-10um Total length 94.5mm Cold stop diameter 10.4mm Cold stop height 25.15mm Image plane diagonal format 17.62mm Distortion (f tan(theta)) <3% Table 1.1 First Order Optical Parameters

PHASE I: Perform trade studies and develop optical designs using CLS material and curved focal planes for re-imaging optics per Table 1.1. Trade analysis shall address issues of reducing lens count, ease of fabrication, athermalization, total optical transmission, and minimization of “Narcissus” back-reflections assuming a cryogenic dewar around the cold stop. Size, weight, and cost shall also be criteria for evaluating best possible design options. The design forms shall assume simple aluminum housings, and passive athermalization techniques using materials with differing coefficients of thermal expansion may be considered. Optical elements near the intermediate image plane shall avoid beam footprint diameters less than 1 mm. Designs shall have diffraction-limited performance across most of the image plane footprint. The results of these efforts shall be documented in a deliverable electronic format final report.

PHASE II: Using the results of Phase I, choose the best design approach for proceeding to fabrication and test of a “proof of design” demonstrator hardware optical system. Execute prototype fabrication and deliver the assembly to the government. A test plan shall be developed and executed in this phase to confirm performance and assess compliance with designed performance parameters. In addition, the offeror shall determine a path for hardware fabrication to include identifying material vendors, coating shops, and component integrators. The Government does not intend to provide a focal plane dewar assembly; therefore, commercially available prodcts may be considered for test & demonstration purposes. Deliver a final report containing final as-built design and test information.

PHASE III: Transition applicable techniques, processes, and material sources of supply to a production environment with the support of an industry partner if needed. Finalize a sensor design with appropriate SWAP-C and form factor based on human factors and operational testing. Determine the best integration path as a capability upgrade to existing or future systems, including firmware and interfaces required to meet sensor interoperability protocols for integration into candidate systems as identified by the Army. This topic supports NGCV (e.g., OMFV, RCV) through the 3rd Gen FLIR POR and FVL (e.g., FARA, and any combined pilotage + ASE missions such as DDUS).

REFERENCES:

1: Gentilman, R. L. (1988). Calcium Lanthanum Sulfide as a Long Wavelength IR Material. SPIE, 929, 57th ser., 57-64

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Optics, Imaging, Lens, Thermal

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The U.S. Army requests algorithms to automatically detect people that pose a threat to Warfighters or civilians from real-time images acquired by passive cameras operating in mid-wave, long-wave and visible bands. Indictors of a threat situation are complex and may include scenarios where a person carries a visually identifiable weapon or a military equipment or a person abandons a bag in a crowded space. The proposed algorithm shall detect, recognize, and identify threat-level of personnel from sensor images.

DESCRIPTION: In combat, a Soldier needs to visually scan the battlefield quickly and detect, recognize, and identify threats. The accuracy and the speed of detection, recognition, and identification are of critical importance to the Soldier’s ability to make tactical decisions. Computer vision algorithms can perform threat detection from visual data with speed unmatched by a human, and can therefore greatly aid the Warfighter on the battlefield by cueing the Soldier. In a military setting, optical or infrared cameras can be worn on a Soldier or mounted on a vehicle to provide real-time data. In the civilian world, there exists an urgent need to detect persons with an intent to harm from surveillance videos to protect public safety. During recent mass shooting events such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL in Feb. 2018 and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, PA in Oct. 2018, the shooter in each event carried at least one visually identifiable weapon as he left his vehicle and walked to the building where the shooting took place. Algorithms designed to detect and recognize a person who carries a weapon from live surveillance video could mean earlier notification of the threat situation to the authorities and potentially stopping the person before the crime can be carried out. Detection refers to an algorithm’s ability to distinguish the object of interest from background elements of the scene. The object may occupy few pixels when it is located at large distances. At this distance there may not be enough information to confirm what the object is. Recognition refers the algorithm’s ability to determine the object’s class. In this case class refers to person or non-person labels. Identification refers to an algorithm's ability to differentiate between objects within a class, for example, identifying whether the person is a Soldier or a civilian, is the person armed or unarmed, and is the armed person carrying a large or small weapon. In addition, algorithms provide contextual information about a person: is the person with a group, is the person waiting idly, walking, or running and at which speed and orientation. All of these elements inform a Soldier of the threat level of the detected object. Algorithms developed for personnel detection and threat determination should address the complexity of the scenes in real-life scenarios. Threat targets may be occluded partially or fully from the sensor’s field of view by clutter sources such as trees, buildings, bright light, or moving crowds intermittently in time. Target visibility may also vary based on environmental factors such as lighting and time of the day. Training and testing data shall be collected to mimic scenes in which a person acts dangerously according to threat definitions. The algorithms shall provide accurate detection and low false positives on targets who fit these threat definitions.

PHASE I: The performer shall conduct a trade study of existing algorithms for personnel detection and threat determination using passive sensors. They shall collect preliminary data in at least two threat scenarios, urban and natural. This data shall be used to demonstrate algorithms and show a capability to identify threats (i.e., armed individuals) from non-threats.

PHASE II: The performer shall further develop algorithms that detect, recognize, and identify personnel that pose a threat. These algorithms shall be applied to additional scenario data collected by the performer and Government. The new scenarios shall have greater complexity, occlusions, and clutter. These scenarios should include realistic urban scenes that include urban objects and street level activities typical of this environment, e.g., unarmed civilians and commercial vehicles. The rural environments will assume a larger field of view with fewer pixels on target; implicit in this environment is vegetation ranging in scale from grass and shrubs up through forests. In both scenarios, the scenes shall include static and dynamic clutter that represent bystander human and non-human activity. The performer shall quantify detection results in terms of detection probability and false positive probability and confusion matrices.

PHASE III: Further develop demonstrator algorithms to meet detection performance target set by the Army. Demonstrate real-time feasibility of demonstrator algorithms. Field the demonstrator algorithms on a system of cameras. Implement the algorithm on field hardware in scenarios similar to those previously described.

REFERENCES:

1: Mahajan, R., & Padha, D. (2019, May). Detection Of Concealed Weapons Using Image Processing Techniques: A Review. In 2018 First International Conference on Secure Cyber Computing and Communication (ICSCCC) (pp. 375-378). IEEE

KEYWORDS: Target Detection And Recognition, Image Processing, Public Security, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Sensor Fusion, Information Processing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deliver prototype hardware capable of beam steering a laser designator on moving targets during typical handheld operations when coupled to a sighting optic.

DESCRIPTION: Ground designation events are typically static scenarios (non-moving targets; designators on stable platforms). This type of scenario increases carry weight (stable tripod) and restricts Concepts of Operations (ConOps). However, munition platforms are capable of flight corrections during designation events for a period of time up to terminal guidance. In order to capitalize on the munitions capability, technology must be developed to not only stabilize the beam but lock and track moving targets as well. The Army desires a device that can be paired with an appropriate see-spot (images the laser energy) camera, track and designate a target (4.6 m^2) moving >35 kpm at 3 km (Threshold) or >45 kpm at 5 km (Objective) for >30 seconds under typical User hand motion. The overall designator portion of the development, to include batteries, shall be <3.25 lbs, <100 in^3, and <15 W Steady State, >30 mJ output energy (3 km range) or >50 mJ output energy (5 km range). The device must also produce visual indicators to the operator pertaining to the limits of beam steering travel. Full rate production costs should be <$30k. In addition, the system shall utilize the statistical Effective Designator Range equation (EDR95) in order to deduce the appropriate beam divergence and designator jitter appropriate for the application. This equation can be provided once under contract if necessary. This device would support primarily the Long Range Precision Fires CFT by providing increased standoff distance to aircraft/munition platforms by providing Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) greater “fire and forget” capability against mobile threats. The expanded ability for guiding LGBs from the ground provide improved Multi-Domain Operations, with a tactical, layered approach possible when encountering a more mobile adversary. In addition, this effort directly supports the Lethality CFT as well by increasing Lethality (expanded Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures [TTPs] across air and sea assets), Mobility (less required equipment; less weight), and Protection (expanded direct overwatch).

PHASE I: The proposer shall provide a complete prototype design. An approximate bill of materials should be provided as part of the design, including necessary components, power, and cost; this bill of materials shall be refined in Phase II. A complete and thorough understanding of the algorithms necessary, if any, to make the sensor successful shall be demonstrated. Rigorous modeling and data collection shall be performed to estimate system performance to include handheld motion, minimum SWaP (size, weight, and power) beam steering mechanisms, appropriate camera pairing for resolution and frame rates, etc.

PHASE II: Using the results of Phase I, fabricate and deliver a fully integrated prototype meeting SWaP and performance goals. Prototype should meet all requirements for TRL 5: “basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment,” and be on the way to meeting TRL 6: “prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment.”

PHASE III: Transition applicable techniques and processes to a production environment with the support of an industry partner if needed. Finalize a sensor design with appropriate SWAP-C and form factor based on human factors testing. Determine the best integration path as a capability upgrade to existing or future systems, including firmware and interfaces required to meet sensor interoperability protocols for integration into candidate systems as identified by the Army. Commercially, this could be used as part of a laser deterrent system for border patrol or police force when used with different laser wavelengths.

REFERENCES:

1: Joint Chiefs of Staff, April 2019, Joint Fire Support - https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp3_09.pdf

KEYWORDS: Laser Designation, Forward Observer, Terminal Guidance, Missile Seeker

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Investigate and demonstrate an algorithmic approach to achieve cooperation and coordinated activity by a decentralized group of electronic warfare (EW) actors within a disconnected, intermittent, limited bandwidth (DIL) environment.

DESCRIPTION: Future operations within highly contested environments will drive the need for networks of systems able to rapidly adapt and respond to changing conditions, such as distributed EW systems for platform survivability. The intent is to field the EW systems onto Air Launched Effects (ALE) aerial vehicles, to enhance the capability of future aviation platforms to achieve dis-integrating effects through operating as a team with other manned and unmanned platforms to penetrate into the Deep Maneuver Area. The desired EW payload capabilities of the ALE include decoy and disruptive radio frequency electronic attack as well as passive and active threat detect, identify, locate, and report (DILR) electronic support. In order to accomplish these diverse missions within the Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2AD) environment, it is expected that these capabilities may reside on multiple different payloads. Novel methods of decentralized control of the EW payload behavior sets will be required for operation within the DIL environment enabling the individual EW system actors to infer the behavior of the other actors within the network. Example missions include, but are not limited to, unmanned aircraft stand-in/stand-off jamming for aided survivability of manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft penetration and suppression of IADS to enable lethal effects and manned aircraft stand-in/self protect jamming.

PHASE I: Define a set of notional operational scenarios for implementing the EW behavior sets of the representative actors. Determine the global optimum for each scenario through optimizing the behavior of the actors for each scenario in a preplanned manner within a permissive communications environment.

PHASE II: Develop a set of algorithms to optimize the behavior of the EW actors in dynamic scenarios within a DIL environment. The algorithm needs to enable adaptation of actor behavior to changes in the optimization objective, resources and/or constraints of the EW actors, and the number and/or distribution of actors. Evaluate the performance of the algorithm across a variety of scenario permutations within a DIL environment.

PHASE III: Algorithms developed and tested during Phase II can be directly applied to future technology demonstrators to enable resilient operation of decentralized EW actors within dynamically changing operational scenarios under DIL conditions.

REFERENCES:

1: TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1

KEYWORDS: Fratricide Mitigation, Resiliency, Autonomous Agents, Artificial Intelligence

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: High fidelity background clutter generator is proposed for scene projection in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) test and evaluation of Missile Warning Sensors (MWS).

DESCRIPTION: Performance testing of MWS sensors is hardware challenging due to the false alarm and realistic clutter environment background requirements. An MWS must be able to distinguish a threat against a clutter background and give a false alarm rate not greater than specified. A method of constructing high fidelity background clutter generator is proposed for scene projection in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) test and evaluation of Missile Warning Sensors (MWS). Hardware performance testing, beyond benchtop component level, is designed to prompt and evaluate a desired response from the sensor to external stimuli (not injected scenes). To date, hardware test for 2 color MWS includes various models of 2 color scene projectors based on DMD technology with incremental improvements. The DMDs work well to achieve proper scene radiances and ratios and can be configured to provide high contrast by linear combination of modulator arrays and sources. Tests can be combined further to operate holistically with pointer/jammer HITL testing for combined system evaluation.

PHASE I: Study feasibility of novel high fidelity background clutter generation approaches, tuned specifically toward dual color IR clutter generator including all the IR wavelength regimes (SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR). Materials, efficiency, manufacturability, stability, and ruggedness on a flight motion table are all considerations. Specific designs and test results for mature implementation of new clutter generator will result.

PHASE II: As informed by Phase I, build a prototype dual color IR clutter generator. These prototypes would include any software items needed to test and develop IR models and scenes using this technology, which can then be used to stimulate IR sensors and countermeasure systems.

PHASE III: These projectors, once productionized, can support multiple Government test labs throughout DoD as well as Programs of Record.

REFERENCES:

1: Igor Anisimov and Yakov Soskind, "Infrared Dynamic Scene Projector"

KEYWORDS: Infrared Imaging, Infrared Imaging Scene Projector, Threat Detection, Sensors, Hardware In The Loop, Testing And Evaluation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop mechanisms that dynamically determine the value of data and information to soldiers involved in tactical engagements in a distributed, disadvantaged network environment.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has emphasized and will continue to emphasize smaller and more mobile command posts, with the goals of decreased logistics and manpower support, sustainable operational tempo, outperforming the enemy’s command, and survivability of equipment and personnel. Those tactical conditions will also be characterized not only by limited computing resources, but by limited and/or sporadic bandwidth and well. As these themes are addressed, it will be challenging to supply effective Mission Command computing capability without a mechanism to dynamically determine the importance of data and information. As network and computing resources diminish, and the battlespace changes, it is imperative to prioritize information needs, in order to support decision making cycles. Initial equipment and software allocation, battlespace sensing, threat analysis, systems and network availability, running estimates, forecasting, determination of related effects, current levels of situation awareness and understanding, redundancy and resilience across the formation, and capabilities and training of individual soldiers are examples of factors that might be considered in maintaining this assessment. Intelligent strategies for data and information creation, storage, routing, and mediation should be explored. This work would be a foundational piece of the data storage and transport strategies required to support dispersed Mission Command computing.

PHASE I: The goals of phase I are to identify the factors relevant to the dynamic prioritization of battlespace data and information, and to present those prioritizations across several use cases. The Brigade and Battalion echelons should be the initial focus of this study. All relevant and potential factors in determining data and information importance of as a military operation unfolds should be assessed. Mission Command systems, voice communications, face-to-face interaction, and the cognitive processes involved in maintaining operational tempo comprise an initial set of data and information categories for consideration. An initial scheme for adjusting priority levels as an operation unfolds, considering the factors listed in paragraph two of the Description above, is also desired.

PHASE II: Phase II work should begin with a maturation of the assessments performed during phase I. Updates to the factors considered, as well as the use case prioritization, are expected. Significant work on developing more sophisticated for adjusting priorities will be required. A concept demonstrator of the dynamic prioritization of a set of the data and information identified during Phase I is desired during a representative operation is desired. Initial designs of schemes for data/information retrieval, creation, storage, caching, and forwarding are also expected. The software developed should reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6. The performer will work with the government to identify and participate in one or more technology demonstrations to Army stakeholders.

PHASE III: During Phase III, the software will be matured to a TRL 7. A series of demonstrations, simulations, or experiments intended to show responsiveness to priorities assigned to data and information from Mission Command systems, voice communications, face-to-face interaction, and cognitive processes is expected. The availability and bandwidth of network and communications, as well as the availability of Mission Command software systems and soldiers at physically separate locations, are factors that must be included. A robust data management / storage / routing solution is also required.

REFERENCES:

1: Army Doctrinal Reference Publication (ADRP) 6-0, Mission Command

KEYWORDS: Value Of Information, Data Strategies, Data Mediation, Command Post Integrated Infrastructure

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: To develop a low-cost manufacturing process to pack metal-coated fibers to high density and which will allow efficient dissemination. Fibers are theoretically the highest performing particle shape for obscuration, especially in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. They can also be the most difficult to efficiently pack and to aerosolize. The process to pack fiber will probably, but not necessarily, use an aligned format. Efficient dissemination implies a maximum of single fibers and a minimum of clumps. Phase I will focus on strategies to address issue of less than optimum packing density and dissemination quality, e.g. galvanic corrosion and/or filament to filament adhesion that reduces performance for nickel-coated fibers. Phase II will expand the effort by addressing cold welding in copper-coated fibers. It will also include the ability to demonstrate the usefulness of the concepts by using accelerated storage techniques and performing dissemination trials to show improvements

DESCRIPTION: Smoke and obscurants play a crucial role in protecting the Warfighter by decreasing the electromagnetic signature that is detectable by various sensors, seekers, trackers, optical enhancement devices and the human eye. Recent advances in materials science now enable the production of precisely engineered obscurants with nanometer level control over particle size and shape and coating thickness. Numerical modeling and many measured results on metal-coated fibers affirm that more than order of magnitude increases over current performance levels are possible if high aspect-ratio conductive fibers can be effectively disseminated as an un-agglomerated aerosol cloud. Since this is a relatively new area of research for the Army, very little work has been performed so far in this area. One of the difficult issues is the corrosion that results from galvanic reactions in the packing process that degrades the fibers. Another is the particle-to-particle attractive forces that make efficient dissemination of single fibers difficult.

PHASE I: Describe techniques to minimize mechanisms of filament to filament adhesion, e.g. galvanic corrosion, cold welding, or other means of metallic coating degradation, of nickel-coated fibers during packaging and prolonged storage. Demonstrate with samples an ability to produce packed metal-coated fibers with a bulk density of at least 50% of maximum theoretical bulk density of the nickel-coated fibers, with no degradation, and preferably improvements, in dissemination efficiency. Nickel-coated fibers are available commercially for this effort and should be cut to a length of one centimeter. (5) 100-gm samples shall be provided to ECBC for evaluation PHASE I Option: Describe techniques to minimize cold welding in copper-coated fibers.

PHASE II: Demonstrate with samples an ability to produce packed copper-coated fibers with a bulk density of at least 50% of maximum theoretical bulk density of the copper-coated fibers with no degradation, and preferably improvements, in dissemination efficiency. Copper-coated graphite fibers are available commercially for this effort and should be cut to a length of one centimeter. (5) 100-gram samples shall be provided to ECBC for evaluation. Demonstrate the processes will improve performance for both nickel- coated and copper-coated fibers through the use of accelerated-aging storage techniques. Demonstrate that the process is scalable by providing 4 1-kg samples of each of the two improved bulk density packaged metal-coated fibers with no loss in performance from that achieved with the small samples. In addition, in Phase II, a design of a manufacturing process to commercialize the concept should be developed.

PHASE III: The techniques developed in this program can be integrated into current and future military obscurant applications. Improved grenades and other munitions are needed to reduce the current logistics burden of countermeasures to protect the soldier and associated equipment. This technology could have application in other Department of Defense interest areas including high explosives, fuel/air explosives and decontamination. Improved separation techniques can be beneficial for all powdered materials in the metallurgy, ceramic, pharmaceutical and fuel industries. Industrial applications could include electronics, fuel cells/batteries, furnaces and others.

REFERENCES:

1. Bohren, C.F.; Huffman, D.R.; Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles; Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1983.

KEYWORDS: Metal-coated Fibers, Prolonged Storage, Microwave, Packing, Aerosolization, Obscuration

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: To develop a means to produce an infrared obscurant in situ from a combat vehicle.

DESCRIPTION: The Army is considering reviving the Vehicle Engine Exhaust System (VEES), which vaporizes fuel (diesel, when VEES was first introduced in the 1980’s), by injecting it into the engine exhaust. The diesel recondensed immediately upon contact with ambient air, forming a dense white cloud. VEES did not work with JP8, and is also limited to primarily the VIS portion of the spectrum. Since that time, there has been a proliferation of sensors operating in the infrared. The objective of this topic is to develop an infrared obscurant that is produced in situ from the vehicle exhaust. It is suggested that the fuel be modified or have an additive which will react with the fuel upon extreme heating, or react upon exposure to air to produce the desired IR obscurant. To address this requirement, the effort must identify the particles that will attenuate energy in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Generally speaking, higher performing particles are either flake or fiber shaped with high aspect ratio (approx. major dimension 3-5 um, minor dimension 10-50 nm) and high electrical conductive (on order of copper). Successful product will have an extinction coefficient of at least 1 m2/g covering the 3-5 um range and the 8-12 um range of the EM spectrum.

PHASE I: Outline then demonstrate the reaction chemistries necessary to produce an infrared obscurant using the on board vehicle exhaust of an existing combat vehicle. Demonstrate the infrared performance of the obscurant through modeling or chamber measurements. Effort may require a scaled system to demonstrate capability of producing IR obscurant through effluent stream. Continuous operation for at least 30 min without "gumming" or "fouling" of the exhaust system or otherwise adversely affecting engine performance is required.

PHASE II: Fabricate and install a working prototype on an M1 tank or M2 Bradley fighting vehicle. Demonstrate a feed-rate of at least one gallon per minute, while maintaining an aerosol cloud with an extinction coefficient of at least 1 m2/gm across the 3-5 and 8-12 um EM range. Continuous operation for at least 90 min without "gumming" or "fouling" of the exhaust system or otherwise adversely affecting engine performance is required.

PHASE III: Develop a production capability to produce thousands of gallons of performance mixture. If modifications to the exhaust are necessary, develop a low-cost protocol to retrofit the existing systems to accommodate the reaction parameters.

REFERENCES:

1: Embury J., Maximizing Infrared Extinction Coefficients for Metal Discs, Rods, and Spheres, ECBC-TR-226, Feb 2002, ADA400404, 77 Page(s)

KEYWORDS: Infrared, Obscuration, In Situ, Diesel Fuel, Extinction

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: To develop a process for packaging and aerosolizing particulate obscurant materials from a high speed munition. The scenario is that the munition will be traveling at MACH I when the obscurant payload is quickly released to create an aerosol cloud at a specific location. Modeling could better define the required dissemination time and the resulting cloud geometry. Phase I will focus on modeling and defining concept parameters. Phase II will expand the effort to include fabricating hardware and testing to demonstrate the concept.

DESCRIPTION: Smoke and obscurants play a crucial role in protecting the Warfighter by decreasing the electromagnetic signature that is detectable by various sensors, seekers, trackers, optical enhancement devices and the human eye. The proliferation of threats to combat vehicles including ATGM’s and RPG’s, raises the stakes for the Warfighter. A low-cost, precision countermeasure to these threats will be critical in increasing the survivability of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV). Since this is a relatively new area of research for the Army, very little work has been performed so far. One of the difficult issues will be testing and evaluation of a fast moving munition; creative ideas are needed in the demonstration of the capability. Another issue may be a fast release of the obscurant to avoid a long, narrow cloud.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for packaging and disseminating a particulate obscurant material. Demonstrate with modeling what the resultant cloud would look like when released from a munition traveling at Mach 1. Assume an 80-mm diameter munition with a 1-kilogram payload of graphite flakes (Asbury Micro 850 or equivalent). Demonstrate with modeling how a cloud at least 5 meters in diameter and 10 meters long could be produced. If the concept will allow other obscurant materials, it will improve its utility.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the capability in the field. Provide 5 prototypes that will allow field evaluation of the resulting aerosol cloud. In addition, in Phase II, a design of a manufacturing process to commercialize the concept should be developed.

PHASE III: Integrate the design into a munition specified by the Army. Fast moving munitions would include rockets, missiles and grenades. This technology is probably specific to the Department of Defense, but there are other applications there. With the emergence of the Army Chief of Staff’s Modernization Priorities, this obscuration technology supports the NGCV. Other Army Modernization Priorities that could benefit from this technology effort include Long-Range Precision Fires, Future Vertical Lift Platforms, Air and Missile Defense Capabilities, and Soldier Lethality

REFERENCES:

1: Landau, L.D.

2: Lifshitz

3: Fluid Mechanics, Vol 6 (2nd Ed)

4: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1987. ISBN 978-0-08-033933-7

KEYWORDS: Mach 1, Graphite Flakes, Dissemination, Packing, Aerosolization, Obscuration

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: To develop computationally effective software for the prediction of concrete properties and their evolution in time based on constitutive materials.

DESCRIPTION: With increased frequency, military personnel in the field are required to build structures with concrete materials whose properties are not known and for which the available technical literature is insufficient to estimate these properties. This applies to a wide range of concrete mixes, from low-quality concrete manufactured from in-situ or indigenous raw material components to ultra-high-performance concrete designed for high-end applications such as the protection of sensitive and high value structures (e.g. embassies, command and control buildings, etc.). Hence, there is a need for computational tools that allow the prediction of the mechanical properties of concrete directly from the basic components used in the mix design through simulating the generation and formation of concrete. These tools need to be accurate enough to be used in practical design applications but, at the same time, might need to be simple enough to be operated by personnel in the field. By leveraging recent accomplishments and published research, the US Army seeks the further development of the foundation for such tools within the computational framework of finite element and meshfree methods [1], which have been validated in the simulation of concrete and concrete structures [2, 3, 4] subject to blast and penetration, as well as in the simulation of concrete subject to long term deterioration phenomena [5]. The desired product should be capable of receiving the mix design parameters for cements, cementious materials, and aggregates via a script or GUI based interface, and output model parameters for continuum level material models in meshfree and finite element codes. This effort will be limited to the concrete material at the meso-scale, and is not expected to include reinforcing bar, but may include fiber reinforcing.

PHASE I: Develop a framework for a microscale model informed directly by hydration simulation.Demonstrate this approach on a model system. Identify an approach to computational optimization to achieve desired performance characteristics to be demonstrated in Phase 2. Deliver a technical report including microscale model development, demonstration on model system, and conceptual approach for optimization tied to multi-scale modeling framework.

PHASE II: Develop an integrated approach of linked hydration, microscale, and multi-scale modeling. Develop an optimization routine to achieve desired performance characteristics. Demonstrate this approach on a variety of model material systems representing different types of concretes. Compare the predicted material behavior at all length scales and the continuum level response with experimental observations. Demonstrate linkages between a multi-scale enabled approach to directly inform continuum level constitutive model calibration for meshfree and finite element codes. Deliver updated software package with integrated microscale models and optimization algorithms. Deliver technical report showing use of these tools on variety of model concrete systems. Deliver training for ERDC computational mechanics team and software for integration into HPC platforms.

PHASE III: Develop a fully integrated software package for non-expert use with integrated optimization tools to achieve target/goal performance characteristics with microscale models and multi-scale framework running in background. Software should provide outputs that can directly calibrate continuum level material models for weapons effects codes. Deliver integrated software system, technical report of finding including demonstration of technology on real work problems in blast, penetration, and quasi-static loading under a variety of conditions (i.e., study boundary value problems with experimental validations), transition software tools to HPC environment, and provide training for ERDC users.

REFERENCES:

1: G. Cusatis, D. Pelessone,A. Mencarelli. Lattice discrete particle model (LDPM) for failure behavior of concrete. I: Theory. Cement and Concrete Composites, 33(9), pp.881-890. 2011.

KEYWORDS: Cement Hydration, Concrete Modeling, Indigenous Concrete, Material By Design, Material Optimization, Multi-scale Modeling, Ultra-high Performance Concrete

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop sensor technologies with object recognition capabilities that can identify and distinguish, count and geographically locate small objects (<3 inches to >3 feet) floating in riverine environments using long wave infrared imaging polarimetry or a combination of radio, laser detection and ranging radar technologies for above and below water detection.

DESCRIPTION: Technologies with object detection capabilities sensitive enough to identify fast moving objects floating on the surface of water (or just below the surface) can offer important capabilities to understand the environment, upstream activities, and add to competencies for future military readiness and the warfighter. In this way micro-object detection can be used to inform warfighter threat avoidance, maneuverability and mobility. To meet the operational challenges and emerging dangers of the future the armed forces must be able to detect threats quickly and precisely. Because floating river debris is varied, generally comprised of small objects, often fast-moving, and complicated by the refractive properties of light on water, it requires quick and exacting sensor recognition capabilities. Sensors with this type of fidelity have potential for use by soldiers in theater as part of their protection system gear, and in military vehicles and sea faring vessels to identify objects on land and floating on the surface of water that pose a threat. Sensors with object detection capabilities are an emerging technology currently used to service a number of efforts including self-driving cars, autonomous maze solving robots, detection of large surfaces on the bottom of the ocean and for the commercial fisheries, the ability to identify fish. However, this capability has not yet been fully exploited for accurate small object detection. Developing the technology proposed here will introduce new methods for greater accuracy of small object identification in complex environments both on land and at sea. The goal here is to innovate methods for small object detection in the complex and fast moving environments of riparian landscapes. This effort should consider long wave infrared imaging polarimetry or a combination of radio, laser detection and ranging radar technologies for optimal above- and below-water object detection. The method should be able to distinguish small objects, identify debris quantities and types and geographically locate individual debris materials. The desired solution is a technology that can be used by the warfighter on land and at sea to advance current capabilities and increase security.

PHASE I: Develop a basic proof-of-concept capability, in a stand-alone prototype, with sensor capabilities to identify a limited number of small objects commonly found floating in riverine environments, and count and geographically locate individual items of debris. Development and testing of initial prototype can be done in a lab environment with a small pool of still water (at least 2 feet deep and several feet across).

PHASE II: The contractor will expand capabilities of the prototype developed in Phase 1. This prototype version should work in the field on small streams (several feet deep with surface areas of a few feet to yards across). Capabilities should include the ability to identify and distinguish between a greater number of objects, record numbers of each item sighted and geospatially locate each material.

PHASE III: The contractor will create a sensor product suitable for use on large rivers (yards across and several feet deep) and military vehicles and sea faring vessels with the expanded capabilities developed in Phase 2. Products will be applied to existing systems and contain a prototype for classification, training and safety certifications, and business case analysis for future acquisition activities.

REFERENCES:

1: Harchanko J., Pezzaniti L., Chenault D., Eades G.(2008). Comparing a MWIR and LWIR polarimetric imager for surface swimmer detection. Proceedings of SPIE – The Internatrional Society for Optical Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.polarissensor.com/app/uploads/2016/04/MWIR-versus-LWIR-for-Surface-Swimmer-Detection.pdf

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Object-detection, Machine Learning, Intelligence, Moving Water, Fusion, GPS

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop computer algorithm based autonomous artificial agents that operate in a virtual game environment and which possess human-like cognitive skills to learn complex human tasks (i.e., land navigation, strategy, course of action analysis, etc.), and function in varying scales from individual agents, small teams, to large groups that function in a coordinated fashion both cooperatively and in an adversarial manner with other agents.

DESCRIPTION: Current state-of-the-art artificial agents are performing human-like activities at or above professional level humans in adversarial real time strategy games such as Dota 2 and StarCraft II. These agents have successfully demonstrated a variety of human-like abilities such as learning, adapting, strategizing, and decision making in extremely complex adversarial games. However, current methods for training autonomous agents for 3D simulations involve utilizing game statistics, domain knowledge, and immense agent training time, which limit their applicability to more complex problem domains. Additionally, these approaches fall short in many areas when considering the ease in which humans perform even the most complex cognitive activities. Shortfalls in capabilities include (1) large computational costs associated with deep reinforcement learning reduce the feasibility of training large multi-agent systems, (2) the agents do not possess temporal memory or long term memory to keep, maintain, or improve upon skills, (3) agents cannot perform complex long term planning instead relying on extensive exploration to learn a policy and (4) the lack of planning reduces the capability of the agents to effectively cooperate in multi-agent scenarios. The following are the desired innovative and technical features to achieve the topic objective: a)Function over long time horizons: up to 24 hours, in a large, high-dimensional, continuous observation/action space, with sparse feedback and delayed reward. Current state-of-the-art agents in Dota 2 perform over an average match length of 35 minutes. We are seeking agents that select optimum actions despite delayed rewards (action feedback) over long time horizons. b)Cooperative planning: agents that are able to plan and coordinate policies with other agents to cooperatively complete a task. c)Online learning: agents that are able to learn from immediate experiences without catastrophic forgetting of important learned information. This includes the ability to adjust to changing environment and task circumstances. d)Memory: agents that possess temporal memory. Example: humans can navigate to desired location and easily retrace their return path back to the starting point without photographically memorizing all features along the way.

PHASE I: Provide a written innovative technical approach beyond state-of-the-art that demonstrates feasibility of an autonomous agent to learn performing complex tasks in OpenAI’s Neural MMO: A Massively Multiagent Game Environment (https://openai.com/blog/neural-mmo/ ). Technical approaches must demonstrate feasibility of meeting one or more of the above stated technical features (a-d, above).

PHASE II: Develop algorithms which demonstrate autonomous agents that perform a variety of complex tasks and scale to large sets of teams to be identified in Phase I and with an ability to compete in adversarial games that possess all of the required technical features: agents that function over time horizons of at least twenty four hours, perform cooperative planning, online learning without catastrophic forgetting, and possess temporal memory. These agents must function in OpenAI’s Neural MMO: A Massively Multiagent Game Environment (https://openai.com/blog/neural-mmo/ ). Agent algorithms must be capable of being trained on a desktop or server class computer with a minimum of a 16 core CPU at 99th percentile performance according to https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/ and a minimum of 8X GPUs with 99th percentile performance according to https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/. The agent algorithm must achieve a technical maturity of

PHASE III: Human-like agents that can perform human tasks at expert level or higher can be used for commercial factory automation, self-driving vehicles, and robot navigation. Government applications would include large scale virtual or constructive wargame simulations, cooperative drone swarms, and large-scale military logistics planning and support.

REFERENCES:

1. Trapit Bansal, Jakub Pachocki, Szymon Sidor, Ilya Sutskever, Igor Mordatch, “Emergent Complexity via Multi-Agent Competition”, conference paper at ICLR 2018, arXiv: 1710.03748. https://arxiv.org/pdf/1710.03748.pdf

KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Real-time Strategy Games, Meta Learning, And Deep Neuroevolotion

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop novel technology to efficiently harvest drinking water for individual warfighter application, where an expedient, lightweight, reliable, safe, and low or no power technique is critically needed.

DESCRIPTION: Clean water scarcity is a significant challenge to the Warfighter, particularly in arid and desert climates. Improved water self-sufficiency, which will supply safe potable water to a small squad without the logistical burden of re-supply, is highly desirable and is a priority for all Services. Supporting Service documentation demonstrates the need to improve access/procurement technologies for clean drinking water; atmospheric water harvesting technologies can fill this capability gap.3 There are 12,800 trillion liters of water available in earth’s atmosphere.4 According to the US Army Combined Arms Support Command Force Development Directorate’s Water Planning Guide, in both conventional theater tropical or arid environments the required amount of drinking water for sustainment is 3.3 gal / person / day (12.5L / person / day).4 Emerging materials and technologies in water harvesting such as metal-organic frameworks (MOF) can extract from this renewable resource in order to meet warfighter needs for clean, fresh drinking water.5 Strategies/technologies for water harvesting i.e., metal-organic frameworks, hydrogels, and other materials suitable for drinking water shall be identified, conceptualized and tested. A high fidelity breadboard model shall be evaluated in a simulated environment to validate the viability of the approach. It is desired that this small, portable individual atmospheric water-harvesting unit would support the individual warfighter, generating up to 14L of water / day to augment soldier hydration at the point of need. For example, the unit could use novel sorbent materials (such as MOFs, hydrogels) to capture water vapor at low relative humidity conditions (under 40% relative humidity (RH)) and then condense and collect the captured water, generating potable drinking water. If the unit is powered, it shall consume less than 0.5 kg of fuel daily and be capable of operating day or night with little to no noise emission and not generate an undesirable visible or thermal signature. Additionally, the proposed weight of the unit (<20lbs) is less than the weight of carrying 14L of water into the field (~30.8lbs). This would reduce weight and allow for multi-day missions without resupply. This capability would also protect warfighters from illness due to intentional or unintentional water contamination since the water would be self-generated from the atmosphere. This technology could also be scaled up to provide self-generated potable water for the squad level in the field. The design shall be intrinsically safe (possess anti-microbial features, capable of being sanitized and/or disposable), provide hygienic functionality, convenience, and affordability (i.e. target production cost of $100 or less). The use of consumables or supplemental materials shall be avoided and the device shall also operate in environmental extremes (20F to 125F). The technology should provide a novel personal water harvesting capability that improves water production capabilities, increases self-sufficiency and reduces the requirement to transport water to the warfighter, ultimately enhancing maneuverability, security and readiness.

PHASE I: Develop a proof of concept capable of demonstrating the performance outlined above. Establish the feasibility and practicality of the proposed design, materially demonstrate and validate the concept through testing. A preliminary cost analysis be completed based on projected scale-up and manufacturability considerations. A final report shall be delivered that specifies how requirements will be met (including mitigation of risks associated with factors limiting system performance). The report will detail the conceptual design, performance modeling and associated drawings (Solidworks® format), scalability of the proposed technology with predicted performance, safety and human interface (MANPRINT) factors, and estimated production costs. The projected technical readiness level (TRL) shall achieve a TRL of 3 and provide a clear path to Phase II/III and follow-on commercialization.

PHASE II: Refine the technology developed during Phase I in accordance with the goals of the project. Fabricate and demonstrate an advanced prototype for the target warfighter application, verifying that the desired performance is met. Provide a report, associated drawings and control software/source code, if applicable, documenting the theory, design, component specifications, performance characterization, projected reliability/maintainability/cost and recommendations for technique/system implementation. Deliver a full scale prototype to support Army technical, operational, environmental and safety testing in the target application by the end of Phase II. An updated production cost analysis shall be completed and design for manufacture considerations shall also be projected to support advancement of TRL and associated Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL). The operational characteristics of the water harvester shall be provided to validate the feasibility of the approach and support transition to military and commercial applications (Phase III).

PHASE III: The proposed technology innovation and associated manufacturing capability will overcome the present technology gap and be rapidly transitioned to both military and commercial applications, where a self-contained, high efficiency, and long life technology will lead to renewable personal water harvesting unit for individual warfighters or squad units, as appropriate. The Phase III is expected to advance the proposed innovation to a TRL of 7 or higher, supporting a system demonstration in a relevant environment in the hands of the Soldier. As a progression of the Phase I that serves to prove out the novel development proposed, the Phase II should result in a full scale prototype deliverable, which will serve to validate the performance, feasibility and overall benefit to be realized through the proposed development initiative. Ultimately, the technology will be transitioned to the Squad or individual Soldier, where high efficiency, long life, and low cost technology is needed to maximize the performance, lethality and security of the Soldier through optimum hydration and nutrition in all operating environments. The Phase III represents concurrent (unfunded) commercialization of the technology that is expected to provide economy of scale, logistic, and other benefits that can be attributed to the proposed development.

REFERENCES:

1: Farshid Bagheri "Performance investigation of atmospheric water harvesting system" Water Resources and Industry 20 (2018) 23-28. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212371717300744

KEYWORDS: Soldier Sustainment, Personal Water Harvester, Drinking Water Source, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Quality

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a brain-inspired artificial neural network algorithm that performs accurate and robust object detection.

DESCRIPTION: Artificial Intelligence has yet to surpass the human brain in terms of training time: even the best algorithms require huge datasets that train carefully-tuned models over a long period of time. Current state-of-the-art artificial neural networks for image identification, called Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), are achieving at, or higher, than human level performance in recognizing 2D images from the open source ImageNet database (http://www.image-net.org/) of labeled images (plant, animals, etc.) which benchmarks performance. CNN performance in ImageNet data for standard color photos, greyscale, and photos based on textures (i.e.; elephant skin) are on par or slightly better than human performance. CNN performance degrades substantially with images of object silhouettes (black object with white background) and edges (image features represented with only lines), when objects under observation are small in scale relative to surrounding area, and when object viewpoint, rotation, size, and illumination vary. CNN training on ImageNet data requires on the order of 1000 examples per object class yet humans need to see a new object only once or twice and it becomes instantly recognized at a later time. We are seeking brain-inspired artificial neural network algorithms that can meet the performance objectives of recognizing objects in images from less than 10 training examples with 90% confidence of object identification under a full range of image observation conditions to include varying scale, size, illumination (full sunlight to low light), occlusion (from zero to 90% in both height/width increments of 15%), and rotation (in increments of 30°). A virtual 3D environment to train and demonstrate viability of the proposed algorithm is desired such as the Unity open source game engine (https://store.unity.com/products/unity-personal?_ga=2.145300465.433590269.1559218374-1672088338.1559218374). It is desired that artificial neural network algorithm be developed with open source development code such as TensorFlow (https://www.tensorflow.org/) or Python (https://www.python.org/). It is desired to have a high resolution color video camera (https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicmicrostudiocamera4k) with a minimum of 3840 x 2160 pixels be used to observe raw pixels from the 3D virtual environment to train and demonstrate feasibility and performance of the algorithm. Novel approaches to train for object recognition that realistically emulate the human vision system (e.g., stereopsis, foveation, etc.) are desired if a breakthrough in capability is feasible.

PHASE I: Demonstrate in the Unity game engine environment an innovative and beyond state-of-the-art approach that demonstrates a viable and feasible technical approach to meet the topic objectives.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and test object recognition algorithms that meet the topic objective. Object recognition algorithms will be tested incrementally against the Common Objects in Context (COCO), http://cocodataset.org/#home, and ImageNet, http://www.image-net.org/, image data sets to establish benchmark performance against state-of-the-art. Image data sets will be developed to be capable of being rendered to meet the topic objectives for challenging object recognition training observations (scale, illumination, etc.). Object recognition algorithms will be matured to a TRL 5 by the end of Phase II.

PHASE III: Robust object detection would be a boon for safer commercial autonomous self-driving vehicles, drones, and robots. Military applications would include target identification, combat friend or foe identification, and for live force-on-target training at combat training centers

REFERENCES:

1: D. Tsao, "How the Brain’s Face Code Might Unlock the Mysteries of Perception", https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07668-4 , December 11, 2018

KEYWORDS: Object Recognition, Convolutional Neural Network, And Human Vision

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate innovative methods, materials, mechanisms and/or technologies to reduce the acoustic, visual, IR, and/or other radar signatures of traditional, commercial off the shelf powered parafoil systems for personnel and/or cargo.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (CCDC-SC), Aerial Delivery Directorate (ADD) is looking to investigate innovative approaches for powered parafoil that have a reduced signature compared to traditional, commercial off the shelf systems (COTS). Paratrooper and aerial resupply operations are typically conducted from aircraft dropping either guided or unguided parachutes; meaning the range is determined by the aircraft’s altitude, parachute’s glide slope, and weather conditions. Adding a motor to the system can increase its range, thereby reducing the aircraft’s signature and, possibly, eliminate the need for airdropping the system. Increasing the range allows for further aircraft standoff, keeping aircraft away from the enemy. Without the need for an aircraft, powered parafoils enable ship to shore or ground to ground resupply. Once on the ground, a current parachute and JPADS systems are the responsibility of the Soldier but with the ability for a powered parafoil take off and autonomously return to launch; the responsibility of the system is lifted from the Soldier and powered parafoil can be refitted to be used again. Given the capability of a powered parafoil to autonomously and covertly deliver itself to a Soldier, the Soldier could leave an area without detection and without carrying all the equipment for flight throughout the mission. Powered parafoils can have a greater mass delivered to cost compared to a Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) but can often be detected by the noise from the motor and propeller and their slowly moving radar/IR signatures. CCDC-SC, ADD is interested in technologies that can reduce one or more aspects of the vehicle's signature, with particular interest in reducing the acoustic, visual, IR, or other radar signature. Specific manned and/or unmanned vehicles have not been identified, so technologies that have a more general application across a range of systems are of interest. Final system should be scalable for payloads from 25 lbs. to 500 lbs. and capable of traveling 500 km, in zero wind conditions. Reduction in acoustic, visual, IR, other radar should be shown compared to an unmodified COTS system at 100, 500, and 1000 feet, showing a minimal 20% reduction. Modifications should not increase the system procurement to more than 40% original cost.

PHASE I: Identify multiple solutions to reducing the signature of powered parafoils which would advance the current state of the art. Develop detailed analysis of predicted performance. If parafoil rigging materials (ropes, cords, suspension lines, slings, etc.) foreign to aerial delivery applications are used, conduct stress/strain, porosity and yield testing on swatches of material to quantify essential material properties. Phase I deliverables include a report detailing all procedures employed in the research, all results of tests conducted, all potential technologies reviewed, samples of materials or small scale prototypes, milestones to be accomplished in Phase II, a recommended path forward and cost estimate to a) reduce the signature of a COTS technology or b) design of a new technology to replace a COTS technology.

PHASE II: Design and construct prototype systems using the material and/or design identified in Phase I; prototypes should be capable of lifting at least 100 lbs. to ensure signature is comparable to final product. Demonstrate operation of the prototype systems in a relevant environment. This could entail releasing the system from either a fixed or rotary wing aircraft and/or ground take-off/landing to assess airworthiness in the airdrop environment and quantify usability and survivability of the solution. Prototype may have automated guidance, remote control or manned operator and repeat testing of the prototype systems to assess operational life of the system. Phase II deliverables include any prototype devices constructed, a technical data package detailing the material/methods/mechanism designs, a demonstration of the prototype system/device to include dynamic airdrops of the system, and a report detailing all Phase II work, a recommended path forward, and updated cost estimate to a) reduce the signature of a COTS technology or b) design of a new technology to replace a COTS technology for a range of quantities.

PHASE III: Powered parafoils can enable applications that today are not feasible. They require minimal infrastructure, have the ability to enter and depart locations that classic ground, fixed or rotary wing aircraft have difficulty reaching or be considered a high risk. They can move a considerable amount of mass, over greater distances, at a lower cost than an alternative UAS. With total loss of power, parafoil will return mass to the ground at a lower descent rate, compared to a multi-rotor UAS, enabling entrance into urban areas. Reducing the signature will allow for covert missions or exfiltration at minimal detections risks and great distances. Reduced signature will obscure the sources of resupply as the parafoil could only be detected at the last moments of flight. While powered parafoils are already used, quieter engines can be used for less unobtrusive nature studies. Given the capability of a powered parafoil to autonomously and covertly deliver itself, anyone could then be exfiltrated without detection. With drone delivery currently passing regulatory hurdles, this technology could minimize the impact of hefty deliveries into everyday life.

REFERENCES:

1: Designing For Internal Aerial Delivery In Fixed Wing Aircraft, MIL-STD-1791, 23 Oct 2017 http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1700-1799/MIL-STD-1791C_55770/

KEYWORDS: Reduced Signature, Powered Parafoils, Parachute, IR, Acoustics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this SBIR is to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) training system that trains Care Under Fire concepts. Combat Medic and Combat Lifesaver trainees do not currently have the capability to train how to move from a “Soldier First” context and engage an enemy, to providing injury care, and potentially back to engaging the enemy, in a virtual world. While haptics capabilities have been integrated to a small scale with virtual reality training devices, they have not been integrated in an AR environment, which provides much more realism for some tasks requiring weighted objects (e.g., wounded soldier). The purpose of this effort is on the haptics capability, and not the development of a combat casualty care simulation.

DESCRIPTION: Current Care Under Fire training does not allow for effective transition from a Soldier First context to a caregiver context, and back again. Integrating haptics capabilities into an AR training system will allow trainees to participate in both contexts with much more realism than allowed by mock rifles. We are seeking a haptics-enabled AR system that provides virtual representations of some entities (e.g., enemy avatars), real-world entities where appropriate (e.g., weighted patient simulators), and augmented representations of other entities (e.g., bleeding wounds on patient simulators, devices in a real-world medic bag).

PHASE I: Phase I should include a detailed study of historical Care Under Fire situations and developing a flow of how to move a trainee through a “crawl-walk-run” training evolution. With this flow, the offeror should consider how and where to insert Virtual, Augmented, and if necessary Mixed Reality training systems. Considerations of where haptics technology should be inserted, and why, should be noted (e.g., clearing a weapons misfire, feeling for a devices inside a medic bag while visually scanning for enemies). The end result of Phase I should thus focus on two areas. The first area explores the Care Under Fire phase of Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and explains the important training elements. A flow moving a trainee from a simple evolution (e.g., no enemy action), to a more complex evolution (e.g., initial enemy action requiring the trainee to engage the enemy prior to caring for the injured) to the most complex evolution (e.g., initial engagement coupled with a weapon misfire, caring for the injured, and follow-on enemy action causing the trainee to set aside patient care to engage the enemy). The second area will explore haptics capability and its relevancy to the Care Under Fire training scenarios, with a description of how haptics can and should be integrated with virtual and/or augmented reality. At the end of Phase I, offerors must present an estimate of the per-unit cost at the end of the first year, and end of the second year, of Phase II, should they be slected. A simple feasibility demonstration should occur late in Phase I. This may take place at the developer’s facility. Phase I should finalize with a working plan to mature these areas into a training system to be developed in Phase II. Included should be plans for how to obtain, procure, or reuse a virtual simulation – whether organic to the offeror, purchased from or subcontracted to another firm, or via government furnished information/property.

PHASE II: Phase II will result in a training system developed on the concepts explored in Phase I. Initial usability testing should be performed with relevant users (e.g., at a military training center). Based on enhancements from usability tests, a training effectiveness evaluation should be performed with military trainees (e.g., Army Medical Simulation Training Center, National Guard training site, equivalent Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps training site teaching Care Under Fire principles). Phase II should result in a working prototype training system and a final report that covers both training aspect considerations and technical considerations. At the end of both years of Phase II, offerors must present the government with updated estimates of per-unit cost. A deliverable of Phase II should be a technical data package listing all software and hardware, both commercial off-the-shelf and custom-developed, that comprise the final system. Licenses to allow for system usage for no less than one year after end of contract are also required in order to continue demonstration to potential transition partners. Finally, a users’ guide and training manual should accompany the final delivery to allow for instructors to use the system.

PHASE III: The initial use for this technology will be to train military medical first responders who are trained as Warfighters first, Caregivers second. In much the same way, many local, state, and federal law enforcement officials (LEOs) are being trained to provide limited lifesaving skills (e.g., tourniquet application) during active shooter and similar events. A Phase III dual-use application would create a similar training system to support non-military LEOs in a tactical situation. As protocols differs from LEO and military, and even from one LEO entity to another, care should be taken to consider protocols during Phase III.

REFERENCES:

1: Ali, N. S., & Nasser, M. (2017). "Review of virtual reality trends (previous, current, and future directions), and their applications, technologies and technical issues" J Eng Appl Sci, 12, 783-789.

KEYWORDS: Medical Modeling And Simulation, Care Under Fire Training, Haptics, Augmented Reality

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace

OBJECTIVE: The mobility of tactical command centers and other key communication assets is a critical capability in future conflicts. To enable Soldier survivability, critical Command Post based assets will need to move freely and rapidly on the battlefield, increasing mission command capability. A VMECoP that can be expanded and torn down quickly would allow for short notice movement of the mission command capability, reduce vulnerabilities, and increase lethality. The expandable capability of this system is critical as non-expandable shelters provide limited square footage and reduce potential.

DESCRIPTION: U.S. Army’s high-level objectives dictate that timely movement of mission command and tactical intelligence assets shall be prioritized. Forward mission command and tactical intelligence assets shall be mobile, achieving operational maneuverability in all environments and at a high operational tempo. Future Command Posts must have greater tactical mobility to support mission command in the current Mulit-Domain Battle. Specifically, the emplacement, erect/strike of the VMECoP must be completed in mere minutes. Historically, the Army Standard Family International Standardization Organization (ASF ISO) expandable shelters have been utilized for a range of high value tactical functions, for example: Command/Control and Deployable Surgical Operating Theaters. These are transported to a site, off loaded with either 15K MHE or a special purpose vehicle. Once in position, the shelter is expanded, power is connected, and the desired mission performed. Tear down of the system would follow the reverse order of set up. Asset removal would again require a 15K MHE or special purpose vehicle. The process of moving an expandable shelter and its associated high value tactical system has historically been orchestrated with the coordination of 4 or more Warfighters, a 15K MHE or special purpose vehicle and careful coordination of all support equipment (power generation, power distribution, and environmental control units (ECUs)) which must be transported separately to support the capability. The current ASF ISO Expandable Shelters conform to 8ft x 8ft x 20ft ISO shipping container envelope, as defined by ISO 668 Series 1 freight containers – Classification, dimensions and ratings. The current ASF ISO Expandable Shelters meet the structural requirements of ISO 1496-1 Series 1 freight containers – Specification and testing – Part 1: General cargo containers for general purposes. In the deployed configuration, the existing ASF ISO Expandable Shelter, 1 sided expandable provides 265 ft2 of interior space. Any proposed shelter would have to provide similar square footage. The common ISO interface of the existing shelters facilitates standardized material handling, transportation methods, and equipment integration, and would be required on any proposed design. The proposed VMECoP solution shall meet the threshold requirements as shown in Table 1 below: Table 1: Performance Metrics for Vehicle Mounted Expandable Command Posts - TABLE WILL BE UPLOADED WITH TOPIC It is imperative that the proposed designs take into account both speed and Warfighter safety during deployment. Additionally, the stability of the expanded floor sections while in the deployed configuration is critical. If a powered assist is used to deploy the shelter, designs must consider the source to provide this power and its impact on the time required to achieve the basic deployment of the design. The current ASF ISO Expandable Shelters one side expandable should be considered as the baseline technology for this effort to improve upon. The current Expandable ASF ISO Shelters can be shipped by road, rail, internal and external air transport, sea and moved via common MHE. Additionally the current Expandable AFS ISO Shelter can operate in conditions ranging -40F to 120F and survive exposure to temperatures from -70F to 160F. The one sided ASF Expandable Tactical Shelter provides a power/data entry panel and removable panels for a ducted ECU, but is not integrated with power generation assets nor ECU capability. Offers should consider proposing solutions incorporating power generation and ECUs systems as well. Innovation is encouraged when accounting for interfacing with, transporting and or integrating power generation and ECU equipment. U.S. Army high-level objectives dictate that timely mission command and tactical intelligence shall be prioritized. Forward mission command and tactical intelligence assets shall be highly mobile, achieving operational maneuverability in all environments and at a high operational tempo. Command Posts must provide greater capabilities to support Warfighters in the current Multi-Domain Battlefield. Smaller, highly mobile, command posts are easier to conceal and move and, therefore, more survivable. A mobile, command post remains essential to command and control in future dispersed, decentralized, multi domain operations. It is also required to enable command from any location, assess the situation firsthand, make decisions rapidly, and influence people and operations to maintain or regain the initiative on a lethal battlefield. As the objective is to increase Command Post capabilities, the proposed MMECoP design should exhibit the following characteristics: • Shall meet or exceed the Threshold metrics established in Table 1. • Shall be operationally deployable within an 8’ x 8’ x 20’ ISO 1C freight container envelope and requirements as defined by ISO 668. • Shall meet CSC transportation requirements as defined by ISO 1496-1. • Shall meet system weight objective values in Table 1. • Shall have a pay load as stated in Table 1. • Shall mitigate unsafe or hazardous conditions when shelter is deployed (set-up) while mounted on a vehicle. • Shall exhibit mechanical stability of the expandable components when deployed. • Shall not cause or shall mitigate unsafe of hazardous conditions when power generation and ECU equipment are in operation while the shelter is mounted on a vehicle. • Shall minimize the logistical burden on the supply chain, and not require the transportation of unsafe or hazardous materials/chemicals. • Shall interface with military power connectors. Current ASF ISO Expandable Shelters interface with 100A or 60A Class-L 208V 3-phase power connector (MIL-DTL-22992). • Shall provide an interface for external data and communication systems on fixed end wall. • Shall have an overall heat transfer coefficient less than or equal to 0.26 Btu/(h*ft2*°F) in the operational configuration. It is desired the overall heat transfer coefficient be less than or equal to 0.22 Btu/(h*ft2*°F) in the operational configuration. • Shall interface with a logistically supported ECU: ducted 60K IECU and 60K FDECU. • Designs solutions are not required to be an entirely rigid walled shelter system. Innovative approaches to fast deployment and strike are encouraged. • Shall be deployed and struck at a minimum of 50 times without loss of functionality of component failure • It is desired that the system perform fully in extreme environmental conditions from -60F to 120F • Shall have an estimated production price of $150,000 or less. • Shall be compatible for use with military vehicles. The following vehicles are listed as examples: M939 5 Ton Truck, Army Medium Tactical Vehicle Truck (MTV), and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) • Shall withstand a roof load of 40 psf. • Desired: provide environmental control to the inhabitants of the shelter • Desired: provide on board power generation • Desired: capability to complex to other VMECoP or Army tent systems.

PHASE I: The Phase I awardee shall develop/prototype a VMECoP design addressing the aforementioned requirements. The awardee shall report monthly on their progress, in the form of a technical report indicating accomplishments, technical drawings, project progress against proposed schedule (manage to budget), tables, graphics, and any other associated test data. Deliverables: • Six monthly reports, with each report containing the following: o Technical progress to date, against proposed requirements and schedule. o Technical achievement highlights, as well as problems or decision-points reached. o Draft of Interoperability analysis for VMECoP transport o Draft of analysis and visualization of the VMECoP expansion and striking sequence. The analysis of expansion and striking sequence should include a discussion of recommended safety features and potential safety hazards. o Draft of recommended testing to include at a minimum: dimensional, environmental, and transportation. o Expenditure to date, against proposed schedule. o Within first two reports, present market research of all existing and future expandable shelters and their applicability to a military deployment. • Final Technical Report suitable for publishing on to the Defense Technical Information Center (unclassified) that describes the project, the work performed and recommendations. • A Final Concept Package shall be submitted containing the following: o A system model. The system model should be a small scale model, physical or virtual, that would convey confidence in the system would meet deployment and set up times listed in the objective and description sections. o Analysis and visualization of the shelter’s expansion and collapse while both vehicle mounted and emplaced on the ground. The analysis of expansion and striking sequence should include a discussion of recommended safety features and potential safety hazards. o Demonstration of the erect/strike capabilities of the system demonstrator model o Finite Element Model demonstrating structural integrity of proposed design and structural capability to withstand deployment/strike loads of 50 cycles. o Small samples of materials representing the floors, walls, and structural/mechanical components of the shelter shall be provided that would demonstrate confidence that the system would meet the required characteristics and properties listed. o Concept level technical drawings, showing the shelter expanded and collapsed. o High resolution graphics of the proposed concept. o A concept for interfacing with power generation, power distribution assets, and ECU equipment. o Interoperability analysis for transport, loading, unloading. o Analysis and visualization of the shelter’s expansion and collapse. The analysis of expansion and striking sequence should include a discussion of recommended safety features and potential safety hazards. o The proposer shall construct a list of recommended testing to include at a minimum: dimensional, environmental, and transportation. Transportation testing should include appropriate tests for movement via rail, ground, internal and external air, and transport via common MHE. At a minimum this list of tests should include: • ISO compliance testing, • Convention for Safe Container (CSC) • Environmental Testing • Road Transportation testing o A cost analysis of the systems life cycle, including the cost of maintenance items and consumables, as well as the initial capital cost of procuring the system – over 5 years.

PHASE II: Phase II is a significant R&D effort resulting in a fully functional, full scale VMECoP prototype. Additionally, the prototype developed shall at a minimum meet the threshold requirements listed in the Description section of this document. The Phase II effort will focus on prototype development, validation of function and demonstration. Required Phase II tasks and deliverables will include: • “Monthly” and “Final” reporting, as detailed in Phase I, to cover the 24 month Phase II “Period of Performance”. • Deliver technical drawings of VMECoP. • Deliver editable 2-D CAD files or 3-D model of the VMECoP, Solidworks format desired • Deliver high resolution graphics of the final prototype. • Deliver user manual for the prototype. • Modifications and improvements to FEA models developed in Phase I to represent the full scale, final design, including analysis of erect/strike loading. • Devise maintenance plan, and indicate all supplies needed, including cost, quantity, and frequency of replacement thereof. • Transportation testing reports, required transportation testing per agreed upon list produced as part of Phase I. • Deliver a complete VMECoP prototype exhibiting the desirable performance characteristics listed in the description section above. Delivery should be to Base Camp Integration Lab, Fort Devens, MA or mutually agreed upon alternative venue. o Demonstrate each of the performance characteristics of the VMECoP as listed in the description section above. • Demonstrate interoperability with a vehicle. o Vendor to provide a commercial flatbed vehicle for demonstration purposes. o In addition to a commercial flatbed vehicle, the Government may provide a military vehicle for demonstration purposes, pending availability of such vehicle. The following vehicles are listed as examples: M939 5 Ton Truck, Army Medium Tactical Vehicle Truck (MTV), and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). • An updated cost analysis of the systems life cycle, including the cost of maintenance items and consumables, as well as the initial capital cost of procuring the system – over 5 years. • A final report suitable for publishing onto the Defense Technical Information Center (unclassified) that describes the project and the work performed. An addendum shall also be provided which provides full detail and test results of the system developed, the system performance and the method by which the performance characteristics in the Description section were achieved.

PHASE III: The initial use of this technology is for highly mobile military tactical capabilities, but we foresee an extension of the technology to other governmental organizations and commercial industry. For example, the following areas have been identified as commercial markets requiring improvements in the mobility of tactical shelters: • Mobile environmentally controlled space, required for: o humanitarian medical efforts, o disaster response, o And commercial construction applications. The potential for Dual Use applications of the Dynamic Expandable VMECop, would grow rapidly once power generation and HVAC assets are integrated into the structure itself.

REFERENCES:

1: Department of Defense Standard Family of Tactical Shelters (Rigid/Soft/Hybrid), Joint Committee On Tactical Shelters (JOCOTAS), 2011 Jan, Accessed on 20 May 2019 https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a568854.pdf

KEYWORDS: Command Post, Shelter, Expandable, ISO, Vehicle, Tactical, Mobile

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: The Army is interested in improving its power electronics systems for aviation. Industry is currently taking advantage of breakthroughs in Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Galium Nitride (GaN) power electronic systems that can produce considerable efficiency gains. The Army would like to explore ways to utilize these systems on current rotorcraft platforms and Future Vertical Lift (FVL).

DESCRIPTION: Current legacy power electronic equipment are inefficient in comparison to modern equipment. By taking advantage of newer technologies, the Army hopes to reduce the size and weight of these systems while providing more capability to the warfighter. The SBIR is intended to explore opportunities for the Army to utilize emerging technologies to improve electrical distribution. Systems such as the Regulated Transformer-Rectifier Unit (RTRU), which typically have an efficiency of 70~80% is a prime example of where gains can be made. Classified proposals are not accepted under the DoD SBIR Program. In the event DoD Components identify topics that will involve classified work in Phase II, companies invited to submit a proposal must have or be able to obtain the proper facility and personnel clearances in order to perform Phase II work.

PHASE I: Under phase I, the electrical system in Army Rotorcraft should be researched and trades analyzed to determine what benefits could be realized by the Army. The Army would like to have an understanding of trade spaces and areas of improvement that can be realized for power electronics on aircraft. The Army currently utilizes systems within the following specifications: AC Generators: 40KVA-60KVA, 115VAC, 400Hz, at ~85% efficiency (min) RTRU: 28VDC output @ 250-400A ~85% efficiency (min) The Army desires to explore systems with the following specs: AC Generators: 45-70KVA, 115-270VAC, 400Hz, at 95+% efficiency RTRU: 28-270VDC @ +400A +95% efficiencies Note: If a DC voltage bus is utilized the Army will also need a way to supply 28VDC to its legacy systems. Current systems also have a MIL-STD-810G environmental requirement. A report should be delivered to the Army with documenting the design decisions the Army could make when utilizing a more advanced system. If possible, a demo would be desired.

PHASE II: Under phase II, the Army would desire working prototypes with actual simulated aircraft electrical loads. A laboratory environment would need to be setup that would simulate the aircraft loads. Additionally, this phase should include qualification testing to ensure ability to comply with Army requirements. The Army would like testing conducted to show the optimal setup that would be required for facilitate Army rotorcraft power needs. The final deliverable would be a report with testing and design data that would give the Army a path forward to utilize modern power electronics equipment.

PHASE III: Under phase III, the Army desires to pursue full qualification of the components and aircraft integration/testing on UH-60, AH-64, CH-47, and/or FVL. Additionally it is envisioned that this technology will have applicability to the commercial aircraft market. The final deliverable for this effort would be a qualified modern, integrated power electronics.

REFERENCES:

1: MIL-STD-810G

KEYWORDS: Generator, Regulated Transformer-Rectifier Unit (RTRU), Power Electronics, Power Distribution, Power

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Increase and Enhance Fleet Readiness of Army Aviation plus Reduction in non-mission capable (NMC) time.

DESCRIPTION: The Army Program Executive Office, Aviation; Product Director, Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) is interested in innovative technologies to include in the Aviation Shop Sets. The Aviation Shop Sets provide approximately 3000 tools housed in ISO S/783G and S/784G one-sided expandable tactical shelters. These shelters also include cabinets, work tables and large metal working equipment to maintain Army aircraft and are deployed around the world. The Aviation Shop Sets also provide field maintenance support and test and measurement equipment that are not included in aviation maintenance personnel’s individually assigned tool kits. Proposed AM systems are expected to significantly improve aircraft readiness levels through the ability to manufacture tools, support equipment, and aviation grade spare parts. This capability would enable units to continue with the mission when the procurement system is not responsive. This will also add the capability for on-site repair of existing tools, equipment, and aircraft reducing the reliance on a delayed procurement system especially in remote locations. The proposed system would have the capability to reproduce or repair most hand tools in the Aviation Shop Sets with similar or same material and quality. This would enable maintainers to always have the tool needed at the time needed resulting in improved readiness levels. The proposed AM system would also be a component of the Aviation Shop Set. Proposed AM systems should also be mindful of future requirements surrounding the Improved Turbine Engine and Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. Developmental and Operational Testing of the proposed AM solution will be required to substantiate performance to determine if the system as a whole meets the Army’s requirements and is capable of fielding a first unit within 24 months.

PHASE I: AGSE would like to examine the feasibility and extent of AM devices’ capability to replicate, replace, and repair tooling and parts used to maintain Army Aviation assets. Identify potential uses and capability gaps that can improve or leverage Army Aviation readiness using AM technologies within Army aviation maintenance in both garrison and deployed environments. Identify and characterize the advantages and benefits of utilizing AM technologies to include areas such as, but not limited to: cost, technical, training, readiness, logistics, technology limitations, and weight. The AM capability studied will need to meet necessary size and weight criteria to enable packaging within the current footprint of the Aviation Shop Set. Additionally, the AM capability must duplicate the necessary strength, ruggedness, and application to complete the tasks of maintaining Army Aviation assets.

PHASE II: AGSE would like to leverage the feasibility determination accomplished in Phase I. Objectives of Phase II are to: A) Procure up to 3 AM devices for demonstration/testing, B) Demonstrate AM capability to produce multiple tools and/or parts required for Army aviation maintenance, C) Demonstrate the ability for the prototype AM device to fit within the Aviation Shop Set, D) Demonstrate the ability for the AM device to duplicate tools or parts similar in physical characteristics such as strength, ruggedness, and application, E) Complete a Technology Readiness Assessment and provide a document detailing the artifacts and justification to satisfy TRL determination. The offeror will demonstrate a capability of completing the widest array of manufacture/repair of tooling necessary to render the Aviation Shop Sets and associated equipment fully mission capable.

PHASE III: AGSE will POM for funding necessary to procure and retrofit Aviation Shop Sets with at least one selected AM device. Entry into Milestone B of the Acquisition development life-cycle including the completion of all life-cycle targets including development of a training plan for TRADOC, necessary user testing, and sustainment strategies to support the enabling of this capability. AGSE will be charged with the complete life-cycle management of the Aviation Shop Set.

REFERENCES:

1: Direct Measurement of Energy in Additive Manufacturing (AM) Paper by Federico Sciammarella, Northern Illinois University, sciammarella@niu.edu.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Fabrication, Aviation, Readiness, 3D Printer, 3D Scanner, Laser Engineered Net-Shaping, Selective Laser Sintering, Multi-Jet Modeling

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a Phased Array SATCOM System for Group 2 UAS and Dismounts.

DESCRIPTION: The Army’s FTUAS program is bringing rapid innovation and new capabilities to the US Army’s combat brigades. The FTUAS program is reducing the size of drones at the same time as bringing increased capabilities. An increasingly difficult problem is the ability to stay connected to the network while conducting missions that last 8 hours or more. System agile satellite communications (the ability to use GEO, MEO, or LEO systems) will greatly enhance the military utility of the Army’s FTUAS. The Phased Array technology must be cost effective in order to equip the FTUAS in quantity and must be compatible with the next generation tactical terminals. The system should be capable of supporting multi-megabit per second connections to different satellite system in different types of orbit. The system should have the ability to do make before break to ensure no dropouts when transitioning from one satellite to another. This capability when complete will support added resiliency for Army and Multi-Domain Battle (MDB) mission threads in a contested environment. Once complete, this capability could be scaled for use in other Army systems. In addition to the DoD environment, this proposal has potential for commercialization. As we move towards an “Internet of Things” approach where IP addressing is frequently used and wireless technology is used to send system status or update information, this could provide a much needed, smaller form factor satellite connection. Another potential commercial application would be in the proliferating unmanned vehicle market in the commercial sector.

PHASE I: Identify the key component technologies required to support the performance and cost goals for the phased array system. Model the system to show how RF performance will be achieved within the Size Weight and Power (SWAP) constraints of FTUAS. The weight should be less than 8lbs and the power should be less than 200 watts. The size should be compatible with future FTUAS platforms. The analysis should show basic performance parameters associated with SATCOM links to include at a minimum frequency bands supported, EIRP and G/T. The initial analysis should demonstrate the cost to produce the system within the FTUAS SWAP constraints and the feasibility of meeting requirements in Mil-Std-188-164B.

PHASE II: Design and develop a system agile phased array satellite communications prototype unit to show the feasibility of providing SATCOM for FTUAS. Test and demonstrate key technologies to support an initial capability and identify areas requiring additional research and development to support the SWAP constrained capability. Demonstrate as many performance parameters as feasible and identify growth path to full performance with the FTUAS swap. Identify key risk areas where performance, SWAP coupled with minimum performance of real time video over SATCOM is the primary concern.

PHASE III: Deliver working units to the FTUAS program for integration and test. Obtain Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) certification to work on military satellite systems. Obtain commercial certification for use on commercial satellite networks. This will pave the way for use on commercial satellite communications systems.

REFERENCES:

1: DISA (https://www.disa.mil/)

KEYWORDS: Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Geosynchronous Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, Low Earth Orbit

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a Cross Domain Processing Solution (CDPS) for Group 2 UAS and Dismounts.

DESCRIPTION: The Army’s FTUAS program is bringing rapid innovation and new capabilities to the US Army’s combat brigades. The FTUAS program is reducing the size of drones at the same time as bringing increased capabilities. The evolution of small form factor SIGINT, EWW, and mini EO/IR with lasing payloads will greatly enhance the military utility of the Army’s FTUAS. To provide an advanced exploitation and dissemination experience to both external uses and the FTUAS operations, onboard data processing at varying simultaneous security classification levels is required. The Cross Domain Processing Solution (CDPS) must offer power efficiency and compact size to fly on a Group 2 UAS. The solution shall manage processing of (2) or more domains simultaneously. The CDPS shall process and provide operators in the FTUAS ground control station with relevant data applicable to their security classification and mission needs. This solution also needs to implement a framework for date and time accuracy where GPS may not be available for extended durations. This capability, when complete, will support increased interoperability for Advanced Teaming mission threads. In addition to the DoD environment, this proposal has potential for commercialization. The technology could be leveraged in mainstream IT to provide physical separation between sites and networks. Another potential commercial application would be in the delivery of data by commercial unmanned vehicles to multiple, distinct customers during flight.

PHASE I: Identify the key component technologies required to support the performance, size, and cost goals for the CDPS. Model the system to show what processing performance (CPU and graphics) will be achieved within the Size Weight and Power (SWAP) constraints of FTUAS. The weight should be less than 5lbs and the power should be less than 100 watts. The initial analysis should demonstrate the cost to produce the system within the FTUAS SWAP constraints and the path ahead for receiving certification from the NSA for multiple domain processing.

PHASE II: Design and develop a hardware prototype unit to show the feasibility of processing data and providing date, time information for FTUAS in the constrained SWAP environment. Test and demonstrate key technologies to support an initial capability and identify areas requiring additional research. Demonstrate as many performance parameters as feasible and identify growth path to full performance with the FTUAS swap. Identify key risk areas where performance due to SWAP is a concern. Validate plan for NSA certification.

PHASE III: Deliver working units to the FTUAS program for integration and test. Obtain NSA certification to operate on designated networks. Obtain commercial certification for distribution to multiple, distinct customers.

REFERENCES:

1: NIST Special Publications 800 Series

KEYWORDS: CDS, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, GPS, EWW, EO/IR, SIGINT, NSA

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a tool that provides Radio Frequency (RF) digital channel emulation, captures I/Q samples in real-time, processes and analyzes these baseband signals across all radios in the network to evaluate radio network performance. The tool will enable evaluation of performance metrics such as network connectivity, bandwidth efficiency, reaction time to changes, performance in intermittent conditions, scalability, susceptibility to interception and detection, etc. This capability will allow advance evaluation of GOTS and COTS waveforms necessary to understand their suitability in ever challenging tactical use cases spanning from increased capacity for data transport, to real-time control of unmanned objects and vehicles, and ability to operate in congested and contested environments, which is not currently possible through spectrum analyzers.

DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: Evaluating large ad hoc network solutions in tactically relevant scenarios poses unique challenges that are not adequately addressed in the current state of the art wireless network evaluation. This is particularly true in the context of integrated, network-centric communications in a congested and contested radio frequency (RF) environment. The current state of the art channel emulators provide ability for the radios to communicate in realistic environment, which allows the system evaluators to measure the application layer performance in different channel conditions. This performance measurement ability is essential but it does not provide the necessary insight into the RF characteristics of the radios in different network scenarios. This level of advance baseband analysis capability across radio networks is not available through spectrum analyzers. Additionally, Army does not have a tool to compare different radio network solutions as far as RF level signaling is concerned. This lack of visibility could hide vulnerabilities of a radio system. For example, two radio solutions that have similar network performance may have drastically different RF footprint, which makes one solution more susceptible to RF interception and detection. The ability to capture and analyze RF data from a network of connected radios will help in understanding such behaviors. A comprehensive analysis of a radio system requires analysis across all communication layers. The information available through network management entities is useful but rarely provide deep insight into the radio behavior. The ability to capture and analyze data across application, network and RF layers is necessary to provide a comprehensive assessment of radio performance. A tool that can measure RF behavior as well as network behavior will help the Army to better understand and evaluate various radio technologies. It will help detect any system vulnerability in early stages of adoption, and ultimately reduce the cost of developing new technologies relevant to the Army. To fill this gap Army is soliciting the development of a radio network evaluation technology that provides visibility into the behavior of the radio network. The evaluation tool must provide Radio Frequency (RF) digital channel emulation, capturing of I/Q samples in real-time, and processing and analysis of baseband signals across all radios in the network to evaluate radio network performance. This tool should provide recording and playback of several minutes of Network and RF environment for advanced radio systems where the corresponding packets and RF emissions are tagged with the identity of the emitter. The recording must support at least 16 SISO radios as well as 4 4x4 MIMO radios. This tool must support channel bandwidth of at least 250 MHz. The tool must provide standard interface to external tools such as MATLAB and other like tools. This interface could be leveraged to consume more advanced channel effects generated by these external tools and for analysis and reporting. The network analysis tool must include MATLAB scripts for analysis and reporting.

PHASE I: Conduct a design study of the Radio Network Sniffer and Baseband Signal Analysis Tool. The design must cover Radio Frequency (RF) digital channel emulation, real-time capturing of I/Q samples, processing, analysis, and playback of baseband signals across all radios in the network. Design analysis must address accuracy, speed, and scalability of the approach. Demonstrate proof of concept technology for two radios.

PHASE II: Finalize the design of the Radio Network Sniffer and Baseband Signal Analysis Tool. Build and deliver evaluation tool that can support recording of Network and RF interactions between at least 16 SISO radios and 4 4x4 MIMO radios. This tool must support channel bandwidth of at least 250 MHz. The evaluation tool should include matlab interface and scripts to read and analyze the data. The ability to record RF channel with tagged meta-data should be demonstrated using tactical radios connected through an RF link emulator where the channel is drawn from the terrain data of a geographical area that will be defined by the Army. The evaluation tool should be able to emulate the RF recording at any point on the identified map. The tool should be delivered to Army for further testing and evaluation. Potential military and commercial applications will be identified and targeted for Phase III and commercialization.

PHASE III: PEO C3T / PM Tactical Radio / PM Tactical Networks will have high interest in the Radio Network Sniffer and Baseband Signal Analysis Tool as they will be looking to evaluate commercial radios and waveform technologies for Army’s Integrated Tactical Network (ITN). The development of this tool will enable fast and effective way to evaluate and characterize new radio technologies. The tool will also benefit a wide variety of communications and sensor networks and vendors for both military and civilian applications.

REFERENCES:

1: ns-3: A discrete-event network simulator for Internet systems: https://www.nsnam.org/

KEYWORDS: Channel Emulation, RF Matrix, I/Q Signal Processing, Channel Effects, Spectrum Analyzer, MANET, RF Footprint, Radio Network Evaluation, MIMO Radios, Waveforms

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research will be to develop and demonstrate countermeasures to electronic warfare (EW) attacks on communication’s systems thereby producing communications systems that have increased EW resilience.

DESCRIPTION: Historically, US Army tactical radios use hard-coded TRANSEC techniques to counter specific simple EW threats against very specific communications waveforms. With the advent of Software Defined Radios new electronic attack (EA) techniques are increasing in sophistication and being developed and deployed at a rate outpacing waveform development. Artificial Intelligence (AI), and especially Machine Learning techniques, have been demonstrated as applied research (TRL 3-5), that can learn performance of friendly communications waveforms over time, recognize anomalies in behavior, and adapt to overcome EW threats. The US Air Force and Navy have found some success in employing AI against Radar threats. Largely land bases, the US Army is primarily concerned with communications threats, yet much of the same AI might apply for both RADAR and comms.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort should demonstrate, in a laboratory environment, the ability of the AI algorithms to, based on performance observed over time, learn to recognize when SINCGARS, MUOS, and/or TSM waveforms are experiencing an EW attack (brought on by skilled EA operators using sophisticated modern attack techniques) and respond within five minutes to adapt and counter the attack without a-priori information regarding the nature of the attack.

PHASE II: Following the precedent of previous Product Manager Electronic Warfare Integration (PdM EWI) Radio Interference Mitigation (RIM) efforts, the Phase II effort should demonstrate (TRL-6/7), within a relevant environment (e.g., Yuma, EPG, etc.) embodiment of this AI solution in a form factor with a clear path to a fieldable tactical solutions that runs independent to any particular radio acquisition effort.

PHASE III: Phase III should advance the technology maturity to embodiment of this AI solution in a form factor demonstrated an operational environment at operational vehicle speeds and at operational range separations with anticipated range of red EA systems. Commercial applications include robust resilient communications for private security industry, air traffic control, first responders counter terrorism EA against private sector targets. May also likely counter non-malevolent interference events in congested RF environments.

REFERENCES:

1: Waveform Agnostic Communications via Deep Learning, DeepSig, https://oshearesearch.com/, Tim OShea

KEYWORDS: Electronic Warfare, EW, Resilient, Radio, Radio Frequency, Communications, Artificial Intelligence, AI, Waveform Agnostic, Antijam, AJ, Machine Learning, ML,

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop/implement an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithm employed in video surveillance cameras to detect identities, track identities, and disseminate identities through facial recognition from live video surveillance cameras anywhere.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army has a need to enhance security measures at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and other secured facilities by detecting threatening individuals, preventing infiltration by non-authorized personnel and rapidly authenticating authorized personnel. To meet this need PM DoD Biometrics is in need of advanced identity verification, biometric identification leveraging real-time video surveillance monitoring and exploitation technologies. The primary objective of the desired capability is to rapidly (in near real time) determine or verify a person’s identity from live video surveillance by automatically detecting, tracking and submitting high-quality face images to a cloud-based enterprise face recognition and alerting system. The system will deliver this capability anywhere, anytime and using any digital video surveillance camera which has Internet/network connectivity. The US Army desires an AI/ML-based face detection, face tracking and face search submission edge-device(s) which is capable of monitoring live video surveillance feeds (from commodity video surveillance cameras to include embedded cameras on Android and iOS devices) coupled with an enterprise cloud-based watch list management and face recognition matching capability. This system is intended to standardize and centralize edge-device management/authorization, face matching, face match adjudication, authoritative watch list management, and alerting/notification mechanisms. The system must be scalable to biometrically enable a large array (10k+) of video surveillance cameras.

PHASE I: The objective is to develop an overall system design that includes specification of AI/ML based techniques employed, specification of architecture required to support concept of operation, sensor specifications required to achieve detect, track, match, and disseminate functions, recognition techniques employed by algorithm, and protocol for employment with current identity operations and intel platforms.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype system in a realistic environment. Conduct testing to prove feasibility over extended operating conditions.

PHASE III: Upon completion of research, software developed could be integrated into current biometric collection capabilities.

REFERENCES:

1: https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-biometric-sensors/

KEYWORDS: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Facial Recognition

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop/implement machine learning algorithms to automate identification of persons-of interest using face recognition with frontal and off-angle images from publically available information.

DESCRIPTION: While there has been much focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) based techniques to automate identification of persons-of-interest using face recognition using frontal and off-angle face images, there is a need to develop/augment a face recognition algorithm to be capable of matching faces at extreme angles, such as faces captured as full 90-degree profile images. Many operational use cases exist whereby DoD is only able to collect a profile face image (for example, images extracted from Captured Enemy Material and from publicly available information) and has the need to identify the unknown subject. The Project Manager (PM) is interested in algorithms that incorporate state-of-art AI and ML processes. Approaches should address use of neural network design and training processes; use of performance and model monitoring tools; and data analytics for validation and visualization. Preference is for solutions to be agnostic to future systems to allow rapid capability increase for fielded systems – in particular the US Army’s Video Identification, Collection and Exploitation (VICE) System.

PHASE I: The objective is to develop overall system design that includes specification of AI/ML based techniques employed, specification of architecture required to support concept of operation, sensor specifications required to achieve match by various distances, recognition techniques employed by algorithm, and protocol for employment with current identity operations and intel platforms.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype system in a realistic environment. Conduct testing to prove feasibility over extended operating conditions.

PHASE III: Upon completion of research, software developed could be integrated into the Near Real Time Identity Operations (NRTIO) or Next Generation Biometric Collection Capability (NXGBCC) systems architecture. Providing the match/no-match response through a cloud-based architecture supports the cueing of multiple sensors on and off the battlefield. Technology could also be used to support smart cities concept in support of local governments via friction payment authentication or law enforcement applications.

REFERENCES:

1: Alyea, L.A., Hoglund, D.E., Eds. Human Detection and Positive Identification: Methods and Technologies, SPIE. 1996.

KEYWORDS: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Facial Recognition

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: A software development kit (SDK) for mobile devices (iOS and Android) able to collect, process and match fingerprints from subjects (up-close and standoff) using stock rear camera. The SDK should provide (1) offline and online collection, processing and matching; (2) synchronization over disadvantaged, low-bandwidth connection when connected; and (3) online and offline matching against legacy (500 ppi), next-generation high-resolution (1000+ ppi) and minutiae-based fingerprints; and (4) advanced presentation attack detection (PAD) mechanisms. The SDK should support a wide range of import and export formats for interoperability with legacy and next-generation multi-biometric systems including support for probabilistic 1-to-many matches for partial latent collected prints from exploited sites. The SDK should be benchmarked for all conversions high resolution-to-legacy, legacy-to-high resolution and minutiae formats using NIST SP 500-305 and subsequent non-Appendix F matching methods. Finally, the SDK will pioneer a universal, open-source biometric envelope standard format to promote maximum interoperability and avoid future vendor-lock.

DESCRIPTION: Current mobile devices (phones & tablets) support specialized graphics processors and high resolution imaging cameras at low cost, but lack sophisticated biometric processing capabilities that would allow for efficient collection, processing and matching of fingerprint images at the edge. Future devices will get even more powerful in their capabilities but will lack software capabilities to exploit fingerprint image data unless software development kits (SDKs) are developed for watchlist 1-to-many matching in disconnected mode; fingerprints collected during operations; at-a-distance fingerprint image collection; backward-compatibility to legacy formats (ink and touch-based collected prints); and partial print processing and matching from site exploitation latent prints.

PHASE I: An operational, version 1.0 SDK and interoperability study to characterize the compatibility of high-resolution images with existing legacy ink & touch-based fingerprint databases based on NIST SP500-305 benchmark metrics (including PAD levels). Such an SDK will be released open source with plugin vendor drivers for biometric processing and matching engines but support version 1.0 of the interoperable biometric envelop format standard.

PHASE II: An operational, version 2.0 SDK with support for collection, processing and 1-to-many matching of latent fingerprints (including partial prints). The version 2.0 SDK will improve interoperability between legacy and next-generation (1000+ ppi and minutiae) formats, introduce new APIs for pluggable engines and re-benchmark matching (both 1-to-1 and 1-to-many) according to NIST SP 500-305 testing procedures (or subsequent NIST update editions).

PHASE III: A robust globally recognized fingerprint collection, processing and matching “backbone” (or “bus”) released as open source with pluggable extensions provided by vendors that provides interoperability between legacy and next-generation (1000+ ppi and minutiae) formats.

REFERENCES:

1: SOCOM 2019 Biometric TBE - https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2019/6/28/socom-seeks-smartphone-app-for-fingerprint-data

KEYWORDS: Biometrics, Fingerprint, Contactless, Mobile, Smartphone, Standoff,

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Project Office Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) is the lead materiel developer of the Army’s Integrated Air & Missile Defense (AIAMD) Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). IBCS will fuse multiple Sensors into a Single Integrated Air Picture for Air & Missile Defense engagement planning and execution. One of the IAMD developed components is the Integrated Fire Control Network Relay (IFCN). A major component of the IFCN Relay is a Network Enclosure Assembly (NEA). The NEA houses many critical components to enable IAMD data. The NEA is plagued with multiple issues from size, weight, cooling capacity and access. The objective of this SBIR submission is to obtain innovative small business insights focused on Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) improvements of the NEA architectural concept, improving the reliability and availability of internal components so that they work in the harsh environment and conditions experienced by the NEA, and improving maintainability of the NEA by providing Soldier access to perform operations and maintenance.

DESCRIPTION: The NEA, which is a proprietary item, possesses seven additional proprietary items as well as eight others of which one is ruggedized. Given the proprietary nature of the item and several of the components, the intent of this SBIR is to evaluate the NEA architectural concept as a whole by: (1) Determine internal components that could be improved so that they operate in the harsh environment experienced by the NEA, (2) Assess and reduce the cooling system requirements based on improvement of the NEA architectural concept. (3) Enhancing maintenance and Soldier access to the NEA. The components that comprise the NEA: 1. Integrated Fire Control Network Relay (IFCN) Mission Case (Proprietary) - Bare bone case with Environmental Control Unit (ECU), Quantity: 1 2. Environmental Control Unit (ECU) Controller Assembly (Proprietary) - ECU control logic, Quantity: 1 3. Power Distribution Unit (Proprietary) - Internal Power Distribution (DC Edge Attachment), Quantity: 1 4. Northrop Grumman (NG) Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) High- Band Radio Frequency Unit (HRFU) control/status protector (Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) / Lightning protection) (Proprietary) - EMI/Lightning Protection, Quantity: 1 5. IBCS NG 100A 28 Volts Direct Current (VDC) Protector (Proprietary) - Circuit Breaker with EMI/Lightning Protection, Quantity: 1 6. Status & Coordinate Input Module (Proprietary) - Soldier input / display device to Initialization Global Positioning System Receiver Module (IGRM), Quantity: 1 7. Breaker Box, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), 100 amp (A) (Proprietary) - Circuit Breaker with EMI/Lightning Protection, Quantity: 1 8. Initialization Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver Module (IGRM) - The IGRM provides location information and 1 PPS signal to the HNR for initialization and continuous operation, Quantity: 1 9. PARVUS DURANET 18-Port Switch - Parvus Duranet 3000 Ethernet switch. The Parvus Duranet 3000 Ethernet switch routes classified data traffic between the Network Equipment and the PFPU, Quantity: 1 10. HAIPE, AltaSec KG250X, Ruggedized - HAIPE 3.0 encryption device (ViaSat AltaSec KG-250X). The KG-250X HAIPE 3.0 encryption device maintains the red / black communication boundary for all IFCN communication, Quantity: 1 11. Harris Baseband Processing Unit (BPU) - The BPU includes the control processor that hosts the HNW version 2 data link control layer, an OFDM burst modem that provides the HNW version 2 physical layer and an embedded mobile access switch router, Quantity: 1 12. Spectracom SecureSync Timing Unit Direct Current (DC) Power - The Spectracom SecureSync network timing unit provides critical system timing information, ensuring end-to-end synchronization with all IFCN nodes by means of a GPS-base NTP server, Quantity: 1 13. Telecommunication Systems (TCS) Tactical Router, MIL SPEC - Alt-Media Router, Quantity: 1 14. Media Converter Chassis - Fiber optic media converter chassis with Omnitron 119-0 media converters, Quantity: 1 15. NTN, Remote Global Positioning System (GPS) Antenna - GPS antenna, Quantity: 1

PHASE I: Investigate and research innovative technologies and architectures that can be incorporated into a new mission focused enclosure, component focused, which can improve reliability and availability, operate with less or without active cooling, and which can perform the same functions as the components listed in the NEA description. Once investigation and research of potential technology is complete, the offeror will, in an unclassified format, identify implementation options in a Phase I report. Analysis information and prototypes developed during this phase must be supplied to the PEO Missiles and Space. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information.

PHASE II: Using the technology and approach(es) identified in Phase I, design and package the improved components into mission focused prototype enclosures that are smaller, lighter, and more accessible. Analysis information and prototypes developed during this phase must be supplied to the PEO Missiles and Space. Analysis information and prototypes developed during this phase must be supplied to the PEO Missiles and Space.

PHASE III: Transition the Phase II product into a deployable capability to enter into detailed technical and operational testing. Following testing, if successful, prepare sufficient data products to support potential procurement and fielding as part of the IAMD IBCS System as an integrated component.

REFERENCES:

1: Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/ms-aiamd-2/

KEYWORDS: Army Integrated Air And Missile Defense (AIAMD), Integrated Air And Missile Defense (IAMD), Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN), IFCN Relay, Network Enclosure Assembly (NEA)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

DESCRIPTION: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning techniques, in conjunction with rapid growth in GPU hardware performance have opened up new possibilities for exploitation of AI to perform highly complex tasks with performance exceeding that of more traditional approaches. Potential applications within the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system include Identification and Classification of tracked objects, Defense Design, and Dynamic Planning and Tasking. To support AI / Deep Learning-based applications, the Army requires a robust, scalable architecture, framework and algorithm engine that can be utilized by multiple AI applications in an easily maintainable and extensible manner. The architecture and framework should include a combination of hardware and software that has a straightforward path of integration with current IAMD systems. The AI Engine should support integration and execution of multiple, simultaneous AI applications, as well as the ability to ingest, store, and process significant amounts of data. In addition to execution, the architecture, framework and engine should support training of the algorithms, which minimizes hardware and software costs as well as permits on-the-fly enhancements to the different applications.

PHASE I: Develop a concept and initial prototype for a system architecture, framework, and algorithm engine. Demonstrate that the framework and engine will support AI-based functions such as Identification and Classification of tracks or others. Establish feasibility through evaluation of the framework via a study and/or use of simulation-based analysis. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information.

PHASE II: Design, develop and deliver a prototype architecture, framework, and AI engine that demonstrates the capability to perform multiple AI-based functions, and is integrable with the current IAMD hardware and architecture. Perform the demonstration at a government defined facility. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for the Army IAMD.

PHASE III: Transition the Phase II product into a deployable capability to enter into detailed technical and operational testing.

REFERENCES:

1: Vasudevan, Vijay. "TensorFlow: A system for Large-Scale Machine Learning." Usenix Associate, USENIX OSDI 2016 Conference, 2 November 2016.

KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning; Identification; Classification, Defense Design, And Dynamic Planning, Automated Resource Assignment

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Development fire control solutions for the C-RAM II PTS testbed radar and system development of prototype radar software to implement detection and tracking algorithms as well as ambiguity resolution algorithms, waveform improvements, processing capabilities.

DESCRIPTION: Radar systems providing high accuracy tracks are critical to the development of state-of-the-art solutions for the warfighter. These radar systems find utility as fire control radars associated with some interceptor and also as truth sensors for conducting flight tests with UAS, missiles, projectiles, interceptors, mortars, and more. The PEO Missiles and Space is interested in developing fire control solutions for the C-RAM II PTS testbed radar system. This effort requires the development of prototype radar software to implement detection and tracking algorithms as well as ambiguity resolution algorithms, waveform improvements, processing capabilities. There is also interest in enabling the radar to be integrated in a networked configuration to support command and control mission requirements. The aforementioned improvements also require that the radar can successfully be instrumented to collect data in contested Electronic Warfare and Cyber environments. Radar system and component level improvements and maintenance are expected in order to support demonstration events and prototype development. It is the intent of this topic for the offeror to demonstrate the capability to create improved tracking techniques for the C-RAM II PTS testbed radar system. The proposals must result in software and/or hardware modifications to the system that enhance its performance and develop technologies that can be inserted to or assist fielded radar systems.

PHASE I: In Phase 1, the offeror shall research, develop and evaluate prototype algorithms for resolving angle ambiguities and improving the tracking performance of a C-RAM II PTS interferometric testbed radar. Additionally, as part of Phase 1, the offeror shall investigate and produce a concept for adding waveform agility to the testbed radar. The final product of Phase 1 shall be prototype algorithms for certain missions, algorithm documentation, and a report documenting the new waveform possibilities of the sensor. Algorithm prototypes are required during Phase I and must be supplied to PEO Missiles and Space.

PHASE II: In Phase II, the offeror shall use methods developed in Phase 1 to modify radar software for implementation of the algorithms presented in the algorithm documentation. The updated configuration shall be evaluated by the offeror via demonstration at a test range (location TBD) and against the targets for which the algorithms were developed. The purpose of this demonstration is to verify the improved radar performance. Additionally, the offeror shall develop a detailed software, firmware, and hardware design for adding transmit waveforms to the testbed radars signal generation capabilities. The modifications that are associated with adding waveforms to the library of the radar shall be described and established. The offeror shall calibrate the antennas of the testbed radar for optimal performance. These improvements to the waveform and antennas are aimed at improving the agility and tracking performance of the testbed. Furthermore, the offeror shall generate a concept and implementation path for a Hardware-In-the-Loop (HWIL) representation of the radar in order to conduct algorithm development testing and performance predictions. Finally, software development that enables the testbed to collect and process sensitive data is necessary and will require improvements to the source code and data recording process. The desired products of Phase II include: 1) software builds implementing algorithms and capability improvements, 2) Demonstration of the radar performance improvements, 3) Improved antenna array calibration, 4) A detailed prototype design concept for implementing additional waveforms capability, and 5) a prototype design to achieve an HWIL configuration. Analysis, documents, and prototypes are required during Phase II and must be supplied to PEO Missiles and Space.

PHASE III: For Phase III of this effort, the offeror shall expand upon the solutions of Phase II to develop an HWIL system for the radar and waveform transmit unit generating various waveforms. The purpose of the HWIL development is to create a prototype system for conducting radar performance predictions against different targets or interest using hardware and software components identical to those in the radar processor. The purpose of the waveform generation unit is to enable the development and testing of prototype search, acquisition, detection, and tracking algorithms on interferometric radar systems that result in improved radar capabilities. Prototypes are required during Phase III and must be supplied to PEO Missiles and Space. Phase III applications: Particular military applications include generic radar sensor system applications for accurate tracking of specific targets of interest either as a truth sensor or fire control radar. Additionally, improved algorithms and testing capabilities enable pre-flight test predictions, improved radar accuracy performance, and engagement of more advanced targets. Transitions of opportunity include military grade radar systems utilizing interferometer techniques and phased array antenna apertures. The most likely path to transition the prototype algorithms and hardware is for a ground based radar program that will adapt the technology during their development and test cycle or for PEO Missiles & Space to utilize the testbed in an integrated air defense network as a testbed radar.

REFERENCES:

1: "Passive Direction Finding - A Phase Interferometry Direction Finding System for an Airborne Platform", Worcester Polytechnic Institute, October 10, 2012, Daniel Guerin, Shane Jackson, Jonathan Kelly, Submitted to: Project Advisors: Professor Edward A. Clancy, Professor George T. Heineman, Professor Germano Iannacchione, Project Supervisors: Lisa Basile, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Kelly McPhail, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Christopher Strus, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/66

KEYWORDS: Interferometry, Phased Array Antennas, Algorithms, Waveforms, Signal Processing, Fire Control, Network

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Modern missile systems require tremendous amounts of signal and information processing using constrained resources in an extreme environment. Multi-spectral sensors, high-bandwidth communications, and supersonic flight control demand significant processing power, while space and weight constraints limit available power and heat dissipation. It is uncertain that conventional Digital Signal Processing (DSP) approaches can provide the increased performance required in next generation missile systems. To meet this need, alternatives to conventional, power-hungry digital processing approaches are desired. A promising novel approach is continuous-time digital signal processing (CTDSP), which achieves similar or improved performance while offering a significant decrease in power and heat dissipation requirements [1]. In particular, continuous-time algorithms that can be implemented on reconfigurable hardware including field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can enable the flexible design of future missile systems. Because the power reduction of this technique is application-specific, an exact benefit to Army systems cannot be quantified at this time; however, power savings of as much as a factor of 3 have been reported [2]. This effort is designed to impact the Long Range Precision Fires and Air and Missile Defense Army Modernization Priorities.

DESCRIPTION: Continuous-time digital signal processing (CTDSP) offers a promising alternative to conventional digital signal processing (DSP) for systems constrained by size, weight, power and cost [3]. The defining attribute is the use of continuous digital states instead of discretely clocked samples. Gate outputs switch as input signals change, in contrast to conventional DSP where gate outputs update with a fixed frequency clock. As such, CTDSP can be described as unclocked digital processing. The primary potential benefit of CTDSP is a reduction in power consumption and heat generation due to reduced switching for low-activity signals. As CTDSP matures, the standard modules and functions that underlie many of the most common signal processing algorithms must be redesigned to operate using unclocked logic. Operations including linear filters, mixers, correlators, and even simple mathematical functions require a new design approach. Many key algorithms have been successfully demonstrated, primarily filters using FPGAs [3] and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) [4]. Importantly, the development of conventional digital systems has been greatly aided by the widespread use of reconfigurable devices such as FPGAs. The inclusion of reconfigurable devices not only accelerates initial development but also facilitates maintenance and upgrade of fielded systems. To exploit recent advances, the development of continuous-time digital signal processing algorithms beyond linear filter networks that work on reconfigurable digital devices is highly desirable. These algorithms may use amplitude quantization of analog input signals but enable continuous, unclocked processing of the digital signals. Targeted algorithms will enable the common signal processing operations required for communications, sensing, and control that are typical of modern missile systems. Challenges include continuous-time digitizing of analog signal input, algorithm design, resource optimization, amplitude quantization effects, bandwidth limitations, and error correction or tolerance. Preferred designs will be vendor agnostic and portable across reconfigurable devices, with minimal tuning that is device dependent. The intent of this solicitation is to develop a suite of CTDSP algorithms to enable low-cost, low-power, reconfigurable signal-processing devices to support a large variety of applications. As such, the solicitation is not limited to a particular application or performance specification.

PHASE I: Conduct a design study to identify important signal processing blocks for implementation using continuous-time digital circuits on a reconfigurable device. These important processing blocks should, at a minimum, implement lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch filters as well as modulation. Simulation and theoretical analysis will identify a preferred concept design for signal representation and modularization of operations. Consideration will be given to analog signal interface, resource requirements, quantization effects, and portability within reconfigurable architectures.

PHASE II: Finalize an optimized suite of continuous-time signal processing tools implementable on reconfigurable gate arrays to support various signal processing requirements typical in a missile system. Performance metrics will establish improved performance compared to conventional DSP approaches in terms of size, power, heat dissipation, cost, and reconfigurability. Potential military and commercial applications will be identified and targeted for Phase III exploitation and commercialization.

PHASE III: The development of continuous-time digital signal processing to meet signal processing requirements using reconfigurable gate arrays enables a significant leap-ahead technology for signal processing to support communications, remote sensing, and control. These technologies offer potential benefits across a wide swath of communications and sensor networks for both military and civilian applications.

REFERENCES:

1: Y. Tsividis, "Continuous-time digital signal processing," Electronics Letters 39(21), 1551 (2003).

KEYWORDS: Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Continuous-Time Digital Signal Processing (CTDSP), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Replace Generation III Night Vision Goggles with equivalent performance camera sensor to achieve wider field of view and integrate day and night HUD into visor projected helmet mounted display.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, the aviation heads up display (HUD) modifies the Generation III Night Vision Goggles to provide symbology overlay for aircraft instrumentation. This forces the Army to field two HUD displays, one for day use, another for night operation. The SBIR topic “Next Generation Aviation Helmet Mounted Display”, A18-089, is developing a low cost replacement for the current day display which offers a wider field of view to the pilots. This technology is incompatible with the fielded night vision goggles because the visor cannot be closed while wearing the NVGs. A digital night vision sensor is required for integration into the Visor Projected Helmet Mounted Display (VPHMD) such that a single display can be used in both day and night conditions. The night vision camera sensor must be equivalent to generation III NVG performance and operate on existing voltage and current available from the fielded HUD computer display power supply. The sensor shall not require cooling or active illumination to perform, and shall offer 60hz frame rate in high resolution. Weight is critical to head mounted avionics, so the total weight of the VPHMD cannot exceed the weight of the Generation III NVGs (590 grams) modified with the HUD display (additional 145 grams), and the moment arm of the replacement weight cannot exceed that of the existing fielded NVGs modified with the night HUD. Camera companies around the world are working towards real time high definition ultra-low light sensors which may be capable of achieving equivalent operational performance to Generation III NVGs IAW MIL-PRF-A327945, paragraph 3.5.3.5, i.e., “The brightness gain (see 3.6.10) shall not be less than 5,500 fL per fL (footlamberts)”. This solicitation intends to identify low level light sensor solutions that can be integrated with the VPHMD with the least amount of weight and power consumption, and verify the brightness gain equivalence to Generation III NVGs. This topic aligns with modernization priority for Soldier Lethality.

PHASE I: This effort shall identify an existing low level light sensor capable of being integrated into the VPHMD with minimal size, weight, and power consumption. A laboratory demonstration is required to demonstrate breadboard operation of the sensor and prove brightness gain equivalence to Generation III NVGs. A test report is required documenting the results of the laboratory demonstration and the brightness gain actually achieved by the sensor. The contractor shall write and deliver a plan for a Phase II integration of the sensor into the VPHMD. The integration plan shall project cost, size, weight, and power consumption of the sensor to be integrated into the VPHMD based on the breadboard build prototype.

PHASE II: The contractor shall partner with the day display vendor winner of SBIR topic “Next Generation Aviation Helmet Mounted Display”, A18-089 to deliver a sensor solution which provides night video input to the VPHMD. A total of not less than eight sensors with all interface hardware shall be built and delivered. An interface control document shall be provided to the Government and the VPHMD vendor detailing mechanical and electrical interface to the VPHMD. The VPHMD vendor shall have project management control of weight/space/power assignment of the sensor integration. The contractor shall host a Preliminary Design Review and perform a Critical Design Review (CDR) at the Government’s facility in month eleven. Critical Design Review (CDR) shall serve as the first milestone at the end of year one. Both design reviews shall make projections for weight/space/power requirements of the sensor. CDR shall present a cost projection for the sensor. Design reviews shall address VPHMD top level requirements for environmental compliance (rain, dust, electromagnetic interference, etc.), automatic shutoff when exposed to bright light and rapid recovery when light is no longer on sensor, durability, and interface to VPHMD. Delivery of sensors to the VPHMD vendor for integration shall serve as the 2nd year milestone. The contractor shall provide technical support to the VPHMD vendor by phone and travel to the VPHMD vendor site for first integration build activity. The contractor shall design the sensor as a replaceable module within the VPMHD by a soldier in the field using a standard Army electrical toolbox. The contractor shall provide final measured sensor capability and weight/space/power information to the VPHMD vendor so that the product specification for the VPHMD can be updated. The contractor shall perform a bench demonstration of the first sensor built to verify space/weight/power, functions, and capability. Deliverables will include briefing slides for the design review, meeting minutes for bi-weekly status telecons and design reviews, a test plan for sensor performance demonstration showing compliance to VPHMD integration requirements, test report documenting test accomplishments, data for updated VPHMD performance specification reflecting measured sensor performance, and a report detailing projected cost of the final sensor design as a function of quantity from a minimum of 50 and up to 1000 at a time. A preliminary technical data package for the sensor module shall be delivered.

PHASE III: Develop production processes for sensor prototypes built and delivered in Phase II. Update the VPHMD item specification to reflect final production process weight and performance impact based on production configuration sensor. Build thirty six (36) production representative sensors to supply to VPHMD vendor for final operational testing on multiple US Army helicopter configurations. Provide technical data package for sensor module. Sensor may migrate into ground soldier night vision equipment. Primary commercial application of sensor will be replacement of expensive commercial night vision systems used for hunting, cameras for photography, police and firefighting applications.

REFERENCES:

1: SPI Infrared: https://www.x20.org/cmos-night-vision-sensor-hfis-x26/

KEYWORDS: HUD, Helmet Mounted Display, Night Vision

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a pouch technology that serves as a docking station for personal electronic devices, connecting these devices into a body-worn electronics network.

DESCRIPTION: While home and office docking stations provide for quick pre-wired connection between a computer and local peripherals, those docking devices have not yet been adapted for wearable systems (Reference 1). Small batteries can charge individual devices, but must be paired directly to the device (Reference 2). Connectors for personal electronic devices are getting smaller, more robust, and are preparing for a booming market in wearable technology (References 3 and 4). The Army desires a pouch that can serve as a docking station for a personal electronic device and connect into a body-worn network. This pouch development effort will explore unique methods for combining electronics docking with textile systems. When the personal electronics device is inserted, the pouch will guide the device to a connector and not allow incorrect insertion/connection. The pouch may require different configurations for the size of the device and the type of existing connector on the device. When mated, the device shall be connected to the power (5V minimum) and data network. Data transmission from the electronic device will use USB protocol compatible. Typical connectors on personal electronics will include variations of USB such as Type A/B/C, mini-USB, micro USB, and Lightning. Upon insertion of the device into the pouch, there shall be tactile feedback that the User senses to assure that a power connection is made. The pouch connector shall vary as a function of the existing personal electronics devices. Examples of Personal Electronics Devices used in Army Aviation include (but are not limited to) Lightweight Wearable Environmental Control System (LWECS), 45 Watt battery, End User Device (EUD) (an Android cell-phone-sized device adopted from Nett Warrior by Air Warrior), and the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) (a tablet-sized Android device). The pouch shall provide protection from an aircraft environment to include sand and dust, Petroleum/Oil/Lubricants (POL), electrostatic accumulation, flash-fire, and rain. The pouch configuration may allow insertion of the device from the bottom so the connection is at the top of the pouch if it provides better protection from contamination. Other innovative approaches to avoiding sand and dust contamination are welcome. The pouch shall retain the personal electronics device and shall maintain connection between the pouch connector and the inserted device. The connection between the device and pouch shall not be broken during normal user motion to include walking, running, crawling, and jumping. The connection shall be rated to IP68 (International Protection Marking, IEC standard 60529). While power and data requirements are driven by the particular device the pouch contains, the docking pouch will be used in an aircraft environment. Electromagnetic signal emission and susceptibility shall be compatible with Army rotary wing aircraft.

PHASE I: This effort shall be used to develop a strawman architecture and design for a docking pouch solution that integrates with a body-mounted power network. The offeror shall identify viable manufacturing technologies and techniques that can be used in the assembly and production of the docking pouch solution. Proposed solutions shall be robust for military applications. If weight savings can be achieved with an innovative attachment and carriage system for use with a tactical vest, the technology shall be presented in this phase. A trade study shall be presented which compares the potential technologies with relevant parameters, including performance measures, size, weight, reliability, cost, and manufacturability. From this trade study, the offeror shall provide a recommended path forward.

PHASE II: This effort shall be used to develop the docking pouch technical details and to produce a limited quantity of test articles. The offeror shall develop the details for the physical and electronic components, as well as the human performance features. The offerer shall develop an approach to verify that the objectives are achieved. Twelve sets of pouches (one battery, one EUD, one EFB, and one LWECS) shall be delivered. The offeror shall conduct a lab demonstration of the pouches and perform initial aircraft compatibility to include electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility tests. The offerer shall maintain communication with IPC-8941 Subcommittee developing Guidelines on Connections for E-Textiles (Reference 5). Communication from the subcommittee shall be used to ensure compliance with emerging standards. Lessons-learned from development shall be communicated back to the subcommittee for their consideration.

PHASE III: Military personnel will be able to quickly recharge mission equipment in their docking pouches, and well as automatically connect to wired and wireless aircrew information systems. Other potential benefits as a result of this effort include commercial applications such as safety and situational awareness gear for outdoor enthusiast market, mine safety, and off shore oil and gas consumer markets.

REFERENCES:

1: gofanco® Multiport Dock

2: https://www.gofanco.com/products/video-display/multi-port-dock.html

KEYWORDS: E-textiles, Electronic Clothing, Tactical Vest Pouches, Smart Fabrics, Docking Station, Flame Retardant Fabric, Connectors

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop techniques and methodologies that reduce latency and increase scalability of mobile networks to support bandwidth requirements for future live training systems and simulations.

DESCRIPTION: Future live force-on-force training systems will require high-bandwidth, low-latency transfer of information to facilitate advanced simulation capabilities such as real-time direct & indirect fires, interaction with virtual entities (controlled by both live participants and constructive simulations), and streaming of virtual terrain data. To limit the burden on participants and increase realism, live training systems are made as small as possible, limiting the on-board processing capabilities of these systems. For this reason, cloud-based computing is an attractive option for enabling the capabilities described above. However, cloud computing requires a high-bandwidth, low-latency network to ensure that data is exchanged between the cloud and the point of need quickly enough to accurately simulate real-world military operations. The problem is further compounded by the expeditionary nature of Army live training, which often takes place in areas with little or no wireless data network infrastructure. The Army is interested in exploring techniques and methodologies for enabling low-latency, high-bandwidth expeditionary mobile data networks to support future live training simulation capabilities.

PHASE I: Desired end product of Phase I is a whitepaper describing the design of the new network technologies along with quantified estimates on bandwidth and latency.

PHASE II: Desired end product of Phase II is a demonstration of new network technologies on a virtual or live network, along with metrics on bandwidth and latency. In addition, the offeror would provide a document describing the expected risks, costs, and performance of the networking technologies developed when deployed on a large (Combat Training Center-sized) network.

PHASE III: Desired end state of the Phase III would be a tech demo of new TRL 6 networking technologies in a live Army training network at a homestation training application.

REFERENCES:

1: STE Live OTA - https://trainingaccelerator.org/2019/06/ste-live-force-on-force/

KEYWORDS: Data Networks, Cloud Computing, Simulation, Cross-Domain Training

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative technical application of big data analytics and visualizations for cyberspace operations training environments and datasets that support virtualized compute, network, storage nodes, high fidelity synthetic internet/grey space traffic, specialized hardware-in-the-loop assets, and threat actor signatures/emulation. The capability would support the ability to collect, correlate, extract, visualize and assess Cyber Mission Forces (CMF) embedded within high fidelity training environments across defensive/offensive operations and from individual, collective and force level training continuum.

DESCRIPTION: As stated within the Command Vision for United States Cyber Command (USCC), the Department of Defense’s cyber warriors conduct a full spectrum of daily operations in a contested, dynamically challenging cyberspace against near-peer competitors and adversaries. The outcomes of these operations are to ensure support for military operations, defend the nation against cyberattacks of serious consequence, and protect DoD information networks. As such in 2018, USCC, as a combatant command, announced 133 teams reaching full operational capability across USCC and Service Cyber Components for such missions. As these teams have been rapidly built out, maintaining and enhancing readiness through realistic, high fidelity training is critical to projecting multi-domain military superiority across the full spectrum of conflict. As such, established to provide a standardized cyberspace operations training platform for the CMF, the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) is spearheading the capability development of an on-demand, self-service enterprise training platform across cyber mission sets across individual-collective-force level training. As the CMF training platform, PCTE will enable CMF operators to plan-prepare-execute-assess on-demand training content, environments, tools, and datasets that can be readily re-used and shared across the DoD. As CMF individuals and teams execute the training continuum lifecycle, PCTE will be utilized to plan, define, and deploy high fidelity training events consisting of virtualized instances of compute, network, and storage coupled with automated actors, realistic traffic profiles, key terrain, master scenario event list (MSEL) injects, cyber tools, intelligence artifacts, and assessment criterion to replicate real world conditions enabling cyber readiness. As such environments are defined and executed, a significant breadth and depth of digital activities transpire that are required to be collected, extracted, transformed, visualized and correlated to aggregate results, trends and playback/replay scenarios in order to obtain a more refined quantitative and qualitative understanding of achieving training objectives, standards, and conditions. Data sources within these environments include but are not limited to network traffic flow capture, node health state, in-range sensor instrumentation, operator activity, scenario injects/effects, collaboration methods, and observations against training objectives. To date, many of these sources of datasets are individually and in stove-piped fashion captured that can potentially be collectively mined to more comprehensively understand performance, assessment, and collate after action reviews overtime with trends and predictions. Processing through machine language with artificial intelligence could potentially be applied to achieve an integrative data analytics and visualization capability tailored for cyber training. Moreover, layered around the cyber event environment, the PCTE platform provides a suite of tools, applications, and repositories that are access by CMF operators whose data can be further accessed to understand over trends in popular tools, content, and assessment patterns across training profiles. The utilization of a big data platform and visualization applied to cyber training specific analytics and collective data interpretation would significantly add to understand individual, tea, and force level performance against training objectives and results across AAR playback, analysis, assessment, and trends/projections.

PHASE I: Phase 1 should perform a study to investigate concepts and approaches for leveraging, integrating, and applying big data analytics and visualization technologies for utilization within DoD CMF cyberspace operation training environments. The initial conceptual design should include means of storyboarding the problem set and walking through the plan-prepare-execute-assess process for cyber training events. Specific consideration across data sources, transformation, enrichment, storage, analytics, visualization and alerting should be addressed as well its application to cyber training across assessment, performance measurement, event monitoring/activity, and AAR/playback.

PHASE II: Phase 2 extends the deliverable concepts and approaches of big data analytics and visualization for cyber training environments and implements a proof-of-concept prototype that could be applied within the PCTE platform. Initial prototypes could be demonstrated within a standalone environment and gradually phased into the PCTE platform through agile scrum execution based on currently defined cyber training environment and scenarios. The prototype should consider specific aspects of Phase 1 investigation and demonstrate visualization dashboards, data feeds, aggregation, and correlation that provide deeper insight, results, and near-real time results and activity of CMF individuals and teams within cyber training environments and events across a variety of data sources. Additionally, trends and predictive analysis could also be demonstrated based on CMF operator use of specific content, injects, and other platform specific services, repositories, and tools to provide feedback on overall utilization metrics.

PHASE III: A big data analytics and visualization capability would have significant operational military applications and SBIR research transition prospects. As the DoD training platform, PCTE has the mission to provide tools and capabilities to measure, collect, warehouse, and provide data visualizations of on-demand training environments executed by CMF operators at individual, team, and force level continuum. Next, a number of corresponding cyber operational and even other DoD modeling and simulation (M&S) programs of record could leverage this effort for transition purposes. Commercial application for use within financial, cybersecurity, and gaming technologies could also be made.

REFERENCES:

1: Command Vision for US Cyber Command. "Achieve and Maintain Cyberspace Superiority." https://www.cybercom.mil/Portals/56/Documents/USCYBERCOM%20Vision%20April%202018.pdf?ver=2018-06-14-152556-010. April 2018.

KEYWORDS: Cyber, Cyberspace, Operations, Big Data, Analytics, Visualization, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Extract, Transform, Load

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Platforms

OBJECTIVE: To develop advanced quantum sciences communications components such as: high brightness entangled pair sources, photon counting detectors, quantum random number generators, optical components, subsystems, and systems for applications in the space environment (low Earth orbit to geosynchronous Earth orbit).

DESCRIPTION: Future Army communications systems will be implemented in a harsh adversarial environment whereas encryption hardware and algorithms will be required. Following the onset of future quantum computational systems modern day encryption and communication systems will be at risk. A potential solution to secure high bandwidth communications is quantum entanglement based optical communications channels. For these quantum channels to exist future satellite networks must contain such systems. Therefore, space environment hardened long lifecycle components for quantum communications must be developed. The challenge is to develop advanced quantum entanglement components and experiments for communications networks that can survive in space. The specific technical challenges to be addressed include: • violation of Bell’s inequality • Data teleportation • Quantum key distribution (QKD) and entanglement based protocols • Quantum state tomography While these components and experiments may be at low technology readiness levels (TRL) in Phase I it is expected that a pathway to TRL maturation will be achieved through Phase II with potential flight experiments in Phase III. A goal of this SBIR is to develop components and/or subsystems and systems that will enable a demonstration of entanglement based high bandwidth encrypted communications between space based satellites.

PHASE I: The phase I effort will result in analysis and design of the proposed components and experiments. The phase I effort shall include a final report with modeling, simulation, and/or experimental results supporting performance claims. The method for performing entanglement based communications will be documented.

PHASE II: The Phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate a breadboard system. The designs will then be modified as necessary to produce a final prototype for flight qualification testing. Flight qualification testing can be proposed as a Phase II option. The final prototypes will be demonstrated to highlight the specific capabilities and performance in meeting the technical challenges. A complete demonstration system (of the breadboard and/or prototype system(s)) must also be provided by the offeror. At the end of the Phase II flight qualification option it is expected that the prototype will be at TRL 6.

PHASE III: Civil, commercial and military applications include high bandwidth secure site-to-site communications channels. The Phase III effort would be to design and build a flight experiment payload to demonstrate the particular proposed performance characteristics on an orbiting platform (i.e., small satellite, ISS platform, other). Military funding for this Phase III effort would be executed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center as part of its Quantum Entanglement and Space Technology research.

REFERENCES:

1: "Tiangong2". chinaspacereport.com. China Space Report. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 12 Nov 2017.

KEYWORDS: High Brightness Entangled Pair Sources, Photon Counting Detectors, Quantum Random Number Generators, Optical Components

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Platforms

OBJECTIVE: To develop small satellite technology components and subsystems for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

DESCRIPTION: The appeal of small satellites as a low-cost, rapid-development approach to achieving a new on-orbit capability has gained momentum over the last several years. Future Army applications require constellations of multiple small satellites with various payloads and capabilities. The goal of this SBIR is to develop new and innovative components, subsystems, and systems for next generation small satellites. The challenge is to develop components that can be packaged in a small satellite (12U or smaller) and operate in the harsh environment of space for extended lifecycles without sacrificing performance. The specific technical challenges to be addressed include: • Low power, high data throughput Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) flight computers • Low power digital camera systems • Non-volatile solid state memory • Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems, subsystems, and components • Software Defined Radio • Other Communications Components (i.e., antennas, amplifiers, optical, other) While these components and experiments may be at low technology readiness levels (TRL) in Phase I it is expected that a pathway to TRL maturation will be achieved through Phase II with potential flight experiments in Phase III. A goal of this SBIR is to develop components and/or subsystems and systems that will enable a demonstration of the technical challenge(s) addressed by the proposed in a spaceflight experiment.

PHASE III: Civil, commercial and military applications include small satellite constellations. The Phase III effort would be to design and build a flight experiment payload to demonstrate the particular proposed performance characteristics on an orbiting platform (i.e., small satellite, ISS platform, other). Military funding for this Phase III effort would be executed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center as part of its Quantum Entanglement and Space Technology research.

REFERENCES:

1: "Small Spacecraft Technology State of the Art," NASA Mission Design Division – Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, Tech Rep NASA/TP-2015-216648/REV1, December 2015.

KEYWORDS: Small Satellite, Low Power, High Data Throughput Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Flight Computers, Low Power Digital Camera Systems, Non-volatile Solid State Memory, Guidance, Navigation, And Control Systems, Subsystems, And Components, Software Defined Radio, Other Communications Components (ie, Antennas, Amplifiers, Optical, Other)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: To develop a low-cost, compact early warning detection and tracking system for target tracking in support of mobile Army tactical platforms.

DESCRIPTION: Many military weapon systems rely on radar technology that is on a different platform as an early warning detection and tracking system. Difficulties with this method arise in the radar handover latency being too long relative to the incoming threat trajectory, and target location errors in having the cueing radar on a different platform. A more favorable approach is to have a small, lightweight early warning threat detection system onboard the tactical platform housing the defensive weapon system. Low-cost compact radar technology has seen improvements in recent years, however complete hemispherical coverage is still problematic without requiring a large gimbal or multiple panels. Optical sensor options have been considered, but research, development, and experimentation are still required before this type technology would be transitioned to a weapon system. Optical sensor concepts for this type application may include a specialty hemispherical shaped lens that is capable of collecting am image from a full hemisphere and reshaping it onto a focal plane array. The early warning detection sensor must be a subsystem on a platform with a defensive type weapon system such as a high energy laser, and therefore must have a small footprint. The entire volume of the system shall be less than Threshold: 5 cubic feet and Objective: 3 cubic feet. The system must be capable of detecting rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM); group 1-3 Unmanned Ariel Systems (UASs), cruise missiles, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), and Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADs). If successful, low-cost reduced SWaP early warning detection systems would significantly benefit many military and commercial applications such as High Energy Laser weapon platforms, small-satellite tracking applications, and the commercial aviation industry. Requirements: - FOV (Search Volume) - T: 180°; O: full hemispherical - Track rate – T: 10 Hz; O: 50 Hz - Angular Accuracy – T: 5 milliradian; O: 0.5 milliradian - Volume (including electronics)– T: 8 cubic feet; O: 3 cubic feet - Power Consumption – T: 1kW; O: 500W - Time of day operation – T: day; O: day and night - Targets and detection ranges: -RAM – T: 5 km; O:10 km -UASs – T: Group 1 at 3 km, Group 3 at 18 km; O: Group 2 at 10 km, Group 3 at 30 km -Cruise Missile – T: 8 km; O: 18 km -RPGs – T: 2 km; O: 5 km -MANPADs – T: 2 km; O: 5 km

PHASE I: The phase I effort will result in the analysis and design the early warning detection system. Successful completion of the Phase I effort shall be a concept design that provides a high confidence in meeting the system requirements. Modeling and simulation, and / or laboratory experimentation shall be used to show efficacy of the concept design.

PHASE II: The Phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate a breadboard system. The designs will then be modified as necessary to produce a final prototype. The final prototype will be demonstrated to highlight acquisition and tracking performance parameters.

PHASE III: Civil, commercial and military applications include short-range counter-RAM and UAV target tracking, remote sensing, small-satellite tracking, satellite communication, and other communication efforts. High energy laser weapons offer benefits of graduated lethality, rapid deployment to counter time-sensitive targets, and the ability to deliver significant force either at great distance or to nearby threats with high accuracy for minimal collateral damage. Future laser weapon applications will range from very high power devices used for air defense (to detect, track, and destroy incoming rockets, artillery, and mortars) to modest power devices used for counter-ISR. The Phase III effort would be to design and build a sensor that could be integrated into an Army’s High Energy Laser Weapon System for real time use as part of the fire control system. Military funding for this Phase III effort would be executed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center as part of its Directed Energy research.

REFERENCES:

1: P. A. Isaksen, E. Lovli "Multi Pulse Sweep System A New Generation Radar System," Radar 97, 14 - 16 October 1997, Publication No. 449, lEE 1997

KEYWORDS: Phased Array Radar; Interferometric Radar; Flat Panel; All-sky Sensor; Infrared Sensors,

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: To develop a high-power laser system with high beam quality utilizing coherent beam combination methods.

DESCRIPTION: Current HEL Weapon System demonstrators are primarily using spectrally beam combined fiber laser technology. Laser system output powers are pushing towards the 100 kilowatt threshold and all of that laser power must be combined via a physical beam-combining element. Beam combining elements, as well as the optical beam control systems, are rapidly approaching the physical limit of how much power they can handle before damage occurs. Similarly, as the Army explores options of integrating laser systems onto smaller, more compact platforms, the overall footprint of the laser source must decrease. A potential approach to overcoming these two limitations is to switch to a coherently combined laser system. Tiled aperture designs and monolithic filled-aperture designs each present intriguing advantages; one completely eliminates the need for individual optical elements to handle tens of kilowatts of power, while the other avoids the fill-factor losses associated with tiled arrays. Current platforms integrating lasers are finding that the predominant SWaP driver is the thermal management system of the laser. Obtaining electrical to optical efficiencies over 65% would enable integration onto previously unfeasible platforms but current fiber-based systems fundamentally will struggle to reach this objective. Resent results suggest that a laser system consisting of multitude of diodes with coherent combination between individual channels could be scaled up to the kilowatt-class level while maintaining efficiencies and SWaP superior to fiber-based lasers. These systems still have hurdles to overcome in beam quality and consistent mass manufacturing. This solicitation looks for a solution to achieve all parameters in one prototype: • Continuous Wave Power Output: Threshold: 15 kW; Objective: 60 kW • Electrical to Optical Efficiency: Threshold: 45%; Objective: 65% • Beam Quality (M2): Threshold: 1.5; Objective: 1.1 • Wavelength: Wavelengths that transmit through the atmosphere

PHASE I: The phase I effort shall include analysis and design of the proposed laser architecture concept. The analysis shall provide confidence that the proposed concept design will be successful in meeting the specifications. Power, efficiency, and beam quality expectations out of the laser shall be addressed in the Phase I effort.

PHASE II: During phase II, the phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate a laser system prototype. The power scaling potential, efficiency, and beam quality specifications shall be demonstrated during the phase II effort.

PHASE III: During phase III, the contractor will develop a 10s of kilowatt class coherently beam combined laser system and work with the government to integrate the technology into a laser weapon system. This coherently combined laser will be tested in one of the Army’s high energy laser demonstrators or testbeds.

REFERENCES:

1: P. Albrodt et. al., "Coherent Combining of High Brightness Tapered Amplifiers for Efficient Non-Linear Conversion," 11 January 2019, Vol. 27, No. 2, OPTICS EXPRESS 928

KEYWORDS: Coherently Combined Lasers, High Energy Lasers, High Power Fiber Lasers, High Power Diode Lasers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: To develop a tactical beaconless atmospheric turbulence measurement system capable of measuring range resolved Cn2 over path lengths of 0.5 to 10 km with 10m range resolution. The challenge is to create a tactical grade beaconless atmospheric turbulence measurement system capable of field deployment and measuring range resolved atmospheric turbulence Cn2 values over ranges of 0.5 to 10 km with a range resolution of 10m.

DESCRIPTION: As modern laser weapon systems begin to move into the field, measuring atmospheric turbulence for predicting the laser system effectiveness will be of great concern. Current methods of measuring turbulence include scintillometers, Shack Hartman Wavefront Sensors, and differential image motion monitor systems which require a beacon be placed down range and directed back toward a detector. Other methods use passive targets placed down range along with imaging systems to determine the level of turbulence. Placing a beacon or known available passive target downrange is not a feasible option for fielded systems, thus a single ended approach is needed. The challenge is to create a tactical grade beaconless atmospheric turbulence measurement system capable of field deployment and measuring range resolved atmospheric turbulence Cn2 values over ranges of 0.5 to 10 km with a range resolution of 10m. The system should be ruggedized to withstand inclement weather in varied environments and should be capable of quantifying Cn2 in the range of 1x10^ - 16 < Cn2 < 1x10^ - 12. Although Cn2 can be derived from direct measurements of scintillation, wavefront phase aberration, localized wavefront tilt, or lidar backscatter, this topic is not limited to those types of approaches. An approach that uses local meteorological data along with real time atmospheric modeling and produces accurate results is also a viable solution.? -Environment: Threshold: 24/7 Outdoor operation, Temperature 0-50C; Objective: 24/7 Outdoor operation, Temperature -15-60C -Measurement Dynamic Range: Threshold: 1x10^ - 15 < Cn2 < 1x10^ - 12; Objective: 1x10^ - 16, Cn2 < 1x10^ - 12 -Measurement Range: Threshold: 1km < Rmax < 3km; Objective: 0.5km < Rmax < 10 km -Range Resolution: Threshold: 100m; Objective: 10m -Form Factor/Size/Weight: Threshold/Objective: Single Ended (no beacon or known available passive target) Tripod Mountable

PHASE I: The phase 1 effort will result in a trade study and final design of a new beaconless atmospheric turbulence measurement system capable of meeting measurement requirements.

PHASE II: The Phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate a prototype system. The designs will then be modified as necessary to produce a final prototype. The final prototype will be demonstrated to highlight the effectiveness of measurements.

PHASE III: High energy DoD laser weapons offer benefits of graduated lethality, rapid deployment to counter time-sensitive targets, and the ability to deliver significant force either at great distance or to nearby threats with high accuracy for minimal collateral damage. Knowledge of the atmospheric turbulence along the shot path is a key limiting factor for lethality and as such it is a critical input for the fire control system. The Phase III effort shall be to design and build a sensor that could be integrated into an Army’s High Energy Laser Weapon System for real time use as part of the fire control system. Military funding for this Phase III effort would be executed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center as part of its Directed Energy research.

REFERENCES:

1: Richard L. Espinola, Jae Cha, Kevin Leonard, "Novel methodologies for the measurement of atmospheric turbulence effects," Proc. SPIE 7662, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXI, 76620W (22 April 2010)

2: doi: 10.1117/12.852294

KEYWORDS: High Energy Lasers, Atmospheric Turbulence Measurement, Atmospheric Turbulence Profiling

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: To develop an atmospheric absorption spectroscopy measurement system capable of measuring the absorption properties of atmospheric gases and particles in the 1000-1100 nanometer near infrared wavelength band, and predict the occurrence and degree of thermal blooming due to high energy laser beam propagation.

DESCRIPTION: The objective of this effort is to create a portable measurement system to characterize the spectral absorption in numerous deployable environments over the wavelengths of 1030 – 1080nm, and make predictions on thermal blooming effects. These measurements will be utilized to characterize the specific mechanisms that give rise to thermal blooming as well as to determine the maximum amount of laser energy that can be utilized for a given engagement before thermal blooming effects create diminishing returns on increased laser power. Since the instrumentation will be used in the field, it must be designed such that it is immune to the effects of turbulence which can be severe over long near ground paths. The measurement path length must be optimized to balance the need for adequate atmospheric sampling, measurement accuracy, and immunity to turbulence. The measurement system should be validated through modeling and laboratory experimentation before it is taken out of a controlled lab environment to support field tests. Below is a set of threshold and objective requirement for the final field test instrument. Wavelength Range (nm): T: 1030-1070; O: 1000-1100 Spectral Resolution (nm): T: 0.1; O: 0.01 Absorption accuracy (%): T: 5; O: 1 Environment: T: 24/7 Outdoor operation, Temperature 0-50C; O: 24/7 Outdoor operation, Temperature -15-60C Atmospheric Turbulence (worst case): T: Cn2 < 1x10^-13; O: Cn2 < 1x10^-12 Eye safety: Eye safe operation (no PPE required) Size/Weight/Ruggedized: T: Field Test Transportable; O: Tripod Mountable

PHASE I: The phase I effort will focus on the design of measurement system and analysis of the thermal blooming prediction model theory. This effort should result in a preliminary design that has been analyzed using modeling and simulation to establish high confidence that the instrument will be capable of meeting the requirements in the field test environment described above, and the theoretical process for determining thermal blooming based on measurements from the system.

PHASE II: The Phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate a breadboard system. The designs will then be modified as necessary to produce a final prototype. The final prototype will be demonstrated in a field test or controlled environmental chamber to validate its thermal blooming prediction accuracy.

PHASE III: High energy DoD laser weapons offer benefits of graduated lethality, rapid deployment to counter time-sensitive targets, and the ability to deliver significant force either at great distance or to nearby threats with high accuracy for minimal collateral damage. Future laser weapon applications will include very high power devices used for air defense to detect, track, and destroy incoming rockets, artillery, and mortars and it is expected that thermal blooming will be a significant limiting factor. The utilized laser power will need to be managed to keep it just below the level that would produce thermal blooming. The Phase III effort would be to design and build a sensor that could be integrated into an Army’s High Energy Laser Weapon System for real time use as part of the fire control system. Military funding for this Phase III effort would be executed by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Technical Center as part of its Directed Energy research.

REFERENCES:

1: J. I. Steinfeld, "Molecules and Radiation: Introduction to Modern Molecular Spectroscopy", Dover Publications, (1974)

KEYWORDS: High Energy Lasers, Thermal Blooming, Absorption Spectroscopy, Spectral Transmission, Spectrometer, Spectrophotometer

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: To develop an ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) system with sufficient SWaP and ruggedization for use on Army relevant platforms.

DESCRIPTION: Current high energy laser (HEL) weapon systems primarily consist of continuous wave (CW) laser sources with output powers in the kilowatts. These kilowatt-class CW laser systems predominantly engage targets via absorption of light; either causing the target to burn and melt or overwhelming optical sensors with high intensities. Thanks to the emergence of diode and fiber laser technology, these laser systems have grown increasingly ruggedized to the point they have been integrated onto platforms ranging from ground to sea. The Army is preparing the warfighter for a future battlefield with rapidly modernizing militaries while new threats and gaps are emerging. CW lasers provide solutions to many of these problems but due to their fundamental different natures, lasers with pulse widths in the range of femtoseconds provide unique tactical capabilities due to their rapid discharge of enormous power. This call aims to develop an USPL that is ruggedized enough to begin testing in relevant Army environments. While most CW lasers simply melt targets, USPL systems are able to neutralize threats via three distinct mechanisms: ablation of material from the target, the blinding of sensors through broadband supercontinuum generation in the air, and the generation of a localized electronic interference used to overload a threat’s internal electronics. Even the propagation of light from a USPL system holds unique advantages. The sheer amount of intensity in a terawatt pulse laser is able to cause a non-linear effect in air resulting in a self-focusing filament. These filaments propagate without diffraction, providing a potential solution to the negative impact turbulence has on beam quality when propagating a conventional CW laser system. Differences in lethality as well as propagation mechanisms makes USPL technology one of particular interest for numerous mission sets. Over the last two decades, femtosecond lasers have gone from requiring dedicated buildings at national laboratories to sitting on academic optics tables across the country. These USPL advancements, while promising, still have many hurdles to overcome in SWaP, relevant operating environments, and consistent mass manufacturing. This solicitation looks for a solution to achieve the parameters listed below in one prototype: • Wavelength: Wavelengths that transmit through the atmosphere • Average Power Output: Threshold: 20 W; Objective: 50 W • Pulse Peak Power: Threshold: 1 TW; Objective: 5 TW • Pulse Width: Threshold: 200 fs; Objective: 30 fs • Repetition Rate: Threshold: 20Hz; Objective: 50Hz . Beam Quality (M2): Threshold: 2.0, Objective 1.5

PHASE I: The phase I effort shall include analysis and design of the proposed laser architecture concept. The analysis shall provide confidence that the proposed concept design will be successful in meeting the specifications. The expectations for the above specifications out of the laser shall be addressed in the Phase I effort.

PHASE II: During phase II, the phase I designs will be utilized to fabricate, test and evaluate the laser system prototype. The above specifications of interest shall be demonstrated and measured during the phase II effort, or a detailed design for a prototype that will realize all parameters shall be delivered.

PHASE III: During phase III, the contractor will work with the government to complete a USPL system that meets all requirements and integrate the technology into a laser system. This laser system will be tested in one of the Army’s high energy laser demonstrators or testbeds.

REFERENCES:

1: N. Azobek, M. Scalora, C.M. Bowden, and S.L. Chin, "White-Light Continuum Generation and Filamentation During the Propagation of Ultra-Short Laser Pulses in Air," 8 May 2001, Vol. 191, Pages 353-362, Optics Communications

KEYWORDS: Ultrashort Pulse Lasers, USPL, High Energy Lasers, Femtosecond Lasers, Pulsed Laser Sytsem

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: An advanced, intelligent Lithium-ion 6T MIL-PRF-32565 Compliant Battery Maintenance & Charging System.

DESCRIPTION: The 28-V Lithium-ion 6T drop-in replacement battery (Li-ion 6T) is a critical technology to enhance energy storage to improve warfighting performance across the Army, Marines, and Navy. The Li-ion 6T is a drop-in replacement for legacy Lead-Acid 6T batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) and silent-watch applications, and provides the same form, fit, and expanded function, including increased silent watch time, significantly extended cycle life, and faster recharge time. Currently fielded Lead-Acid 6TAGM battery chargers and maintenance equipment have limited or no compatibility with Li-ion 6T batteries, in part due to differences in battery chemistry and voltage levels (12V vs. 24V). Additionally, fielded charger solutions for Lead-Acid typically lack sophistication in charging method, usually only providing different preset charging voltage levels, and do not provide enhanced prognostics/diagnostics or CAN communication required for interfacing with modern, smart batteries. Accordingly, an intelligent Li-ion 6T MIL-PRF-32565 Compliant Battery Maintenance & Charging System (hereafter referred to just as “charger”) is required to improve the field supportability, charging, and maintenance of Li-ion 6T batteries as well as to enable enhanced capabilities such as optimized charging per battery vendor/type, optimized charging for a given vehicle/mission, discharging to a preset SOC for storage & transport, advanced prognostics/diagnostics, detection of faults & manufacturing defects, bi-directional battery-to-charger CAN communication, equalization, and updating battery firmware over CAN bus (MIL-PRF-32565 Sections 3.6.4.8, A.5.3). Technology developed should be compatible with all MIL-PRF-32565 compliant Li-ion 6T products and generally applicable to low-voltage commercial Li-ion battery packs. The technology shall also aide the user in selection of optimal sets of Li-ion 6T batteries for a given vehicle platform and mission as well as identify deficit batteries or batteries in need of replacement. The technology shall be capable of optimally charging Li-ion 6T batteries individually as well as in full vehicle sets of up to six Li-ion 6Ts. The charger shall be MIL-STD-1275 compliant, shall support charging/discharging of both Type I and Type II batteries, and shall allow for bi-directional transfer of power between batteries for high efficiency and reducing losses. The charger shall be military ruggedized, designed for operation over the entire military temperature range, and include a human interface (graphical) that considers human factors. The charger shall be capable of providing external power to the battery’s BMS through the battery power terminals (3.6.2). In support of prognostics, the charger shall additionally verify functionality of battery safety protections (3.6.3.3) as well as the resolution/error of the performance characteristics of MIL-PRF-32565 Table IV. The Phase II chargers shall additionally be capable of receiving and transmitting all messages and signals required to communicate with the battery in Appendix A of MIL-PRF-32565 and shall meet the requirements of SAE J1939 and ISO 11898, while providing variable baud rates and termination resistances where necessary. The charger shall interface with the MIL-DTL-38999 receptacle on the Li-ion 6T battery.

PHASE I: Identify and determine the engineering, technology, and hardware and software needed to develop this concept. Additionally, sophisticated novel charging/discharging techniques & methods should also be developed in this Phase to be employed in Phase II to achieve standard and rapid charging (4.4.9, 4.4.9.2) while producing the most benign impact to cycle life and supporting a range of turnaround times as the mission requires. These techniques & methods should make use of relevant parameters transmitted by the smart battery and should be adapted as necessary to optimize charge, discharge, and equalization for a given battery vendor, type, and chemistry. Bench top testing of a Phase I embedded hardware and software charger prototype for one Li-ion 6T battery is expected. Drawings showing realistic designs based on engineering studies are expected deliverables. Additionally, modeling and simulation (M&S) tools needed to drive the technology is expected. A bill of materials and volume part costs for the Phase I designs should also be developed. Designs in this phase also need to address the challenges and requirements identified in the above description as well as the charger requirements of Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and integrate prototype hardware and software into intelligent Li-ion 6T MIL-PRF-32565 Compliant Battery Maintenance & Charging Systems (Phase II chargers) using the designs and technologies developed in Phase I. The technology shall be designed such that it is generally applicable to all MIL-PRF-compliant Li-ion 6T batteries (and low-voltage Li-ion batteries generally), but must be tested and demonstrated on at least two different Li-ion 6T battery variants. The chargers shall accommodate a variety of input source voltages (ex: 120/208/240VAC single/three phase, 20-60 VDC), including connection to a Tactical Quiet Generator (TQG). Deliverables shall include electrical drawings and technical specifications, software, M&S and test results, and at least two Phase II chargers, each capable of charging at least six batteries. The Phase II chargers shall include the ability to (1) read and use manufacturer specific parameters for charge/discharge optimization; (2) set battery baud rates (A.3.3.5); (3) capture and log long-term fault data (3.6.8) and short-term fault data (3.6.9) for reporting and improving the chargers’ Li-ion 6T prognostics/diagnostics; (4) check the hardware and software version of the battery (3.6.5.3.4); (5) execute built-in test; (6) read and reset DTC trouble code faults and failures (3.6.5.3.3); (7) perform configuration overwrite (A.5.5); (8) set the transportability command, SOC reserve limit, application overcurrent limits, and application overcurrent periods (A.5.7.1-3); and (9) read in the maximum charge current and bus voltage request signals for optimization of charging functions (3.6.5.1.5, 3.6.5.1.7). The charger shall be capable of control of battery state transitions through CAN commands and charger output connections, including Operation, Standby, Maintenance, Protected, and Dormant State (3.6.6). The charger shall be capable of powering and controlling via CAN (enabling/disabling) the battery’s internal automatic heater function to allow heating of the battery to the temperature required for optimum charging for a given set of charge conditions (3.3.5.2.3). The charger shall be capable of altering the state of the battery contactor via CAN bus (3.6.3.5). The charger shall be capable of mimicking the master power switch (On and Off states) and reset pin as well as acting as a virtual master power switch (A.3.3.3.1, A.3.3.7). The charger shall be capable of placing the battery into battle override mode (3.3.6) to allow for repair of faults that can be safely corrected through charge/discharge operations. A bill of materials and volume part costs for the Phase II design should also be developed.

PHASE III: This phase will begin installation and integration of the solutions developed in Phase II into military grade Li-ion 6T chargers as well as commercial low-voltage Li-ion chargers.

REFERENCES:

1: Seo, Minhwan, et al. "Detection Method for Soft Internal Short Circuit in Lithium-Ion Battery Pack by Extracting Open Circuit Voltage of Faulted Cell." Energies (19961073) 11.7 (2018).

KEYWORDS: Lithium-ion, 6T, Charger, CAN Bus, Batteries, Power, Energy, Maintenance

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop multifunctional metamaterials (MFM) which exploit the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum or energy for novel environmental interactions. Novel environmental interactions include (but are not limited to) EM wave guidance, absorption, negative permittivity, negative permeability, and EM stimulated mechanical resonance or oscillation.

DESCRIPTION: Multifunctional Metamaterials (MFM) can harness, direct and control the propagation and transmission of certain aspects of the EM spectrum. There is a need for novel materials that can manipulate the paths traversed by visible light and other frequencies of the EM spectrum, including infrared (IR) and microwaves, alter their reflection and refraction, and enhance material properties for combat applications. MFMs are defined as artificially structured organic, metallic, ceramic, or composites of many materials which interact with the EM spectrum and exhibit behaviors that do not readily occur in nature. The proposers should demonstrate MFMs that control EM radiation by absorbing or guiding an incident wave around an object, without being affected and/or reflected by the object. Metamaterials should be engineered with arbitrarily assigned positive or negative values of permittivity and permeability, which can also be independently varied at will. The proposers should demonstrate the capability to build metamaterial based devices, adaptable to a broad spectrum of radiated light. The proposers should demonstrate materials and techniques that produce strong scattering suppression in all directions and over a broad bandwidth of operation.

PHASE I: Phase I should demonstrate the innovation, the scientific and technical merit, the feasibility, and commercial merit of selected concepts. The proposers should identify and explore novel multifunctional metamaterials with one or many of the attributes such as negative reflective and refractive index across the electromagnetic spectrum, wave absorption, wave guidance, which enhance vehicle protection and performance. Metrics of interest for Phase 1 include percentage of EM energy absorbed, reflected, refracted at visible light frequencies and other frequencies of the EM spectrum, including infrared (IR) and microwaves; and measureable changes in MFM physical properties when under EM radiation and when not. Prototype samples, modeling and simulation (M&S), or other rigorous and scientifically sound methods should be used to demonstrate MFM performance along the stated metrics of interest. Prototype samples, models and data are an expected deliverable and include mathematical formulae and/or scientific M&S results.

PHASE II: Phase II should culminate in well-defined deliverable prototype(s) (technologies or materials) which meet the requirements of the original solicitation topic. Prototype(s) should manipulate the paths traversed by light and other EM frequencies, alter their reflection and refraction, and/or create effects which enhance material properties for combat applications. Deliverables should include technical drawings and specifications, mathematical formulas, M&S and test results, and prototype(s) of MFMs. The measurable metrics of the metamaterials’ performance should include the changes in refraction, reflection index and scattering. The first prototype should be delivered at the end of the first year of Phase II SBIR. The second prototype should achieve a significant performance improvement of the first year’s prototype. The second prototype should be delivered at the end of the second year of Phase II SBIR and also include recommendations for large-scale manufacturing. Improved life cycle and performance models from Phase I are also expected deliverables. Testing of the Phase II designs should include benchtop testing of Phase II prototypes. Testing of the Phase II designs should also include system level testing of prototypes at Ground Vehicle Systems Center (CVSC) of Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC). Phase 2 performance metrics of interest include, but are not limited to a prototype MFM sample with the claimed environmental interactions from Phase 1 (% EM refractivity, % EM reflectivity, % EM absorption, etc.), MFM-mass cost at scale (i.e $/kg or $/ton), areal cost at scale (i.e. $/sqft or $/m2).

PHASE III: Proposers could partner with the industry to build and implement novel materials and manufacturing techniques which make vehicles more or less visible on the road. These are all commercially viable benefits of this topic. Possible applications include: road safety, law enforcement, intelligence, rescue and training aids. This is a dual-use technology applicable for government and private industry use.

REFERENCES:

1: Shalaev, V. M. (2008) "PHYSICS: Transforming Light". Science. 322 (5900): 384-386.

KEYWORDS: Metamaterials, Transformation Optics, Negative Permeability, Negative Permittivity, Negative Refraction Index, Scattering, Invisibility, Inertial Mass Reduction, Mechanical Resonance Or Oscillation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Develop an automated trailer coupling/decoupling system that can be integrated on to both current autonomous systems such as Expedited Leader Follower and Autonomous Ground Resupply, as well as Next Generation Autonomous Systems.

DESCRIPTION: Trailers provide the capability to increase throughput by transporting mission essential equipment and supplies including weapons systems, equipment, tactical power, water and ammunition. Connecting to trailers is an aggravating task, made more difficult by tough terrain and weather conditions. Developing/implementing an autonomous hitch can make a dangerous, time-consuming and manpower intensive task a one-person operation that can be done in a much shorter time period. This SBIR is looking for innovative ways to automate trailer coupling/decoupling. Ideally the system will be a simple installation onto the existing Military convoy vehicle fleet currently being utilized in various soldier tested autonomous convoy vehicle technology/capability demonstrations. Low-cost, high reliability sensors are critical for reliable autonomous hitch performance especially given the mission profiles experienced during autonomous convoy vehicle operations over rough terrain and high speeds. This SBIR is linked to Ground Vehicle Robotics (GVR) Expedited Leader Follower (ExLF) and Autonomous Ground Resupply (AGR) Science and Technology Objective (STO) programs, providing additional autonomous vehicle capability to enhance vehicle autonomy operations to support automated convoy vehicle performance. ExLF and AGR are currently adding the capability to integrate trailers in forward and reverse directions as part of a semi-autonomous convoy. Adding the capability to autonomously couple and decouple a trailer will work to automate a dangerous, time consuming and manpower intensive task. The topic will implement innovative solutions to allow for a PLS vehicle to autonomously connect the pintle hitch and power/air/data lines of a M1076 trailer to fully automate trailer coupling/decoupling. There is an opportunity to demonstrate this capability as part of AGR Increment 3 Soldier experiment in FY21; ultimately transitioning the capability to inform the Leader Follower Program of Record.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of an optimal autonomous trailer hitch sensor suite that can engage/disengage with an autonomous vehicle. Develop simplied soldier controls for activating/monitoring autonomous trailer hitch process/operations. Develop system that requires minimal base vehicle modification/installation. Conduct autonomous trailer hitch simulations with integrated virtual sensors to refine autonomous trailer hitch design/operation. Design hitch capable of 3-axis articulation to allow for non-exact vehicle/trailer alignment. Develop hitch capable of interfacing/supporting FMTV/PLS vehicles and able to support Gross Trailer Weight Rating of 3000lbs and Tongue Weight Rating of 3,000lbs. Generate a technical report documenting above analysis/evaluation/integration of autonomous trailer hitch capability.

PHASE II: Create a prototype of autonomous trailer hitch system and evaluate in relevant scenarios/applications on representative base vehicles. Integrate optimal autonomous trailer hitch sensors identified/evaluated in Phase I on a representative base vehicle. Conduct autonomous trailer hitch testing throughout a variety of vehicle configurations/conditions and reevaluate/confirm previously selected optimal sensors. Optimize autonomous trailer hitch system with regards to performance, cost, reliability, ease of integration, etc. Incorporate a pintle that is moveable both laterally and longitudinally to permit a single operator to hook-up to a M1076 PLS trailer. Hook-up shall be with the trailer tongue offset laterally up to 12 to 18 inches from the centerline of the truck and 12 to 18 inches aft of the towing position. The pintle shall be capable of towing all lunette style trailers in common use with 2-1/2, 5, and 10 ton vehicles.

PHASE III: Transition autonomous trailer hitch system onto current/future targeted Military autonomous systems, including Expedient Leader-Follower/AGR, etc. Transition system into commercial market segments that would benefit or are currently utilizing trailers during normal operations, such as recreational vehicles, tractors, semi-trailers, etc.

REFERENCES:

1: http://www.teleswivel.com/

KEYWORDS: Autonomous, Ground, Resupply, Expedited, Leader, Follower, Trailer, Hitch, Vehicle, Robotics, Convoy, Coupling

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Provide affordable and reliable high resolution Lidar and/or Radar systems which are hardened to withstand military environments for improved autonomous capabilities.

DESCRIPTION: Autonomous automated vehicles are the next evolution in transportation. Automated vehicles are equipped with multiple sensors (Lidar, radar, camera, etc.) enabling local awareness of their surroundings. A fully automated vehicle will unconditionally rely on its sensors readings to make short-term safety-related and long-term planning driving decisions. Sensors have to be robust and function under all roadway and environmental conditions. Autonomous vehicles can only work properly with accurate and reliable sensors. They are equipped with a multitude of sensors, using different physical properties (light, ultrasound, radio frequency, etc.), Global Navigation Satellite System and accurate road maps. Lidar and radars are primary sensors used for vehicle automation. The Army utilizes commercial-off-the-shelf sensors in programs including Expedited Leader Follower, Robotic Combat Vehicle, Autonomous Ground Resupply, and Combat Vehicle Robotics. However, as autonomy is added to tactical and combat platforms, there is a need to harden the sensors to not only withstand military environments such as weather, heavy dust, military shock and vibration, but also gunfire shock. Exposure to a gunfire shock environment has the potential for producing adverse effects on the sensors; potentially reducing or eliminating the platform’s autonomous capabilities after just one blast. This SBIR topic would implement design and analysis of hardening Lidar and/or radar under military conditions (hot/cold/humid/shock and vibration/abrasive dust) and conduct laboratory and/or live fire testing. The following specifications for hardening requirements: -Water and Dust Sealing: IP69 (the 9 designation is a recent addition to IEC 60529 -Electromagnetic Environmental Effects, per MIL-STD-461 CS101 and RS103. -Environmental requirements: Operate per MIL-STD-810G, Part Three, Climatic Design Types Cold to Hot, except for a minimum low temperature of -40F. -Impulse shock and blast over pressure will be provided. Additional requirements: Input power per MIL-STD-1275E Provide a means to clean any external interfaces critical to operation after contaminated with dust, water, or mud. The Impulse shock and blast over pressure requirements are not derived from a standard; they are based on measured data. The maximum charge we will use on XM1299A1 will be provided.

PHASE I: Design a proof of concept prototype for an affordable, compact Lidar and/or Radar sensors that meets the specifications outlined in the description. Beyond the desired specs of Lidar and/or Radar sensors operating under military conditions (hot/cold/humid/shock and vibration/abrasive dust), these sensors need to function in a gunfire shock environment. This will provide greater functionality for autonomous system developers and designers. Delivered at the end of this phase will be a white paper outlining the proof of concept design and its feasibility.

PHASE II: The concept prototype will have its design refined and then be developed and built for component level testing. Demonstration and technology evaluation will take place in a relevant laboratory environment or on a military ground vehicle system. Delivered at the end of the phase will be at least 3 units for government feasibility and integration testing.

PHASE III: Mechanical packaging and integration of the solution into a vehicle will be achieved (TRL6) and technology transition will occur so the Lidar and/or Radar can be used on military autonomous ground vehicle applications. The Autonomous Ground Resupply Science and Technology Objective (AGR STO) would be a potential entry point for this sensor’s application. The hardening of the sensors will also be an attractive feature for the automotive industry as it will provide new avenues towards how they approach autonomous behavior and the harden sensors will provide more reliability.

REFERENCES:

1: http://velodynelidar.com/docs/datasheet/97-0038_Rev%20G_%20HDL-32E_Datasheet_Web.pdf

KEYWORDS: Autonomous, Autonomy Sensors, LIDAR, Radar, Combat Vehicle Robotics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Hostile Fire Detection (HFD) and Active Protection System (APS) cueing and tracking sensor suite. Sensors of interest are stationary, non-imaging, multi-aperture combinations for ground vehicle threats.

DESCRIPTION: US Army effectiveness studies demonstrate HFD systems improve vehicle and crew survivability by creating crew situational awareness and cueing defensive systems. HFD systems can detect both Small Arms Fire (SAF) and larger threats like rocket propelled munitions and missiles. HFD systems with real time resolution can provide Army Fighting Vehicles (AFV’s) detection, classification, and threat tracking. High-performance sensors effective against both SAF and larger threats are not fielded on ground vehicle platforms due to their high cost, processing overhead, and integration burden. When employed in research and development APS, HFD/APS cueing systems utilize cameras with cooled Focal Plane Array (FPA) technology for weapons flash detection and projectile tracking. While this approach can be effective, the systems tend to be impractical due to high cost and SWaP-C constraints. In addition, high integration and maintenance burdens limit the potential to field this type of technology on combat and tactical vehicles. Radar systems are not passive devices and can be degraded by clutter in the ground vehicle environment. For SAF detection and localization, lower cost acoustic sensors have been employed but are not effective against larger munitions. Single modality sensor systems have proved to be prone to environmental clutter, noise, and vibration. Users experience high false alarms under typical operating conditions. Methods involving the use of high sample rate (>10KHz), multi-aperture, uncooled IR detectors have shown to be effective in producing accurate detection, classification and angular location capabilities, but can be prone to environmental clutter, noise and vibration. Multi-aperture sensors potentially offer advantages including low cost, low SWaP-C and complexity, very wide instantaneous field of view, low optical distortion, and a minimal solar exclusion angle. Studies integrating such high-sample rate multi-aperture EO systems with an acoustic modality show significantly reduced SAF False Alarm Rates (FAR) even under high noise/clutter conditions. However, introducing movement to sensors increases clutter to a degree that the fusion engine can be overwhelmed and fail to accurately pair events. This program seeks to produce a low SWaP-C integrated multi-spectral, multi-aperture, multimodal EO, radar, and acoustic sensor product for ground vehicle survivability. It may be used for sense and warn (HFD) as well as cueing/tracking applications (APS), stationary and on-the-move. It must perform with a high probability of detection and negligible false alarm rate under a variety of challenging conditions and operations. It must also be capable of outputting accurate azimuth (bearing), elevation, and range to target, the target classification, and tracking of the target. The system must be compliant with the MAPS Architecture Framework (MAF). This topic will address a threat list to include: SAF (e.g. 5.56, 7.62, .50 Caliber), cannons (e.g. turreted, mortar), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Recoilless Rifles, and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).

PHASE I: Investigate and identify materials, packaging, design methodologies and critical design parameters for an HFD/APS cueing and tracking sensor system consisting of a high speed, multi-aperture, multi-spectral sensors for use in on-the-move environments. Analyze and model the far field performance of the proposed sensor where far field is proposed by the contractor and should represent a militarily useful distance. Build and test breadboards to prove high risk design element feasibility. Begin design of a prototype system that achieves the requirements and capabilities. Deliverables include final report detailing design process, Preliminary Design Review, documentation, and supporting data.

PHASE II: Finalize the initial design from Phase I. Build a proof-of-concept prototype system that will be used for hardware-in-the-loop testing and evaluation. Prototype must be MAF compliant. Perform initial testing and system characterization including testing of the design limits based on the modeling and analysis in Phase I. Identify areas to explore for a finalized system design and technical/programmatic risks. Deliverables include Critical Design Review and documentation, prototype hardware that will be used in government lab and field data collections.

PHASE III: Fabricate and deliver final test article. Support live fire testing, analysis and system upgrades as required. Further mature the technology, preparing for technology insertion into existing programs of record with the transition partner, PdM Vehicle Protection Systems. Deliverables include finalized prototype design documentation, manuals and hardware, including software. A potential commercial application of this project is for autonomous driving vehicles. Mass market autonomous vehicles require multiple, overlapping sensors with many of the same restrictions as military vehicles: clutter, safety, and cost.

REFERENCES:

1: Michael V. Scanlon and William D. Ludwig "Sensor and information fusion for improved hostile fire situational awareness", Proc. SPIE 7693, Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications XII, 76930H (19 May 2010)

2: doi: 10.1117/12.850406

3: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850406

KEYWORDS: Survivability, Ground Vehicle Survivability, Active Protection System Sensors, Hostile Fire Detection, Multi-function Sensors, Multi-spectral Sensors

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: A robust physical configuration and manufacturing source for engineered synthetic floor boards (aka. decking) for Army Heavy Trailers, as well as any trailer that uses wood planking for deck-boards.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, Army heavy trailers primarily use the critically endangered rain-forest wood apitong. Problem to be solved is the frequent and costly redecking of Army heavy trailers. Decking is an often overlooked integrated structural element of Tactical Trailers. Worldwide, approximately 16,500 DoD military trailers (in both production & sustainment) are decked nearly exclusively in $65M of Apitong, which is an increasingly rare and critically endangered East-Asian tropical rainforest hardwood (i.e. price is rising). Apitong is the only known endangered species actively harvested from nature for DoD use. Apitong has a field service life of only 8 years due to its susceptibility to rot and insect attack, requiring replacement up to 5 times over a 40 year lifecycle, resulting in wasteful utilization of a foreign endangered resource, downtime in addition to ‘random’ board replacement as damage occurs in addition to soldier labor time and incidentals such as corrosion repair and spot painting. An estimated lifecycle cost of $15K to $25K per trailer (in today's dollars @ $5K each in material and labor to re-deck every 8 to 10 years, leading to a life-cycle potential cost-avoidance for all trailers of >$400 million). Performance Requirements: • Sustained load-bearing of payload (5400 lb/ft2 est. for contact patch 7,500 lb / 200 in sq.) on 24” spaced crossmembers (3” top flange) without permanent deformation. Inherent stiffness shall not allow sag (deflection) under load of more than 1/4“ between crossmembers. Ref Drawing 12624740 M871A3 Semitrailer Floor Boards. • Equal or greater mechanical properties vs Apitong/Keruing. Ref. A-A-52520. • Resistant to standard automotive fluids including JP-8 and similar diesels, MoGas, motor oil, trans, brake and hydraulic fluid, gear lube, battery acid and caustics. Resist weathering – solar: UV and ozone, thermal -40 to +130F. Ref MIL-STD-810. • Anti-mold & fungal growth inhibitors such as MicroBan ® or BioBlock ® shall be incorporated. Insect immune – example worst case Formosan termite infestation. • Fastener req’ts and corrosion cause/isolation req’ts shall be selected for service life longevity. • Saw and drill using standard wood working tools. • Able to drive nails into and remove with minimal damage, holes reparable with caulk. Alternative std. fasteners may be acceptable. • Maintenance-free except for repair of incidental damage. • Fire-resistant, self-ext. ‘UL94-HB’/MIL-PRF-32518. • Desired service life: 25 years or longer, with minimal maintenance (life of trailer). • Color shall be a deep brown to a weathered gray. • Successful product will supersede all wood decking across all trailers fleet-wide, and exhibit a service life-longevity of up to the life of the trailer; potentially having a cost avoidance of millions of dollars.

PHASE I: Evaluate multi-disciplinary ‘states-of-the-art’ and develop a detailed plan for composite, metal, polymeric or hybrid material trailer flooring board prototype for fabrication and testing in a relevant environment. Prior (market) research (TACOM Study – 2000) found no suitable commercially available products – use this study for a baseline. Use modeling to determine loads to be borne –MRAP Buffalo, M-113 as payloads. Buffalo front wheel is heaviest-case: 7,500 lbs over 200 in2 = 5400 lb/ft2. Determine design feasibility of concept. Explore other load situations such as impact and rock/gravel rollover.

PHASE II: Design a demonstrator configuration for the M-871A3 22.5 ton trailer, fabricate representative samples of candidate materiel configurations and conduct testing. Testing shall include at a minimum: static load, fatigue loading, accelerated weathering, surface coefficient of friction, simulate damage tolerance to include nailing of cribbing, hammer strikes, rock/gravel roll-overs, fluid immunity (MoGas, diesel, other vehicular fluids and caustics) and fire resistance. Best performer(s) shall be selected for demonstration project: Deliverable will be approx. 1000 linear feet, to redeck six M870A3 heavy trailers for testing.

PHASE III: Commercialization shall entail full rate production of the selected configuration. Potential Phase III military applications include M871A3 trailer (Ref. TACOM Drawing 126247025 22.5 ton); also include M872A3 & A4 34 ton and M172 22 ton. Commercial equivalent trailers of any uncovered size from tandem axle 10 ton for a backhoe to a 50 ton multi-axle lowboys for the oversize excavators and off-road dump trucks. Covered semi-trailers are also included, with reduced flooring thickness.

REFERENCES:

1: DTIC Publication "Trailer Decking Technology Study" Trailer Research and Development Contract No. DAAE07-99-C-S016, November 30, 2000

KEYWORDS: Composite, Wood, Decking, Flooring, Trailer

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: The Energy Attenuation Bench Seat System will protect and accommodate multiple sized Soldiers from a variety of typically injurious scenarios like Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED), underbody blast, top/bottom attacks, crash, and rollover events. By consolidating seating to benches and reducing the overall footprint of the seat, vehicle length could be reduced achieving a significant overall weight savings.

DESCRIPTION: Ground vehicle energy attenuating seat systems are traditionally designed to accommodate and protect a single Soldier with a prescribed distance between seats. Limited existing Military bench seating does not provide energy attenuation, desired accommodation, or an adequate level of Soldier endurance and performance. A new bench seating system shall be internally mounted in the vehicle with integrated restraint systems, and either provide or account for integrated or under-seat storage. The seat shall accommodate 4 fully encumbered occupants of varying size within the central 90th percentile and protect them during events including, but not limited to: underbody blast, crash, rollover, Top/Bottom attack, and VBIED. The bench seat shall be able to protect varying combinations of occupant sizes ranging from a single 5th percentile female up to four 95th percentile males, and allow for a minimum of 26" from centerline to centerline of each occupant.

PHASE I: Define and determine the technical feasibility of developing an energy attenuation bench seat system that is lightweight, durable, and can protect the occupants from high energy inputs. The seat must protect and accommodate the central 90th percentile Soldier population while fully encumbered and be lightweight and durable enough to handle the rugged conditions encountered by ground vehicles. Seats must be FMVSS 207/210 compliant. The seat must, at a minimum, meet FMVSS 208 Injury Criteria (additional Injury Criteria will be provided once on contract) for the following tests: drop tower testing (up to 350g half sine pulse, delta V 10 m/s), and FMVSS 213 Child Seat Corridor Sled Testing.

PHASE II: Develop and test at least 5 prototype seat systems that can protect and accommodate the Soldiers during high energy events including, but not limited to: blast, crash, rollover, and VBIED. Based on the findings in Phase I, refine the concept, develop a detailed design, and fabricate a simple prototype system for proof of concept. Identify steps necessary for fully developing a commercially viable seat system. Seats must be FMVSS 207/210 compliant. The seat must, at a minimum, meet FMVSS 208 Injury Criteria (additional Injury Criteria will be provided once on contract) for the following tests: drop tower testing (up to 350g half sine pulse, delta V 10 m/s), and FMVSS 213 Child Seat Corridor Sled Testing.

PHASE III: Commercialization to Stryker (PM-SBCT), with potential integration in Next Generation Combat Vehicles (NGCV). Potential additional military applications include, but are not limited to other Combat Vehicles.

REFERENCES:

1: www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA608804

KEYWORDS: Energy Attenuation, Seats, Bench, Underbody Blast, Crash, Rollover, Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), Top/bottom Attack, Mitigate Energy, Accommodate And Protect, Central 90th Percentile Soldier Population

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Use reconfigurable logic hardware to create general purpose, secure circuitry with zeroize functionality for military systems abandonment in theater. This ensures that the enemy cannot reverse engineer US military systems, while also reducing microelectronics development costs.

DESCRIPTION: Current Army ground vehicle systems operate using Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), due to Size, Weight, AP-C requirements. One could move to implement designs on a reprogrammable logic board such as a Field Programmable Gate Array, with a System on a Chip (SOC) acting as the design synthesis (programming) tool host on the printed circuit board. The FPGA fabric can be used to implement the functionality that would normally be hosted using an ASIC. FPGAs, by nature (unless using an anti-fuse FPGA design), are reprogrammable. Recent advancements by the major FPGA manufacturers, Altera (Intel) & Xilinx, have brought FPGA systems much closer to the SWAP-C that ASICs operate at. These recent advancements have also brought FPGA encryption and hardening to the level that was required with ASIC designs, making it a valid platform for military systems. Currently, efforts are only made to harden those electronics that are deemed Critical Program Information (CPI) so that they are either time-impossible, or extremely high effort to reverse engineer. However, non-CPI electronics do not receive the same hardware resiliency, and thus are still at risk of exploitation if captured. If the warfighter must abandon a vehicle in theater, valuable electronics may be attached to that ground vehicle that should be destroyed. Current standard, operating destruction procedures in require the use of pyrotechnics (thermite grenades), which can fail to completely destroy the ASIC hardware. That leaves the enemy with hardware that could be reverse engineered off the intact portion. By hosting the design on a reprogrammable device, one can achieve the same or near-same level of SWAP-C as would be hosted by an ASIC, but have a reprogrammable design fabric to work with. Using the SOC on the device, hosting a light embedded OS with scripts to execute zero-ization at the touch of a button, one could use the design to create a kill-switch. By rewriting the fabric with a blank design, one would effectively delete the existing logic, thus making it nearly impossible to exploit the hardware. This means that the design would be tamper resistant. A key example of where this proposed technology would have been extremely useful in was in the year 2001, where China had ‘captured’ a damaged EP-3E spy plane that had to make an emergency landing on Hainan Island Chinese military base. China had ample time to reverse engineer any of the electronics systems onboard that airplane, before returning it back to the USA, partially dismantled. As such, any hardware ASIC design that can be ported to reprogrammable logic would be the target for this proposal, making upcoming platforms such as the NGCV far more cyber-resilient. And if shown to work, could be something applicable to all DOD agencies and OGAs. The US Army is seeking proposed designs and guidance on how such a re-synthesizable design might be implemented.

PHASE I: Offeror shall conduct a feasibility study through research on whether current general purpose FPGA boards and design logic can be adapted to this design. This study shall include viability and potential applications, not covered by this topic, for military, medical, and commercial implementations.

PHASE II: Depending on the results of the Phase I feasibility study, the Offeror shall implement the logic design of a system from a military ground vehicle on an FPGA platform (i.e. Altera or Xilinx) to show a proof of concept prototype. Offeror will propose the system architecture that is to be used (hardware, software, etc.). Offeror will create design logic for an FPGA using respective FPGA environments. This logic will implement a systems design that meets military data encryption standards. Offeror shall also create software that can synthesize the FPGA logic with a zeroized design if given a command to do so. This software shall be able to interface with a user interfacing system (hardware). At the end of Phase II, Offeror shall have a working prototype of this system with a Technology Readiness Level of at minimum, TRL6. Offeror shall also have a business model ready for marketing the proposed system to commercial vendors.

PHASE III: Offeror will develop systems that can be retrofit with current military ground vehicles. This will provide the US military with capabilities of protecting government and our contractor’s intellectual property during wartime. It will also prevent enemies from reverse engineering our hardware and using our own designs to harm our warfighters, Additionally, this design can see commercial viability by allowing for companies to protect their trade secrets and intellectual property, either from competitors, foreign nations, or malicious actors.

REFERENCES:

1: "Understanding Zeroization To Clear System Data For FIPS-Approvedmode Of Operation - Technical Documentation - Support - Juniper Networks". Juniper.Net, 2016, https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos-fips12.1/topics/concept/understanding-zeroization.html. Accessed 14 May 2019.

KEYWORDS: Reconfigurable , Logic , Zeroize , Organic , Circuit , FPGA , System On A Chip , SOC , Tamper , Electronics , Microelectronics , Zeroization

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a reconfigurable computing-based platform that provides reprogrammable hardware implementations for multiple communication protocols, cryptographic algorithms, and heterogeneous architectures for ground vehicle sensor/system integration (e.g. signal concentration for routing through Next Generation Combat Vehicle slip ring), hardware accelerated capability insertion, and mitigation of semiconductor device obsolescence.

DESCRIPTION: The Army has long been interested in leveraging the benefits of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and System on Chip (SoC) technologies to mitigate performance and obsolescence issues associated with the extended life cycle of Army weapon systems. Historically the Army spends over a decade to design, test, and field a new weapon system and this means that, in many cases, the computing hardware and communication technology is obsolete by the time it is fielded [1]. To decrease this impact of this, weapon system functionality can often be migrated to software but this can be detrimental when the software implementation incurs a significant performance penalty or when the software cannot be written portably, resulting in code that is tightly coupled to a specific microprocessor or microcontroller; this is especially true when the software performs safety-critical functions, needs to perform deterministically and targets a specific instruction set architecture (ISA). Incorporation of FPGA technology has traditionally been recognized as one way to protect against electronics obsolescence while preserving the ability to implement performance upgrades [2]. High-level synthesis languages and semiconductor intellectual property (IP) cores have matured to the degree that it may be possible for the Army to leverage them on a computing platform which can incorporate open-source soft-core processors (e.g. RISC-V) to mitigate software obsolescence [3], readily instantiate new circuitry via logic synthesis to support emerging capabilities (e.g. artificial neural networks), and also provide a path for updating to different communication technologies primarily through logic synthesis (e.g. migration of 1 Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet). This topic seeks innovative approaches to leverage reconfigurable computing and FPGA technology to increase the flexibility, longevity, capabilities, and performance of computing platforms within Army ground vehicles, specifically used to implement emerging capabilities on a Bradley and/or Optionally-Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), to process multiple types of I/O and is reconfigurable to evolve along with vehicle programs and technology. A highly competitive solution should, with minimal changes to the electronics, provide reconfigurable: (1) hardware acceleration for running selectable cryptographic algorithms (e.g. Secure Hash Algorithm [SHA]-256, SHA-512, Advanced Encryption Standard [AES]-128, AES-256) (2) hardware-supported video processing and distribution (3) heterogeneous architecture to support simultaneous hosting of real-time, safety-critical and general purpose Linux software (4) support for multiple channels of serial communication (e.g. RS-422, RS-232, Controller Area Network [CAN], Inter Integrated Circuit [I2C]) (5) support for multiple channels of Ethernet (e.g. Gigabit Ethernet [GbE], 10 GbE, Audio-Video Bridging [AVB]/ Time Sensitive Networking [TSN]) (6) support for multiple types of analog and discrete signals (e.g. audio, RS-170) (7) Provides an Interface Configuration Document (ICD), hardware performance specification, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 test report.

PHASE I: Investigate the design space for reconfigurable computing based, ruggedized platforms. Define metrics for assessing obsolescence risk reduction and re-configurability, as well as difficulty/cost associated with using reconfigurable computing technology, IP cores, hardware, and tools. Develop initial reference designs to illustrate I/O processing/conversions, communications/cryptographic migration, and heterogeneous computing scenarios.

PHASE II: Fully develop the technology and demonstrate general features of the Flexible I/O platform, which consists of hardware, firmware, software, and synthesizable logic in the form of hardware description language (HDL) or IP cores. Evaluate using the metrics defines in Phase I. Execute selected computing/migration scenarios and collect metrics as defined in Phase I. Perform additional testing to assess performance and operational impacts and provide an ICD and hardware performance specification.

PHASE III: Phase III applications include deploying Flexible I/O platform in the Bradley or OMFV vehicle for processing/distribution of 3rd Gen FLIR video information and signal compression/decompression for transmission through slip-ring. Phase III potential applications include the use of Flexible I/O for long-life span, advanced Internet-of-Things (IoT), Industrial Control System (ICS), medical imaging devices, or autonomous systems.

REFERENCES:

1: Research and Technology Organization, "Strategies to Mitigate Obsolescence in Defense Systems Using Commercial Components", DTIC https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a394911.pdf June 2001

KEYWORDS: FPGA, Softcore Processor, Heterogeneous Computing, Reconfigurable Computing, IP Cores, Obsolescence

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop, test, and implement a Flight Test playback and review tool that incorporates terrain data.

DESCRIPTION: The Air Force's Special Operations Forces/ Combat Search and Rescue team perform constant aircraft avionics system software and hardware revision cycles to meet new or improved Air Force mission capabilities. With each revision cycle (Block Upgrade), the 402nd Software Engineering Group (402 SWEG) performs extensive Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) of the avionics suite. Currently, the process of performing analysis on test-flight data is manpower and time intensive. Performing manual review has several limitations. For example, analysts cannot correlate terrain data with Unit Under Test (UUT). Radar terrain data accuracy cannot be evaluated. If topology can be incorporated with UUT sensor data, Software/Hardware performance accuracy can be confirmed and, the analysts will finally have a method to accurately evaluate radar returns. Being able to incorporate terrain data into flight test reviews will provide for more detailed analysis of aircraft dynamics as they relate to the environment allowing for analysis of the airframe as it moves through the test envelope. This research topic is seeking innovative advancements and automation of the current technology available to the US Air Force to support UUT flight-test and radar data analysis. There are many limiting factors involving manual analysis of flight-test data. Currently, the ability to accurately compare radar return data with topology is non-existent. The research will bring about the process required for maximizing the effectiveness of all flight tests by the incorporation of specific terrain features providing a complete analysis of the complete test environment. The US Air Force will see process improvement, elimination of safety risk, improved software sustainment, and benefits derived from the new process.

PHASE I: Develop a Flight Test playback and review tool that incorporates terrain data.

PHASE II: The Phase I technology will be tested, optimized and expanded to incorporate those characteristics that were not previously developed.

PHASE III: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Air Force in transitioning the technology for use. Working with the Air Force, the company will integrate the technology for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment.

REFERENCES:

1. “Terrain Synthesis from Digital Elevation Models.” Howard Zhou, Jie Sun, Greg Turk, and Jim Rehg, IEEE Viz. 2007. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4293025.

KEYWORDS: Automation, Data Analysis, Topography, Terrain

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a methodology and associated computer based tool to define the type of training delivery methods that are most effective and efficient to perform aircraft maintenance training.

DESCRIPTION: The USAF aircraft maintenance training community has identified a need for a tool to aid in the decision process for selecting the most appropriate training format for students to learn aircraft sustainment maintenance actions. Specific maintenance actions are derived from training requests from both training units and active aircraft maintenance units, which will have a varied set of constraints. Current practice is to utilize corporate knowledge, best practices, and maintenance training requesters’ opinions, coupled with skilled maintainers (not educators or training specialists) to determine the appropriate training format. With the emergence of new technologies such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, the AF training community desires to evaluate the benefits they could bring to students’ initial understanding, as well as knowledge retention. Part of that is also determining the most appropriate opportunities to insert the new technology into the current training curriculum. The ultimate objective is to identify the type of training delivery method that yields the most value.

PHASE I: USAF will only accept Direct to Phase II proposals.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and deliver a methodology and associated computer based tool to define the type of training delivery methods that are most effective and efficient to perform aircraft maintenance training, based on: learning objectives, student skill state, technology availability, resource/environment/programmatic/mission constraints, etc. The methodology shall incorporate the results of rigorous scientific and engineering research and analysis regarding education and training effectiveness. The methodology is expected to evaluate currently utilized training methods, to include, but not limited to, written, 2D/3D images, instructor presentation, computer based training (CBT), interactive CBT, hands-on instruction, etc. as well as state of the art instruction methods, to include, but not limited to, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), environmental feedback, etc. The tool is to be utilized by USAF aircraft maintenance training content development teams who are trainers, not experts in the theory of education. Phase II deliverables will be a methodology to define the best suited training delivery method(s) and a computer based tool that follows the methodology that is to be used by training content developers.

PHASE III: Refine and mature the training delivery decision tool to be marketed to other defense and commercial customer who require the ability to determine which type of training delivery method is best for the learning objective(s) and constrains related to aircraft maintenance training.

REFERENCES:

1: Stacy, W., Walwanis, M. M., Wiggins, S. & Bolton, A. (2013, Nov). Layered Fidelity: An Approach to Characterizing Training Environments. Presentation at the 2013 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), Orlando, FL.

KEYWORDS: Training, Education, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Learning Objectives, Immersive, Interactive Multi-media Instruction, VR, AR, MR, IMI, XR, EXtended Reality, Aircraft Maintenance

OBJECTIVE: Develop an Airborne Modernized Software Defined Radio (SDR) that uses Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) and is condensed enough to fit in the footprint of an RT-1505A version of the AN/ARC-164

DESCRIPTION: Modern radios in industry are now software defined radios that use common Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) interfaces to allow manufacturers a greater source of parts versus using custom designed architecture. The Open Architecture also allows portability of software applications from one radio to the next. Some of these military airborne radios also have very small footprint requirements that have to be met. However, many of the current commercial radios do not meet MIL-SPEC and aircraft requirements. An opportunity exists to take advantage of SOSA requirements and condense the hardware down to a footprint that can be used. The opportunity also exists to take this design and make the internals common to all airborne communications even though the chassis footprint differs from aircraft to aircraft and system to system. Currently, the technology exists to place a radio transceiver on a circuit card that is a 3U height. The software allows the transceiver card to be used in multiple radio bandwidths. Small businesses like Spectranetix4 and other companies like Epiq Solutions5 already market similar type hardware. However, the hardware will not fit in the 5.75 inches wide, 4.875 inches high, and 8.62 inches deep footprint needed by the legacy radio. Many of the parts also do not meet the MIL-STD-4616, MIL-STD-8107, and MIL-HDBK-5168 requirements. The current legacy radios are almost 30 years old design and custom made from discrete electronics. The radios are not upgradable to meet the new and changing threats faced by the warfighter. Also since all the different radios are unique design, parts are not swappable between systems and each system requires its own tailored repair line. The proposed research would consider existing SOSA compliance and tailor it to meet the unique requirements of the radio but still meet the openness and interoperability mandated by SOSA. Also, due to the high cost of aircraft integration, the proposed design must be able to drop into the existing footprint without forcing any changes to the aircraft mounting or wiring. Development of this replacement will reduce the overhead cost associated with the sustainment of the legacy radio systems. Currently the Air Force Supply Chain manages thousands of piece parts associated with the legacy radios. This design will drastically reduce the number of parts due to internal commonality between the different radios. It will also reduce the support footprint needed by the depot due to not having to track, manage, and repair unique parts. By expanding this design to the different radios the Air Force can maintain a common supply chain for the hardware where the only difference is the software that is loaded on the circuit cards.

PHASE I: DIRECT TO PHASE II: the Air Force will only accept Direct to Phase II proposals. FEASABILITY DOCUMENTATION: for this Direct to Phase II topic, the Air Force is expecting that the submittal firm substantiate a present ability to: - Develop a proof of concept non-airworthy prototype that can meet the aforementioned dimensional requirements while maintaining SOSA standards for open architecture. - Develop a prototype capable of operating in the 225.00 to 399.975 MHz range and do basic AM and FM voice while allowing future software changes to add extra modes in future phases.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype based on the proof of concept in phase I. The radio must be able to fit in the dimensional foot print while allowing the housing of the front control panel similar to the RT-1505. It must also be able to demonstrate the ability to accept aircraft power, and operate with the following conditions: • Transmits with a power output of 10 Watts on an RF Wattmeter with a 50 Ohm load • Consume no more than 35W in receive and 110W in transmit • Operate from 225.00 to 399.975 MHz • Allow 7,000+ channels • Operate with AM and FM voice • Tone • Automatic direction finder (ADF) • Receive voice/data modulated signals using communications security devices • Have a guard channel • Use HAVE QUICK II • Be able to tune within 7.5 milliseconds. The prototype will also need to include MIL-SPEC parts to the greatest extent possible for this phase as some MIL-SPEC part changes may alter the design. The display and lighting should also include night vision goggle compliant parts to the greatest extent possible as well. The hardware and software must be compliant with SOSA standards for open architecture.

PHASE III: A successful prototype could market as a design option for other radios and avionics facing similar end of life limitations. Phase III will also address any design challenges that have not been addressed to make the prototype fully airworthy. It will also allow the ground work to develop additional operational modes not currently in use.

REFERENCES:

1: "Software Defined Radio", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_radio

KEYWORDS: Radio, Sustainable, Airborn

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: Develop thermal spray coupon management, dispensing and process tracking system to reduce/eliminate mistakes, improve efficiency, eliminate unnecessary overtime for sample issuance, ensure compliance with coupon handling and tracking requirements and redu

DESCRIPTION: Mission critical components that are coated using thermal spray methods require process verification coupons to be coated simultaneously with the components. These coupons then undergo rigorous processing and inspection in the metallurgical laboratory to ascertain the coatings have achieved quality microstructure characteristics such as bond strength, porosity, unmelts, oxides, integrity, hardness, etc. There are many types of coupons used, depending on the component to be coated and the type of coating to be applied. The coupons must be serialized and carefully managed throughout the entire production coating process and the laboratory inspection process to ensure the coated component receives certification before being placed in service. Time is often of the essence, and the coated components can be delayed for production release if the coupons are not processed expediently. Additionally, due to the many types of coupons, the many types of coatings and the many types of laboratory inspection steps/processes, mistakes can be made that result in unnecessary re-coats and component release delays. Most coupon operations are currently performed manually, requiring significant technician hours that could be better spent on more technical duties. Development of a system is needed that will manage the thermal spray coupon inventory, provide automated coupon dispense with intelligent serialization at time of use (date, booth, operator, process, etc.) and provide a means of tracking the coupons throughout the entire process of coating application, sectioning, mounting, polishing and the various inspections/evaluations. The system needs to provide automated visibility of coupon status at any time to ensure delivery of high priority components are not delayed. Research is needed to determine the optimal system/process that would initially be used on currently operational thermal spray booths. The research would need to identify how this system could integrate with any existing thermal spray management processes and data. The research would also need to include identification of requirements to expand the use of the system by facilities within DOD. The above-mentioned data is not currently available but would be of great benefit in process tuning and continuous process improvement.

PHASE I: Proposal must provide: A) Feasibility analysis of automated dispensing of the thermal spray coupons and intelligent serialization at point of use. B) Analysis of tracking/scanning methodologies for the various metallurgical lab process steps and providing data that can be queried for various purposes. C) Feasibility analysis to achieve authority to operate adhering to Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements. D) Feasibility analysis to integrate with any existing DOD thermal spray management processes and data. FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described above has been met and to identify the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal to meet the objectives of this topic. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of the feasibility documentation portions of the Air Force 19.2 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related DP2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: Develop prototype concepts and methodologies for thermal spray coupon management, dispensing and process tracking through the entire coating application and metallurgical laboratory inspection processes, including integration with current thermal spray operations and processes. Demonstrate down selected concept and methodology with a prototype system. Develop and initiate plan to achieve authority to operate adhering to Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements on a production system.

PHASE III: DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology has application at all the DOD depot facilities engaged in thermal spray coatings for critical weapons system repair. Additionally, this technology would be a good tool for any commercial entity engaged in thermal spray coatings of components that require coupon verification prior to production release of the product.

REFERENCES:

1. Cooray, P. & Rupasinghe, T., 2015, A Real Time Production Tracking and a Decision Support System (PTDSS): A Case Study from an Apparel Company. 12th International Conference on Business Management (ICBM)

KEYWORDS: Thermal Spray, Metallurgical Laboratory, Track & Trace, Automated Dispensing, Certification And Accreditation (C&A)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Platforms

OBJECTIVE: Develop capability for rapid design of space missions that leverages new and evolving space services, commodity components, and emerging technologies. Establish and prove a rapid approach that involves specialist collaborators across multiple organization

DESCRIPTION: In the last several years, new developments in space access, small satellites and components, software and communications, combined with the investment of risk capital and other funding, have produced new capabilities for space services. These new services and the infrastructure that enables them have in turn created a fast-changing environment for further development. Mission planning now takes place in that dynamic context. The Air Force continues to deliver traditional capabilities but also has opportunities to do so more effectively and by wholly different approaches by exploiting and repurposing rapidly emerging space systems, services, components, and supporting infrastructure. In previous generations, Air Force missions have been planned over extended time periods, assuming the availability of certain government assets, products and supporting services, with the government funding new developments that were required. Techniques for analyzing missions and performing trades were created and honed with each new application. Now, mission planners are presented with a fast-changing array of commercial services and unconventional mixes of commercially driven and government-driven capabilities including new technology and software-defined systems, commodity spacecraft components, small satellite buses, and launch and ground systems services. The environment is dynamic, choices are greater, and mission development, including rapid progression from concept to systems requirements to preliminary design, should adapt as well. Given a set of needs and goals in a broad space-related area, the Air Force will benefit from a rapid capability to interpret needs and opportunities, structure candidate mission architectures, assess available and emerging services and technologies that may be relevant to solutions, and proceed systematically through trades to arrive at multiple feasible approaches. These in turn can be considered with respect to cost, schedule and risks, and the likelihood and degree of meeting goals. In most cases, the mission development capability will rapidly access and combine insight from multiple sources and companies. Overlaps in different space-related domains have blurred the lines of simpler, focused mission development. Communications now involves GEO, MEO, and LEO over multiple wavelengths, with different antenna types and more use of relays. Satellites have greater on -board processing, increased potential for coordinated operation, more options for deployed subsystems and in-space changes. Launch services are lower cost, more frequent and agile, with emerging options for orbit insertions and transfers. Payloads are more programmable, adaptable and compact. In addition, information management for space systems increasingly leverages software-defined systems and the cloud, from data management to scheduling and operations. Mission design should keep pace with and help manage the complexity brought by these fast-evolving developments. It is envisioned this will involve model-based design processes, techniques and methodologies to develop conceptual designs that include expedient leveraging of the best new commercially-available and open source tools. A robust but flexible approach accessing knowledge across organizations will take appropriate advantage of software-driven automation and optimization.

PHASE I: Proposal must show, as appropriate to the proposed effort, technical feasibility or nascent capability of space mission design approach and techniques that are compatible with new modes of space development and operation. Proposal may provide example results from this new and enhanced mission design capability on a specific Air Force mission area. Demonstrate reduced time from concept to system requirements, flexible use of evolving architectures and services, and increased options for Air Force programs. Identify capability gaps that slow development, inadequately capture risks, or fail to explore and evaluate feasible but unconventional architectures. FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposed development has been met, and to describe the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal to meet the objectives of this topic. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of the feasibility documentation portions of the Air Force 20.1 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related D2P2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: Develop and enhance the rapid space mission design capability, and demonstrate the utility in several Air Force need areas for missions that are at different stages of conceptual maturity, including where conceptual development has not yet begun. Provide intermediate products to be assessed by planning teams, summarizing information that captures sensitivity of mission-level outcomes, including schedule, cost and risk, to key architecture and implementation decisions. Carry at least one mission through to system design and development, working with other performers to rapidly assess mission-level impacts of spacecraft, payload, operations, data processing and other elements.

PHASE III: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the technologies developed in Phase II for potential government and commercial applications. Government applications include rapid concept development and maturation for emerging military space missions. There are potential commercial applications to space system design, and evaluation and assessment of new business ventures.

REFERENCES:

1. Martin, Gary, (2016) NewSpace: The Emerging Commercial Space Industry, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160001188.pdf

KEYWORDS: Space Mission Design, Concept Development, New Space, Concurrent Engineering Models, Commercial Space, Mission Planning, Simulation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: Develop state-of-the-art diagnostic technology for rapid identification of pathogens in infected wounds that can be used to triage injured warfighters and guide clinical decisions in a modern battlefield environment.

DESCRIPTION: U.S. military service members who are medically evacuated from theatre due to combat-related injuries have sustained high impact insults such as explosions, gunshot wounds and motor vehicle accidents, leading to significant skin and soft tissue injuries that may be frequently contaminated. A large proportion of these service members are at increased risk for infectious complications of their traumatic injuries, and the most common infections involve skin and soft tissue, wound infections, and osteomyelitis and sepsis if not treated in a timely manner. Acinetobacter baumannii has been identified as one of the most frequently associated organisms with skin and soft tissue infections among wounded warriors, occurring in 35% of wound infections. Within this 35%, up to 90% of the culture isolates were assessed to be antimicrobial resistant (AMR) [1]. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a well-recognized cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in US military hospitals with a reported prevalence of 68% to 70% in selected military hospital emergency rooms [2]. High rates of MRSA skin and soft tissue infections have been observed among soldiers in training [3,4]. In addition to skin and soft tissue infection, MRSA is the most frequently isolated organism late in infection in traumatically injured service members [5]. Late infection in this population often results in limb salvaging amputation [6]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality among both civilian and military populations, often colonizing mucosal surfaces, wounds, and foreign devices such as catheters and endotracheal tubes with biofilms that are highly resistant to antibiotic penetration and clearance by the immune system. In civilian and veteran populations these same types of infections frequently occur in individuals that have skin and soft tissue and prosthetic joint infections [4,5]. In a patient infected with multi-drug resistant organisms, the treatment choices often become limited due to waning approvals of new antibiotics [6]. Frequently, these patients are hospitalized for prolonged periods of time and subsequently experience multiple episodes of hospital readmissions related to infectious complications of their wound or orthopedic implants. In addition to increased patient morbidity, provision of medical care for service members with infected traumatic wounds can be very costly and lead to intense resource utilization. Early diagnosis of infection in injured warfighters could provide early guidance to caregivers. Treatment of chronic infections are less successful, so the goal is to improve early detection and rapid intervention before the infection is established and progressing. Current diagnostic systems are complex with often multiple steps from sample processing to interpretation, are often restricted to fixed laboratories, require cold chain for reagents, and not available to front line users. This effort seeks to support development of novel approaches to detect infected wounds at the bedside or in the field to rapidly inform medics and early caregivers on best approaches to wound and infection management.

PHASE I: Selected contractor determines the feasibility of the concept by developing a prototype diagnostic assay that has the potential to meet the broad needs discussed in this topic description. Currently there are no FDA-cleared, field-capable assays that can be used to rapidly identify the most common bacterial pathogens causing wound and sepsis infections as described in references 1-6 (to include but not limited to the ESKAPE group of pathogens: Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acientobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp, and Escherichia coli), as well as an ability to determine the respective antibiotic susceptibility of the detected pathogen to guide treatment decisions for wound infections in injured warfighters. Development of an assay for the detection of bacterial infections with MDR bacteria is therefore a high priority. In some infections, a possibility of multiple pathogens and bacterial strains can be present within a single sample, so the assay must be sensitive and specific enough to identify each pathogen.

PHASE II: Based on the results from Phase I, the selected contractor provides up to 3 Initial lots of 250 prototype assays each to the COR. These initial lots will be evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using a diversity set of bacterial strains for evaluation in vitro, then if efficacious for analysis of samples (blood and tissue, or directly) from preclinical animal infection studies. Can coordinate with WRAIR/NMRC for assistance with preclinical evaluation if needed. Feedback regarding the sensitivity/specificity of each lot of prototype assays will be provided to the contractor. This data will then be used to optimize each subsequent lot of assays. The goal In Phase II is the development of a prototype assay that provides 85% sensitivity and 85% specificity when compared to current bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing methods. Once sensitivity and specificity requirements have been met in preclinical tests, the selected contractor will confirm the performance characteristics of the assay (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy and reliability) using clinical specimens. The regulatory strategy for using different types of clinical specimen should be clearly described in the Phase II proposal. Human use protocols for using clinical specimen should be approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB) of all participating institutes. The elected contractor will require a Federal-Wide Assurance of Compliance before government funds can be provided for any effort that requires human testing or uses of clinical samples. The selected contractor will also conduct stability testing of the prototype device in Phase II. Stability testing will follow both real-time and accelerated (attempt to force the product to fail under a broad range of temperature and humidity conditions and extremes) testing in accordance with FDA requirements. The assay must be rapid (<30 min), soldier-friendly (i.e., easy to operate), inexpensive, portable, and stable (no requirement of refrigeration). The assay should be at least 85% as sensitive and specific as current (non-deployable, non-FDA cleared) assays and sera, plasma, whole blood, or other types of specimen can be used without sample processing. The data package plan required for application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will be prepared at the end of phase II.

PHASE III: During this phase the performance of the assay should be evaluated in a variety of field studies that will conclusively demonstrate that the assay meets the requirements of this topic. The contractor may coordinate with WRAIR/NMRC to set up field testing sites. The selected contractor shall make this product available to potential military and non-military users throughout the world. Military applications: MDR bacterial infections occur worldwide. The diagnosis of these wound infections and sepsis cases are often delayed, because the currently available tests, mostly reliant on bacterial culture or high-complexity nucleic acid amplification, are not field-capable, not rapid, and can vary considerably among different laboratories even when using the same procedure or method. With the availability of an easy and rapid assay developed under this topic, wounded and ill soldiers can be treated in a timely manner in any military medical organization (such as a Battalion Aid Station, a Combat Support Hospital, Forward operation base, or a fixed medical facility). The contractor should coordinate with WRAIR/NMRC to establish a National Stock Number (NSN) for potential inclusion in into appropriate "Sets, Kits and Outfits" that are used by deployed medical forces. Civilian applications: MDR bacterial infections occur in communities and hospitals, in wounds, skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and blood stream infections. We envision that the contractor that develops the rapid diagnostic assay and will be able to sell and/or market this assay to a variety of civilian medical organizations, and that this market will be adequate to sustain the continued production of this device.

REFERENCES:

1: Davis, K.A., et al., Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter extremity infections in soldiers. Emerg Infect Dis, 2005. 11(8): p. 1218-24.

KEYWORDS: Wound Infections, ESKAPE, AMR, Diagnostic

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: To provide a radioprotector medical countermeasure (MCM) to the Joint Force with effective prophylactics to recover from and survive Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) resulting from ionizing radiation exposure. In concert with resuscitative intervention and supportive care, MCMs would improve survival and reduce recovery times for the individual contributing to a higher level of unit readiness.

DESCRIPTION: The current Joint Force requires Medical Counter Measures (MCMs) against threats to sustain the full range of military operations. The Joint Force must effectively protect the maximum number of personnel against the greatest number of hazards as far forward as possible, and sustain the casualty from the point of exposure to the point of definitive care. These MCMs will be administered at the lowest echelon of health care possible. They will work in concert with other medical products to lessen performance degradation and increase survival for the individual contributing to a higher level of unit readiness. The Department of Defense requires MCMs for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) that are safe and effective prophylaxes and therapeutics. To be effective, any prophylaxes must be available to Joint Force personnel prior to ionizing radiation (IR) exposure. It will reduce the likelihood of developing severe adverse health effects associated with ARS to increase survival. Prophylaxes would be administered to the Joint Force prior to operating in a known, high risk Ionizing Radiation (IR) environment. ARS encompasses a spectrum of pathophysiologic changes caused by exposure to high doses of penetrating radiation in a relatively short time period. Injuries sustained depend on the dose and extent of radiation exposure (e.g., whole- or partial-body). Radiation exposures exceeding 2 Gray (Gy) in adults can result in the depletion of hematopoietic stem cells and cellular progenitors in the bone marrow, which may lead to severe neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and death from infection or hemorrhage. Higher radiation doses can cause gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including mucosal barrier breakdown, bacterial translocation, and loss of GI structural integrity, which can lead to rapid death. Individuals who survive ARS may suffer from the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE), which can include pulmonary, renal, cardiovascular, immunological, and cutaneous complications occurring weeks to months after radiation exposure. There are three FDA-approved post-exposure therapeutic drugs to treat the hematopoietic subsyndrome of ARS. There are no FDA-approved prophylactic MCMs for IR exposures resulting in ARS. Future pharmaceuticals will be used in concert with the most appropriate and cost effective mix of existing protocols for treating radiation injuries and could be used at any role of care. Together, future pharmaceuticals and existing medical management protocols (e.g., supportive care, antioxidants, antiemetics, antibiotics, colony stimulating factors, blood/bone marrow transplants, isolation) will provide the means to effectively treat the maximum number of personnel. For the purpose of this effort, the terms “MCM(s)” and “drug(s)” will include drugs, biologics, and cellular therapies. The objective of a prophylactic MCM is to reduce the likelihood of developing severe adverse health effects associated with ARS to increase survival. The prophylactic MCM must work in concert with other medical products to lessen performance degradation and increase survival for an individual contributing to a higher level of unit readiness. A prophylactic MCM will need to be given pre-exposure, pre-symptomatic and be administered at the lowest echelon of heath care possible to the Joint Force (age range of 18 - 62 years) prior to operating in a known, high risk irradiated environment. To achieve this effect the method of administration must be tailored to optimize ease of administration in an operational environment.

PHASE I: Offerors must propose proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate the efficacy of proposed ARS prophylactic MCM against a relevant susceptible cell populations such as hematopoietic progenitors. Demonstration of efficacy in some form of an in vivo model is also acceptable, but not required for Phase I. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, drugs, but can include biologics or cellular therapies. Exit criteria for successful completion of Phase I research would be the demonstration of efficacy at the LD70/30 or greater radiation dose levels. The LD70/30 represents a radiation dose that would result in 70% mortality over 30 days in vehicle treated mice. Information garnered from Phase I experiments may be more qualitative than quantitative.

PHASE II: With successful completion of Phase I experiments, Phase II would further evaluate the medical countermeasure (MCM) in a small animal study. A Phase II effort will test effective prophylactic ARS MCMs at the LD70/30 dose level or greater in an appropriate animal model. In these studies, the MCM would be administered to animals prior to radiation exposure. The animal model should be of sufficient size and scope to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in survival in animals receiving the MCM. The SBIR Phase II studies shall include experiments of a manner that facilitates the collection of non-clinical GLP pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data. The PK and PD information will be of paramount importance to inform subsequent Phase III studies. Optimized formulation studies involving development of a preparation of the drug should be conducted during this phase II effort. Responders to this SBIR should provide a test plan for in vivo evaluation prior to the start of Phase II studies.

PHASE III: Phase III studies would further refine the animal model and the compound/drug dosing regimen. The goal would be to work toward FDA approval of a MCM for one or more radioprotector MCMs against ARS. The studies in Phase III should support FDA approval/ licensure to include entry into clinical studies, cGMP manufacturing scale up, and pivotal efficacy studies. FDA licensure/approval is not necessary for the project to be deemed successful. One means for the offeror to document progress is through a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) of the technology using the harmonized Quantitative Technology Readiness Level (QTRL) guidance document as described by the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE). A second means for demonstrating success is the establishment of funding and partnering with commercial companies (if necessary) to facilitate bringing the product to market. Successful radioprotector MCM products directed against ARS will clearly have use by other government agencies, hospitals/ emergency departments, first responders, and others providing responses to nuclear and radiation dispersal incidents.

REFERENCES:

1: Rosen E, Day R and Singh V. New Approaches to Radiation Protection. Frontiers in Oncology, Vol 4, Issue 381, 2014.

KEYWORDS: Radioprotectors, Prophylaxes, Medical Countermeasures (MCM), Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS), Ionizing Radiation (IR), Sub-syndromes

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: Develop a smart system of the rapid discovery, development, and evaluation of nano-synthetic detecting materials as sensors for Synthetic Tissue, Organ, Nerve and Skin (STONeS). These discovered novel sensor materials will be used to fabricate new detectors that demonstrate “murmuration behavior” that record properly/improperly performed emergent procedures, useful in medical simulation training with additional potential utility seen in forward medical operational environments.

DESCRIPTION: Applying appropriate STONeS sensors into mannequins or part-task trainers to provide feedback signals can mimic close-to-real-life response, ensuring surgical procedural accuracy and improving training efficiency and fidelity for military medical service members. STONeS sensor enabled part-task trainers will increase training availability and accessibility, while decreasing overall training cost. Demand for the application of nanosensors in medical simulation training is rising as nanotechnology-enabled sensors to provide a faster, more accurate and sensitive detection, and therefore it enables new solutions in physical, chemical, and biological sensing STONeS applications. The diversity of nanosensor technologies and applications requires a broad diversity of nanomaterials. However, ideal sensing materials to satisfy the capability gaps remaining in civilian and military medical simulation have yet to be revealed in practice. To accelerate this sensor development, DHA considers R&D efforts in autonomous detection to enable the broad, application-driven discover of nano-synthetic material to be both necessary and urgent. Currently there is no similar effort available to provide an effective solution. The goal of this topic is to create a nanomaterial synthetic platform with innovative methodology strategies to quickly discover novel nanomaterials as sensor materials to develop nanosensors fit for at least one of the following STONeS capabilities: • Detection of touch • Detection of pressure • Detection of stretch • Detection of disruption and closure • Monitoring temperature • Monitoring gases • Monitoring humidity • Monitoring liquids • Monitoring radiation.

PHASE I: A feasibility study that demonstrates the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of the methodology. Identify and define the right approaches to establish a high throughput automatic nanomaterial synthetic and screening platform to rapidly discover appropriate STONeS sensing materials. Required Phase I deliverables will include: • Prove deep understanding and review of current nano-synthetic sensing material applications in STONeS. • Develop a methodology to enable high throughput nanomaterial synthetic system. • Develop approaches for application-driven discovery for sensing material for STONeS properties and targets. • Provide proof of concept data and support the technical feasibility. • Prove the proposed technology has advantages over the current technologies in use.

PHASE II: Phase II effort will culminate in a well-defined deliverable prototype based upon the Phase I proof of concept work, with an expectation of comprehensive development, detailed demonstration, and final validation. The prototyped high throughput platform should be utilized to produce at least two novel discoveries of nanomaterials. The characteristics of the new STONeS nanomaterials are expected to have some of the following features: • Printable • Flexible and/or Stretchable • Scalable • Unobtrusive • Reliable • Inexpensive • Wireless • Low-voltage and/or self-power Required Phase II deliverables: • Produce prototype hardware and software based upon Phase I work. • Develop, test and validate the prototyped high throughput nano-synthetic material platform. • Provide a detailed plan for nano-synthetic material discovery procedures. • Provide practical implementation for nano-synthetic material discovery. • Develop processes, select appropriate applications and demonstrate at least two productions as novel discoveries of nanosensing materials for STONeS applications.

PHASE III: Phase III work will be a continued R&D effort with the potential to transition to the advanced developer or the genesis of an advanced manufacturing capability. It’s expected to be a novel nanosensors development using Phase II discovered nanomaterials. All sensors developed will improve the use of STONeS in medical simulation training with important military and commercial impact. It can also have the potential to become an important large nano-synthetic sensing material database/library commercially available to significantly accelerate the sensor discovery and development. The discovery and fabrication of these new sensors will be benefit in both training and operational environment such prolong field care, telemedicine, and the future autonomous systems.

REFERENCES:

1: Meital Segev-Bar, et al., A Tunable Touch Sensor and Combined Sensing Platform: Toward nanoparticle-based Electronic Skin. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 2013

KEYWORDS: Nanotechnology, Nanosynthetic Material, Sensor

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: Develop a field-expedient, antimicrobial, hydration-providing wound dressing for acute care of large burn wounds.

DESCRIPTION: In future battlespace scenarios, mission-impactful increases in the numbers of burned casualties and in burn wound severity in terms of burn depth and size may be anticipated compared to recent conflicts. The projected operational paradigm also suggests that casualty evacuation may be delayed in the future fight, creating conditions in which burn injury treatments to save lives, hasten return to combat effectiveness, and improve functional recovery must be provided out of hospital for a period of days or longer, under degraded circumstances in the absence of surgical capability (i.e., prolonged field care). This prolonged care context will preclude the current standard of care for burn injuries, defined as evacuation from Theater to the San Antonio Military Medical Center Burn Center for definitive treatment. Currently only minimal burn wound management tools are available in the prehospital environment, consisting primarily of silver-containing wound dressings to prevent/minimize infection until evacuation to surgical care. There remains in the marketplace a lack of proven, clinically effective, acute burn wound treatment technologies, for example, to not only reduce infection but also promote healing of severe burn injuries. Furthermore, the prevalence of known and emerging weapon systems capable of thermal, electrical, and novel mechanisms of burn injury underscores a need for applicability of advanced acute burn care tools to mass casualty situations, potentially in dense urban environments, where the care capability and capacity of available medical providers may be rapidly overwhelmed. These circumstances underscore a critical necessity for the development of novel, advanced, effective, easy to use therapies for acute management of severe burns under austere, prolonged prehospital care to save lives, preserve combat readiness in the operational environment, and optimize long-term recovery and functional outcomes for burned Service members.

PHASE I: Advanced, innovative, topical solutions (e.g., dressings) for acute stabilization of large-sized, deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burn wounds are sought. Prevention of fluid loss, antimicrobial activity (to include anti-biofilm activity), and acceleration of wound healing are important qualities for the product to be developed. The candidate technology will demonstrate properties suggesting ease of use of the ultimate product by lower skilled responders under austere, prehospital conditions. Severe burns are defined as deep partial thickness and full thickness burn injuries. The technology developed will eventually be required to be incorporated into a therapeutic product that is highly mobile with low logistic burden (weight, power, cube) for field use under prolonged care. The minimum end goal of Phase I is readiness of an innovative, novel, candidate technology for acute care of severe burn for proof-of-concept studies in an established, combat-relevant animal model of severe burn.

PHASE II: Using the novel burn wound healing material developed in Phase I, the Offerer must design and engineer the candidate material /dressing formulation and demonstrate feasibility of use in austere environments by unskilled individuals for acceleration of large size (>15% total body surface area), deep partial thickness or full thickness burn wound healing in the absence of grafting. Initial prototypes and proof of principle of the material’s ability to control gram-negative and/or gram-positive infections using standard microbiological tests must be demonstrated in a time frame of use relevant to prolonged field care conditions. The Offeror must conduct a proof-of-concept evaluation of the technology compared to standard of care silver-containing dressings available in the marketplace in appropriate combat-relevant, animal model(s) of large-sized, deep-partial thickness or full-thickness burn wound. Efficacy in preventing/managing infection and potentiating healing in vivo is a priority. Topical treatments which are thin, conformable, breathable, non-toxic (safe), and bio-absorbable are sought. The ultimate product should also be self-administrable in the field, functional immediately upon application, provide a barrier to fluid loss, prevent or reduce infection, and potentially reduce blood loss. In addition, the product should be easily removed (i.e., dressing changes) without causing damage to the wound bed or not require active removal (i.e., left in place as self-shed or biodegradable). Expected users of the technology are medical providers (including those who are not burn care specialists), non-providers (i.e., medics), and untrained personnel (i.e., “buddy care”) in austere operational environments. Field-expediency is an important characteristic of the desired technological solution. Field-expediency standards for the expected use profile of the developed technology require that the candidate solution must be readily applicable in dirty, harsh, resource limited, prehospital conditions for up to 72 hours of prolonged care prior to surgical intervention, as well as durable during storage for long periods of time and during use. Reasonable cost is also key. Other required Phase II deliverables include: biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and immunogenicity analysis, and the demonstration of acceleration of burn wound healing over standard of care in both uninfected and infected wounds. During Phase II product safety/toxicity and stability using FDA standardized models performed under appropriate Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions must be demonstrated. A detailed description of any additional studies, strategy for clinical studies, and transition pathway of the novel product into clinical practice must be addressed. Development and discussion of a plan for the potential regulatory pathway for the material for ACURO and HRPO and approval is required. Additional objectives, which are desirable but not required, are that the technology demonstrates eschar-stabilizing, anti-inflammatory, and local pain analgesic properties. Efficacy in preventing/treating acute infection and accelerating healing of other traumatic soft tissue injuries in addition to severe burn wounds would be advantageous, while effectiveness specifically in acute management of large-size, severe burn injuries is paramount and required.

PHASE III: Phase III efforts should include focus on technology transition, preferably commercialization of SBIR research and development. The product developed is intended to be suitable for use and potential procurement by all of the Services for primary use in the field/prehospital environment, including austere, prolonged care scenarios. Realization of a dual-use technology applicable to both the military and civilian use is preferred. Therefore, the successful transition path of the technology is expected to include close engagement with military medical acquisition program managers (USAMMDA) during product commercialization to ensure appropriate product applicability for military field deployment. The minimum goal of Phase III is to finalize all pre-clinical testing and validation of a material for treatment of large, deep-partial thickness and/or full thickness burn wounds that can receive regulatory approval. In this phase the Offeror, in consultation with the FDA, may conduct a small, pilot, large animal validation study to establish safety/toxicity in an appropriate Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) model relevant to combat burn, and demonstrate appropriate product stability. Efforts leading to FDA approval require execution of Phase II plans on regulatory pathway, including identifying relevant patient population for clinical testing to evaluate safety and efficacy and GMP manufacturing of sufficient materials for evaluation. The end state of Phase III consisting of preclinical research is completion of appropriate studies required to receive FDA approval for the conduct of human clinical trials. Alternatively, dependent on the end state of Phase II of the program, the most desirable Phase III effort would consist of human clinical trials designed to demonstrate a product with the appropriate indications for treatment of large, deep-partial thickness and/or full thickness burns under prolonged care in austere environments. Human trials must demonstrate safety and efficacy of the product with the described desirable characteristics to promote burn wound healing and provide infection control. Demonstration that the novel technology yields improved results over standard of care for the parameters described in the “OBJECTIVE” and “DESCRIPTION” sections above is the ultimate goal of this SBIR program announcement. Phase III studies designed as human comparative effectiveness trials with competitive technologies under conditions relevant to the prolonged care combat environment are also sought.

REFERENCES:

1: TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1, The U.S. Army in Multi-Doman Operations

2: 6 DEC 2018

3: https://www.tradoc.army.mil/Portals/14/Documents/MDO/TP525-3-1_30Nov2018.pdf

KEYWORDS: Burn, Hydrogel, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Healing, Topical

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a technology that can be easily implemented in a clinical setting to provide advanced fall-mitigation training and accelerate recovery to the highest possible levels of performance for Warfighters with lower limb trauma and/or loss.

DESCRIPTION: Even after participating in advanced rehabilitation and receiving state-of-the-art prosthetic and orthotic devices, Warfighters with lower limb trauma and/or loss are still at risk for falls. Warfighters with lower limb trauma and/or loss are often young and capable of high performance at the time of their injuries, and may be at increased risk of injury causing falls following rehabilitation due to their continued active lifestyle, sometimes including remaining on active duty and deployment [1]. Previous research on fall mitigation training has demonstrated success. However this research is often conducted on cost prohibitive systems requiring significant space and operator training [2-3]. These systems are not feasible for use in a clinical setting. A solution is sought that is clinically accessible, and easy to use for both clinicians and patients. As a use-case example, a regimen for the technology could be prescribed by a physical therapist based on individual patient needs and goals, executed by a physical therapy assistant or technician, and completed by the patient over the course of their treatment.

PHASE I: Conceptualize and design an innovative solution for a technology that optimizes the performance and mitigates the risk of falls in Warfighters with lower limb trauma and loss. The technology must be feasible for use in clinical settings and easy to use by clinical staff. The required Phase I deliverables will include: 1) a research design for engineering the device and 2) a preliminary prototype with limited bench-top testing to demonstrate proof-of-concept evidence, and 3) evidence that the technology, used in a clinical setting by a trained clinician, will result in the mitigation of falls and improved performance in those with lower limb trauma and/or loss. Other supportive data may also be provided during this 6-month Phase I effort.

PHASE II: Design, develop, test, finalize and validate the practical implementation of the prototype system that implements the Phase I methodology towards a technology that can be easily implemented in a clinical setting to provide advanced fall-mitigation training and accelerate recovery to the highest possible levels of performance for Warfighters with lower limb trauma and/or loss, over this Phase II effort. A plan for meeting FDA requirements toward regulatory approval is required. Plans for translation in rehabilitation clinics including end-user requirements, training and use guidelines/documentation, and operating standards are required. The testing and practical implementation of the prototype technology should be relevant to Warfighters who have experienced lower limb trauma and/or loss, and are undergoing rehabilitation to meet their goals. These patients are often young and active and may have the desire to remain on active duty. Roughly 15-20% of Warfighters with major limb trauma from the most recent conflicts remained on active duty following discharge from rehabilitation. Some re-deployed to theater. Others who separated from the military have engaged in high demand occupations (police, fire fighter, first responder, etc.). The developed technology should be implemented as part of the rehabilitation process and should result in outcomes related to mitigation of falls and increased performance or participation in injured Warfighters with lower limb trauma and/or loss.

PHASE III: Work with commercial partners, military subject matter experts (e.g. a military treatment facility that treats patients with limb trauma and/or loss), and/or the civilian marketplace to move towards a final commercial product. Ensure that the final product can be incorporated into clinical practice including ease of use, appropriate coding/billing, cost/benefit, and training, education, socialization, and outreach. While the technology should be focused on optimizing performance and mitigating falls in Warfighters with limb trauma and loss, there are other military, veteran and civilian populations that may benefit. The military’s highest priority is readiness. Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the greatest factors limiting readiness. There is potential that this technology could extend to Warfighters with lower limb musculoskeletal injuries (e.g. chronic ankle instability, knee/ankle tendon or ligament injury, etc.) to accelerate recovery and return to duty. Additionally, it is envisioned that this technology could be applied within VA and civilian rehabilitation facilities to mitigate falls and improve performance, participation and quality of life for patients with stability and mobility issues following injury/illness.

REFERENCES:

1: Felcher, S. M., Stinner, D. J., Krueger, C. A., Wilken, J. M., Gajewski, D. A., Hsu, J. R., & Skeletal Trauma Research Consortium (STReC). (2015). Falls in a young active amputee population: a frequent cause of rehospitalization?. Military medicine, 180(10), 1083-1086.

KEYWORDS: Stability, Limb Loss, Limb Trauma, Performance, Falls, Rehabilitation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials, Weapons, Nuclear

OBJECTIVE: Improve product availability and increase competition through the development of Source Approval Requests (SAR) by small business manufacturers for National Stock Numbers (NSNs) with government provided technical data or through the Reverse Engineering (RE) of a technical data package. If DLA has adequate technical data available, the small business manufacturer will utilize the technical data to develop a SAR package. If the technical data is not available or inadequate, the small business will conduct relevant research and reverse engineering resulting in the development of the technical data package (TDP) as well as a SAR. The intent is that the participating small business manufacturer will be responsive to future solicitations as well as participate in the development of additional SARs for technically related NSNs.

DESCRIPTION: DLA established the Nuclear Enterprise Support Office (NESO) so the Agency is in a position to be responsive to the needs of the United States Air Force and U.S. Navy nuclear communities. The sole mission of the office is to synchronize DLA’s enterprise wide support to the nuclear enterprise and engage strategically with DLA customers. Through partnerships with the small business industrial base, DLA will augment existing sources of supply to enhance life-cycle performance, product availability, competitive pricing as well as ensure effective logistics support to the nuclear enterprise. This program is restricted to DLA managed NESO items where sources of supply are scarce and is in use to incentivize small business participation to address specific weapon system requirements as well as provide small manufacturers the opportunity to build a mutually beneficial relationship with DLA. A SAR package is an assembly of information required of a prospective new supplier of a Critical/Weapon System Item (NSN). A SAR package contains all technical data needed to demonstrate that the prospective contractor can competently manufacture the Critical/Weapon System Item to the same level of quality or better than the system prime contractor, major subsystem contractor, or initial Approved Source (OEM). There are SAR Guides with templates and charts that explain the process. Find these guides, charts, checklists, and templates via the internet at the referenced link 1. The list of candidate parts is posted on the DLA Small Business Innovation Program (SBIP) site: http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/SmallBusinessInnovationPrograms. Specific parts may require minor deviations in the process dependent on the Engineering Support Activity (ESA) requirements. Those deviations will be addressed post award. Participating small businesses must have an organic manufacturing capability and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and be Joint Certification Program (JCP) certified in order to access technical data if available. Refer to “link 2” below for further information on JCP certification. Additionally, small businesses will need to create a DLA’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) account to view all data and requirements in C Folders. Refer to “links 3 and 4” below for further information on DIBBS and C Folders. All available documents and drawings are located in the C Folder location “SBIR201A”. If the data is incomplete, or not available, the effort will require reverse engineering.

PHASE I: The innovation research goals of Phase I are to provide small business manufacturers an opportunity to qualify as an Approved Source for one or more of the NSNs specifically identified in this BAA. In this phase, manufacturers will request SAR approval from the applicable Engineering Support Activity (ESA), if required, for the NSNs. During the project launch, the awardee will submit a Gantt chart (as well as other deliverables called out in the contract) detailing the steps and timing to complete any reverse engineering efforts necessary. The Chart should cover the process from the Launch meeting, through the beginning start of Low Rate Production (LRIP) of the NSN(s). In addition, it is encouraged that manufacturers and engineers consider innovation opportunities for the identified component for the potential for cost reduction, extended life cycle, and improvement of the performance of the component. The culmination of this research will provide the basis for the business case included in the final report. The NESO team selected the list of items and associated details to address the needs of the Nuclear Enterprise to sustain critical weapons systems as described below. Proposals may include all or a subset of the NSNs listed at http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/SmallBusinessInnovationPrograms . Firm may submit multiple proposals for this topic providing that the proposals address unique NSNs. In order to be competitive, firms should base proposal costs on the level of effort and not the maximum dollars available. The expected cost of a "SAR only" package should not exceed $30,000 per part, and the expected cost of a Reverse Engineering SAR package should not exceed $45,000 per part. There are exceptions for more complex parts and the proposal should provide the rationale.

PHASE II: The submission of a Phase II proposal is at the option of the Phase I awardee. Based on a successful Phase I project, the requirements / priorities at that time, and the quality and feasibility of the manufacturer’s business case, DLA will decide whether to award the Phase II proposal. The goal of Phase II is for the awardee to become a qualified source for multiple NSNs, usually similar to the NSNs in the Phase I project. In cases where the Phase I addressed a particularly complex NSN or NSN with extended testing requirements, that effort may be continued into the Phase II. If the part identified is already in production resulting from a successful Phase I, the Phase II may be used to create additional manufacturing capacity to meet demand and/or pursue SARs for other DLA managed items.

PHASE III: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Progress made in PHASE I and PHASE II should result in the manufacturer’s qualification as an approved source of supply enabling participation in DLA procurement actions. The manufacturer will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and processes developed in prior phases through participation in future DLA procurement actions on items identified with this BAA.

REFERENCES:

1: DLA Aviation SAR Package instructions. DLA Small Business Resources: http://www.dla.mil/Aviation/Business/IndustryResources/SBO.aspx

KEYWORDS: Nuclear Enterprise Support (NESO), Source Approval, Reverse Engineering

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks technologies and processes in Additive Manufacturing (AM) design and engineering procedures that can predetermine the microstructure of AM parts with “tailored” grain boundaries to produce predictable mechanical properties including mode of failure.

DESCRIPTION: Department of Defense (DoD) demand for out-of-production parts to maintain mission readiness of various weapons system platforms is an ongoing challenge. DLA's strategic objective is to enable a flexible supply chain that can accelerate repairs and part replacements utilizing AM. However, AM technology is relatively new to manufacturing and has many hurdles to overcome before universal adoption as a replacement to traditional manufacturing. Variability in the mechanical properties of additively manufactured metal parts is a key concern for DoD Engineers. Understanding the microstructure development and evolution during the AM process of metallic alloys is an important precondition for the optimization of the parameters to achieve desired mechanical properties of the AM builds. DLA is looking to leverage this evolving technology to enable a supply chain that is flexible, scalable, and capable of producing parts that are more reliable. Metallic alloys consist of individual crystallites commonly referred to as grains. The individual grain connections (grain boundaries) formed through recrystallization during metal part fabrication and heat treatment. A grain boundary is the interface between two grains, or crystallites. Grain boundaries influence the mechanical properties of the metal; hence, certain grain boundaries are preferred over others. For example, grain boundaries such as coincidence site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries and low angle grain boundaries exhibit improved properties as compared to equiaxed grain boundaries. The improved properties exhibited by the CSL grain boundaries and low angle grain boundaries may include increased resistance to stress, corrosion, and cracking. The performance of grain boundary engineering may attempt to create CSL grain boundaries and/or low angle grain boundaries. It is now recognized, that improved grain boundary engineering techniques are desirable and may be a viable technology to provide DoD with more reliable parts. In subtractive manufacturing, the grain boundaries are predetermined in the net-shaped parts. In AM, it would be possible to design the grain size and grain boundaries of the net-shaped parts by altering the process parameters or by adding nano/micro particles in a specific localized region during the AM process.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of “engineered” grain boundary in metal AM technologies and processes.

PHASE II: Develop a TRL 6 prototype demonstrating the technologies and processes of Grain Boundary Engineering in AM in a DLA environment.

PHASE III: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Progress made in PHASE I and PHASE II should result in a functional Open Source System which can transition into the Government or the commercial markets. COMMERCIALIZATION: Expand and enable Grain Boundary Engineering in AM technologies and processes to produce parts with predictable mechanical properties including mode of failure.

REFERENCES:

1: Lou, Xiaoyuan (Rexford, NY, US), Dolley, Evan Jarrett (Clifton Park, NY, US), Morra, Martin Matthew (Schenectady, NY, US), "GRAIN BOUNDARY ENGINEERING FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING", 2018. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2018/0085830.html "

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing; Grain Boundary; Engineering

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency seeks to develop standardized and Additive Manufacturing (AM) production methods for certified Industrial Rubber Gloves for the Nuclear Enterprise Support Office (NESO) and related parts in the DoD supply chain. This project must demonstrate a standardized method for certifying Type I and Type III Industrial Rubber gloves and related parts for the DoD supply chain in a manner that is rapid, reliable, and scalable, although does not require production/purchase volumes beyond demand.

DESCRIPTION: DLA Logistics Operations has the goal of purchasing Industrial Rubber Gloves and related rubber protective equipment apparel in the DoD supply chain: 1. In monthly to quarterly quantities that meet but not exceed demand, estimated at 1300 pairs of gloves annually 2. With competitive pricing and enhanced performance 3. Timely delivery 4. Ability to rapidly transition chemistry and product through fused filament fabricated (FFF) 3D printed mandrels Industrial rubber glove production is currently limited in part due to Berry amendment sourcing and production limitations. Consequently, DLA is looking for qualified companies and production methods that can address both small and large volume quantities. Ideally, glove, apparel, boots and parts may all be produced using natural rubber or polychloroprene chemistry.

PHASE I: Provide justification to bypass Phase I (Not to exceed twenty pages)

PHASE II: To qualify for the Phase II effort the proposer should possess a technology with proven feasibility – i.e. demonstration of Type I and Type III Industrial Rubber Gloves that meet the requirements outlined in MIL-DTL-32066A. Proposers should develop and propose a plan to enable certification of gloves and related parts using a flexible manufacturing process that allows for immersion production based on varied polymer chemistry and varied shapes using additively manufactured lost cost mandrels. Commercialization is expected shortly following the Phase II effort.

PHASE III: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Progress made in D2P2 should result in a functional Open Source System which can transition into the Government or the commercial markets. COMMERCIALIZATION: Expand and enable a flexible and scalable supply chain where qualified gloves and related parts may be produced in reasonable quantities and with rapid reliable delivery.

REFERENCES:

1: MIL-DTL-32066Am 6 March 2014, SUPERSEDING, MIL-DTL-32066, 14 June 2000

KEYWORDS: : Industrial Rubber Gloves, NESO, Type I And Type III, MIL-DTL-32066A, Immersion, Seamless Processing, Additive Manufacturing, And 3D Printed Mandrels

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Chem Bio Defense, Materials, Sensors, Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate quantitative techniques to read and interpret DNA sequences used for management of supply chain security of electronic components.

DESCRIPTION: Management of supply chain security to detect counterfeit electronics is a global challenge. According to the Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO) Journal, counterfeit electronic is defined as “One whose identity and pedigree has been deliberately altered, misrepresented or offered as an authorized product.” [1] There are various ways to confirm the authenticity of electronics such as X-ray microscopy inspection, physical de-layering and imaging and etc. [2] However, these methods either rely on destructive analysis or have limitations in spatial resolution, and therefore do not present viable solutions to effectively mitigate the spread of counterfeit electronics in various sectors of society; specifically military components. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can provide a form of forensic evidence since it is composed of a sequence of organic bases and is customized by organisms. [3] DNA-signature taggants have been demonstrated as a potential solution to protect electronic components against counterfeiting and diversion. [4] To utilize DNA for supply chain product tracking and anti-counterfeiting, it is important to develop efficient and defect free DNA readers. There is a trade-off that needs to be considered for the design of an effective DNA reader. Specifically, decreasing the amount of DNA constituents used for tagging an electronic part increases the potential for cost savings during authentication. However, more DNA constituent in the taggants allows for utilizing the emerging fast reader technologies; e.g., microarray technique and nanopore sequencing. Meanwhile, there are other developing techniques, electrical conductance measurement that can potentially be developed into DNA readers. [5] Therefore, it is expected that the performer come up with an innovative idea leveraging the already developed methods to efficiently read DNA taggants used to potentially authenticate electronic components.

PHASE I: Perform a feasibility study to read DNA sequences in a robust manner. Specifically, conduct research on both hardware and software techniques capable of identifying the organic bases within a DNA sequence. The feasibility study is expected to include the following items: 1) Read and interpret signature DNA taggants with a yield of greater than 95% 2) Incorporate artificial intelligent (AI) to predict issues of adulteration 3) Distinguish between defect-free DNA taggants and one with defects included

PHASE II: Phase II will result in building, testing and delivering a prototype of the method developed in phase I. Prototype demonstration will include numerous testing data on three main samples. The first sample is composed of an electronic part marked by DNA taggants. The second sample is identical to the first sample except for the sequence of DNA used to label the part. And, the third sample is still identical to the first and the second one; however, with no DNA taggants. It is expected that the performer deliver all the mathematical justifications, reasoning, and software coding utilized to develop the prototype.

PHASE III: Phase III will result in the expansion of the prototype system in Phase II into a tested pre-production system, which entails a technique to read DNA taggants from labeled electronic components to protect the electronic supply chain from counterfeiting.

REFERENCES:

1: [1] Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Statistics Survey Results, Department of Commerce (2010).

KEYWORDS: DNA Marking, Counterfeits, Semiconductor Devices, DNA Reading, Supply Chain

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative and operationally suitable consolidated (minimized size and weight) antenna solution for sensing and transmitting broadly across the electromagnetic spectrum.

DESCRIPTION: Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) provides vehicle-mounted Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) for geo-locating, direction finding, and countering threats on the ground and in the air. In order for these systems to be maximally effective against the breadth of potential threats, they must be able to sense and defeat a variety of complex threat signals across the electromagnetic spectrum at once. With the emergence of ultra-wideband photonic receiver technology that can very rapidly process, de-conflict, and identify threats across the entire frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, there comes a need for complimentary broadband antenna hardware to sense threats and transmit to defeat them. Current antenna technologies are limited in frequency range and thus multiple antennae are required to cover broad ranges, especially at the lower end of the frequency range. Requirements for the Broadband Antenna for Photonic Receiver are as follows: Demonstrate a broadband antenna for a photonic receiver in the frequency range from DC to 20GHz (threshold), CD to 80+GHz (objective). This should be achieved with threshold of 4 antennae with a preference that multiple antennae occupy the same physical space. Antennae that occupy the same physical space will be considered one antenna, even if they are electromagnetically multiple antennae. No single antenna should exceed a 1ft cube in size. The total weight for the antennae solution must not exceed 50lbs (threshold) with an objective of 10lbs. As a threshold, the composite antennae solution must both receive and transmit across the entire frequency range. As an objective, it should be able to receive and transmit simultaneously at the same frequency. The antenna must have a ±45° field of view (threshold). Viable solutions must have a flat gain response within each octave of less than 1dB gain (threshold), less than 0.5dB gain (objective). Small regions of non-flatness (up to 3dB off the gain) are acceptable so long as they can be adequately characterized and assumed within the antenna pattern. A preference is provided to a systems with a gain response better than unity (0 dB) over the frequency range. The broadband antenna is intended to be used as part of a vehicle-mounted expeditionary EWS, so it should be water resistant and capable of functioning on the move. The system should be designed to meet MIL STD 810H, but testing of prototypes is not included in the scope of the research. The solution must use standard radio frequency interfaces to easily integrate with PORs and the required frequency interfaces need to be defined in any proposal. A preference is provided to minimizing the number and type of interfaces needed to cover the entire frequency range. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and the Marine Corps in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for a broadband antenna that can be integrated with a photonic receiver and vehicle-mounted EWS, and that meets the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. May establish feasibility through modeling and simulation. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction and includes specification for a prototype.

PHASE II: Develop a scaled prototype integrated with representative receiver(s) that cover the frequency range for evaluation purposes in an actual or simulated electromagnetic environment representative of the breadth, volume, and complexity of an operational electromagnetic environment. Evaluate the prototype to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for integration with an electronic warfare system as the front-end anteanna. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods that demonstrate the preprocessing capability with a test case for each of the three objectives listed in the description above. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Develop a ruggedized broadband antenna for integration and evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. As the communications industry grows and advances in capability exponentially, antenna technology remains an important enabler to maximize performance while minimizing cost and footprint. The developer of this broadband antenna could potentially market the solutions or products derived lessons learned to the communications industry.

REFERENCES:

1. 2018 U.S. Marine Corps Science & Technology Strategic Plan. https://www.onr.navy.mil/-/media/Files/About-ONR/2018-USMC-S-and-T-Strategic-Plan.ashx?la=en&hash=73B2574A13A8EC6AAE60CF4670E05C6F97309B8F

KEYWORDS: Electronic Warfare; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Broadband Antenna; Photonics; Receive And Transmit; Sensing; Flat Gain Response

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Focused Directed Energy Antenna System (FoDEAS) using high power microwave (HPM) – (wideband) frequencies to electronically attack threat vehicle and vessel engines and embedded threat electronics. Provide long-range, non-lethal vehicle/vessel stopping capabilities with a wideband HPM antenna that incorporates frequency carve-outs that allows the use of this Non-Lethal Weapon (NLW) without interference to or with critical communication, navigation, and/or radar (frequencies) systems.

DESCRIPTION: Typical directed energy weapon (DEW) systems that employ high-power microwaves to electronically attack and disable/neutralize critical electronics on-board vehicle or vessel targets rely on a high peak power narrow band (single frequency) waveforms. These HPM DEW often employ a very large (~ 10-15 foot diameter) and heavy (> 150 pound) high gain (25 – 30 dBi) antenna system. These large/heavy narrow band antenna systems are designed to accommodate 10’s to 100’s of Megawatts of high peak power and they achieve their high antenna gain and resulting high beam directivity via their large antenna diameters [Ref 1]. These HPM DEW systems produce short duration waveform pulses of energy that disable control electronics embedded in threat vehicle/vessel engines. A second class of HPM DEW systems are HPM systems that operate by employing waveforms that are composed of multiple frequencies in a (full) single waveform. These HPM weapons system are called wideband HPM weapons. These wideband HPM sources have several advantages over narrow band sources (e.g., klystrons or magnetrons source which tend to be bulky, heavy, expensive, and require significant maintenance costs). Wideband HPM sources generate their power/waveforms by employing various high-speed switching technologies that drive smaller, lower power vacuum-tube devices or semiconductor switches [Ref 2] but they also typically project this power using omni-directional antenna systems [Ref 3]. These omni-directional wideband antenna systems are often more effective at neutralizing the electronics on-board vehicle and vessel engines (as there are more frequencies available to interact with critical electronic components) but as they are omni-directional (non-focused – non-directional), they do so typically at shorter ranges [Ref 4]. Typically, the most effective wideband HPM counter-electronic frequencies fall with the 100 MHz to 900 MHz and 1 – 3 GHz (VHF/UHF) wavebands. So shorter effective ranges based on typical omni-directional antenna systems is the first key disadvantage to employing wideband HPM DEW systems. Wideband HPM sources pose a second problem in that given their most effective counter-electronic capabilities fall in the 100 MHz to 900 MHz and 1 – 3 GHz frequency ranges, these exact frequency ranges are where several key military and commercial communications, navigation, and radar system operate at specific single frequencies. Thus, these wideband HPM systems could interfere with these systems and impede the operation and performance of these other systems. An example of this would be frequency bands used by global positioning systems (GPS). Deployment of vehicle stoppers using compact wideband technology can be greatly accelerated by the development of such systems with frequency ‘carve-outs’ of the order of 20 MHz centered around critical frequencies such as those used for GPS. This will enable the directed and targeted use of this technology on hostile vehicles without interference with other critical systems either in an urban environment or in a battlefield.

PHASE I: Analyze, select, and define a compact/lightweight wideband high power microwave source technology that operates in the 100 – 900 MHz or 1-3 GHz frequency ranges. Develop a corresponding compact/lightweight HPM antenna technology development plan and complete an HPM antenna technical design that handles the HPM source power requirements and also incorporates frequency ‘carve-outs’ to allow for non-interference operation with specific DoD and commercial communication, navigation, and/or radar (frequencies) systems as defined in references [4] and [5]. The prototype design in Phase II shall be complaint with the following basic system prototype MIL Standards: MIL-STD-810 (Environmental Engineering Considerations); MIL-STD-461 (Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)); and MIL-STD-881 (Prototype Specifications). Ensure that the overall size and weight of the proposed system (HPM source and antenna system) is less than 350 pounds, has an antenna diameter less than 1.5 meters, and provides a peak field intensity that can stop vehicle and vessel engines at ranges of 250 meters or more. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop a scaled wideband HPM/Antenna System prototype for test and evaluation to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the JNLWD/Marine Corps requirements for a long-range Vehicle/Vessel Stopper system. Demonstrate the system prototype performance through prototype evaluation against a Government-owned vehicle and vessel engine target set (located at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division) and by modeling/analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Based on evaluation results, refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Joint Service requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to the JNLWD and support a transition to a Joint Program Office within the DoD.

PHASE III: Support the JNLWD/Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Joint (to include Marine Corps) use. Develop this long range compact HPM vehicle/vessel stopper prototype for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the JNLWD/Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Joint DoD use. A compact, long--range vehicle/vessel stopping capability has significant commercial applications beyond the DoD. Other government agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have vehicle and vessel stopping missions. Local civilian law enforcement, specifically has these type of missions to support both port security and vehicle interdiction (car chases). Currently overall system size, weight, and cost have hindered the use of these systems by these agencies. This SBIR topic specifically addresses overall system size, weight, power consumption, thermal cooling, and system cost.

REFERENCES:

1. Law, David B. “Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP) - Next-Generation Non-Lethal Directed Energy Weapons and Enabling Technology Portfolios.” National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), 2016 Armament Systems Forum, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 25-28 April 2016. http://spie.org/news/6484-next-generation-non-lethal-technologies?SSO=1

KEYWORDS: Directed Energy; High Power Microwaves; HPM; Ultra-wideband; Wideband HPM; Vehicle Stopper; Vessel Stopper; Non-Lethal Weapons; NLW

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop a powered paraglider capable of launching reconnaissance forces from naval shipping and transiting to shore.

DESCRIPTION: Current powered paragliders (PPGs) are generally used as recreational vehicles in the United States and Europe with most of the manufacturing taking place in Europe. Current PPGs are generally either foot or wheel launched. PPGs in the United States are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103: Ultralight Vehicles. FAR Part 103 limits PPGs to operating during hours of daylight, weigh less than 254 pounds empty, have a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons, are not capable of more than 55 knots of calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight, and have a power off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed. A PPG’s major components consist of a fabric wing, harness, cage, propeller, and motor. Current commercial PPGs could be improved in various areas to meet the Marine Corps requirements. Technologies from outside the commercial PPG environment could be merged to increase performance and/or automation. Developing a PPG capable of transporting a person and 80 lbs. of equipment could replace current non-powered parachutes. The PPG must include reliability and safety systems for personnel use as well as a methodology for ship launches. Proposed approaches can utilize parameters outside FAA FAR part 103. Proposed PPGs should meet the following performance specifications: Launch method: Threshold (T) Foot launched, Objective (O) Air launched Flight ceiling: (T) 5,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), Objective (O) 10,000 ft. MSL Weight capacity not including PPG: (T) 105-300 lbs., (O) 105-330 lbs. Range: (T) 165 nautical miles (nm), (O) 220 nm Propulsion: (T) internal combustion engine, (O) Electric

PHASE I: Develop concepts for a PPG meeting the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish the concepts for development into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility through material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones and that addresses technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype for evaluation. Evaluate the prototype to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for the PPG. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Develop a PPG for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. PPGs with increased capabilities outside FAA FAR part 103 could be used by other agencies for a less expensive alternative to drones, helicopters, and other aircraft. PPGs with increased capabilities may also have use on the recreational market.

REFERENCES:

1. Jovicic, Stevan, Tirnanic, Saša, Ilic, Zoran & Brkljac, Nenko. ” APPLICATIONS OF POWERED PARAGLIDERS IN MILITARY, POLICE SPECIAL FORCES, SEARCHING AND RESCUE UNITS”. 6th International Scientific Conference on Defensive Technologies, Belgrade, Serbia, 9-10 October 2014. 10.13140/2.1.1245.9529.

KEYWORDS: Paraglider; Electric; Motor; Ultralight Vehicle; Powered; Engine

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Develop a small high-speed watercraft that can serve as a littoral surface connector capable of delivering smaller autonomous, remote, and manned vehicles and systems; and would have a rail system to attach modular mission packages for operations directly from the vessel or decking that supports vehicles containing modular mission packages. This solution supports the President’s National Defense Strategy by providing: • Joint lethality in a contested environment • Forward force maneuver and posture resilience • Advanced autonomous systems • Resilient and agile logistics Per the Commandant’s Guidance this solution provides for: • Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations (EABO) • Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) • Naval Integration • Mine Countermeasure Forces • Amphibious Capability • Lethal Long-Range Unmanned Systems • Stand-In Forces • Affordable Cost • Deceiving the Enemy

DESCRIPTION: A “21st century Higgins Boat” capability is needed to serve as littoral connectors to support the landing of smaller remote autonomous systems for expeditionary advanced base operations. The development and proliferation of long-range precision weapons by peer competitors—China and Russia—have changed amphibious warfare by pushing ships farther from the coastlines. Both the long-range capability and low cost of these weapons require the DoD to develop smaller faster littoral connectors to deliver low–cost, autonomous systems. This platform would enable the delivery of smaller land vehicles, weapon systems, fuel bladders, water, and electric generation equipment. These payloads could be offloaded to support long-term advanced naval bases or operated from the watercraft to support short team Expeditionary Advanced Bases (EABs). The modular payloads could also include unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned underwater systems (UUS) launchers that could deliver unmanned systems distant from the shoreline. Multiple commercial high-speed watercraft exist in the market that meet some of the specifications listed below. They are essentially current versions of World War II Higgins Boats. These partially meet the specifications and through moderate engineering can meet a significant portion of the requirements. The parameters of the vessel include the following; -Width of deck and front ramp 60 inches at narrowest point -Length of deck from aft to stern 156 inches -Must have a deck rail system to tie down modular mission packages -Able to power external modular mission packages -Payload capacity 10,000 lbs. -Range ~200 nautical miles at full throttle with max payload -Speed >25 knots at payload capacity -Draft <30 inches when fully loaded -Able to land and unload vehicles onto land without use of dock -Capable of autonomous/remote control operation

PHASE I: Develop concepts for an improved smaller high-speed amphibious role-variant craft that meets the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility through material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Develop a scaled prototype for evaluation. Evaluate the prototype to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for the smaller high-speed amphibious role-variant craft. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Develop smaller high-speed amphibious role-variant craft for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. The system has the ability to support commercial logistics operations. One potential application could be the movement of equipment and supplies between off-shore energy production platforms: oil, wind turbines, wave-motion. It may also be used to offload cargo from ships to shore.

REFERENCES:

1. Freedburg Jr., Sydney. “Marines Need Speed from Ship to Shore.” Breaking Defense, July 2019. https://breakingdefense.com/2017/10/marines-need-speed-from-ship-to-shore/

KEYWORDS: High Speed Watercraft; Landing Craft; Small Surface Connector; Utility Craft; Amphibious Craft; Utility Watercraft; Littoral

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: As a means to monitor factors contributing to warfighter readiness, develop wireless sensors that can be integrated into commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) earplugs to enable continuous in-ear monitoring of warfighter noise exposure and physiological status.

DESCRIPTION: Hearing protection devices are mandatory for warfighters operating in noisy environments to reduce their exposure to potentially damaging noise levels. These hearing protection configurations often involve the use of earplugs. Earplugs used by warfighters range from COTS, disposable, universal-fit foam earplugs to reusable, custom-molded earplugs fit to the individual. Communications and Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technologies incorporated into in-ear hearing protection are working, but the earplug could serve as a platform to collect a large amount of valuable data from the warfighter via the ear. Data to collect includes: noise dosimetry, head vibration/bone conduction effects, ear canal pressure, head acceleration, and physiological data such as heart rate, body temperature, and pulse oximetry. The Navy seeks a cost-effective system to collect warfighter data from the ear using wireless sensor capabilities. The initial focus of this SBIR effort should be binaural in-ear noise dosimetry, with the capability for the system to integrate additional sensors to capture supplementary types of data mentioned above. The sensors should be miniaturized to easily fit deep (beyond the second bend) inside most ear canals and capable to be used with a variety of earplugs (e.g., COTS foam/flange, custom fit). The proposer should conduct analysis to ensure it is safe for human in-ear use with potential risks and mitigations identified. Methodologies used to ensure safe-for-human use should be presented. A description of insertion and removal processes should be provided. The miniature wireless sensors should be durable enough for repeated use, but cost-effective so that they may be replaced if damaged or lost. The system should be acoustically transparent so as not to alter the noise attenuation of the earplug, thus allowing for accurate analysis of the earplug performance. The rate of data collection for the system should allow for continuous monitoring of the warfighter, with the data transmitted wirelessly to a recording device to capture exposure vs. time for subsequent analysis, with the preferred ability to conduct live monitoring of data when desired. All components of the system worn on the head must fit under helmets (HGU-68/P, HGU-84/P, and HGU 56/P) and earmuffs (Aegisound DC2, Aegisound Argonaut, David Clark maintainer headsets, David Clark aviation headsets) without interfering with the attenuation properties of these devices. The proposer should clearly identify and discuss any expected calibration process of the entire system, including sensors. For noise dosimetry applications, the dynamic range of the system must comply with, but not be limited by, ANSI S1.25. Consideration should be made on collecting both in-ear and external continuous noise levels [70 – 140 dB], as well as capabilities to collect noise doses in impulse noise environments [140-170 dB peak sound pressure level (SPL) ambient noise]. The device must be suitable for aviation and shipboard environments. Initial focus should be on compatibility with universal and custom fit earplugs (ex. Sound Guard, EAR Classic, Elvex Quattro, Westone solid custom molded, and Westone CEP tips). Consideration would be given to a multi-sensor suite built into an earplug for use with the system as a long-term solution. It is preferred that reusable components of the system not exceed $1,000 per unit and any small in-ear components or disposable units should not exceed $150. It is understood that prototypes and low quantity production of the system may be higher than these limits. The projected cost of the production units will be given careful consideration. The proposer should provide a cost-benefit analysis for anything exceeding these values. Note: If required, NAVAIR will provide Phase I performers with the appropriate guidance for human research protocols so that they have the information to use while preparing their Phase II Initial Proposal. Institutional Review Board (IRB) determination as well as processing, submission, and review of all paperwork required for human subject use can be a lengthy process. As such, no human research will be allowed until Phase II and work will not be authorized until approval has been obtained, typically as an option to be exercised during Phase II.

PHASE I: Design wireless in-ear noise dosimeters for use with readily available COTS earplugs. Demonstrate proof of concept of critical features of the design through computational modeling or experimental testing. Outline concept for additional monitoring capabilities. Develop integration and calibration methods, and cost estimates. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II. Note: Please refer to the statement included in the Description above regarding human research protocol for Phase II, should it be required.

PHASE II: Develop and produce ten functional prototype wireless in-ear noise dosimeters and demonstrate/validate their performance with several types of COTS earplugs (foam, flange, custom-molded). Expand upon and investigate the concept of miniaturized wireless sensors beyond noise dose monitoring to cover other forms of personnel monitoring that could be done via the ear. Develop lifecycle cost and supportability estimates of such sensors. Note: Please refer to the statement included in the Description above regarding human research protocol for Phase II, should it be required.

PHASE III: Transition technology into production via sales to the Department of Defense and through commercial sales. Wireless earplug sensors and the data obtained from them would be invaluable to both military and civilian communities that seek methods to monitor personnel in the field and evaluate real-world performance and safety of COTS earplugs. Further development in miniaturized wireless dosimeters and other sensors (sensors for blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, blood oxygenation, stress, etc.) would have many applications in numerous industries in the civilian sector.

REFERENCES:

1. “Hearing Conservation Program.” Department of Defense, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, 2010. https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/Documents/oem/dodi-6055-12.pdf

KEYWORDS: Dosimetry; Monitoring; Hearing Protection; Sensor; Wireless; Earplug

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Ground Sea, Materials

OBJECTIVE: Accurately determine the inclusion content of steel bar stock, gear, and bearing components in finished or semi-finished states by non-destructive means i.e., without the use of traditional destructive method of cross-sectioned specimens.

DESCRIPTION: The Naval aviation community, as owner and operator of aerospace systems, continuously seeks improvement in the manufacturing arena. The Navy occasionally faces issues with inclusions in aerospace components made from high-grade steel. The Navy seeks an innovative, cost-effective, accurate, preferably hand-held, non-destructive technology that would allow inspection of high-grade steel components for inclusion content without destroying the material. This would increase the possibility of identifying non-conforming material and parts early in the production process, minimizing the work expended. For components, the proposer should create a focused method to identify inclusions in critical targeted areas of the load carrying components, which would result in a decrease in the cost to the Government or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by removing the need to inspect suspect components by destroying potential conforming components. The innovative technology should be capable of measuring and determining the position of the inclusion content of steel material by non-destructive means. Accuracy targets are requested in the 0.001” particle size with full volume inspection of the material. Maximum material thickness is expected to be no greater than 14” round steel bar stock. Particle location determination is requested within the inspected material. The ability to inspect complex geometries, like gear teeth, is required. The information provided to the operator when using the method should be instantaneous in order to provide feedback on the specific targeted area of material. This method must have the ability to be used in environments including steel manufacturing sites, component production sites and repair facilities. If not possible to be hand-held it will need to be portable enough to allow use on installed components or components outside of stationary or lab-type environments. Current destructive methods start with a polished sample coupon of material followed by a microscopic visual inspection, or a computer-aided surface inspection. Neither method reviews the material used in the component itself. Only a small section of material is reviewed relative to the component produced. Existing non-destructive methods, like eddy current or CT scan, do not provide the fidelity required to categorize the material to the level desired. The depth of penetration and sizes of particles that can be detected limit the usefulness of the current non-destructive inspection (NDI) technology. Although not required, it is highly recommended to work in coordination with the OEM to ensure proper design and to facilitate transition of the final technology.

PHASE I: Design and develop a concept for a non-destructive technology allowing a determination of inclusion content within steel bar stock or components. Conduct a breadboard demonstration of the concept. Include size, distribution, and location of inclusions within the bar stock or within identifiable component regions - all desired characteristics for determination - plus inclusion material identification, which is a secondary goal for determination. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype with the capability of the non-destructive detection of inclusions with blind steel samples. Ensure that the demonstration includes production size and grade steel stock. For steel components, demonstrate with in-process (partially finished) and post-production components. Aim for inclusion sizes down to 0.001". Meet the requirement for rapid, near instantaneous analysis of the steel material in the intended environments, which are steel manufacturing sites, component production sites, and repair facilities.

PHASE III: Perform final testing that would include on the ground evaluation in fleet/repair/production environments. Transition a fleet ready device or a commercial offering on an inspection device. The intent is to provide higher levels of steel cleanliness verification. With verification of the cleanliness of steel material and components, there is the potential for either longer duration of use with existing designs or higher power density components. Successful technology development would benefit steel manufacturing, engine/transmission component manufacturers, and construction industries.

REFERENCES:

1. “ASTM E588 -03 Standard Practice for Detection of Large Inclusions in Bearing Quality Steel.” ASTM International: West Conshohocken, 2003. https://www.astm.org/DATABASE.CART/HISTORICAL/E588-03.htm

KEYWORDS: Inclusion; Steel; Inspection; Material Cleanliness; Non-Destructive Detection; Sub-Surface

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative radar-based imaging approaches to perform long-range battle damage assessments of ships.

DESCRIPTION: The timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of battle damage assessments (BDA) is critical to the success of any military engagement. BDA have traditionally utilized relatively short-range optical sensors onboard aircraft operating in close proximity. However, the safe airspace access required to observe the target at close range is not possible in anti-access/area denial situations. BDA utilizing long-range radar tracking and imaging is an alternative. Radar does not provide the level of high resolution and high definition consistent with human visual characteristics. As a result, there is a need for innovative approaches to extract comparable information from radar returns for the BDA of ships at sea from ranges that may exceed 50 nautical miles (nmi). Gross changes such as the vessel going dead-in-the-water or rotating antennas ceasing operation are easily discernable with radar. More challenging is determining if the vessel is listing and what type of external structural damage has occurred. Advances are needed in single and multi-channel inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging techniques. Advantages of interferometric ISAR should be considered, as some fielded radar systems are capable of supporting that mode. Consideration should be given to scenarios that allow imaging to be underway immediately prior to weapon impact, at the time of the impact, and at various times after impact. Transition of this product is to be as an appliance within the Navy’s Minotaur control application. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Utilize self-generated simulated data to develop single and multi-channel (possibly interferometric) ISAR imaging approaches capable of providing ship BDA comparable in respects to that possible from short-range (20 km or less in mid-latitude oceanic environments) visual imagery. (Note: While computational resource restrictions will not be imposed in Phase I, the product will ultimately be hosted on existing Navy maritime surveillance platforms such as the P-8A, MQ-4C, MQ-8B and MH-60R.) The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Further design and develop the concept identified in Phase I. Working with the sponsor, prepare an at-sea airborne radar collection plan for use during a Navy live fire missile exercise involving a target ship and remote airborne collection platform. Utilize the collected data to mature the techniques explored in Phase I. Provide a complete assessment of the approaches and develop a transition plan. Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description paragraph.

PHASE III: Mature the algorithms to be suitable for transition to Navy maritime surveillance radar systems or as a capability within the Navy’s Minotaur control application. Possible dual use applications include long-range ship imaging and status assessment by organizations like the Coast Guard or possibly commercial radar satellite providers.

REFERENCES:

1. Lim, K. G. “Battle Damage Assessment Using Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR).” Naval Postgraduate School, Dudley Knox Library: Monterey, CA, 2004-12. https://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/1223/04Dec_Lim.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

KEYWORDS: Battle Damage Assessment; BDA; Long Range Imaging; Ship Imaging; Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar; Maritime Surveillance; Radar

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials, Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop the enabling technology to allow universal tagging/marking and database architecture for aircraft wiring identification, visualization, and comparison via a hardware agnostic Augmented Reality (AR) solution.

DESCRIPTION: Ongoing NAVAIR efforts, from production installations to DEPOT maintenance events, require the inspection of thousands of wires, harnesses, connectors, etc. The continually expedited timelines required for these events, paired with the limited human capacity to quickly locate, identify, and correlate those wires to as-is or desired state, has the potential to negatively impact timelines, quality, safety, and readiness. Current AR systems, including Microsoft HoloLens, Google Glass, and other handheld applications, utilize marker-based or markerless location-based approaches to determine a subject field of view (FOV), query a database for relevant digital information related to that marker or location, and overlay the digital information within a user's field of view. While current methods are effective for some broad commercial applications, they do not possess the necessary fidelity and/or robustness for effective use on aircraft installed wiring systems. Current marker-based approaches have not been validated to meet MIL-W-5088 [Ref 4] and MIL-M-81531 [Ref 5]; markerless location-based FOV solutions lack the visual acuity within confined and complex aircraft spaces. Specific challenges include: variations in harness depth when multiple harness are stacked together within particular aircraft location; camera fidelity and software recognition of individual wires strung through an exposed bundle; and longevity/legibility of potential marker application due to dirt, aircraft fluid, and other debris present during normal military aircraft operation. The goal is to develop a solution that can perform with one or both of the identified methods for FOV identification and overlay, or develop a currently unknown and more appropriate solution. For a marker-based solution, [Ref 4] and [Ref 5] would be met in a manner facilitating marker utilization with no additional manpower requirements from maintainers to find and clean all appropriate markers. For a location-based solution, the proposer should use relative position in the aircraft for FOV identification and overlay. Both of these FOV solutions would need to be paired with a visual hardware and software system sensitive enough to identify proper vs. improper harness routing (based on a 3D model) per [Ref 3] as well as wire type identification for exposed bundles per [Ref 3]. The Navy seeks a solution to quickly identify non-conformances in harness routing for maintainers from production teams, organizational maintenance personnel, and DEPOT artisans and that is hardware agnostic. Additionally, this will improve the execution of engineering change proposals, aircraft-capability upgrade modifications, and major DEPOT Planned Maintenance Intervals (PMI) or Integrated Maintenance Planning (IMP) events like providing immediate updates to aircraft databases to reflect changes. This would allow the AR platform to immediately highlight non-conformances or discrepancies in harness routing, material selection, and issues often missed by human quality assurance personnel. Marking technologies should conform to wire/cable markings requirements outlined in NEMA WC27500 Aerospace and Industrial Cable [Ref 1], SAE AS22759 Aerospace Wiring [Ref 2], and SAE AS5942 Marking of Electrical Insulating Materials [Ref 4]. This would be ideally suited for new acquisition platforms and support equipment as well as any platforms or support equipment preparing to undergo major modifications.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and determine the feasibility of a proposed marking/location-based approach as well as database integration opportunities. Ensure that the marking technologies conform to wire/cable markings requirements [Refs 1, 2, 4]. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Further develop a prototype and demonstrate its application on uninstalled aircraft wiring harnesses within aircraft representative spaces. If available, demonstrate the capability on existing platform and/or platform representative examples, leveraging actual 3D design models and installed harnesses.

PHASE III: Perform final development and testing for any marking applicability to include conformance testing to applicable SAE/MIL-STDs. Support final system application testing onboard aircraft with full system test, in coordination with NAVAIR Test and Evaluation. With the proliferation of AR, digital visual acuity systems, point cloud generation, and artificial intelligence-/machine learning/deep learning-backed virtual visual overlays, the commercial potential for this technology spans any production or modification industry requiring the ability to mark and reference small components vs. individual markers/locations. These industries include the aircraft, automobile, vessel, solar, battery, microprocessor, industrial bulk material, and computer.

REFERENCES:

1. “NEMA WC 27500 - Aerospace and Industrial Electrical Cable.” https://www.nema.org/Standards/ComplimentaryDocuments/REVISEDANSI_NEMAWC%2027500-2015%20Contents%20and%20scope.pdf

KEYWORDS: Aircraft; Wiring; Wire; Marking; Augmented Reality; Visualization

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems, Bio Medical, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop an open Application Programming Interface (API) and data fusion framework for the integration of current and future commercial human modeling software; and that has the ability to incorporate the output of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) digital human modeling and medical modeling software to create a whole-body simulation of a human.

DESCRIPTION: Digital human modeling (DHM) efforts in the DoD have primarily been used to assess ergonomic and human factors situations. The current commercial software on the market is highly specialized toward providing human analysis for narrow tasks and situations. It does not, contrary to the name, typically model the whole human system. The result of this software specialization is a plethora of part-task analysis software that operates mostly independently. Each software by itself is unable to inform the larger picture and holistically model the human system. For example, existing ergonomic software incorporates anthropometric survey data to accurately model humans with diverse size and shapes. However, the software does not incorporate a variety of other factors that can affect the interpretation of an ergonomic analysis. Combining anthropometric data with musculoskeletal modeling data and injury modeling data would enable the generation of a highly accurate human reach envelope for both normal and abnormal human avatars. Likewise, dehydration data, hypoxia data, and other stressor data can be combined to provide a more accurate cognitive task analysis for humans operating under abnormal conditions and in stressed environments. The goal of this SBIR topic is not to replace existing software, but to enhance the ability of the existing software packages to leverage data developed from each other by developing an architectural framework that can incorporate the output of COTS digital human and medical modeling software to build a detailed digital representation of a human. As a more developed and accurate digital representation of a physical human begins to develop, this software can provide input for these existing software packages to provide more accurate task analysis results. Previous attempts at exploring this issue have met with limited success [Ref 1]. This project should build on previous efforts to form the architecture and underlying framework for a system that would enable the interpretation and storage of human modeling data to be usable on a variety of consumer computer hardware. The proposer should convert the data that is output from various COTS software into an interface agnostic format, easily transformed to other industry formats. For example, the anthropometric and posture data developed in an ergonomics-focused software could be exported into this developed open standard and then be imported into another ergonomic software package, either through the software’s support of this open standard or through the transformation of the open standard to a proprietary standard that this software supports. Through this, the project would enable additional functionality in existing COTS software without modification of the underlying software. In addition, this storage of data in an interface agnostic format would allow for the standard representation of a human’s physiological state and enable the creation of standard medical use cases, such as through the incorporation of existing open human body modeling standards [Ref 2].

PHASE I: Identify the major factors and attributes that are essential for generating a basic digital model of the human body and its associated components. Identify the initial software packages that will provide the input and output of this human model. Design, develop, and demonstrate a simple proof of concept framework that can ingest at least two sources of data, create a human model, and export the data for use in a COTS task analysis software. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be further developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop an extensible and scalable framework for current and future modeling software. Develop the API for ingesting and exporting data from the human system model, and also the graphical user interface (GUI) for examination and manipulation of data stored in the human model. Integrate the major modeling packages task analysis software into the previously developed framework. Identify and incorporate sources of physiology data to better inform the human model.

PHASE III: Refine the framework and continue to add capability, in terms of both functionality and support of existing and future COTS software. Develop capability to support modeling in the private industry. This SBIR topic will result in a framework that will enable cross-collaboration between COTS software. This framework will enhance the value of existing software packages, promote development of new features, and enable interoperability between software packages. Potential use by forensics or the medical community where human modeling would be useful.

REFERENCES:

1. Bonin, D., Wischniewski, S., Wirsching, H., Upmann, A., Rausch, J. and Paul, G. “Exchanging Data Between Digital Human Modeling Systems - A Review of Data Formats.” 3rd International Digital Human Modeling Symposium: Tokyo, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/66306/7/66306.pdf

KEYWORDS: Medical Modeling; Digital Human Modeling; Statistical Models; Physiology; Data Fusion

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Electronics, Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a compact source outputting a very high power burst of energy in a narrowband and tunable frequency region, which can be carried by a rotary wing aircraft in a small pod and can be utilized for such applications as directed energy high power microwave and electronic attack tactical jamming to disturb, deny, and damage. Perform spectrum agile high-power and short-interval transmissions to advance emerging electronic attack and directed energy weapons through benefits in size, weight, and power (SWaP).

DESCRIPTION: Electronic dominance, specifically airborne, in radio frequency (RF) requires both high power transmissions and frequency agility while maintaining minimal size and weight. Typical approaches to spectrum dominance such as electronic warfare (EW) and high-power microwave (HPM) prove to require a large payload capacity but offer a myriad of frequencies and power levels. Jamming weapons such as pods under fixed wing and rotary aircraft also can perform with spectrum capabilities from 100 MHz to 18 GHz [Ref 1] at various duty cycles. Recent advances in HPM sources coupled with nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) have seen gigawatt-class peak radiators in a wide frequency spectrum with low duty cycle [Ref 2]. Use of gyromagnetic NLTLs for HPM generation from 500 MHz [Ref 3] to 5 GHz [Ref 4] is typical. Advances in solid state and traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifiers have shown kilowatt class outputs in frequencies over 5GHz in compact sizes. The Navy seeks a middle ground solution between HPM and EW for the development of a high-power jammer able to provide prolonged saturation and preferably physical destruction of RF seeker electronics. Successful technology development should result in an extremely high-power and frequency-tunable jammer source, coupled to an antenna with directivity. Integration of this system must be designed into a pod carried fixed or rotary wing aircraft; pod parameters will be provided in Phase I. The prime power, or power input to the jamming system, will be limited by the pod and associated aircraft link power, such that, to meet the input power requirements of the source, some form of stored energy is required within the pod. The proposer should describe HPM and EW narrowband sources and associated antenna performance parameters in terms of frequency, bandwidth, effective radiated power (ERP), duty cycle/factor, efficiency, and directivity. The ERP objective goal is 10 MW with a threshold goal of 1 MW with a 20° beamwidth threshold goal, 5° objective goal. The duty-cycle objective goal is 20% with a threshold goal of 1%, with the understanding that energy storage is a requirement due to input power constraints, and effects on dwell time. The proposal must consider supplied input power negligible compared with on-state power demand, requiring all energy to be supplied from energy storage. The technology must operate in a tunable frequency span of 300 MHz to 1 GHz threshold, 30 MHz to 5 GHz objective while having a bandwidth at tuned frequency of 5% threshold, 1% objective. Pulse width of the jamming pulse will affect bandwidth. KEY PARAMETERS • Tunable Frequency: 300 MHz to 1 GHz / 30 MHz to 5 GHz (Threshold/Objective) • Bandwidth at tuned frequency: 5% / 1% (Threshold/Objective) • High power transmitter: 1 MW ERP / 10 MW ERP (Threshold/Objective) • Duty-cycle: 1% / 20% (Threshold/Objective) • Efficiency: 60% / 80% (Threshold/Objective) • Directivity: 20° beamwidth / 5° beamwidth (Threshold/Objective)

PHASE I: Investigate the art of the possible for narrowband, very high power, RF tuning and delivery. Identify vulnerabilities in target system electronics for several candidate systems (communication, radar). Develop a conceptual design for a middle ground pod jamming solution between EW and HPM meeting the requirements in the Description. Include methodology and potential prototype performance that will demonstrate the proposed concept with the output pulse parameters as described. Conduct a sub-scale component demonstration. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop detailed designs for a prototype system that improves performance parameters that meet Navy requirements as specified in the Description. Build a prototype system, according to this design, that meets threshold parameters at a minimum. At a Navy test facility demonstrate that the prototype delivers, or is scalable to deliver, the requisite power and RF spectrum to damage three candidate systems at tactically relevant and significant ranges as agreed upon by Government sponsor and proposer. Report performance results.

PHASE III: Finalize development based upon Phase II outcome and transition to appropriate platforms and commercial industries. Advanced electronic attack and HPM techniques have been used for counter-improvised explosives and counter-unmanned aerial vehicles systems, which benefits the defense industry. Advanced NLTLs will enhance the telecommunication industry by easing requirements of amplifiers.

REFERENCES:

1. Jennings, G. “USN Launches Next-Gen Jammer Low-Band Integration on Growler.” Jane's Defence Weekly, 31 May 2019. https://www.janes.com/article/88961/usn-launches-next-gen-jammer-low-band-integration-on-growler

KEYWORDS: Amplifier; Directed Energy; DE; Electronic Warfare; EW; High Power Jammer; High Power Radio Frequency; HPRF; High Power Microwave; HPM; Narrowband; NB; Next Generation Jammer; NGJ; Non-Linear Transmission Line; NLTL; Pulse Repetition Frequency; PRF; Radio Frequency; RF; Solid State; Traveling-Wave Tube (TWT)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop computational models to understand and analyze acute and chronic neck pain for combat air vehicle pilots and occupants taking into consideration the interaction between seating systems, posture, and body-borne equipment and the generation of neck pain. Included in this effort is the requirement to develop an aircrew specific neck pain scale.

DESCRIPTION: Pilots and crew of combat air vehicles, including fixed-wing attack, fighter, and rotary-wing aircraft, can be exposed to inertial and task position stressors that generate pain. Repeated painful exposures with or without tissue damage are precursors to pain sensitization and chronic pain. Chronic pain leads to reduced operational readiness and long-term medical treatment. In his 25 SEPT 2017 letter, VADM Shoemaker called for “research to better understand, prevent and treat the musculoskeletal consequences of helicopter service.” The Navy needs a means of protection to minimize the development of chronic neck pain while maintaining short duration, high onset acceleration protection afforded by ejection and crashworthy seating. Equally important, though less well understood, is the contribution of long-duration, static/quasi-static loading to chronic pain development. Current seating systems designed to be a 'one-size-fits-all' with minimal adjustability were intended for short and moderate duration exposures. Aircraft seating systems encompass a range of seat back angles from 0 degrees (vertical) to 17 degrees pitched back and seat pan angles from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 12 degrees pitched-up. Seated postures vary ranging from long periods holding the same position while visually scanning the area or instruments through turning to look over their shoulders (“check six” position). All the while, aircrew are restrained in their seats for missions as long as 12 hours and must be able to reach switches and controls overhead, behind, to the side, and in front of them. Aircrews are often outfitted with performance enhancement devices that are mounted to the helmet, e.g., night vision devices, that increase the load and moment on the cervical spine. An optimal protective approach would take into account variability of operator anthropometry; the physical, inertial loading exposures of air combat vehicles [Ref 3]; the task posture of the operator (often hunched forward with right elbow on the thigh); the relevant specific neck/spinal anatomy; head-support mass and its center of mass; and the mechanisms of pain associated with neck pain. The Navy has a strong need to analyze and quantify the influence of various mechanical stressors (vibration from 1 to 20 Hz, buffeting [Ref 3]) on pilot injury potential and to develop novel designs of occupant seating and restraint systems that reduce spinal injury and chronic pain risk to all aircrew sizes during routine and catastrophic events. Computational models and parametric simulations are required to determine potential contributors to acute and chronic operator neck pain and the specific pain mechanisms involved. Given the challenge of relating mechanical stresses to associated pain, it is suggested that proposers include a neurologist experienced working with pain patients as a consultant. Computational models should be structured such that recommendations toward improvements to seating (position, seat-back angle), helmet (weight and center of mass), and restraint systems (e.g., combined shoulder / lap belt), postures [Ref 6] and operational guidelines are possible. The models should also be able to determine the predicted design(s) efficacy. Customized versions of rating scales/questionnaires for aircrew, such as an aircrew specific Neck Disability Index (NDI), would be helpful for healthcare providers who serve aviators in order to better and more quickly recognize complaints, identify the problem, and monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment. Unfortunately, NDI does not include any occupation-related neck pain questions and under-reports the severity and disability of flying-related neck pain [Ref 1]. A customized version of a pain rating scale is required due to their occupational challenges in military environment and the need for operational readiness. Higher expectations and needs exist for military aviators with regard to medical fitness compared to civilian aviators due to the many extreme situations they may face, ranging from combat missions requiring helmets with night vision or cuing systems, high-G emergency handling to Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) situations.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and determine the feasibility of using human biomechanical models to expose a simulated occupant to inertial and positional stressors, simulating the effect on the neck and onset of pain and predicting the spinal sensitization and pain time course. Develop a preliminary aircrew neck-pain scale. The Phase I effort will include plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a human biomechanical model accounting for anthropometric variation of military population (5th to 95th percentiles for height and weight), including gender-related factors. Include models of seating (geometry and cushions), restraints, cockpit geometry, and protective clothing / equipment; the target platform includes fast jet tactical aircraft (e.g., F/A-18). Validate the combined model against published data, including but not limited to the references listed below. Use the model to analyze existing operational procedures and propose improved operational guidelines. Validate the aircrew neck-pain scale. Develop a prototype of the most promising protective concept that provides adaptive seating, comfort and adjustability for the maximum range of anthropometric sizes. Conduct experimental testing and evaluation.

PHASE III: Conduct operational unit evaluation of the prototype and implement necessary design changes. Re-evaluate the predicted performance based on implemented changes and revise the prototype based on results of evaluation until desired optimum protection is achieved. In addition to operators of land and sea combat vehicles, operator neck pain is a problem in the commercial transportation field. Such a protective capability would be valuable in mitigating the development of pain and chronic neck pain for operators of commercial air, land and sea vehicles. Commercial shipping, air and trucking industries could all benefit from the developed technology.

REFERENCES:

1. Smith, A.M. “The prevalence and operational significance of neck pain and back pain in Air Combat Group: IAM-2016-003-CR.” Institute of Aviation Medicine - Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia, 2016.

KEYWORDS: Neck Pain; Human Modeling; Neck Pain Scale; Anthropometric Variants; Neck Pain Stressors; Adaptive Seating

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Ground Sea, Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Develop electronically steerable radio frequency (RF) transmitters over multi-octave bandwidth yet with optimum power efficiency to achieve simultaneous multi-octave bandwidth high-efficiency performance.

DESCRIPTION: Electronically steerable RF transmitters are highly demanded in battlefield communication and electronic warfare systems. Traditional approaches are mostly based on phased arrays in which phase shifters are used to steer the antenna beam and power amplifiers are used to provide the transmitted power. Such architectures, however, suffer in several aspects when multi-octave operations are needed. The grating lobes of antenna array may appear at the higher end of the operating band and destroy the aperture efficiency while the mutual coupling between the antenna elements in the lower end of the band may negatively affect the antenna to transmitter impedance match and thus the radiation efficiency. On the other hand, the trade-off between bandwidth and efficiency in any RF transmitter often must be made according to the famous Bode-Fano limit, which indicates that a good impedance match to a high-Q load cannot be achieved over a wide bandwidth. For this reason, multi-octave RF power amplifiers (PA) are usually not efficient as the existence of transistor parasitics limits the impedance match bandwidth unless a sub-optimal impedance matching condition is used. Similarly, in antenna systems, the form factor constraints often require high-Q, narrow band antenna elements rather than broadband antennas. Multi-octave impedance match to a single antenna is usually impossible. A conventional Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), electronically steerable RF transmitter can thus not be efficient for the above reasons, which in turn limits its maximum operating power for a fixed design of heat dissipation. Tunable components that may tune the matching between antenna and power amplifier to adapt to its operating frequency have been proposed. These components are mostly in the form of switches or variable capacitors made of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or phase change material, which may suffer limited power handling and add additional power loss caused by the tuning mechanisms. Develop a novel, power-efficient, multi-octave electronic steering antenna array architecture that integrate power amplifier and antennas simultaneously for both bandwidth and efficiency while using a power amplifier network to generate a phase slope required for electronic scanning.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and demonstrate an efficient transmitter and antenna array architecture that allows efficient transmission of RF signal with more than 40 dBm power and with the overall system power efficiencies over 50% from 2GHz to at least 4GHz, preferably 8GHz, while being electronically steerable over at least +/-45 degrees. Identification of the appropriate electronics technologies and antenna design must be made during this phase, with feasibility demonstrated through simulation results. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Further develop and perform hardware demonstration of the Phase I concept and the predicted performance in a small scale, with aperture size equivalent to four to eight element phased array. Ensure that the minimum antenna gain will be no less than the ideal aperture gain by 3dB. Prepare the metrics of evaluation that include a chart of power efficiency as a function of both frequency and scanning angle.

PHASE III: Integrate Phase II designs to test installed on an aircraft platform with a goal of maintaining RF performance from Phase II in an installed aircraft environment. Successful technology development would benefit airborne- and ground-based radar systems, aviation, and large communication base stations.

REFERENCES:

1. Chu, L.J. "Physical limitations of omni-directional antennas." J. Appl. Physics, Vol. 19, No. 12, May 1948, pp. 1163-1175. https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/4984/RLE-TR-064-04706975.pdf?sequence=1

KEYWORDS: High-Bandwidth; High-Efficiency Antenna Array; Multi-Octave Transmitter; Integrated Antenna Array With Power Amplifiers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop quantum cascade lasers in the in the 3.8-4.1 micron wavelength range with high output power and brightness.

DESCRIPTION: High-power, cost-effective, compact, and reliable mid-wave infrared (MWIR) Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) platforms operating in the continuous wave (CW) regime are highly desirable for current and future Navy applications. Individual QCLs emitting within the 4.6-5 micron wavelength band with about 5 Watts CW output power and a wall-plug efficiency of about 20% at room temperature (RT) have been demonstrated [Ref 1]. Another shorter MWIR spectral band between 3.8 and 4.1 microns is of interest for Naval applications. The atmospheric transmission in this band is about 45% to 50% higher than that of the 4.6-5 micron spectral band. Furthermore, when QCLs emitting in both of the MWIR bands are beam-combined, higher emission power of QCLs in the 3.8-4.1 micron wavelength band [Ref 2] could alleviate the emission power, and their size, weight, and power (SWaP) dissipation requirements of QCLs in the 4.6-5 micron wavelength band. Despite their importance, very little technology development and advancement have been made for QCLs emitting in the 3.8-4.1 micron MWIR band, in stark contrast to their counterparts in the 4.6-5 micron band. Therefore, the QCL performance in the 3.8-4.1 micron band significantly lags those in the 4.6–5 micron band. The highest reported continuous wave wall-plug efficiency is less than 7% [Ref 2] and typical CW optical power for commercial state-of-the-art 4-micron QCLs is less than 1 Watt (W) [Ref 2]. The performance and thermal characteristics of the QCLs in the shorter end of 4 micron spectral range are significantly poorer compared to those at the 4.6 micron range due to the following critical factors. 1. To accommodate the larger transition energies (shorter emission wavelengths), strong confinement of carriers in QCL active regions is necessary to curtail excessive carrier leakage through parasitic energy states located above the upper laser level. Strong carrier confinement requires deeper wells and taller barriers, which in turn creates highly strained epitaxial layers, which need optimized crystal growth conditions to prevent misfit dislocations within the laser core. 2. The high strain layers (with strain >1.5%) layers throughout the QCL core region [Ref 2] result in significantly lower thermal conductance [Ref 3] which, in turn, gives rise to wide electroluminescence spectra and subsequently high threshold-current densities, as the temperature of the active region rises [Ref 2]. 3. Factors (1) and (2), combined with inherently higher drive voltages, have led to the CW power and wall-plug efficiency values of the QCLs in the 3.8-4.1 micron band to being only a small fraction of those of the QCLs in the 4.6-5 micron band. Therefore, in order to significantly increase the CW power and wall-plug efficiency of 3.8-4.1 micron-emitting QCLs, compared to those so far obtained from conventional-design QCLs, it is the goal of this program to develop new active-region designs, similar to the shallow-well [Ref 4], the step-taper-active structure [Ref 5], or other innovative structures that will deliver temperature insensitive and CW output power device performance in the 3.8-4.1 micron wavelength range that is comparable to lasers operating in the 4.6 to 5 micron band. It is also the goal of this program to demonstrate greater than 1,000 hours laser lifetime performance. If active cooling of the laser is necessary, cooling using thermal-electric cooler technology for room temperature operation is highly preferable. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design a QCL emitting in the 3.8-4.1 micron wavelength range at room temperature with 5 W minimum CW power, 15% minimum CW wall-plug efficiency, and nearly Gaussian beam with beam propagation ratio (M2) less than 1.5 showing a path to meeting Phase II goals. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Optimize the QCL design from Phase I. Fabricate and fully characterize prototype QCLs in the 3.8-4.1 micron wavelength band with the minimum performance levels reached. Demonstrate a QCL prototype to meet all requirements. Demonstrate a QCL lifetime >1,000 hours with the performance criteria stated in Phase I. It is probable that the work under this effort may become classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Fully develop and transition the high performance QCLs with the specifications stated in Phase II for DoD applications in the areas of Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), advanced chemicals sensors, and Laser Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). The DoD has a need for advanced, compact, high performance MWIR QCL in Band IVA (3.8 – 4.1 micron) of which the output power can readily be scaled via beam combining for current and future generation DIRCMs, LIDARs, and chemicals/explosives sensing. The commercial sector can also benefit from this crucial, game-changing technology development in the areas of detection of toxic gas environmental monitoring, and non-invasive health monitoring and sensing.

REFERENCES:

1. Bai, Y., Bandyopadhyay, N., Tsao, S., Slivken, S. and Razeghi, M. “Room Temperature Quantum Cascade Lasers with 27% Wall Plug Efficiency.” Applied Physics Letters, 2011. https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.3586773

KEYWORDS: Quantum Cascade Lasers; QCL; Band IVA; Band IVB38 Micron; 41 Micron; Mid-wave Infrared; Continuous Wave

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a battery operated ultra-compact long-wave infrared hyperspectral imager (HSI) with monolithically integrated tunable optical filter for detecting targets and threats in cluttered environments.

DESCRIPTION: Recent technological advances have made long wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the 8-12 micrometer wavelength range into a viable technology in many demanding military application areas where materials can be identified by their spectral signatures [Refs 1, 2]. In particular, the operational utility of HSI for detection, recognition and identification of hard-to-detect targets in environments cluttered with background noise is especially critical. Spectral imaging can aid the detection, acquisition and tracking of a potentially camouflaged, low-signature target, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during counter-UAV surveillance, etc., with significantly improved accuracy that cannot otherwise be detected using more conventional imaging means. LWIR spectral range is advantageous for penetrating fog, dust, and aerosols. Conventional HSI systems [Refs 1, 2] tend to use large, bulky optical elements, such as a Michelson interferometer or other tunable optical filter components to spectrally resolve the input optical signals, and therefore usually have the characteristics of significant size, weight, and power (SWaP) consumption, mechanical complexity, as well as non-compliance with military specifications. Furthermore, the mechanical mechanism of the conventional tunable filtering system gives rise to slow spectral speed and thus, slow imaging speed. As a result, conventional HSI systems do not lend themselves to the field applications that require handheld portability and faster response times. The goal of this effort is to develop a compact, LWIR HSI system based upon the monolithic integration of a tunable optical filter with a large-format LWIR focal plane array (FPA). The FPA should be based on either II-VI Mercury Cadmium Telluride materials, or III-V strained layer super lattice (SLS) structures. The tunable optical element can be a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based tunable Fabry-Perot filter or other hyperspectral tunable filter monolithically integrated with the FPA. The development effort also needs to include the necessary read-out and programmable electronics integrated with the monolithic FPA and tunable filter ensemble to enable real time spectral image processing. System required parameters include: 1. Tunable wavelength range: 8-12 microns 2. Array size: at least 320 x 256 pixels 3. Pixel pitch: 12 microns or less 4. Tunable filter peak transmission: >55% 5. Tunable filter full-width at half-maximum: 500 nm or less 6. Tunable filter out-of-band rejection: > 15:1 7. Pixel-to-pixel wavelength variation across the FPA: < 4% 8. System weight with batteries: < 6 pounds 9. System size < 60 cubic inches

PHASE I: Design, develop, and demonstrate a compact LWIR HSI with monolithically integrated tunable optical filter to meet specifications identified in the Description. Analyze and model to identify the performance and limitation of proposed technologies. Identify any additional optics and electronics required for the HSI system configuration and operation. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Optimize the designs from Phase I. Provide updated analysis and models for any design improvement. Fabricate and characterize a system prototype to meet design specifications. Demonstrate prototype and provide an operating manual for laboratory and field-testing.

PHASE III: Fully develop and transition the compact hyperspectral imager with monolithic tunable optical filter based on the final design for Naval applications in the areas of target detection, recognition, and identification. The commercial sector can also benefit from this compact hyperspectral imager with fast response time in the areas of detection of toxic gases, environmental monitoring, and noninvasive health monitoring and sensing.

REFERENCES:

1. Blake, T. A., Kelly, J. F., Gallagher, N. B., Gassman, P. L. and Johnson, T. J. “Passive Standoff Detection of RDX Residues on Metal Surfaces Via Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry.” Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, September 2009, Volume 395, Issue 2, pp. 337–348. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00216-009-2907-5

KEYWORDS: Hyperspectral Imager; Target Detection; Target Identification; Target Recognition; Long-Wave Infrared; Tunable Filter

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems to work with or alongside aircraft maintainers to reduce manning and/or to augment the abilities of aircraft maintainers.

DESCRIPTION: There is a need to support reliability and maintainability of aviation assets that will directly reduce life cycle costs by augmenting or replacing manual operations. The Navy has demonstrated use of smart algorithms combined into optical detection systems to detect, identify, and quantify defects and damage. Augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) are used in industry today to greatly enhance maintenance and training, and are tools for doing both remotely. The Navy has recently experimented with AR/VR technologies for improved training. In the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Centers, robotics are currently used for industrial processes such as coatings removal, coatings application and thermal spray metal repair application to increase precision, quality, and throughput. The Navy has recently demonstrated an autonomous mobile-portable robotic metallization system for on-aircraft maintenance that has shown the effectiveness of such technology deployed to Intermediate level maintenance. All of these technologies have proven to benefit all levels of aircraft maintenance. The next step is to combine AI algorithms, sensors, AR/VR, and/or robotics to develop smart autonomous systems or tools. The Navy seeks the development of technologies specifically for the aircraft maintenance community to perform functions such as material inspection, non-destructive inspection, coatings inspection and repair, and training. A specific need exists in the maintenance, inspection and repair of special coatings that require precision, where the current methods are manual. The Navy also seeks the development of an AI system to map out damaged areas such as in corrosion maintenance; repair by removing precise layers of coating and then reapply precise layers of coating; and catalog historical data. Autonomous or Intelligent “smart” technologies have the potential to give artisan capabilities to intermediate or field-level aircraft maintainers, utilizing AR/VR to autonomous robots. The technology, if wearable or handheld, must be minimal size, minimal weight, and the most power. Ideally, if worn or held, it should be lightweight and easy to use, compact as much as possible, ergonomic, and a as long of a battery life as possible or self-powered as this technology will be used in the field. These features are also preferable for a robotic system, but a robotic system must be able to maneuver, manipulate, or traverse around fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, or unmanned aircraft, of all Type/Model/or Series (TMS). If an autonomous system, it should be capable of finding, fixing, and finishing with minimal or no human interaction. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Assess current aircraft maintenance practices such as cleaning, coatings removal, non-destructive inspection, and corrosion assessment. Determine areas that are candidates for autonomous maintenance, integration of AI, or other smart-based systems such as AR tools. Design, develop, and demonstrate feasibility of an approach. Perform an analysis of alternatives and benefit analysis to meet the requirements laid out in the Description. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop, construct, evaluate, and demonstrate a prototype autonomous AI-based technology or an AR/VR tool or technology for aircraft maintenance based upon the conclusion of Phase I. Perform demonstration of the technology on indicative aircraft structures or test on mock-ups of unmanned aerial systems, fixed-wing aircraft, or rotary-wing aircraft. Demonstrate prototypes in a lab environment with the anticipation of deployment to the field. Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description paragraph.

PHASE III: Demonstrate and evaluate the technology on a demonstration aircraft. Transition the technology into an active Marine Corps Squadron or Navy Squadron, or Fleet Readiness Center/Depot, for implementation into the Navy. The technologies developed would apply directly to the commercial aviation industry, general aircraft maintenance, as well as potential broad application in the coatings industry.

REFERENCES:

1. 2018 LMI Estimated Impact of Corrosion on Cost and Availability of DoD Weapon Systems FY18 Update Report SAL62T1 https://www.corrdefense.org/static/media/content/11393.000.00T1-March2018-Ecopy.pdf

KEYWORDS: Autonomous; Artificial Intelligence; Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality; Robotics; Sustainment; Readiness

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a high-power mid-wave infrared (MWIR) fiber amplifier for quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) capable of output power scaling up to 1 kilowatt (kW).

DESCRIPTION: High power mid-wave infrared (MWIR) laser sources in the wavelength range of 4.6 to 5 micrometers are of great interest in defense applications. A major limitation to developing these sources is the lack of materials that lase directly in the MWIR. Materials that do lase directly in the MWIR are either inefficient, require cryogenic cooling, or have other challenges. Correspondingly, most high-power laser systems in this wavelength region rely on the use of nonlinear conversion processes, resulting in low efficiencies and high size, weight, and power (SWaP). Recently, QCLs [Ref 1] have emerged as a viable direct source, offering MWIR lasers for naval infrared countermeasure (IRCM) applications with increased performance. However, relatively low electrical-to-optical efficiencies of these QCL devices have resulted in approximately over 75-80% of the electrical energy input to the QCL dissipated as heat. Future-generation IRCM systems and missile defense may benefit from the use of MWIR IRCM lasers with kW capability. None of today’s commercially available QCLs and beam combining schemes are capable of delivering up to and beyond kW output power levels with diffraction limited beam quality. It is therefore the goal of this SBIR topic to further the development of MWIR rare earth-doped fiber amplifiers [Ref 2] for QCLs that potentially will reach kW level in continuous wave regime with excellent beam quality (M2 <1.5) and high slope efficiency. The successful demonstration of a MWIR fiber laser amplifier for QCL devices would serve to advance any application requiring higher power QCL performance. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design and analyze a best-performance MWIR fiber amplifier architecture in the wavelength range of 4.6 to 5 micrometers. Demonstrate fiber-based amplification of a QCL based on the best available rare earth-doped chalcogenide fiber and laser diodes or fiber lasers to pump the amplifier in a bench top experiment. Provide the first-light fiber amplification power-scaling results and show path to meeting Phase II goals. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Optimize the rare earth-doped chalcogenide fiber design and transition the Phase I laser to an all-glass, monolithic fiber amplifier architecture that is capable of producing up to 1 kW output power. Completely characterize the fiber amplifier architecture, in terms of gain at 4.5 micron, slope efficiency (percentage of the signal power with respect to pump power), and gain bandwidth. Demonstrate the developed prototype. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Fully develop and transition the high power MWIR fiber amplifier for DoD applications in the areas of Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), advanced chemicals sensors and laser detection and ranging (LIDARs). The DoD has a need for advanced, high-power MWIR laser sources of which the output power can readily be scaled for current- and future-generation DIRCMs, LIDARs, and chemicals/explosives sensing. The commercial sector can also benefit from the crucial, game-changing technology development in detection of toxic gases, environmental monitoring, and non-invasive health monitoring and sensing.

REFERENCES:

KEYWORDS: Quantum Cascade Laser; QCL; Thermal Load; Scaling; Mid-Wave Infrared; MWIR; Brightness; Fiber Amplifier

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical, Battlespace, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design an aircraft or aircrew-mounted device to detect and alert when targeted/irradiated by a laser, and record laser-strike characteristics (e.g., wavelength, power, pulse duration, etc.), as well as the global positioning system (GPS) location at the time of detection.

DESCRIPTION: Laser strikes on both military and commercial aircraft have been on the rise since 2005. The Navy is interested in developing a device that can alert aircrew when they have been lased, as well as gather particular laser parameters of importance. The Navy had such a device, the Laser Event Recorder, but that device used now obsolete equipment/technology and no longer manufactured. Develop a device with the following capabilities: - Identify the wavelength of the laser strike (desired operational range = 190 - 2000 nm) - Record the power/energy of the laser strike - Record the time and duration of strike (if pulsed, measure the pulse lengths as low as one nanosecond (ns) and pulse repetition frequency (PRF)) - Capture a high resolution image and/or video of the source - Determine the angle of arrival with respect to aircraft orientation and altitude - Record the GPS coordinates - Record data on removable media (such as an SD card) - Device should keep false positives to a minimum - Device should have a minimum field of view of 50 degrees in the horizontal and 40 degrees in the vertical Additionally, there is a need to provide a visual notification (such as a light or text indicator) to alert the aircrew that they are receiving laser radiation. The total weight of the device can be no more than 300 grams (g) and the total volume no more than 100 cubic centimeters (cm3). Ruggedize the device to pass requirements in MIL-STD-810H [Ref 1] and pass the electronic interference requirements in MIL-STD-461G [Ref 2]. The device will require mounting to aircraft windscreen via suction cup or on the aircrew via either a Velcro patch or strap. All displays and indicators must be Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible in accordance with MIL-L-85762A [Ref 3]. The device must be powered via rechargeable battery and be capable of operating continuously for a minimum of eight hours.

PHASE I: Design and develop a concept for the device in accordance with the parameters and requirements in the Description. Demonstrate feasibility of the designed concept. The Phase I effort will include detailed prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Continue development of the concept proposed in Phase I and design and demonstrate a prototype device to address all parameters. Include planning, design for either aircraft or aircrew mounting, and perform preliminary testing for ruggedness.

PHASE III: Finalize designs and the technology with an emphasis on manufacturability. Transition final technology to end users and platforms. Successful technology development will have commercial applications in both law enforcement and commercial aviation sectors.

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Defense. MIL-STD-810H Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. Everyspec, 2019. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810H_55998/

KEYWORDS: Laser Strike; Incident Radiation; Laser Event Recorder; Laser Warning System; Laser Detection; Hazard Analysis

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Electronics, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE: Develop and/or innovate new or current algorithms including derivatives of space-time adaptive processing (STAP), space-frequency adaptive processing (SFAP), and key elements for nulling-aware routing for application on tactical data links to improve the communication range, interconnectivity and anti-jamming resistance. Document, assess, rank, recommend and report any algorithms based on applicability, performance and integration complexity to military communications and data terminals. Pursue feasible candidate(s) for a potential transition into Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals during Phase II prototyping efforts.

DESCRIPTION: Adaptive null steering was pioneered in the early 1960’s [Refs 1, 2, 3, 4] in the context of side-lobe cancelation (SLC) for the purpose of suppressing radar receiver interference and jamming. The ability to control the phase and amplitude of received signals on each channel of an antenna array makes it possible to implement various types of adaptive analog or digital processing techniques. This capability has been extensively used in analog, digital and hybrid analog/digital antenna systems to suppress jammer signals in radar and communications systems. Extension of these techniques to multi-element antennas to cancel multiple interference sources has occurred. Many modern and legacy communications links have relied on dual antenna solutions for antenna diversity to improve the quality and reliability of a wireless link, but only a few protocols leverage null-steering due to platform constraints. Most platforms, mobile and non-mobile, rely on single or dual antenna systems for transmission and reception capability, placed in a number of different geometries. Adversarial nodes with 3D moment capacity pose a significant threat to these networks as an adversary can position itself to attack the crucial links [Ref 4]. Mobility of platforms and interferences sources make nulling decisions difficult as the null could be placed such that signals of interest are also affected. The Navy needs innovative adaptive and deterministic steering algorithms to process dual digitized inputs, based on two separated antennas implemented in a Field Programmable Gated Array (FPGA) to improve by 30 – 60 dB, communications resilience in a contested environment. Additional antennas may be supported, but two will be assessed for optimality. Algorithms should also be able to accept and provide angle of interests of multiple interfering signals to allow for high-order media access control and routing protocol utilization for optimally steering gain. Analysis and simulations that allow for comparison of performance on proposed new algorithm and/or innovated application of current algorithms and estimates of the computational requirements should accompany the research. The interference removal should not degrade the link compared to a non-null steering setup. Algorithm parameters should be developed and identified that will be used for a future link layer algorithm that allows for cooperative nulling, allowing trades to be made between nulling adversarial and friendly nodes to preserve interconnectivity and data dissemination capability. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract. Although not required, it is highly recommended to work in coordination with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to ensure proper design and to facilitate transition of the final technology.

PHASE I: Develop, design, and demonstrate the feasibility of new or existing innovative dual antenna processing techniques for tactical data links and establish the base figure of merit: geometries supported, null depth, ability to adapt to prevent friendly nulling. As part of the Phase I effort, simulations are required to establish the Figure of Merit (FOM) for the proposed algorithms by both the Offeror and the Government. FOMs allow for both offeror and government to have a single standard unbiased test methodology to validate algorithms FOMs, as each algorithm offer different performance for different interference sources. In the Phase I, the offeror will assume multiple interferences sources exist. MIDS JTRS is a NSA certified type 1 encryption system; hence, information assurance (IA) compliance will apply during the Phase II and subsequent transition efforts. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Produce, deliver, and implement (in software) prototypes for the proposed algorithms, encompassing both the design of the algorithms and anticipated affects. Conduct evaluations by testing the algorithms against signal sets. MIDS JTRS is a NSA certified type 1 encryption system; hence, information assurance (IA) compliance will apply during the Phase II and subsequent transition efforts. The Government, at its discretion, may also provide threat signal data for testing. Independent testing at a Government facility at Government expense may be performed. Performance of the algorithms will be judged based on the base figure of merits assumed above. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use. Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description section.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the algorithms to Navy use. Refine further the algorithms, software code, validation, documentation, and IA compliance. Perform test and validation to certify and qualify software and firmware components for Navy use. Implement the capability in the form of fast, efficient algorithms that, once proven, can be coded in software-defined radios. Spatial nulling algorithms have increasing application in the area of dense enterprise wireless local area networks and commercial antenna systems and cellular communication. Spatial nulling technology potentially has wide commercial applications to address LTE, 5G, WIFI technology deployment due proximity with other interferes, spectrum challenges, etc.

REFERENCES:

1. Howells, P. W. Intermediate Frequency Side-Lobe Canceller. Morrisville: United States Patent Office, 1965. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3202990A/en?oq=3202990

KEYWORDS: Data Links; Software Defined Radios; Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP); Space-Frequency Adaptive Processing (SFAP); Digital Nulling; Figure Of Merits (FOM)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a software solution to localize an augmented reality (AR) headset user within a space by making a comparison between spatial mapping data collected live from the headset and scanned/modeled data collected at an earlier time and stored on the device. The proposed solution should work with an existing, commercially available AR headset.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy and Marine Corps currently have several efforts underway looking at applying AR technology to provide maintainer guidance, and improve maintenance-action success rate and repair time. Many current commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) AR hologram anchoring solutions make use of the device's onboard camera and fiducial marker detection to localize a user in space and overlay instructions, animations, warnings, schematics, and technical data but these solutions are limited by the chosen device's camera quality and computational power. Target-based solutions also mandate that a physical marker be placed on the piece of equipment to be detected, which is unacceptable in a number of maintenance environments. More powerful image and object recognition technology exists that foregoes the need for a fiducial marker but these solutions are heavily dependent on the upload of government data to proprietary cloud services which severely restricts utilization due to both government data sensitivity and cyber limitations on internet access. The need exists for a method of anchoring holographic overlays in space without the need for internet/cloud access and physical markers. Ideally, this solution would extract a bounding box of a piece of equipment using key feature set comparisons between a computer aided design (CAD) model/3D scan file and real-time spatial mapping room scans generated by the chosen AR device. Some system of aligning the live spatial mapping data with the stored digital twin would allow for the precise and accurate placement of holographic overlays anywhere within the user's scanned region without any dependency on camera functionality. Such a solution would need to achieve 90% precision and accuracy for equipment of varying size and complexity (from 1 to 500 cubic feet) while providing very limited performance degradation (maintaining 60 frames per second) on the device. This solution must also be capable of identifying the same piece of equipment in multiple and varying room spaces (i.e., identification independent of the space itself and the equipment’s location within the space). Integration of the solution with the Unity Game Engine or other common AR application authoring tools is required and full documentation of all programming Application Program Interfaces (APIs) is expected to allow for future government developer use/interfacing.

PHASE I: Design, develop and demonstrate feasibility of a software to meet the requirements provided in the Description. Design a high-level software and use a simplified example of the methodology as a proof-of-concept. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate a prototype system for a chosen AR headset and test in both interior and exterior environments to highlight capability in lighting conditions that range from bright sunlight to darkness in all weather conditions.

PHASE III: Further develop the solution on chosen AR device. Transition as Support Equipment within other Navy-developed applications. Development of a software tool for environment/model alignment and hologram anchoring that foregoes the need for an off-premises cloud backend will be marketable to aircraft, automobile, and heavy equipment manufacturers along with all other companies that have sensitive/proprietary models they do not wish to cover with fiducial markers or upload to a private entity’s servers.

REFERENCES:

1. Liu, L., Li, H., & Gruteser, M. Edge Assisted Real-time Object Detection for Mobile Augmented Reality. Proceedings of The 25th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking, 2019. doi:10.1145/3300061.3300116. www.winlab.rutgers.edu/~luyang/papers/mobicom19_augmented_reality.pdf

KEYWORDS: Augmented; Mixed; Reality; Spatial; Fiducial; Hologram

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Bio Medical, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop “agile” laser eye protective filters that operate independent of the incident wavelength in real time. Additionally, optical transition technologies, such as photochromic or electrochromic sun protection, may be developed.

DESCRIPTION: With the recent increase in laser strikes on aircraft, the need exists to protect the eyes of our Navy aircrews. Current Laser Eye Protection (LEP) technology uses fixed filters that reject specific wavelength bands. This SBIR topic seeks to develop filter technologies that can reject any laser regardless of wavelength in the Ultraviolet (UV), Visible (VIS), and Near Infrared (NIR) wavelength ranges (190-2000 nm). The “agile” filter technology needs to protect from both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed lasers having pulses as low as one nanosecond (ns). The device must provide at least an optical density (OD) of three while providing as much transmittance as possible. The solution needs to be physically compatible with existing aircrew helmets and oxygen masks as well as spectrally compatible with a full color display such as a commercially available LCD/LED computer monitor. Keep weight to a minimum with a goal of not more than 350 grams. If a visors solution is proposed, it must meet as many of the requirements detailed in MIL-DTL-43511D [Ref 1] as possible. If a spectacle solution is proposed, it must meet as many of the requirements in MIL-PRF-32432A [Ref 2] as possible. Both visor or spectacle solutions must have a base curvature of at least 6 diopters. If a powered solution is proposed, the device needs to be battery powered and operate continuously for a minimum of eight hours. In addition, the Navy has an interest in designing and developing transition visors or spectacles that can adapt to varying lighting conditions (bright noon sun vs. overcast). The device must have a maximum photopic transmittance of 85% and a minimum photopic transmittance 15%. It should transition in less than 1 second (s) when worn behind a windscreen/ canopy and must be compatible with existing helmets and oxygen masks. If a visor solution is proposed, it must meet as many of the requirements detailed in MIL-DTL-43511D [Ref 1] as possible. If a spectacle solution is proposed, it must meet as many of the requirements in MIL-PRF-32432A [Ref 2] as possible.

PHASE I: Design, develop and demonstrate feasibility of filter technologies that detail the specific characteristics of the filters (weight, transmittance (photopic and scotopic), OD, optical power, maximum lens curvature, etc.). The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Developed and demonstrate prototype filter technology and work with the Navy for laboratory testing and user assessments.

PHASE III: Further refine and finalize technology from Phase II with an emphasis on manufacturability. Technologies developed through this effort are expected to have commercial applications in law enforcement, commercial aviation, construction, manufacturing, medical, and educational facilities among others.

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Defense. MIL-DTL-43511D Visors, Flyer's Helmet, Polycarbonate. Everyspec, 2006. http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-DTL/MIL-DTL-43511D_15101/

KEYWORDS: Laser Protection; Photochromic; Liquid Crystal; Tunable; Frequency Agile; Electrochromic; Vision Protection; Optical Limiter; Nonlinear Optics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative software to assist aircrew in loadmaster duties and generate cargo configurations to achieve sufficient cargo restraint for Navy and United States Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft using handheld devices.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is in need of a software tool that can design, evaluate, and display cargo-loading configurations to ensure restrained cargo is to the Navy required parameters within aircraft. This solution should be capable of autonomously designing the most effective and efficient cargo-loading configuration that meets all loading requirements without the use of additional tools and display this information to the user. Aircraft cargo transportation is a complex mission requiring an understanding of aircraft limitations, cargo space dimensions, tie-down locations, aircraft center of gravity (CG), equipment limitations, and safety of personnel being transported, each of which are unique to different aircraft. This software must be capable of addressing each of these elements when designing, displaying and evaluating cargo-loading configurations. The loading considerations listed above are detailed in Cargo Loading Guides (CLG). Crewmembers are trained to varying levels of competence in each platform’s specific CLG. Each platform’s CLG is different, some platforms contain specific cargo configurations, while others detail strategies to meet Navy or Marine Corps cargo requirements. Deficiencies of CLGs, gaps in training, and degradation of skill or knowledge of personnel, may introduce human error to crucial CG and tie down calculations that could result in aircraft damage, cargo damage, passenger injury, crew injury, failure of the mission, or loss of aircraft. By providing means to evaluate and design cargo configurations within Navy or Marine Corps requirements and display certified cargo loading configurations this project will address the listed deficiencies, improve the safety of crewmembers and cargo, and expedite the cargo transportation process. The software must provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to input and display air vehicle type and dimensions, cargo type and dimensions, desired cargo storage location within the aircraft, restraint requirements, available restraint equipment, and the location of available tie down rings. This software must integrate onto the Marine Air Ground Tablet (MAGTAB), requiring the software to be built in the Android Knox Software Development Kit (SDK). It must be usable by Navy and Marine Corps services and for heterogeneous platforms, both manned and unmanned.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative software for a handheld device that can display multiple unique aircraft loading spaces and aircraft tie down locations, measure and input unique cargo dimensions and locations within the aircraft, and calculate restraint provided by tie down provisions. Exhibit capability to display CLG publications and use a notepad and calculator tool within the software. Establish performance goals and approach for Phase II with emphasis on user interface and generation of optimized tie down patterns. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype software tool, deployed on a hand-held device and operating system including, but not limited to, Android OS, that can measure a unique cargo's dimensions, locate its tie down rings, and generate an optimal tie down pattern that meets Navy and Marine Corps requirements and provides cargo placement that does not exceed aircraft limitations, provided by the Government. Exhibit capability to display, evaluate and generate cargo configurations across different cargo loading zones and aircraft requirements. Demonstrate capability to save and display known and newly developed cargo configurations for different aircraft. Develop performance metrics for the prototype and path forward.

PHASE III: Evaluate the ability to integrate adaptive cargo loading analysis capability into software for implementation on the MAGTAB and assess the system performance against the metrics developed during Phase II efforts. Transition to appropriate platforms. The implementation and improvement of measuring tools integrated onto hand-held devices is a commercially viable product that has use cases not limited to construction, auto mechanics, landscape architecture, landscaping, architecture, asphalt, mechanical contracting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), industrial engineering, and manufacturing engineering. This project will also have the potential for application to commercial aircraft and transport vehicles with unique cargo loading zones requiring tie downs and weight and balance considerations for shipping companies such as FedEx or United Parcel Service (UPS).

REFERENCES:

1. MIL-STD-1791C, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INTERFACE STANDARD: DESIGNING FOR INTERNAL AERIAL DELIVERY IN FIXED WING AIRCRAFT (23-OCT-2017) http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1700-1799/MIL-STD-1791C_55770/

KEYWORDS: Cargo; Loading; Tie-Down; Handling; Software; Restraint

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative techniques to mine big data sources for information to use as reference knowledge by Situational Awareness (SA) applications for improving Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA).

DESCRIPTION: MSA applications have a need for sustainable sources of reference knowledge. A robust tactical surface picture requires the mining and effective utilization of massive amounts of information suitable for ingestion by machine learning (ML) engines. Gathering the desired understanding of the tactical situation can be resource intensive and difficult to sustain without the assistance of ML engines to make sense of it. This SBIR topic seeks to explore the feasibility of satisfying this need through the exploitation of big data sources. For U.S. Navy maritime operations, the MINOTAUR Family of Services (MFoS) is the means by which we plan to correlate and fuse sensor data, producing an integrated display shared across air, sea and subsurface platforms, and command centers. The desired result is a coherent battlespace awareness, fusing tactical sensors with national data to support synchronized actions in the maritime environment. Optimally leveraging this huge amount of information at the individual platform level to contribute to this shared tactical picture is extremely challenging without additional tools to make sense of it all. This is particularly true on airborne platforms where operators must manage multiple sensor systems simultaneously. MFoS populates and maintains a Tactical All Source Repository (TASR) containing vessel tracks derived from multiple cooperative and non-cooperative sensors, associated radar and optical imagery and electronic warfare information. In addition, MFoS captures, as available, vessel classification and identification information made by cooperative broadcast, by electronic interrogation, by operators or operator aids. While the accumulation and display of all of this information is quite efficient, quickly understanding its tactical relevance is challenging particularly with regard to detecting or predicting threating or anomalous behaviors. Ultimately, the goal is to understand who is operating in your area of responsibility, what are they doing, and if they pose a threat, in the most efficient manner possible. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design and demonstrate the ability to interface with one or more existing sources of big data and examine/demonstrate the feasibility of the following: • Algorithms for automating the curation of knowledge from big data sources • Algorithms for automating the aggregation of curated knowledge • Algorithms for automatically extracting the information types required by MSA applications. Detailed knowledge of MFoS TASR data sources and presentation is unnecessary during Phase I to develop and assess proposed approaches. Only a general understanding (comparable to that provided in the Description above) on the nature of data contained within TASR is needed. Use publicly available sources of big data, not necessarily maritime in nature, as a surrogate in Phase I. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Mature the Phase I-developed algorithms and architectures and apply them for use with the MFoS TASR. The Government will provide exemplar data files to support this development. Utilize the style guidelines provided to maintain uniformity of information presentation with the MFoS operating environment. Establish a lifecycle maintenance plan. Develop requirements for and conduct performance assessments of the tool. Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see Note in Description section.

PHASE III: Integrate the technology into the Navy’s MFoS application utilizing its TASR as the source of big data. Big data mining would benefit a wide range of commercial applications ranging from exploring trends in social media to analysis of financial systems.

REFERENCES:

1. Challa, J. S., Goyal, P., Nikhil, S., Mangla, A., Balasubramaniam, S. S., & Goyal, N. DD-Rtree: A Dynamic Distributed Data Structure for Efficient Data Distribution Among Cluster Nodes for Spatial Data Mining Algorithms. 2016 IEEE International Conference on Big Data (Big Data) (pp. 27-36). Washington DC: IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7840586

KEYWORDS: Big Data; Information Analysis; Analytics; Minotaur; Tactical All Source Repository; Maritime Situational Awareness

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a replacement sled braking mechanism for Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Tracking (SNORT) that requires less setup time, and does not have the associated regulatory compliance and recurring cost issues as the existing SNORT water brake system.

DESCRIPTION: The water braking system used at the SNORT currently includes a diesel-powered water pump that delivers water to approximately the midpoint of the track. The water then flows downhill and recirculates back into the 600,000-gallon storage pond at the north end of the track. Baffles and dams, placed manually in the concrete foundation trough between the rails, slow the water down and increase the water height. Rocket sleds typically have a probe or scoop incorporated into their structure to interface with the water. The length of the probe is set to start contacting the water as the rocket motor propulsion is tailing off. Most sleds with water brake probes are stopped on the track and reused. Occasionally, the water braking system only provides separation between sled stages resulting in all sleds destroyed at the end of the track. Maintaining, calibrating, and operating the existing water braking system is costly and has several areas requiring regulatory compliance. The diesel engine driven water pump is located in an underground vault which is designated a confined space. The confined space requires constant monitoring for hazardous atmospheric conditions such as the presence of Carbon Monoxide or low Oxygen levels. Annual calibration and maintenance costs are approximately $5,000. The engine requires an air permit to operate and the underground storage tank requires a permit. Inspectors must regularly log, and report on these permits, requiring escort of inspectors which is time consuming and costly. Annual permit and inspection costs are approximately $5,000. Certified inspectors are required to perform repairs, adding additional cost and complexity. Calibration and checkout of the water brake system is very time consuming because of the lag time between taking measurements, adjusting water flow rate, and waiting for the new flow rate to propagate through the two miles of track. This cycle takes approximately 2 hours. Water-profile adjustment costs are approximately $2,000 per year. Adjusting the water profile is difficult and has led to most changes being made to the sled probe or scoop and using the standard water profile. This approach can cause sub-optimal design constraints on the sled design or velocity/acceleration profile of the sled. Usually the result is high braking loads incorporated into the sled design adding weight, cost, and complexity. The goal is to design a new innovative braking mechanism without the drawbacks described above. The braking mechanism should meet the following requirements: a) Be a passive system with no outside inputs. Electricity, water, fuel, or coolant. b) Maximum of 21,600 feet of braking length. c) Equal or lower weight and drag penalties on the sled-side of the braking mechanism compared to existing probe designs. Spade brake example; 45 lbs. brake weight, 0.85 drag coefficient, 41,000 lbs. maximum braking force. High speed brake example; 110 lbs. brake weight, 0.85 drag coefficient, 95,000 lbs. maximum braking force. Detailed specifications will be provided to Phase I performers. d) Fit into or around the existing track foundation for the trackside portion of the braking mechanism. The concrete foundation trough is nominally 41.625” wide, 26” deep (measured from top of rail), and has 6” 45 degree chamfers on both bottom corners. e) Operate in desert climate without severe (greater than 10%) performance penalties. Direct sunlight, high winds, blowing dust, occasional rain, with ambient temperature ranging from 10°F to 120°F f) Adjustments to braking profile made without precision equipment (alignment lasers, surveying equipment). Simple gauge bars or lightweight alignment fixtures are allowable. g) Adjustments to braking profile completed by two personnel in under 2 hours per each mile of braking length. h) Consumables (if any) costing less than $1,000 per use. i) Reinstallation of consumables (if any) completed by two personnel in under 1 hour per each mile of braking length. j) Consumables (if any) may not damage the track or introduce hazardous waste cleanup requirements. k) Deceleration requirement; decelerate from velocities ranging from 1 to 3,000ft/s over a maximum distance of 10,000 feet l) Braking force requirement; maximum of 100,000 lbs reaction load on sled tailorable from 100% down to 10% over the entire braking distance.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and demonstrate feasibility of replacement braking mechanism for SNORT as outlined in the Description. Characterize climate dependent performance penalties if any. Develop software model to simulate braking performance. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Finalize, test, and demonstrate a full-scale prototype of the replacement braking mechanism. Test braking capability with representative sleds as well as adjustment, maintenance, and repair time. Develop the testing campaign in coordination with the Government. Incorporate braking simulation into the Government’s sled-velocity calculation software.

PHASE III: Transition technology to platforms/industry after verifying the system meets program specific requirements and all the performance requirements as outlined in the Description. Braking technologies have applications in the transportation and entertainment sectors. Transportation uses include various forms of rail transit systems. Entertainment uses are roller coasters and other rides that need braking.

REFERENCES:

1. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station Vicksburg MS Structures Lab. Condition Evaluation of Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT). Vicksburg: Defense Technical Information Center, 1984. https://apps.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA140036

KEYWORDS: Eddy Current; Sled; Sled Track; Rails; Braking; Deceleration

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop an augmented/mixed reality headset device able to integrate with current Navy Information Assurance (IA) infrastructure and can be usable at the Organizational (O-), Intermediate (I-), and Depot (D-) levels of maintenance aviation activities for the Navy and Marine Corps.

DESCRIPTION: There are several efforts, ongoing and planned, to develop technologies and functions that allow for augmented/mixed reality (AR/MR) devices to be applied to Navy and Marine Corps Maintainer use cases. Several of these efforts have proven successful in being able to view maintenance procedures on Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) devices and being able to connect maintainers to engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) to assist in complex and irregular maintenance actions. To enable these functions and all of the existing and future capabilities provided by MR technologies, a hardware asset that meets the requirements of the Navy and Marine Corps network [Refs. 3, 4] and cyber infrastructure is necessary. Although several COTS headsets currently exist, the Navy and Marine Corps environmental, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure requirements are unique and not addressed or targeted by existing augmented reality hardware. Existing MR hardware hosts standard operating systems and require a wireless connection to the internet to access several of its applications and to enable several features. Furthermore, existing hardware does not allow for DoD Common Access Card (CAC) readers or any secure methods of accessing the device using multifactor authentication. The proposed solution needs to allow all functionality within the headset (i.e., spatial cognition, displaying indications, sensor input, etc.), with a target Field-of-View of 50 degrees or more, weigh no more than 600 grams, and operate without requiring a network connection or having location information available. A headset hardware solution is needed that allows the AR technology to be applied to the Navy and Marine Corps Maintainer use case, without needing to make changes to the current infrastructure. To enable this, a device that meets environmental requirements at each of the maintenance levels is required. The device would need to be ruggedized and marinized, without interfering with the maintainers visibility during their maintenance action and would also need to contain a display that is viewable in different maintenance locations (i.e., restricted data areas, weather conditions, and lighting conditions including direct sunlight). Furthermore, the device would need to perform its functions for 6-8 hours continuously without recharging. The conditions required are as follows: MIL-STD-810G Environmental Conditions, Methods 501.5, 502.5, 509.5, 516.6 Display viewable in direct sunlight and during night operations EMI Compliance: MIL-STD-461E HERO Compliance: OD 30393 HERO Design Guide A method of enabling two-factor authentication is necessary, since the device will contain secure data in the form of maintenance procedures, drawings, and models. Current COTS AR headsets do not provide a method for securely accessing the devices, other than entering a password. Finally, the device host Navy security software on its operating system (OS), without reducing the functionality and performance of the actual device. Therefore, the OS would need to meet all of the cyber requirements of our operating systems [Refs. 3, 4], and be supportable for release of new versions and updates. Furthermore, the integration of the headset into the Navy security system should minimize the following latency sources: Off-host delay, Computational delay, Rendering delay, Display delay, Synchronization delay, and Frame-rate-induced delay. A secondary objective would be for the software enabling this solution to be packaged hardware-agnostic, for use on different iterations and versions of AR devices. Existing COTS AR devices require connection to a third-party network to function properly. The Navy is looking for a device tailored to fit the use case of the Navy and Marine Corps maintainer.

PHASE I: Design and demonstrate feasibility of a solution to address the requirements in the Description. Provide an Analysis of Alternatives with several conceptual designs defining and addressing each of the requirements listed in this Description. The designs must show software architecture as well as plans for accomplishing the two-factor authentication. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and demonstrate a prototype meeting the requirements in a lab or live environment. Work with the NAVAIR cybersecurity to ensure the development aligns with the cyber requirements and with a Navy internal development team to align the effort with software applications being developed and installed on this hardware solution. The hardware will be loaded with applications and will undergo functional testing, including Electromagnetic interference (EMI), environmental, and shock/drop tests.

PHASE III: Support the testing of the developed solution at Organizational, Intermediate, and Depot levels of maintenance sites for completion of test, and transition to appropriate end users. This SBIR topic provides benefits to the private sector by opening up the market to a far more customizable mixed/augmented reality headset. Current COTS configurations are severely restricted in terms of cyber capabilities and environmental qualifications. A ruggedized headset can easily have applications in a number of more complex factory environments. Improvements to visibility in high lighting conditions has applications to all other COTS headsets. This solution will be used in the defense and maintenance industries, with the possibility of providing benefits to the healthcare and automotive industry as well due to the added security capability.

REFERENCES:

1. Department of Defense Test Method Standard. MIL-STD-810G: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. EverySpec, 2008. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

KEYWORDS: Augmented; Mixed; Reality; Head-mounted Display (HMD); Display; Headset

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a Ship Rapid Damage Assessment System to rapidly determine actionable information after a damage event occurs on board a naval vessel that will reduce the time and cost to effect repairs on that vessel.

DESCRIPTION: In order to facilitate the rapid repair of ships after major damage events such as grounding, collision, or battle casualty, it is critical to be able to immediately assess the location and extent of the damage. In addition, assessing the impact to ship mobility and its ability to provide resources, such as electrical power and cooling, in near real time is vitally important. Currently, critical time is lost while a damaged ship is transported to a shipyard where repair work will be performed. Only a fundamental visual and operational assessment of ship condition is evaluated to determine need for immediate return to a ship repair facility with no measures available to evaluate structural or electrical damage, which can propagate after a casualty event because of a lack of understanding of the ship’s integrity. Rapid assessment through a Ship Rapid Damage Assessment System of the damage will allow for the pre-positioning of critical assets, the procurement of long lead-time items required for repair, and the initiation of other required planning activities taking place prior to the ship’s arrival at the repair facility. The net effect is considerable shortening of the time that a Fleet asset is out of service after a major critical event. It is anticipated that, in order to provide this capability, existing surviving data acquisition and sensor systems onboard naval platforms can be utilized in conjunction with the addition of new robust sensor systems and the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) reasoning methods that can synthesize the data provided from the sensor systems into a composite estimate of battle damage or other major casualties. This will provide information that is not easily determined but would have a significant impact on the time or cost to repair the platform if it were known in advance of the arrival of the ship at the repair facility. Early initial data collection contributes to advance planning and early information transfer to repair facilities, enabling cost and time-savings in production planning, parts ordering, and cost estimation. The proposed system must assess the location and extent of damage from grounding, collision, or battle casualty as well as the impact to mission and capability in near real time in order to facilitate the rapid repair of ships after suffering major damage. The proposer will have to evaluate the problem of rapid damage assessment with the goal of determining what information is actionable and would serve to create efficiencies if it were available in the time between the occurrence of a significant damage event on board a naval platform, and the time it arrives at a repair facility. The Government will not provide data from damage events and it is the responsibility of the performer to obtain suitable data sets. The company will recommend test fixtures and methodologies to support performance, environmental, shock, and vibration testing and qualification. It should be noted that the ship may not have power or other services available post a damage event. The proposed system must have the ability to be self-powered or adaptable to external power systems throughout the critical information chain required for an initial damage assessment. Work produced in Phase II may become classified or the prospective contractor may require access to secure information to conduct its work. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S.-owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret-level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of the project as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of the contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a Ship Rapid Damage Assessment System meeting the parameters identified in the Description. Demonstrate technical feasibility through modeling, analysis, and bench-top experimentation. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the technology using simulated data generated by the proposer. Based on lessons learned in the technology demonstration, further refine, fabricate, and deliver a complete advanced prototype that will pass Navy qualification testing for demonstration and characterization of key parameters and objectives. Recommend test fixtures and methodologies to support performance, environmental, shock, and vibration testing and qualification. Working with the Navy, demonstrate the Ship Rapid Damage Assessment System capability on a relevant system to support improved system operations. Provide detailed drawings, code and specifications in Navy defined format. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use on current and future Navy ships. Develop the Ship Rapid Damage Assessment System for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Navy for test and evaluation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use. Potential use of the system includes other Naval Ships, Coast Guard, and commercial ships. Other high integrity commercial and military systems requiring fail-safe operation can benefit from this technology.

REFERENCES:

1. Zhu, Ling, James, Paul and Zhang, Shengming. "Statistics and damage assessment of ship grounding.” Science Direct 2002, Lloyd's Register of Shipping, 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BS, UK, 21 March 2002. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0951833902000138#!.

KEYWORDS: Battle Damage Assessment; Sensors For Ship Damage Assessment; Structural Health Of Damaged Ships; Rapid Repair Of Ships; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Develop an ability to manufacture high-quality composite pressure housings for external volumes (EVs) with an enhanced hydrostatic pressure collapse performance by understanding how filament winding methods and materials can be used to control the collapse response.

DESCRIPTION: In order to adhere to Navy submergence requirements (MIL-STD-1688, MIL-STD-278, or other relevant commercial standard), all components and systems must be evaluated to assess their susceptibility to the underwater environment. Components external to submarine pressure hulls, such as EVs, are particularly difficult to evaluate due to the high potential for material flaws to cause catastrophic collapse under hydrostatic pressure loading. The catastrophic collapse of EVs can result in the release of a radiated pressure pulse that can negatively affect nearby components and other EVs. Composite materials provide unique characteristics and increased flexibility for application-specific customization. The Navy has successfully leveraged the benefits of composite materials for use as EV pressure housings, which are often used to isolate components from exposure to the harsh marine environment. The Navy seeks an enhanced understanding of how manufacturing methods affect material flaw distributions and subsequent collapse failure of EV composite pressure housings due to underwater hydrostatic pressure loading. The Navy lacks a knowledge of how filament winding techniques (e.g., width of winding strip and overwrap frequency) and materials (e.g., glass fiber reinforcement strength) affect the quality and hydrostatic collapse response of composite pressure housings. To quantify part quality, non-destructive methods will be used to measure flaw distributions and document shape quality measurements. Manufactured composite pressure housings will be selected for hydrostatic pressure collapse testing to determine which methods and quality parameters have the greatest effect on housing failure. Additionally, to aid the Navy with numerical collapse predictions, manufacturing procedures will be developed to create flat filament wound material characterization samples, which are representative of the housing materials. Material characterization samples will also be assessed for quality and tested to better quantify the flaw distribution that is present in the as-manufactured housings. By identifying which manufacturing methods have the most control over the collapse pressure of composite housings and developing manufacturing methodology to create representative material characterization samples, the Navy will have enhanced control over the response and prediction of collapse for EVs with composite housings.

PHASE I: Investigate the effects filament winding methods, such as width of winding strip and overlapping frequency, have on housing quality. Cylindrical glass fiber reinforced composite pressure housings will be manufactured with a diameter and length between 6 inches and 36 inches. Only one- or two-part shapes (diameter and aspect ratio combinations) will be developed during Phase I, while multiple winding methods will be investigated. Part flaws will be quantified using non-destructive scanning methods (e.g., ultrasound) to measure size, distribution, and location of flaws. Shape quality will be quantified using techniques such as out-of-roundness and thickness measurements. Once high-quality manufacturing methods are obtained, with minimal flaws and acceptable shape measurements, a best practices and lessons learned guide to manufacture composite pressure housings will be developed. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will continue to investigate additional filament winding techniques that may result in high-quality, low-cost parts.

PHASE II: Building on lessons learned during Phase I, determine the effects of manufacturing composite housings with a variety of glass fiber types (e.g., E-glass, S-glass, S-2 glass, etc.). Quantify part and shape quality of the housings. Facilitate Navy performed hydrostatic collapse testing of the housings manufactured during Phase I to quantify how quality, winding method, and glass fiber properties influences the housing collapse performance. Develop a capability to manufacture flat filament wound material characterization samples. Execute instrumented quasi-static and high-strain rate characterization of the filament wound materials. Manufacture a variety of parts from small-scale to large-scale with the previously identified best manufacturing methods and materials, and collapse tested to provide evidence of how scale effects quality and performance. Expand manufacturing capabilities to EVs, which consist of other fiber types (e.g., carbon fiber) and hybrid designs (e.g., composite wrapped metallic cylinders) to add to the manufacturer’s ability to produce a wide range of Navy EVs.

PHASE III: Assist the Navy in transitioning this technology to a wide variety of other military and non-military undersea applications including, but not limited to, oil and gas extraction, exploratory work for deep-sea mining, and scientific exploration. These deep-sea activities are continually becoming more common due to decreases in terrestrial resources and improvements in marine technologies. As composite-housed components become more prevalent across all fields, the ability to design and manufacture them for increased safety by mitigating hydrostatic collapse is essential to continue safe human exploration and operations in the harsh environment of the deep sea.

REFERENCES:

1. Pinto, M., Matos, H., Gupta, S. and Shukla, A. “Experimental Investigation on Underwater Buckling of Thin-walled Composite and Metallic Structures.” Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, 2016, 138(6). doi: 10.1115/1.4032703.

KEYWORDS: External Volumes; EVs; Submarines; Composites; Hydrostatic Pressure Collapse; Filament Wound Composite Shells

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software-based Autonomous Battle-space Monitoring Agent (SABM) with the capability to augment or assist combat systems console operators in maintaining Situational Awareness (SA) of tactically relevant changes occurring within the ship’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

DESCRIPTION: The current AEGIS Combat System implementation does not include a comprehensive distributed (that is, multi-platform) capability for capturing the complete battle-space operational, environmental, and tactical picture in a coherent integrated manner. Currently available commercial systems and software that might be considered for adaptation to partially address the Navy’s combat systems requirement for advanced situational awareness (e.g., the FAA Air Traffic Control System hardware and software) are dated in their designs. Their ability to integrate, support, or coordinate with stand-alone (i.e., autonomous) DoD-sourced or 3rd-party software applications in a real-time manner is minimal or non-existent. Additionally, the currently available commercial technology mentioned above is limited in that it lacks the capability to track, identify, and manage complex air, surface, and subsurface entities and threats present in a combat environment. Since no viable commercial alternatives exist or can be adapted to address these needs, it becomes necessary for the Navy to pursue a different avenue of exploration. The Navy needs an AI Software agent intended to function within the AEGIS Combat System (BL10 or later) and a Common Core Combat System (CCCS) prototype combat system implementation and associated Distributed Common Operational Picture (DCOP) subsystem. A new capability needs to be developed within AEGIS to present a Common Operational Picture (COP) to the combat system’s watch stander. The capability will provide the watch stander with complete SA. The technology will include detailed engagement-quality track data, identification data from various sources, estimated platform sensor or weapons capabilities derived from organic and non-organic databases, and observationally-derived behavioral data for each tactically relevant entity within the battlespace. The subsystem must be modular in nature and support the sharing of the COP across all participating platforms within the battlegroup in a manner that insures the data coherence of the COP on every platform. In order for such an AI-based software application to function within AEGIS, a DCOP software subsystem must be integrated within the AEGIS Combat System, or alternately, a suitable set of ancillary data collection algorithms must be developed to acquire the relevant data needed for the AI algorithm from data sources currently available within the AEGIS Combat System. An AI-based autonomous SABM, when operating within an appropriate CCCS Ecosystem software environment or equivalent, and when given data access to a CCCS DCOP implementation or AEGIS equivalent, will provide the Combat System (CS) watch stander with an autonomous SA monitoring capability focused on augmenting the ability to successfully execute the mission. SABM will perform analytical monitoring tasks utilizing data derived from a combat-system supported accessible DCOP subsystem capable of providing both detailed real-time observable and known historical parameters exhibited by all observable battle-space entities within the AOR. The solution technology must be an architectural model, software framework and Algorithm description, with an outline for a functional SABM implementation. AI has significantly advanced with the development of “Deep Learning” algorithms [Ref. 4]. These algorithms have led to the commercial development and deployment of several software AI products, such as Siri, Cortana, and Alexa, which endeavor to assist individuals in accomplishing routine daily tasks with a minimum of confusion, reduction in required time, or specifically directed research. Implementing an autonomous software agent battle-space monitor within a CCCS/DCOP (or equivalent AEGIS-based) combat system that leverages currently existing AI algorithms similar to the ones mentioned above [Refs 2, 3] could be extremely advantageous. Such an autonomous agent, utilizing the development of new combat-systems focused AI-based analytical algorithms, will advance the ability of CS watch standers to monitor dynamically changing tactical environments. The autonomous nature of such a software agent will allow it to function without the need for CS watch standers to constantly reconfigure the agent manually to adapt it to dynamically changing battle-space conditions. Multiple independent SABM Agent instances, executing both within the organic ship CCCS Ecosystem as well as within non-organic CCCS Ecosystems (for example those hosted on other battle-group CCCS compliant surface platforms), should be capable of exchanging data and coordinating their analytical processes. Such analytical coordination and data exchange efforts should be capable of crossing surface platform computational boundaries (such as organic and non-organic coordination between surface platforms within the battlegroup) when necessary. The CS watch stander should have the ability to configure each SABM agent instance by identifying appropriate tasks and goals, configuring customized alerts, and defining behavioral traits and patterns which, when associated with existing battle-space entities, will help to identify potential ship threats. Each SABM agent instance should be capable of autonomously prioritizing ship tactical threats and, when coordinating with other organic and non-organic SABM instances, identifying and prioritizing threats and other battle-space AOR situational and environmental issues tactically relevant to the task group and mission. The SABM architectural model, software framework, and AI Algorithm set will function within a software environment modeled on the CCCS/DCOP architecture and software framework. Any architecture, software framework, or AI Algorithm set developed in response to this topic will be modular in nature and utilize open systems-based design principles and standards [Ref. 5], and well-defined and documented software interfaces. Architectural implementation attributes will include scalability and the ability to run within the computing resources available within the AEGIS Combat System BL10 or later hardware-computing environment. The requisite algorithms, as well as any hosting system requirements, should be architected around modular principles with eventual utilization of the CCCS Ecosystem CS Application environment and DCOP battlespace situational awareness subsystem, and eventual implementation and integration within the AEGIS Combat System (BL10 or later). It should be noted that any potential Phase II and Phase III extensions would potentially require such implementation constraints. The software implementation of the prototype SABM agent shall be capable of installation and integration within a prototype CCCS Ecosystem with access to a prototype DCOP battle-space situational awareness subsystem (or AEGIS equivalent). The target execution environment will be hosted on a Linux (Redhat RHEL 7.5/Fedora 29/Ubuntu 18.4.1 or later) processing environment as a standalone application (that is, no critical dependencies on network-based remotely hosted resources, save for sensor data emulators and network-based connections to other running CCCS instances). The prototype SABM agent implementation will demonstrate the following: First, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully monitor the battlespace DCOP and successfully perform DCOP data/potential threat analyses. Second, it must develop ship and battle-group-prioritized tactical threat lists and identify tactically relevant battle-space issues. Third, it must generate associated watch stander alerts. Lastly, it must demonstrate agent coordination across 2 or more independently executing SABM instances, one of which will be hosted on a separate computing platform hosting an independent (but network accessible) CCCS Ecosystem instance. Any prototype must demonstrate that it meets the capabilities described above during a functional test to be held at an AEGIS or Future Surface Combatant (FSC) prime integrator supported Land Based Test Site (LBTS) identified by the Government, and capable of simulating an AEGIS BL9 compatible or newer combat system hardware test environment. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design a concept outlining the architectural model, software framework and AI-based algorithms needed to implement an Autonomous SABM. Establish feasibility through modeling and analysis commensurate with the design requirements outlined in the Description. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver a prototype software implementation of a SABM agent. Demonstrate the prototype meets the parameters of the Description during a functional test to be held at an AEGIS or Future Surface Combatant (FSC) prime integrator-supported Land Based Test Site (LBTS) provided by the Government, representing an AEGIS BL9 compatible or newer combat system environment. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the SABM agent software to Navy use. Integrate the SABM agent into a prototype combat system implementation, consisting of one or more of the following: AEGIS BL9 or greater; CCCS experimental prototype, implemented on a virtualized hardware environment within an AEGIS hardware compliant land-based testbed. This capability has potential for dual-use capability within the commercial Air Traffic Control system in the future development of an air traffic “common operational picture” monitor, capable of predicting and preventing collision events in complex traffic control patterns.

REFERENCES:

1. Mattis, J. “Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy.” US Department of Defense, 2018. https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf

KEYWORDS: Maintain Situational Awareness; Autonomous Situational Awareness Monitoring Capability; Combat-systems Focused AI-based Analytical Algorithms; Autonomously Prioritizing Ship Tactical Threats; Software Framework; AI-based Software Application

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a capability to image through waves and ocean turbulence in shallow coastal waters from small surface ships and/or airborne platforms.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy and Coastal Battlefield and Reconnaissance Analysis (COBRA) program is seeking innovative approaches to perform optical imaging in surf zones, and through the air water interface. Optically-based mine detection sensors face exacting challenges in forming images of sufficient quality for accurate object detection and discrimination through the air-water interface. Current technical approaches are unable to avoid the effects of the surface on target imagery. This R&D solution will mitigate the surface effects prior to and/or in the DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and significantly improve mission effectiveness. Specifically, the presence of non-regular and breaking waves result in caustic bands and significant image distortion due to lensing/defensing, and scattering and opacity due to white caps and foam. All of these effects are time variant, creating an extra level of complexity. This topic is soliciting hardware and software approaches to addressing these challenges. Software and hardware solutions will be form-fit-function compatible with the COBRA Mine Warfare (MIW) sensor. Successful proposals may address either or both lensing/defensing and/or scattering, although priority will be given to solutions that address the full problem. Hybrid approaches are expected for the full solution. For example, physical models have been developed and used to correct for caustic bands and lensing/defensing; however, they do not explicitly address scattering due to surf and foam. A hybrid approach may combine such a physical model with techniques developed for imaging in a scattering medium such as structured illumination or pseudorandom code modulation. The figure of merit should be image quality; specifically, the approach must maintain a sufficiently high modulation transfer function at relevant spatial resolution for the intended application. The spatial resolution will be equal to or greater than current the COBRA Block I sensor. Detection algorithm development is not part of this opportunity; however, some knowledge of surf zone mine detection algorithms is needed to validate the approach. The through-surf imaging technique will be integrated with existing mine detection algorithms to baseline performance against uncorrected imagery. Relevant depths are approximately a few to 10 m, and image acquisition rate must be the video frame rate of relevant sensors. Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) shall be compatible with the COBRA sensor. Successful Phase I and Phase II efforts will produce a capability that is a suitable pre-planned product improvement (P3I) for COBRA as an engineering change proposal as well as a potential upgrade to other existing optical airborne mine detection platforms. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for surf zone imaging through waves and ocean turbulence in shallow coastal waters from small surface ships and/or airborne platforms. Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal approach through a combination of analytical modeling and bread boarding activities with the goal of validating the analytical model through breadboard testing. Identify areas of technical risk and a path to retiring each risk. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver an advanced prototype for surf zone imaging. Conduct functional testing of the prototype-imaging sensor in a contractor laboratory environment and facilitate subsequent developmental testing in a representative field environment (i.e., in a surf zone). Integrate the data output and/or DSP algorithms into existing automated detection algorithms for performance assessment. Develop a Phase III plan. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Government in transitioning the surf-imaging tool for Navy use. Dual use opportunities include coastal and surf zone survey and mapping and coastal search and rescue operations.

REFERENCES:

1. Wu, Y. and Shroff, H. “Faster, sharper and deeper: structured illumination microscopy for biological imaging.” Nature Methods, 15, 2018. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-018-0211-z

KEYWORDS: Surf Zone Imaging; Fluid Lensing; Through Wave Imaging; Mine Detection; Structured Illumination In I’s A Scattering Medium; Pseudorandom Code Modulation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a new antenna for the AN/SPS-49 radar that incorporates electronic beam steering in elevation, provides for multiple elevation beams, and incorporates the means for shaping of both transmit and receive beams to improve high elevation radar coverage.

DESCRIPTION: The AN/SPS-49 is a venerable radar deployed widely throughout the Fleet. In such legacy systems, life-cycle cost reduction is a constant goal and maintenance cost is the key driver. Being a rotating radar, periodic overhauls of the antenna are required to replace worn or weathered parts, repair physical damage, re-seal, and re-paint. Little can be done to avoid this. However, the SPS-49 antenna incorporates one feature that might be simplified by the introduction of innovative technology. The SPS-49 antenna is a parabolic reflector fed by a H-plane sectoral horn. The reflector is asymmetric with the wide dimension aligned horizontally and the H plane of the horn aligned vertically with the narrow dimension of the reflector. Elevation scan in the SPS-49 antenna is accomplished through mechanical drives, powered by electrical motors that “rock” the entire antenna assembly to compensate for ship motion (roll and pitch). This mechanical assembly adds weight, is prone to wear, and requires robust electrical controllers located below deck. Furthermore, the antenna rotary joint must pass DC electrical power in addition to the radio frequency (RF) transmit power. Repair and replacement of these components contribute greatly to the overall SPS-49 sustainment cost. If the antenna elevation could be varied through electronic means, electro-mechanical parts would be eliminated, weight could be reduced, and the life-cycle cost of the radar would decrease, even though the antenna would still need to rotate. The Navy seeks an innovative rotating antenna technology, compatible with the SPS-49 radar that provides simple, non-mechanical elevation scan over a limited range. The “antenna” in this case is considered only that (rotating) portion above the pedestal and rotary joint that forms and transmits the beam. The most mechanically and electrically simple, lightweight, and affordable solution that meets the performance requirements is desired. In addition to meeting the existing SPS-49 elevation requirement, a desired solution would be for the electronic elevation scan technique to also permit implementation of multiple elevation beams. A minimum of two elevation beams are required to allow elevation estimation against low-to-medium altitude targets, and appropriate beam shaping will be needed to achieve the required cosec2 coverage. As a goal, more than two elevation beams are desired if this can be achieved while meeting the requirements for performance, beamforming, size, and weight described below. It is understood that, in meeting these objectives, the addition of duplexers and other beamforming electronics (as part of the antenna) may be necessary. However, if incorporating active elements, the antenna should not introduce harmonics or inter-modulation products in the transmitted signal. Examples of antennas that could enable electronic steering in the elevation plane (and potential implementation of multiple elevation beams) include the use of a vertical array of “row-boards” with individual phase control (by row) and corporate feed, phased array feeds with a main reflector surface, reflective printed-element arrays (“reflect arrays”) with element-level electronic phase shifting illuminated by a primary feed horn, and transmissive printed-element arrays (“transmit arrays” or “array lenses”) with element-level electronic phase shifting illuminated by a primary feed horn. While examples of these antenna types have been demonstrated before, the sheer size and power of the SPS-49 antenna and its requirements for beam shape and elevation scan represent a significant technical challenge, especially in light of the desire for a lightweight, rugged, and yet affordable design. The current SPS-49 antenna reflector is approximately 24 feet wide and 8 feet tall. The weight of the rotating assembly (reflector, feed, and supporting structure) is approximately 2000 pounds. Due to ship structural considerations, i weight and overall size cannot be exceeded. At a minimum, the desired antenna must transmit across the band 850-950 MHz with a total elevation scan of ±25 degrees. The peak power supplied to the antenna at the output of the rotary joint is 300 kW maximum (at 4% duty cycle) and the desired aperture efficiency (relative to the power supplied at the rotary joint) is 65% minimum. The transmitted beam should have a 3 dB beam width in the azimuthal direction of no more than 3.5°. In the elevation plane the combined transmit and receive patterns shall provide cosec2 coverage to 30 degrees. The antenna gain shall be at least 28 dB (measured relative to the power supplied by the rotary joint). Azimuthal side lobes shall not exceed -30dB (relative to the peak antenna gain) in the region of 10° on either side of the main beam. Beyond 10° from the main beam, side lobes shall not exceed -15 dBi (relative to isotropic). The interface to the antenna is through a rotary joint, which is not considered part of this effort. Proposed designs should assume a waveguide feed and an available communications path (analog or digital) to control the elevation scan. If the proposed technology will incorporate electronics integrated within the antenna assembly, low voltage power (nominally 24 V maximum) can also be assumed available through the rotary joint. However, active liquid cooling is unavailable. A prototype antenna is desired and, should a reflect array, transmit array, or similar type antenna be selected, the feed is considered an integral part of the design. However, as a full-size prototype will likely be prohibitively expensive, a partially populated antenna array is acceptable, provided that the full antenna performance can be determined through extrapolation (by analysis, modelling, and simulation) of measured prototype data. Likewise, cost, size, and weight shall be extrapolated from the partially populated prototype. The prototype need not be subjected to environmental testing (which is also prohibitively expensive), but the prototype design shall anticipate the need for environmental enclosures (radomes, gaskets, seals, etc.) and structural strengthening for shipboard operation and rotation at 12 rpm when determining final size, weight, and cost. Estimates of weight shall include a mechanical structure capable of withstanding high winds (90 knots operational and 120 knots without damage) and icing in accordance with MIL E 16400 (and without sustaining damage with ice loading of seven pounds per square foot of antenna surface).

PHASE I: Propose a concept for an affordable and lightweight antenna meeting the objectives and performance parameters described above. Demonstrate feasibility through a combination of analysis, modelling, and simulation. The feasibility analysis shall include predictions of performance parameters, size, weight, and cost described in the Description. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include development of initial design requirements, performance specifications, and a capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype (or partially populated array prototype) that meets the requirements defined above. Ensure that the prototype should be sufficiently complete (populated) such that measured data is meaningful and can be extrapolated (using analysis, modelling, and simulation) to predict the performance of a full prototype antenna. The size, weight, and cost of a full, qualified (deployable) antenna shall also be extrapolated from the data obtained from the prototype design. At the conclusion of Phase II, the prototype antenna (and supporting data) will be delivered to the Government for additional testing, design analysis, and to facilitate future systems integration.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Government use. This is expected to entail the finalization of specifications, completion of a final design, production of a drawing package, selection of materials, testing, and support during system and ship integration. The final antenna will be tested according to the SPS-49 system specification and applicable military specifications for shipboard equipment. The final product will therefore be a complete antenna, suitable and qualified for replacement of the existing SPS-49 antenna. The technology should also find additional applications for other surface shipboard radar systems and possibly land-based military radars. Potential commercial applications include weather and air traffic control systems.

REFERENCES:

1. “AN/SPS-49(V) Radar Set.” United States Navy Fact File, 20 September 2018. https://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=1262&ct=2

KEYWORDS: Reflect Arrays; Transmit Arrays; Array Lenses; Phased Array; Electronic Elevation Scan; Electronic Phase Shifting

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop an architecture that automates capabilities within Naval Control Systems (NCS) to minimize operator-associated cybersecurity vulnerabilities and streamline rapid fielding of modular capability updates.

DESCRIPTION: Naval Control Systems (NCSs) are comprised of a complex combination of hardware systems, operating systems, and software elements. The installation and configuration of the tactical software, to include operating system, middleware, and applications, is currently a time-consuming, operator-intensive, and error-prone process. Current commercially available solutions do not meet the standards necessary. The Navy needs an innovative process to automate installation, configuration, application deployment, auditing, and reporting of system status within a complex NCS. This process will need to align with the Navy’s desire to deploy incremental capability improvements to ships at sea in a manner that maintains secure cyberspace posture and weapons safety. It is envisioned that the solution will include software and an architectural construct. The current operator-intensive installation process can result in the introduction of cybersecurity vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that affect the performance and effectiveness of the NCS due to inadvertent operator error or the reduction of security controls during the execution of administrative tasks associated with installation. The possibility of operator error also introduces configuration uncertainty. This configuration uncertainty prohibits rapid introduction of modular capability updates. Industry has demonstrated significant productivity improvements by migrating to automated tools such as Ansible [Ref. 1] to reduce complexity and enable DevOps initiatives. However, industry tools do not account for the rigor associated with weapons safety, with which the Navy must be concerned. Automated tools reduce the cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with operator-intensive installation processes. The desired innovation will be able to completely install and configure a tactical capability from a ‘bare-metal’ state while providing objective quality evidence (OQE) of the installation and periodic auditing of the configuration after installation. The desired innovation will utilize existing Navy-specified system and sub-system components to provide a fully functional operational capability with minimal operator involvement in an automated and repeatable process. The innovation desired should also demonstrate the capability to ingest a modular update to the NCS to allow agile deployment of capability improvements and bug fixes. The correctness of the automated software deployment and auditing will be measured by objective assessment of proper operating systems configuration, configuration of software applications, and proper allocation of network device operating systems and configurations. By taking an ‘infrastructure as code’ approach [Refs. 2-5], the desired innovation will ensure the installed configuration is properly version controlled. The automated approach will reduce the need for operator-intensive interaction during installation and configuration, ensuring a repeatable process and reducing the opportunity to introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities or misconfiguration. The automated system will produce a logged record of the installation and therefore provide OQE of the installation results and auditing and reporting of current system configuration to permit identification of configuration drift. This will reduce costs associated with maintenance, manning, and operations associated with configuration management and cybersecurity. The initial Naval Control System transition for this technology will be the AN/SQQ-89 Anti-Submarine Warfare Combat System Element, which fields with different Combat Systems on Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates, and the Littoral Combat Ships. Testing of the automated system will take place under the cognizance of the Navy at the AN/SQQ-89 Prime Integrator site, currently LM RMS at Manassas, VA. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for innovative software and its associated architecture that will enable the automated installation and configuration of all components of an example NCS. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting the parameters in the Description by modeling and simulation or analysis. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype of the software and its architecture for automated installation and configuration of NCS capabilities. Demonstrate the prototype performance through the required range of desired performance attributes given in the Description. Testing and demonstration will occur at a Government-specified facility. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Assist the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The prototype will provide support for Navy specified NCSs and the associated system engineering activities of the program. The architecture developed has a high potential for dual use in systems that require a repeatable, automated installation and configuration process to reduce the introduction of potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and misconfiguration in complex, critical systems, such as municipal infrastructure for power (nuclear, electrical) and connectivity. Automated installation and configuration that creates ‘infrastructure as code’ is of high interest to companies like Amazon and Google.

REFERENCES:

1. “Ansible is IT Automation.” Ansible, 12 December 2018. https://www.ansible.com/

KEYWORDS: Cybersecurity; Automated Software Deployment And Auditing; Agile Deployment; Naval Control Systems; Combat Systems; DevOps

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a mission-planning tool implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for afloat mission data collection and analysis.

DESCRIPTION: The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) is an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), or “hovercraft”, providing amphibious transportation of equipment and personnel from ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore. The ACV crews need a Mission Planning System (MPS) to support mission planning and post mission analysis for ACV operations that is integrated and synchronized with a lightweight and easy to use handheld tool for use onboard the craft. The LCAC Mission Assessment Tools (LMAT) along with Mission Planning Software (MPS)/Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) will give the Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) crews the ability to adapt more quickly to requests by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and accommodate rapidly changing mission parameters such as fuel burn rate and endurance with ease. The MPS will be able to develop and Integrate Mission Plans, Communication Plans, and selected navigation charts to the craft. The MPS should be able to process and display post mission data extracted from the craft. MPS will be a Windows10-based application that will provide mission planning, briefing, and debriefing support to LCAC operational crews and amphibious planning staffs. MPS will also support mission execution by generating electronic mission data packages for use in interfacing the craft's on-board navigation and communication systems. Mission data packages will include Digital Nautical Charts (DNC), operational, navigational and training overlays, mission navigation plans, engine performance and communication plans. The capability to develop mission plans will support the gamut of Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) and LCAC 100 Class operations, ranging from single craft proficiency-training missions to complex multi-mission, multi-wave amphibious assault operations. This support will include proper route planning, environment-based predictive performance computations to ensure mission viability and conformance to approved operational envelopes, and post-mission analysis of executed missions through playback of recorded navigation, engineering, and communication data. The system will provide a means to conduct off-craft mission planning and to perform post mission analysis of craft recorded data. Mission planning for ACVs currently takes over four hours and requires use of multiple volumes of manuals and data for implementation and years of training to do properly. Application of AI and ML to the solution will condense the mission planning to a single application based on a series of inputs, which include environmental conditions, cargo, distance, and crew day (calculated Main Engine start to Main Engine stop), greatly decreasing the amount of time needed to plan a mission and allow for greater flexibility when mission requirements change. There are unique sets of performance data for the SLEP LCAC with deep skirt as well as different power settings and engine performance tables for ETF40B engines which include fuel burn rate and endurance. This performance data will be contained within the software installed on each PDA and Land Based mission planning computer system. The MPS/LMAT will allow removal of the bulk of the performance data from the Safe Engineering and Operations (SEAOPS) Volumes and eliminate the complex iterative hand calculations within the planning process. The MPS software will replace SLEP LCAC systems that are currently in fleet use and contains the following applications: - Vehicle weight database - LCAC Weight Allocation Calculator - Crew Day Calculator - Electronic Version of SEAOPS OCP Mission Planning Checklist - LCAC Performance and Analysis System (LPAS)/MPS Computers The LMAT will give the Navy LCAC crews the ability to adapt more quickly to requests by the USMC and accommodate rapidly changing mission parameters with ease. This is critical for an ACV, which has a defined balance of fuel and payload versus range. Software developed must be executable on Government-approved Navy/Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) compliant computing devices and integrated into standard NMCI software loads or software compatible with NMCI systems. Software must be adaptable by Navy System Subject Matter Experts to meet emerging needs and changes to mission priorities. The handheld tool will allow for greater flexibility by being able to be carried with the crew for on-the-fly mission changes. Prototype software is to be loaded on an ACV or appropriate test platform for human factors and regression testing at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC-PCD).

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an MPS/LMAT for ACVs with an onboard handheld device that meets the requirements of mission planning tools for the unique sets of performance tables/data for the LCAC 100 Class with Advanced skirt, and SLEP LCAC with deep skirt as well as different power settings and engine performance tables for MT7 andETF40B engines. Ensure that the performance data will be contained within the software installed in a PDA-type device and the land-based desktop system, which will allow removal of the bulk of the performance data from the SEAOPS Volumes and eliminate the complex iterative hand calculations within the planning process. Incorporate latest data from all SEAOPS Volumes into PDA as described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and demonstrate that the MPS concept can be readily and cost-effectively manufactured through standard industry practices by proof testing and analytical modeling. The Phase I Option, if exercised, should include the initial layout and capabilities to build the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype MPS/LMAT with an onboard handheld device that meets the intent of the Description. Demonstrate the prototype on an ACV or appropriate test platform for human factors and regression testing at NSWC-PCD and support the testing. Evaluate the prototype to determine its compatibility with current craft layout and ability to perform to requirements. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into a design that will meet the LCAC SLEP and LCAC 100 class Specifications. Prepare a Phase III development plan and cost analysis to transition the technology to Navy use. Provide detailed drawings, code and specifications in Navy-defined format.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the MPS for use on the Navy ACV program. Refine the design of the MPS, according to the PMS 377 Phase III SOW, for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The SSC MPS will have private sector commercial potential for craft of this scale operating in the near-shore or on-shore environment. Commercial applications include hovercrafts, airplanes, helicopters, ferries, the oil and mineral exploration/retrieval, automotive, and cold climate research and exploration.

REFERENCES:

1. Englander, Jacob A., Conway, Bruce A., and Williams, Trevor. “Automated Mission Planning via Evolutionary Algorithms.” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 35, No. 6, November-December 2012. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/1.54101

KEYWORDS: Ship-to-Shore Connector; Air Cushion Vehicle; Mission Planning Software; Machine Learning; Hovercraft; Artificial Intelligence; ACV; ML; AI

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a high-powered Radio Frequency (RF) linear power amplifier that enables efficient, linear operation with multiple simultaneous signals across a wide instantaneous bandwidth capable of operating in an active antenna array.

DESCRIPTION: Current Navy directional, tactical communication networks operate in a one beam at a time fashion with each message exchange assigned separate time slots. This limits network performance and spectral usage. The next generation of communication networks will use multiple simultaneous beams to leverage the spatial dimension in order to establish multiple communication links simultaneously in different directions. To achieve the major networking advantages of multi-beam operation (discussed below) enabled by digital array communications technology, power amplifiers will need to be developed that do not generate unacceptably high levels of interfering nonlinear effects when multiple communications signals are transmitted through them simultaneously. Current state-of-the-art amplifier designs are challenged to achieve acceptable levels of linearity performance without significant reductions in RF power, bandwidth, and power-added efficiency. Due to the reduced link ranges and allocated bandwidths of commercial communications, there is little investment to meet the metrics required for Navy operation. Linearity together with power, bandwidth, and efficiency enables multichannel Transmit (Tx) capability. This, in turn, yields increased network throughput and decreased latency. High linearity also enables new, modern waveforms that further improve throughput. Improved throughput is needed to support the increasing network sizes; the growing emphasis on joint, cooperative, and net-centric technologies; as well as the proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other persistent surveillance platforms with their high throughput requirements. The resulting increased throughput will enable the flow of more data and growth in new mission areas such as Ballistic Missile Defense and Electronic Warfare. The decreased latency will enable new and compressed kill chains against advancing threats as well as larger networks. The Navy needs a technology that provides simultaneous, multichannel Tx operation. This will enable the warfighter to expand and refine the battlespace through improved and expanded network functionality. A solution is needed in the area of high-powered RF linear power amplifier. Advanced techniques such as those described in [Refs. 1-3] will be needed to attain the targeted performance metrics. Current commercially available power amplifiers do not meet the combined power, bandwidth, linearity, and efficiency performance needed for military, multichannel operations. The prototype amplifier solution must demonstrate the following performance metrics: (1) The amplifier will transmit M-ary Continuous Phase Frequency Shift Keying (CPFSK) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing modulations and up to 4 simultaneous signals located in C-band (4 GHz to 8 GHz). The instantaneous bandwidth of these signals will be relatively narrow compared to the operational bandwidth of all C-band. 8 is a stretch goal for the number of simultaneous signals. (2) The peak power output by the power amplifier should be selectable from 36 dBm to 46 dBm in 2 dB steps. (3) The goal for the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) is 2% or less. (4) The output third order intercept should be more than 55 dBm. (5) The goal for the power-added efficiency is 55% or more. (6) The goal for the power gain is 45 dB. All performance metrics should be met while operating with an output Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) between 1:1 and 2:1 in the architecture. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a high-efficiency wideband linear power amplifier. Demonstrate the concept can feasibly meet the Navy requirements as provided in the Description. Establish feasibility by a combination of initial analysis and modeling and if possible, through demonstration on existing hardware. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II. Develop a Phase II plan that includes prototype testing, evaluation, and demonstration.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype power amplifier that demonstrates the performance parameters outlined in the Description. Validate the prototype through comparison of model predictions to measured performance. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Further refine the prototype for evaluation to determine its effectiveness and reliability in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Navy in the system integration and qualification testing for the technology through platform integration and test events to transition the technology into PEO IWS 6 applications for simultaneous communications links to improve and expand tactical network functionality. High-powered RF linear power amplifiers will have direct application to private sector industries that involve directional communications between many small nodes over large areas. These applications include transportation, air traffic control, and communication industries.

REFERENCES:

1. Cripps, Steve C. “Advanced Techniques in RF Power Amplifier Design.” Artech House Inc., Norwood, MA, 2002. http://file.yizimg.com/335677/2009090811191191.pdf

KEYWORDS: Linear Power Amplifier; Power Added Efficiency; High-powered Radio Frequency; RF; Multibeam Operation; Digital Array Communications; Spatial Dimension

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a real-time extensible and evolvable Distributed Common Operational Picture (DCOP) battlespace data model and associated descriptive battlespace data model markup language to improve command and control.

DESCRIPTION: The current AEGIS combat system implementation does not include a comprehensive distributed (i.e., multi-platform) capability for capturing the complete battlespace operational, environmental, and tactical picture in a coherent integrated manner. Currently available commercial systems and software that might be considered for adaptation to Navy needs (e.g., the FAA Air Traffic Control System hardware and software) are dated in their design, and lack the flexibility and track capacity required to adequately address Navy tactical needs. Specifically, currently available commercial technology is limited in that it lacks the capability to track, identify, and manage complex air, surface and subsurface entities and threats present in the DoD environment. A new capability is needed within AEGIS to present a common operational picture (COP) with complete situational awareness to the combat system watch standers. In order to support the development of such a COP subsystem, an innovative design is needed for a real-time adaptive data model of the battlespace, capable of supplying fire-control quality data to combat systems software applications. Development of such a data model will require achievement of dynamic on-the-fly run-time variation capability requirements critically necessary to successfully perform the mission within a rapidly changing combat scenario. The subsystem architecture should have the capability to provide engagement quality real-time track data to any combat systems application, which makes use of the services provided by the subsystem. Sources of data may include identification data, estimated platform sensor and weapons capabilities, and observationally-derived behavioral data for entities within the battlespace. The subsystem must be modular in nature, and support sharing of the COP across all warfighting platforms within the battlegroup in a manner which insures the data coherence of the COP on every platform to the greatest extent possible. The DCOP architectural model is needed and must have a common, expandable, and evolvable data model that supports the relevant metric set for any potential battlespace entity. An “evolvable” data model architecture should have the intrinsic capability to support any later addition, extension and/or modification without the requirement of extensively rewriting or scrapping previously developed code. The DCOP data model, including all its constituent software structures and component data elements, should, when taken in total, be capable of quantitatively and qualitatively describing the tactical and operational characteristics of all battlespace entities. This includes friendly, hostile, and neutral (i.e., non-combatants) within the host combatant’s Battlespace Area of Responsibility (AOR). It also includes any tactically relevant surface, subsurface, underwater, air and ground sensors, and weapons systems with their associated data and control streams capable of having an impact within the scope of the DCOP Battlespace AOR. The DCOP data model must also be capable of supporting data structure components and associated data fields enabling multi-platform data synchronization, access control, time tagging, and data senescence. Since it will not be possible to completely capture all relevant parameters for newly emerging combatant entities, sensors, or weapons systems, the data model must be dynamically evolvable and extensible (at run time) to provide for the emergence of previously unknown battlespace entities and their associated operational and tactical parameters. This combination of an overarching battlespace scope, a real-time non-disruptive data model, and structure content adaptability/evolvability, as well as multi-platform data synchronization support, are required for implementation of a DCOP capability within the fleet. A Distributed Data Model Markup Language (DDML) will be developed to provide a software data structure design tool for DCOP, and a well-defined and concise documentation mechanism for all data structures making up the DCOP data model. The DDML will implement a dynamic, evolvable, and extensible descriptive linguistic construct capable of capturing the contents and structure of all DCOP data model constituent software structures and associated component elements as described above. The DDML must consist of a human-readable / machine-readable text-based (ASCII/Unicode compliant) descriptive language construct supporting linguistic components and structures roughly based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML) 1.0 Open Standard. The intent of developing the DDML is to provide both a software data-structure design tool for DCOP, as well as a well-defined and concise documentation mechanism for all data structures making up the DCOP data model as a whole. The DDML will provide a development tool, which will assist in both initial creation as well as any future maintenance, expansion, and adaptive evolution of the DCOP data model. This will enable the data model to capture operational and tactical characteristics of future battlespace entities not yet encountered or envisioned. The DCOP architecture should be capable of supporting the ability to allow the successful modification of DCOP data structures within an operating software environment. It is also critical that any data model changes made within an operating software environment can be accomplished without significant negative impact on currently executing software accessing the DCOP data model. Specifically, run-time modification of the DCOP data structures should be possible without: (a) requiring the running software to be paused or cease operation; or (b) requiring the need to restart/reload the system. Both the DCOP data model and its associated DDML descriptive language architecture shall be well documented and conform to open systems architectural principles and standards. Implementation attributes should include scalability and the ability to run within the computing resources available within the AEGIS combat systems BL10 or later environment. The DCOP data model should initially include operational and tactical parameters, maneuvering capabilities, sensors, weapons, and off-board tactical and operational data sources (Unmanned vehicles, Satellite links, etc.). Focus will be on commonly encountered battlespace entities (air, surface, and subsurface platforms) and their respective associated parameters (radar, sonar, and EW track data). The parsing application may be written in either C++ or Java and be capable of running in both 64-bit Windows (Version 10 or later) and Linux (Redhat RHEL 7.5/Fedora 29/Ubuntu 18.4.1 or later) processing environments as a standalone application (i.e., no critical dependencies on network-based remotely hosted resources). The prototype DDML parser will demonstrate the following: (i) The ability to generate C++ data structure analogues to DDML linguistic components, and assemble them into overarching or composite data structures, each of which aligns to an associated battlespace entity; and (ii) The ability to non-destructively modify and update currently existing data structures within an operational DCOP environment. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and deliver a concept for a real-time extensible and evolvable DCOP battlespace data model and associated descriptive battlespace data model markup language. Establish the concept through evaluation of the ability of the proposed model. Establish that it can successfully capture all tactical and operational battlespace parameters as detailed in the Description. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype software DDML parsing application capable of generating data structures compatible with the C++ programming language and compliant with the requirements outlined in the Description. Use evaluation and test results to refine the prototype into a revised design that will meet Navy requirements. Develop and propose a Phase III Development Plan to transition the technology to Navy. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Implementation will include the integration of the DCOP data model for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment at an AEGIS test site or test bed. This technology has potential within the commercial Air Traffic Control system in future development of an air traffic “common operational picture” capable of handling complex traffic control patterns.

REFERENCES:

1. Mattis, J.,“Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy.” US Department of Defense, 2018. https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf

KEYWORDS: Battle-space Data Model Markup Language; Extensible Markup Language; Distributed Common Operational Picture; Battlespace Data Model; Time-tagging And Data Senescence; Dynamically Evolvable And Extensible Data Model

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a combined, compact, multi-function, lightweight, expendable, low-cost surface ship countermeasure capable of countering ever-increasing adversarial threats.

DESCRIPTION: All key U.S. Navy surface combatants require expendable countermeasure protection from adversarial torpedoes. The current Program of Record (PoR) uses submarine variant countermeasures for surface ship deployment, of which the submarine devices are overdesigned for surface ship requirements (i.e., temperature, shock, hydrostatic pressure). The Navy desires to tap into existing innovative form-factor reconfiguration and/or miniaturization capabilities and develop a lower-cost surface ship countermeasure that meets the surface ship environmental requirements while maintaining the notional acoustic and functional requirements of the current acoustic device countermeasure (ADC) Mk 2 Mod 6. Key surface ship environmental requirements that the device must withstand include, in general, resiliency to temperature shock, shipboard-launched water impact, and hydrostatic pressure up to 250 feet depth. Further testing details are listed below. It is expected this redesign of the existing submarine countermeasure adopted for surface ship use will reduce unit item cost while reducing overall lifecycle costs compared to the existing PoR. As a goal, a 20% to 25% reduction in unit cost, and a similar life-cycle cost reduction, is desired to facilitate installation aboard a wider range of surface platforms. As an added benefit to the warfighter, the devices ultimately resulting from a successful SBIR effort will not only provide the same mission capability and performance, but also have the potential of providing an innovative sailor-friendly form-factor. In terms of test and evaluation throughout the Phases of this SBIR topic, Phase I is intended to develop a concept for an end-to-end design of a redesigned ADC Mk 2 Mod 6 that meets the operational requirements of the current device, but only meets the environmental requirements for over-the-side shipboard launch. Phase II is intended to evaluate three to five prototype systems and their abilities to acoustically perform both before and after exposure to primary environmental stress screening involving temperature shock (-54°C in air to 2°C in water, and +71°C in air to 15°C in water), shipboard-launched water impact of 80g radial acceleration and 25g axial acceleration, and hydrostatic testing to 250 feet depth. Environmental stress testing, including pre- and post-acoustic testing, will take place at facilities maintained by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island. These Phase II tests will be the responsibility of the proposer with assistance and test facilities provided by the Navy. Phase III is intended to evaluate further matured devices against more formal environmental and operational tests, including storage temperature thermal cycling (-54°C to +71°C), lightweight shock testing (MIL-S-901D), vibration testing (MIL-STD-810, Section 528.1), in addition to operational in-water acoustic testing in a demonstration on a Navy instrumented test range. There is potential for some of this extended testing to occur in Phase II if the Phase II prototype design is a mature representation of a potential low-rate initial production design that is expected during Phase III. Work produced in Phase II will likely become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an end-to-end design of a redesigned ADC Mk 2 Mod 6 that meets the operational requirements of the current device, but only meets the environmental requirements for over-the-side shipboard launch, of which are noted in the description. Include, in the design, details of the modularized reconfiguration of the existing acoustic projector, electronics, and thermal lithium power supply, which notionally can be provided as Government Furnished Information (GFI). Establish the feasibility of the design through modeling and simulation pitted against known environmental requirements enabling surface ship launch capability. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and build three to five prototype devices for testing and evaluation. Further refine the prototype systems that can be transitioned to the Navy. Conduct evaluation and testing of the prototypes based on the environmental requirements for over-the-side shipboard launch, including but not limited to, temperature shock (-54°C in air to 2°C in water, and +71°C in air to 15°C in water), lightweight impact shock testing, and hydrostatic testing to 250 feet depth, as well as the performer’s low-level subassembly performance tests. Further details of the testing requirements are noted in the Description. Include acoustic evaluation, which will take place both before and after environmental stress testing at facilities maintained by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. Ensure final delivery of three (3) to five (5) prototypes. Perform initial testing with assistance and test facilities provided by the Navy. Assist the Navy with follow-on testing. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use in the form of follow-on Low-rate initial production (LRIP) units using any lessons learned from the Phase II prototyping and testing efforts. Provide engineering support for full environmental testing, which will expand on the testing that was performed within Phase II. The primary applicable NAVSEA program office is PMS 415, which resides within PEO SUBS. Some alternative Naval applications include active sonobuoys, training targets, and alternative acoustic sound sources. . Perform testing that includes long-duration storage temperature thermal cycling between -54°C and +71°C, lightweight shock testing in accordance with MIL-C-901D, vibration testing (shipboard and transportation in accordance with MIL-STD-810, Section 528.1), and all associated acoustic evaluation testing (source level, duration, and frequency content), both before and after environmental stress testing. (Note: There is potential for some of this extended testing to occur in Phase II if the Phase II prototype design is a mature representation of a potential low-rate initial production design.) Launch at least five LRIP units from a U.S. Navy surface ship to assist in the full circle environmental evaluation of the design. Some commercial applications include marine mammal acoustic diversions and geological exploration.

REFERENCES:

1. Guertin, N., Sweeney, R., and Schmidt, D. “How the Navy Can Use Open Systems Architecture to Revolutionize Capability Acquisition: The Naval OSA Strategy Can Yield Multiple Benefits.” Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Acquisition Research Symposium, Naval Postgraduate School, 2015. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a623433.pdf

KEYWORDS: Surface Ship Torpedo Defense; Acoustic Countermeasure; Soft-kill Torpedo Countermeasure; Anti-submarine Warfare; Lightweight Shock Testing; Environmental Qualification Testing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative warm-to-cold high temperature superconducting power cable termination suitable for shipboard applications.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Navy is progressing toward increased electrification of ship systems and weapons requiring unprecedented levels of power distribution capabilities on ships. Electric propulsion motors are expected to demand 20-80MW per ship supported by multiple 10-40 MW generator sets. Additional high-power loads will include rail guns, lasers, electronic warfare systems, and high-power radar. These systems will be tied together through an integrated power system (IPS) that maximizes the utility and efficiency of installed power generation by routing power to loads on demand. A primary benefit of the IPS approach is an increase in overall power distribution density, electrical efficiency and fuel savings. Moving 10’s to 100’s of MW of power around a ship favors increased distribution voltages (greater than 450VAC and/or 6-18 KVDC) to minimize added cabling necessary to overcome the ampacity limits of traditional conductors. High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) are candidates for advanced conductor technology that can be used to increase the power distributed through a single lightweight cable without the necessity of going to higher voltage. Implementation of these technologies require HTS power cable termination suitable for shipboard applications. An additional benefit of a HTS cable system is the ability for co-axial or tri-axial cable designs that minimize externally emitted magnetic field thereby having no impact on ship magnetic signature. The compact cable termination will also enable center of gravity favorable power delivery to high elevation loads eliminating the negative weight impact using traditional copper conductors. Additionally, decoupling the cryogenic cooling system from the cable and termination would allow for additionally favorable placement of the heavier cryogenic system components lower in the ship. HTS power cables have been successfully operated in several land-based demonstrations using liquid nitrogen as the cryogen. The primary benefit of HTS cables for in-grid land applications is the ability to utilize existing cableways, or right-of-way, originally intended for underground or overhead transmission cables to increase power distribution by 10. This is particularly useful in upgrading power distribution in cities with growing load demands where conventional approaches to expanded distribution is not feasible. While the HTS cable generally has an outer jacketing diameter in the range of 1.5 inches to 3 inches, the cable termination is usually several orders of magnitude larger. These terminations generally serve as the entry and exit point of the cryogen requisite to maintain the conductor’s superconducting state. Minimizing the physical size and weight of terrestrial HTS cable terminations has not been a focus of the community. Existing terminations are unsuitable for the Navy shipboard environment since they impose a large footprint at each end of the cable. The Navy has been developing superconducting cable technology using cryogenically cooled helium gas, which eliminates the logistic impact of handling a liquid cryogen and minimizes safety concerns related to the 700-time volumetric expansion of nitrogen from liquid to gas state. This gaseous helium cooling approach has been demonstrated in HTS degaussing cables as well as power cables. The cryogenic systems used in these cables have been optimized to provide gaseous helium at 50 K (-367°F) and up to 20 Bar (290 psi) charge pressure with mass flow rates up to 10 grams/sec. Novel solutions are required to advance HTS cable technology through the development and testing of a compact cable termination to serve a wide range of naval power applications including shipboard power distribution and shore power. Proposed solutions should include flexibility to integrate with multiple HTS cable topologies including single and multiple-pole configuration of Conductor on Round Core cable (CORC®) or co-axial cable designs. The termination will enable the transition from the cryogenic superconducting cable to the ambient temperature environment and interface with conventional conductors or buss bar while also providing means for cryogen entry and exit. The termination should be scalable from 1kA-4kA, applicable for 450VAC and above and/or 12kVDC and above, for 2 MW to 100 MW of power while incorporating a McFee-based cryogenic current lead optimization approach. Proposed solutions shall include plans for verifying the design through testing within the Phase II effort. Cable termination concepts that include a compact termination, less than 6-in diameter by 12-in length at one end of the cable, and a requisite larger (24-inch diameter by 36-in) termination at the opposite end are acceptable under this topic. A successful termination product will enable the cost competitive acquisition of an affordable HTS system.

PHASE I: Develop a concept and demonstrate the economic, technical and manufacturing feasibility of a compact superconducting power cable termination design that meets the needs of the Navy as defined in the Description. Demonstrate the design and manufacturing concepts through modeling, analysis, and bench top experimentation where appropriate. Document the identification of the size, weight, and cryogenic thermal load vs current, along with ability and impact of scaling voltage and current ratings. Include, in the Phase I final report at a minimum, the technical and economic feasibility and the ability to complete more than one prototype termination iterations with the Phase II funding. The Phase I Option, if exercised, should include an initial detailed design and specifications to build a prototype with the Phase II effort.

PHASE II: Develop, fabricate, and test prototypes of compact HTS cable terminations of a quantity to fit within the scope of work and accomplish tasking. Perform testing activities that include demonstration and characterization of key parameters and objectives at the proposer’s facility or other suitable testing facility identified by the offeror. Design the compact cable terminations for rated voltage and current, integrated with a HTS cable, and test them using a gaseous helium cryogen. Test the terminations to demonstrate the ability to meet the design characteristics. Deliver the Phase II prototypes consisting of HTS cables and terminations to the Navy for further testing. Submit the design and drawings of the tested superconducting compact cable termination prototypes to the Navy. In addition, submit to the Navy any updated designs, design changes, and related drawings that result from lessons learned discovered during prototype testing. Ensure that the final submitted design will pass Navy qualification testing (MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-167-1, and others) once manufactured.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Perform market research, analysis, and identification of teaming opportunities with industry partners to establish production-level manufacturing capabilities and facilities that will produce and fully qualify a HTS cable and compact termination. Transition the compact superconducting cable termination to the Electric Ships Office for incorporation into shipboard power systems. Develop manufacturing plans to facilitate a smooth transition to the Navy. This technology has potential high-value application in the commercial electric power industry, including the electric power transmission and distribution; and high-power-use industries (e.g., Data storage and Supercomputing centers). It is expected this technology will enable compact superconducting cables to serve high power loads without the traditional termination footprint requirement.

REFERENCES:

1. Zhang, Zhenyu. "Superconducting Cables –Network Feasibility Study Work Package 1.” Next Generation Networks, Western Power Distribution, Aug 19 2017. https://www.westernpower.co.uk/downloads/2402

KEYWORDS: High Temperature Superconducting Cable Termination; High Temperature Superconducting; Advanced Conductor; Power Distribution; Cryogenic Helium System; Cryocooler

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a real-time extensible and evolvable architectural model, software framework, and Applications Program Interface (API) for a modular software execution environment capable of supporting dynamic run-time installation and control of new capabilities via the use of dynamically installable and reconfigurable software modules.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy has a requirement to expand its sea-based advantage through increased capability. This need can be addressed by providing technology that has the potential to improve ship combat effectiveness and efficiency by significantly improving battlespace situational awareness, thus reducing the management complexity of the overall battlespace. This may allow for a reduction in the number of platforms needed in a specific tactical arena to provide an equivalent track engagement capability, and for reduced staffing or increased duty time. By reducing the potential stress and fatigue levels experienced by the operator while monitoring tracks in a sensor- or communications-compromised or denied environment, the Navy can potentially reduce shipboard manning requirements, and subsequently improve affordability. The current AEGIS combat system implementation does not include a comprehensive distributed (i.e., multi-platform) capability for capturing the complete battlespace operational, environmental, and tactical picture in a coherent, integrated manner. Currently available commercial systems and software, which might be considered for adaptation to our needs (e.g., the FAA Air Traffic Control System hardware and software), are dated in their designs, and lack the flexibility and track capacity required to adequately address Navy tactical needs. Specifically, currently available commercial technology is limited in that it lacks the capability to track, identify, and manage complex air, surface and subsurface entities and threats present in the DoD environment. The Navy needs a modular software execution environment and API intended for integration into a Distributed Common Operational Picture (DCOP) software subsystem. This modular execution environment will provide the DCOP software subsystem with the ability to dynamically (on-the-fly) install, remove, or modify DCOP capabilities without disrupting the ongoing real-time performance of the DCOP subsystem, other currently executing combat systems applications, or the host combat systems performance as a whole. The capability is needed within AEGIS to present a common operational picture (COP) to the combat systems watch stander. The subsystem must be modular in nature, and support the sharing of COP data across all participating platforms within the battlegroup in a manner, which ensures the real-time multi-platform coherence and synchronization of COP data on every platform to the greatest extent possible. The DCOP architectural model, software framework, and API should be considered in context with an appropriate DCOP data model (DM), DM markup language, and multi-platform data coherency and synchronization algorithm set. These components, when considered as a whole, should be capable of supporting the functional capabilities and requirements needed to provide a comprehensive real-time battlespace DCOP to each Navy or allied warfighting platform capable of hosting a DCOP subsystem. The DCOP architectural model and software framework must be capable of providing both combat systems operators and combat systems software applications with real-time access to a distributed (i.e., multi-platform) COP. This COP represents a complete tactical view of the battlespace as well as all tactical and non-combatant entities present within the ship’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) and is characterized by a set of quantized parameters associated with each “entity” resident within the battlespace. The actual parameters for each entity will be defined by a DCOP real-time extensible and evolvable battlespace data model (and its associated markup language) which will constitute an associated modular component of the overall DCOP subsystem. The DCOP architectural model and software framework must be capable of supporting “on-the-fly” addition and/or deletion of DCOP capabilities, with each capability implemented via a loadable software module. The installation, removal, activation, and deactivation of software modules within an executing DCOP implementation should have no adverse effect on the real-time performance of the DCOP system and/or the services it provides to the host platform and operator at the time those changes are implemented. An exemplar of this type of low/no impact behavior during runtime installation and removal of capabilities within an executing system can be observed in the kernel module control facilities of the Linux operating system (kernel 4.4 and above), such as the insmod, rmmod, depmod, lsmod, modinfo and modprobe commands [Refs. 2, 3]. The process of installing, removing, or otherwise controlling DCOP services and capabilities within an executing DCOP installation should be easily executed by combat systems watch personnel without the need to stand down, halt, or reload the currently running combat systems software instance and without the attention of specially trained software maintenance personnel. The DCOP subsystem architecture and software framework must be capable of supporting battlespace common operational picture data access control and multi-platform DCOP data coherency and synchronization mechanisms as a modular replaceable or upgradable component of the overall DCOP architecture. To this end, the DCOP subsystem architecture will utilize a modular multi-platform high-reliability communications services capability provided by the host combat system, in conjunction with its own resident modular multi-platform data coherency/synchronization algorithm. This will ensure that the DCOP battlespace data model reflects the current real-time state of the battlespace, notwithstanding data update related multi-platform communications issues due to enemy electronic countermeasure action and problematic atmospheric radio frequency environment issues. The DCOP API should provide a DCOP data access and subsystem control interface capable of supporting two major categories of DCOP-related software applications or modules. First, it must support the DCOP subsystem capabilities implementation modules, which add, remove, or control organic capabilities and services within the DCOP subsystem itself, with the purpose of enhancing the overall suite of capabilities and services, which DCOP provides to the platform’s combat system. Second, it must support the COP data access to combat systems hosted and console operator-initiated client applications or other software entities (e.g., software agents) resident within the combat systems suite, which require DCOP API-based real-time access to common operational picture data. The API architecture and software framework will provide an accessible data abstraction layer between any combat systems client software application and the actual DCOP data structure implementation maintaining common operational picture data, insuring that any combat systems applications remain independent of any implementation-specific changes, enhancements, etc. made to the DCOP data model and supporting data structures. Both the DCOP architectural model and its API shall be well documented and conform to open systems architectural principals and standards [Ref. 4]. Implementation attributes should include scalability and the ability to run within the computing resources available within the AEGIS combat systems BL9 or later environment. The software implementation of the DCOP prototype subsystem should be compatible with the C++ programming language and capable of running in a Linux (Redhat RHEL 7.5/Fedora 29/Ubuntu 18.4.1 or later) processing environment as a standalone application (i.e., no critical dependencies on network-based remotely hosted resources, save for sensor data emulators). The prototype DCOP subsystem implementation will demonstrate the following: (i) the ability to install, remove, and control various DCOP capability software modules in an executing system with minimal/no impact on system performance; (ii) the ability to support third party sourced C++ and Java applications requiring real-time access through the DCOP API to common operational picture data resident within the DCOP data model; and (iii) the ability to demonstrate real-time multi-platform sensor data updates, synchronization, and data coherency across multiple executing instances of the DCOP subsystem. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and deliver a concept for an architectural model and software framework of a DCOP modular software execution environment and API capable of meeting the subsystem and API requirements and capabilities outlined in the Description. Establish the feasibility of the concept through evaluation of the ability of the proposed model to successfully capture all tactical and operational battlespace parameters as detailed in the Description. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Ensure that the software implementation of the DCOP prototype subsystem is compatible with the C++ programming language and capable of running in a Linux (Redhat RHEL 7.5/Fedora 29/Ubuntu 18.4.1 or later) processing environment as a standalone application (i.e., no critical dependencies on network-based remotely hosted resources, save for sensor data emulators). Ensure that the prototype DCOP subsystem implementation will demonstrate the following: (i) the ability to install, remove, and control various DCOP capability software modules in an executing system with minimal/no impact on system performance; (ii) the ability to support third party sourced C++ and Java applications requiring real-time access through the DCOP API to common operational picture data resident within the DCOP data model; and (iii) the ability to demonstrate real-time multi-platform sensor data updates, synchronization, and data coherency across multiple executing instances of the DCOP subsystem. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the DCOP subsystem software for Navy use. Support implementation that will include the integration of the DCOP subsystem software into a prototype combat system implementation, consisting of one or more of the following: AEGIS BL9 or greater or Common Core Combat System (CCCS) experimental prototype and implemented on a virtualized hardware environment within an AEGIS compliant land-based testbed. This capability has potential for use within the commercial Air Traffic Control system in future development of an air traffic common operational picture, which would be capable of handling complex traffic control patterns.

REFERENCES:

1. Mattis, J. “Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy.” US Department of Defense, 2018. https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf

KEYWORDS: Real-time Extensible And Evolvable Battlespace Data Model; Resident Modular Multi-platform Data Coherency/Synchronization Algorithms; Current Real-time State Of The Battlespace; Loadable Software Module; Run-time Installation And Removal Of Capabilities; Common Operational Picture Data

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a set of real-time multi-platform data synchronization and coherency (DCS) algorithms to support an extensible and evolvable Distributed (i.e., multi-platform) Common Operational Picture (DCOP) subsystem.

DESCRIPTION: A Navy requirement exists to expand its sea-based advantage through increased capability. This need can be addressed by providing technology that has the potential to improve ship combat effectiveness and efficiency by significantly improving cross-platform data transfer and subsequent improvements in multi-platform situational awareness data coherence, thus reducing the management complexity of the overall battlespace. This reduction in battlespace management complexity may allow for a commensurate reduction in the number of platforms needed in a specific tactical arena, improved affordability, and an improvement in the overall tactical efficiency of the battle-group as a whole (i.e., the whole is greater than the sum of its parts). Such improvements to both ship and battle-group tactical efficiency may prove exceedingly cost-effective and lead directly to the “creation of a more lethal force by improving command, control and effectively delivering lethal force within a joint environment” (see 2018 National Defense Strategy [Ref. 1]). The current AEGIS combat system implementation does not include a comprehensive distributed capability for capturing the complete battlespace operational, environmental, and tactical picture in a coherent integrated manner. Currently available commercial systems and software, which might be considered for adaptation to our needs (e.g., the FAA Air Traffic Control System hardware & software), are dated in their designs, and lack the flexibility and track capacity required to adequately address Navy tactical needs. Specifically, currently available commercial technology is limited in that it lacks the capability to track, identify, and manage complex air, surface and subsurface entities and threats present in the DoD environment. Work has been done on distributed database system design over the years [Ref. 2]; however, the real-time performance parameters and constraints imposed by Navy tactical requirements on a viable common operational picture (COP) battlespace monitoring and data information subsystem contain a unique set of constraints (i.e., to provide consistent and synchronized fire control quality targeting data) mandating substantial innovation be applied in order to develop a workable solution. The DCOP DCS algorithm set and its associated architecture must be capable of supporting real-time battlespace COP data access control (to eliminate data access race conditions) and multi-platform DCOP data coherency and synchronization mechanisms as a modular part of the overall DCOP architecture. A new capability needs to be developed within AEGIS (as well as any future proposed combat system architecture) in order to present a COP to the combat systems watch stander, which provides that watch stander with complete situational awareness. The Navy needs an innovative method of ensuring real-time data synchronization and coherency across multiple ship- and shore-based platforms implementing a DCOP software subsystem. The focus of this topic is the development of a set of algorithms, and an associated software framework, capable of providing and maintaining real-time fire-control quality data for any and all combat systems applications utilizing the DCOP. Any subsystem which provides such a capability should include detailed engagement-quality track data, identification data from various sources, estimated platform sensor and weapons capabilities derived from organic and non-organic databases, and observationally derived behavioral data for each tactically relevant entity or non-combatant entity within the battlespace. The subsystem must be modular in nature and support the sharing of the COP across all participating platforms within the battlegroup in a manner that ensures the real-time data coherence of the COP on every platform. The DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherency algorithm set should be considered in context with an appropriate DCOP software architectural model, data model (DM), and DM markup language. These components, when considered as a whole, should be capable of supporting the functional capabilities and requirements needed to provide a comprehensive real-time battlespace DCOP to each Navy or allied warfighting platform capable of hosting a DCOP subsystem. The DCOP data synchronization and coherency algorithm set system model contains the following major components. First, it must contain the DCOP architectural model, software framework, and Applications Program Interface (API), which provides a mechanism for dynamically loading and managing software modules implementing DCOP capabilities and a DCOP API. This API provides various combat systems applications with a real-time mechanism for accessing battlespace COP data in a manner which is independent of the method by which such data is stored and maintained within the DCOP subsystem. Second, the DCOP Data Model, which defines the architecture of the actual DCOP software data structures, must be designed to reflect a parametric model of the actual battle-space and the various entities (friendly, hostile, or neutral platforms and their sensors, weapons, etc.) populating it. Lastly, the DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherency algorithm set and its requisite architecture, which has the responsibility of ensuring that each of the various executing DCOP instances and their associated data models residing on the participating DCOP platforms, must maintain a common synchronized and coherent picture of the overall battle-space. The technology sought focuses specifically on the development of this component, but it is important to recognize that the product of this topic is intended for integration with the other DCOP components described. The DCS algorithms should be capable of monitoring the overall battlespace picture and the various elements and entities within that picture. The algorithms should also be capable of coordinating the real-time synchronization of the data model instances on each participating DCOP platform to ensure COP coherency across the entire DCOP network. In the event that real-time data coherency becomes compromised due to communications issues (e.g., adversary jamming, weather issues), the DCS algorithms must be capable of tagging the impacted non-organic (i.e., off-board) sensor-sourced data structure elements with appropriate coherence-focused “senescence and reliability” metrics. Metrics include, but are not limited to, data update delay in milliseconds, average delay jitters, and multi-source correlation. The algorithms must also be capable of synthesizing an overall Quality-of-Service (QOS) and reliability metric intended to give the operator and/or any combat systems applications an indicator as to the staleness or reliability of the data for any particular battle-space entity. The DCS algorithms will also be capable of prioritizing and tagging battlespace entities with respect to a set of overarching operator- and Artificial Intelligence-based application-specified threat identification parameters. The algorithms must also be capable of utilizing that data to determine requisite cross-platform and sensor data update rates for each entity within the battlespace, with the intent of minimizing cross-platform data update bandwidth requirements by reducing update rates for non-threatening and slowly changing or moving battlespace entities. Both the DCOP algorithms and their associated architectural models shall be well documented, and conform to open systems architectural principles and standards [Ref. 3]. Implementation attributes should include scalability and the ability to run within the computing resources available within the AEGIS combat systems BL9 or later environment. The algorithms, as well as any hosting system requirements, should be designed using modular principles with these goals: (i) eventual utilization of the DCOP Application Program Interface (API) for abstracted data structure access; and (ii) the eventual implementation via a dynamically installable software module within the DCOP dynamic loadable module software system architectural model. Any developed software should be compatible with the C++ programming language and capable of installation within a prototype DCOP subsystem via the use of DCOP modular runtime loading mechanism. The DCOP host subsystem execution environment will be hosted on a Linux (Redhat RHEL 7.5/Fedora 29/Ubuntu 18.4.1 or later) processing environment as a standalone application (i.e., no critical dependencies on network-based remotely hosted resources, save for sensor data emulators or network-based connections to other running DCOP instances). The prototype DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherency algorithm suite implementation will demonstrate the following abilities. First, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully coordinate battlespace COP real-time data synchronization and maintain coherency across 10 or more executing DCOP instances hosted on separate computing platforms. Second, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully tag appropriate data elements within the DCOP data environment with QOS reliability metrics reflecting a loss of QOS when a DCOP communications channel between two or more DCOP instances is compromised or disabled. Third, it must demonstrate the ability to dynamically set DCOP data element update parameters based on operator specified threat identification parameters. Lastly, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully update the DCOP algorithm set software module within an executing DCOP subsystem implementation without impact to the performance of that executing instance. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and deliver a concept outlining the algorithms needed to implement a DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherency capability meeting the requirements and capabilities as outlined in the Description. Establish feasibility of the concept through modeling and analysis. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Produce a prototype DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherency algorithm suite. Implement the prototype and demonstrate the following abilities. First, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully coordinate battlespace COP real-time data synchronization and maintain coherency across 10 or more executing DCOP instances hosted on separate computing platforms. Second, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully tag appropriate data elements within the DCOP data environment with QOS reliability metrics reflecting a loss of QOS when a DCOP communications channel between two or more DCOP instances is compromised or disabled. Third, it must demonstrate the ability to dynamically set DCOP data element update parameters based on operator specified threat identification parameters. Lastly, it must demonstrate the ability to successfully update the DCOP algorithm set software module within an executing DCOP subsystem implementation without impact to the performance of that executing instance. Demonstrate the prototype capabilities outlined above during a functional test to be held at an AEGIS and/or Future Surface Combatant (FSC) prime integrator supported Land Based Test Site (LBTS) provided by the Government, representing an AEGIS BL9 or newer combat system environment. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the DCOP multi-platform data synchronization and coherence algorithm set prototype for Navy use. Integrate the algorithm set and DCOP subsystem software into a prototype combat system, consisting of one or more of the following: AEGIS BL9 (or greater) or Common Core Combat System (CCCS) experimental prototype implemented on a virtualized hardware environment within an AEGIS compliant land-based testbed. This technology has potential for dual-use capability within the commercial Air Traffic Control system in future development of an air traffic “common operational picture” capable of handling complex traffic control patterns.

REFERENCES:

1. Mattis, J. “Summary of the 2018 National Defense Strategy.” US Department of Defense, 2018. https://dod.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf

KEYWORDS: Data Synchronization And Coherency Algorithm Set; Synchronized And Coherent Picture Of The Overall Battlespace; Operational Picture Data Access Control; Real-time; DCOP; COP Synchronization Of The Data; Resilient Multi-platform Distributed Common Operational Picture; Common Synchronized And Coherent Picture; COP; DCOP

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Design an advanced Multi-aperture Differential Image Motion Analysis (MaDIMA) and monitoring system for marine wave boundary turbulence and atmosphere characterization in submarines.

DESCRIPTION: Design an advance metrological sensor based on multi beam and Multi-aperture Differential Image Motion Analysis (MaDIMA) system for the purpose of atmospheric turbulence by using MaDIMA and analysis and monitoring, marine wave boundary layer temperature, pressure, and atmospheric particle contents. The proposed technology shall be based on high-energy multiband short pulse (pico-second) laser, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology in time domain, and focal plane array (FPA) for image and intensity mapping from a back-scattered laser. One of the key aspects of this system is that it is mono-static, meaning both laser and MaDIMA are collocated. The metrological system shall survive in a marine environment including temperatures from -40 °C to 60 °C, thermal shock (hot air at +66 °C to warm water at +20 °C and cold air at -54 °C to cold water at 0 °C), severe icing, and UV sunlight. The ultimate objective under the proposed concept shall incorporate pixel-by-pixel mapping of local optical turbulence parameter (Cn2), temperature, pressure, and evaporation fluctuation from periscope-to-target at far field. The MaDIMA system shall consist of short pulse lasers, known as transmitter and detector Focal plane arrays to detect image pulse, and is the receiver in the metrological system in the topic. Current technology is based on single aperture differential image motion monitor (DIMM) technology. The disadvantage of the system is it requires distance source and it provides only the average marine turbulence parameter only. This SBIR topic will increase mission capability, increase performance, and/or reduce lifecycle costs by providing advance awareness of Marine Wave boundary atmosphere by optimizing the sensor software and hardware.

PHASE I: Develop a concept to characterize marine wave boundary atmosphere based on MaDIMA and multiband pico second high-energy laser. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept of multi-aperture differential image motion monitoring and analysis/characterization. Ensure that the proposed concept is able to measure 3-D temperature, pressure, humidity, evaporation, marine particle size (based on the mie scattering or Rayleigh scattering), etc., using active multiband Pico-second lasers integrated with FPA. Co-locate both the laser transmitter and receiver of the metrological system so any optical path of the scatter signal from the atmosphere or reflected signal from the target shall be detected. Ensure that the system operates in multiple mode, such as LIDAR and particle size. Describe and demonstrate the concepts and design of the proposed architecture of the system. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design and develop single lab prototype MaDIMA systems for testing and evaluation. Use this lab prototype to collect data and calibrate system performance. Use the prototype system to characterize marine wave boundary layer atmospheric parameters to show the technology has the potential to meet the performance as metrological instruments under all modes of operation. In the period of performance for the Phase II Option II, if exercised, the Navy shall provide the 3 band Pico-second Laser as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to build the integrated MaDIMA system and deliver the field prototype MaDIMA system to the Navy for further evaluation at a Navy Lab. Develop a Phase III transition plan.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Identify the final product and describe how the Navy expects to support transition to Phase III. (Note: The Government will identify the platform or program where the technology has the potential to be used and describe how the technology will meet critical Navy needs.) Assist the Navy with evaluation of the prototype product performance with a standard off-the shelf instrument to calibrate the product; and with validation, testing, qualification, and certification for Navy use as a metrological tool.

REFERENCES:

1. Tokovinin, A. “From Differential Image Motion to Seeing.” Astronomy Society of the Pacific, vol. 114, number 800, October 2002. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1086/342683

KEYWORDS: Marine Wave Boundary Layer (MWBL); Focal Plane Array (FPA); Differential Image Motion Monitor (DIMM); Multi Aperture Differential Image Motion Analysis(MaDIMA); Picosecond LIDAR

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics,

OBJECTIVE: Reduce the size and weight of single-core three-phase transformers for use on Navy Shipboard power distribution systems.

DESCRIPTION: Isolation transformers are used on U.S. naval ships to provide galvanic and ground fault isolation between electrical components of the ship service electrical distribution system. This functionality is critical to the survivability of the ship’s power distribution system, as transformers both prevent certain casualties from affecting other aspects of the system and suppress electrical interference and noise between devices. The U.S. Navy is keenly interested in achieving space and weight savings within the DDG 51 design wherever possible. The three-phase isolation transformers currently in use are large and heavy. These transformers are widely used in many spaces throughout the ship. Space, maintenance, acquisition, and weight savings can all be achieved through new and innovative product development. DDG 51 class ships currently utilize banks of three dry-type, single-phase 60 Hz transformers, rated at 37.5 kVA per transformer, to provide input isolation within vital loads of the ship service electrical power distribution system. Electrical power of this system is Type 1 60 Hz power, rated at 440 Vrms, three-phase, ungrounded, and is in accordance with the power requirements of MIL-STD-1399-300B Department of Defense Interface Standard: (Section 300b) Electric Power, Alternating Current. A single core three-phase transformer would need to replicate the electrical properties and tolerances, and meet the physical construction requirements of the current single-phase transformer bank design per phase. The transformer can be configured to be bulkhead or deck mounted, and able to be mounted horizontally or vertically. The Not To Exceed (NTE) dimensions and weight of the transformer shall be 95 in.x 71 in x 63 in and 1100lbs respectively. The combined power rating for the three-phase transformer design would be 194.85 kVA, to meet the power handling requirements of the existing transformer banks. The new transformer design would also be required to meet all Navy test and qualification standards including shock, vibration, airborne noise levels, and enclosure design. Qualification shall be in accordance with Grade B shock of MIL-STD-901D Shock tests High Impact, Shipboard Machinery Equipment, MIL-STD-1310D Shipboard Bonding, Grounding, and other Techniques for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Safety, drip proof in accordance with IP 22, and in accordance with MIL-E-917E Electric Power Equipment Basic Requirements. Single core three-phase transformers have been used in electric power distribution grids and to power larger electric motors. The commercial units used do not meet Military Standards and U.S. Navy shipboard requirements. Smaller units have been used onboard naval vessels but are not Navy-qualified and only used on non-vital loads. The development goal of this SBIR topic is to miniaturize and militarize this technology for implementation in a naval context. The design should incorporate innovative design aspects, such as novel material selection, to maximize the weight and space savings achieved by this project.

PHASE I: Develop a conceptual design for an affordable, compact, and durable single core three-phase transformer for application to naval ships. Present the salient features of the performance as well as the physical and functional characteristics of the proposed system(s). Using best practices, develop electrical models to predict system performance and provide justification for the model assumptions. Using the results from the modeling, assess the feasibility of the proposed solution to meet the performance goals and metrics. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop, fabricate, demonstrate, and deliver a prototype scaled to fit within the projected scope of the transformer as identified in the Description. Demonstrate that the same technology can support full-scale operation for shipboard power distribution. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate through test and validation that the prototype successfully powers a load and galvanic isolation of the source from the load. Ensure that Operational Testing of the prototype mimics shipboard operation. Perform Standard Environmental Qualification Testing of the prototype. Perform all analyses and efforts required to refine the prototype into a useful technology for the Navy. Provide detailed drawings and specifications. Document the final product in a drawing package. Develop a Phase III installation plan.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the single core three-phase transformer to Navy use. Develop installation and maintenance manuals for the transformers to support the transition to the Fleet. Isolation transformers within electrical distribution systems are used on Navy and civilian naval vessels and in commercial applications. Thus, the same potential demand exists in commercial shipping and cruise liners.

REFERENCES:

1. “MIL-STD-1399(NAVY) Department of Defense Interface Standard Section 300B Electric Power, Alternating Current.” Washington, D.C.: Department of Defense, 24 April 2008. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1300-1399/MIL-STD-1399-300B_13192/

KEYWORDS: Input Transformer; Electrical Power Distribution; Three-Phase Power; Isolation Transformer; Galvanic Isolation; Miniaturization; Single Core

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE: Create a system that converts VHF Bridge-to-Bridge radio transmissions from voice to text to meaning and integrates them into a COLREGS reasoning engine; and generates an intelligent reply to a proposed maneuver.

DESCRIPTION: The nautical rules of the road (COLREGS) provide clear guidance for encounters between two vessels, but they do not directly specify what should happen when three or more vessels come in close proximity to each other at nearly the same time. Mariners commonly deal with such situations by communicating via VHF Bridge-to-Bridge radio. Current Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) have COLREGS reasoning engines, but they cannot incorporate information from Bridge-to-Bridge conversations, nor can they reply to simple maneuver proposals. Component technologies exist to convert voice signals to text, to convert text to meaning, and to maneuver unmanned vessels to avoid collisions while following COLREGS. The Navy seeks an integrated solution that will enable a USV to act much like a human mariner; in particular, the USV should be able to understand secure Bridge-to-Bridge radio transmissions, incorporate their meaning into its world model, develop appropriate maneuvering plans, and respond via voice on the Bridge-to-Bridge radio. Partial solutions to the problem may be acceptable, though preference will be given to approaches that are comprehensive and achievable.

PHASE I: Provide a concept to solve part of or the entire USV Bridge-to-Bridge radio problem stated in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of that concept. Ensure that, at a minimum, the proposed end product includes recognizing common call-ups such as “Sea Hunter, this is Sun Princess; propose a port-to-port passage.” Produce English language transmissions from native speakers. Integration with an actual VHF radio is not required in Phase I, but Phase I should include a plan to extend the product in Phase II and beyond, analysis showing viability of that plan, and a proposed approach to Phase II testing. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II that incorporates an actual VHF radio, extends functionality to mariners who speak English as a second language, and generates English replies to proposed maneuvers.

PHASE II: Build a prototype system for testing and evaluation. Incorporate into the prototype, at a minimum, an actual VHF radio, extend functionality to recognize English spoken by non-native speakers, and generate English replies to proposed maneuvers. Explore additional functionalities if feasible, such as integration with a COLREGS reasoning engine and world model. Ensure that the prototype is delivered at least three months prior to the end of Phase II to facilitate ashore testing followed by at-sea testing. (Note: Phase II testing may be accomplished on a manned surrogate vessel with a stand-alone autonomy system running on a laptop or other computer but not actually controlling the vessel’s movements. Phase II testing may also be accomplished on a USV that is temporarily manned for evaluation and safety reasons.) Ensure that the prototype complies with the Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA). The Navy will provide UMAA documentation at the beginning of Phase II.

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Produce a final end-to-end system that enables a USV to perform like a human mariner, particularly in its use of the VHF Bridge-to-Bridge radio for negotiating maneuvers in situations involving three or more vessels. The Navy will provide a candidate COLREGS reasoning engine for integration along with an Interface Control Document (ICD) at the beginning of Phase III if needed by the proposer. The Navy expects proposers to support transition to Phase III by integrating into the ICD, supporting additional laboratory and at-sea testing, and developing any required intermediate hardware. This technology will be used in the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) program, the Large Unmanned Surface Vehicle (LUSV) program, and possibly other USV programs. This technology will meet critical Navy needs by helping to ensure safe USV navigation in compliance with COLREGS. The product will be validated and tested through extensive laboratory trials followed by more limited at-sea trials. The civilian market for unmanned vessels appears poised for take-off, and such vessels will need to be able to function even when satellite links to remote oversight facilities ashore are inoperative. Additionally, this technology can be used on minimally manned vessels and pleasure craft as an aid to a human operator.

REFERENCES:

1. Becchetti, Claudio and Ricotti, Klucio Prina. “Speech Recognition: Theory and C++ Implementation (With CD).” John Wiley & Sons, 2008. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Speech+Recognition%3A+Theory+and+C%2B%2B+Implementation-p-9780471977308

KEYWORDS: Speech Recognition Software; Voice To Text; Text To Meaning; COLREGS; VHF Bridge-to-Bridge Radio; USV COLREGS Compliance; Natural Language Processing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a system to restore image degradation caused by a rolling shutter and correct for motion blur during fast periscope panning.

DESCRIPTION: Future submarine periscopes or future submarine off-board systems will employ Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-based imaging systems operating at high resolution of 8 megapixel pixel density or greater, which pan across and image the scene. Some of these imaging systems will use rolling shutter-based imaging chips. Artifacts in rolling shutter imagery present challenges for many Navy maritime image-processing algorithms and severely affect Navy photogrammetry algorithms, which require highly accurate, geometrically correct measurements. In rolling shutter sensors, each row in the image is collected at a slightly different time, which results in scene distortion due to moving objects, platform motion, and panning. This makes single-frame image processing and multi-frame image registration difficult due to blur and pixel location errors. Approaches for mitigating rolling shutter effects include both video-processing algorithms and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data-processing algorithms. For image processing-based approaches to rolling shutter mitigation, the maritime environment presents a challenge due to the lack of consistent scene texture, as opposed to terrestrial imaging. For IMU-based approaches, raw IMU data may not be available, may have low fidelity, or may have time synchronization errors, which decrease the ability to accurately determine the camera’s attitude during image collection. The Navy seeks to address these challenges and improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to detect, track, 3D model, and geo-locate targets using on-board or off-board low-cost sensors in maritime environment. The approach will reduce motion blur and correct pixel geolocation. To modernize key capabilities for advance naval operations from the perspective of sensing and navigation, the Navy must manage the operational environment and develop advance capabilities that exploit novel principles to bring new affordable capabilities to the warfighter. The technology identified in this SBIR topic will enable faster situational awareness; enhance enemy, friendly, and neutral ship detection and classification; and improve safety of ship navigation. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an algorithm to reduce motion blur and correct pixel geolocation in imaging data collected from a rolling shutter Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera systems as discussed in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept via analysis or data collected with cameras provided by the vendor. The Phase I option, if exercised, will include the initial capability description to build a prototype for Phase II. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype algorithm for testing and evaluation. Ensure that the algorithm runs in real time and demonstrates motion blur reduction by showing improvements in edge sharpness, edge spread function, or other quantitative metrics. Test the algorithm with data provided by the Government at the developer’s facility and/or a government facility. Prepare a Phase II development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the algorithm for Navy use through the Technology-Insertion / Advanced Processing Build (TI/APB) process into the submarine combat system (across multiple classes of submarines). Support the TI/APB process, which includes several steps of testing, both laboratory and at-sea, using Government-provided data sets.

REFERENCES:

1. Su, Shuochen and Heidrich, Wolfgang. “Rolling Shutter Motion Deblurring.” Computer Vision Foundation, 2015. http://www.cs.ubc.ca/labs/imager/tr/2015/RollingShutterMotionDeblurring/

KEYWORDS: Maritime Imaging; Periscope Imaging; Rolling Shutter; Image Enhancement; Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor; CMOS; Advanced Processing Build; Motion Blur

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Info Systems,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a toolset to integrate aviation assets into Theater Undersea Warfare (USW) operations through data and information exchange and sharing between air platforms, ground support Command and Control (C2) nodes, and shore-based Theater USW C2 systems.

DESCRIPTION: Theater USW watch floor C2 planning currently contains limited information regarding Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) mission planning and execution performance for Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA), which conduct Air ASW, such as the P-3 [Ref. 1] and P-8 [Ref. 2] naval aircraft. The data available is often limited to the Area of Interest (AOI). The MPRA unit’s mission is to search for planned locations for buoy fields. The TacMobile Program provides expeditionary ground support for MPRA assets, but there are no data exchange requirements between TacMobile and Theater USW C2 systems. Therefore, in-situ information sharing is currently limited to chat, voice, and tracks passed via Link-16. The Navy seeks innovative data sharing and information exchange technologies to achieve holistic integration of MRPA assets into Theater USW C2 decision making and execution tracking to support future Theater USW C2 operations. This decision making and execution tracking is performed using the AN/UYQ-100 USW Decision Support System (USW-DSS) [Ref. 3]. This integration will become increasingly critical as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) performing ASW sensing missions [Refs. 4, 5] augment operated MPRA assets. While some commercial tracking capability exists, no available capabilities encompass the scope and breadth of data sharing and information exchange sought by this SBIR topic. For this integration to be effective, all aspects of MPRA mission planning, communication of in-situ observation, and reporting, as well as post-mission replay and assessment, are necessary. Naval Air tactical operations centers (TOCs (shore based) and MTOCs (mobile)) will need to produce mission planning products that layer all sensor predictions, and then feed those models to the Theater USW operations center via USW-DSS. Data to be exchanged or shared include the following: 1) Sensor performance predictions for all sensors. Example sensors include passive and active sonobuoys (SSQ-53, SSQ-62, SSQ-101, SSQ-125), radars, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD), electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR), and electronic support measures (ESM). 2) Mission planning data. Data to be shared include routes, search areas, and predicted cumulative detection probabilities (CDPs) for sensors employed during a planned search over time. 3) Mission execution data. Data to be shared include calculated CDPs during mission execution based on in-situ environmental measurements and actual execution parameters. 4) Contact and track data. This data includes information such as lines of bearing, positional information, and tracks passed via Link-16. 5) Mission readiness data. This includes information regarding aircraft sensors available for use, availability of flight crews, fuel stores, available weapons, and remaining stores of expendables (e.g., sonobuoys). 6) Common tactical picture (CTP) data. This would include area search performance for individual air assets and fused information across multiple sorties. 7) Environmental measurements. This would include measurements of atmospheric conditions, bathymetric measurements to infer sound speed profiles, and ambient noise measurements. 8) Intelligence data. This includes acoustic intelligence (ACINT) and signal intelligence (SIGINT). 9) Geographic plot and air tasking order (ATO) or flying program (FLYPRO) data. These data include search areas, routes, Weapon System Manager (WSM) acknowledgements, and geographic overlays. Integration of MPRA data into USW-DSS will produce a fully informed USW common tactical picture to enable effective decision making when planning and executing employment of MPRA and ASW UAVs in a Theater or Operational Level of War environment. This addition to a more fully informed USW tactical picture will reduce acquisition costs to develop similar technologies with a lower level of confidence. Unit and individual sortie-level data across all applicable sorties will be needed to build a comprehensive MPRA picture to integrate with tactical pictures produced by surface combatants, submarines, surveillance systems, and unmanned assets when confronting a peer adversary. The result of this integration effort will reduce the level of effort required for coordination between Theater USW watch floors and TOC/MTOC sites. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a module for the holistic integration of MPRA planning, execution, and state data with the USW-DSS system. Use modeling and simulation to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept to convey all the categories of data listed in the Description. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial system specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype of the Air ASW module. Demonstrate prototype performance through the required range of parameters given in the Description. If needed, coordinate with the Government to conduct testing at a Government- or company-provided facility to validate the prototype capability. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to an integrated element of USW-DSS. Demonstrate and report on performance during laboratory testing or at-sea trials. Commercial use could be in industries involving vehicle tracking and status. Tracking vehicles on a site-specific map, level of readiness for deployment, and the preventative maintenance each vehicle may need would provide situational awareness to reduce costs and provide safe vehicles for the customer (e.g., rental cars, school bus systems).

REFERENCES:

1. “P-3C Orion and EP-3 Aries.” U.S. Navy Fact File, Official Navy Website, 22 February 2019. https://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1400&ct=1

KEYWORDS: Anti-submarine Warfare; Air ASW; Theater USW Command And Control; Maritime Patrol And Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA); MPRA Mission Planning; Post-mission Replay And Assessment

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons,

OBJECTIVE: Develop a high-energy laser operating at 2 µm (micron) wavelength, kilowatt (kW) class amplifier design for Next Generation Submarine Warfare and Battle Space supremacy using non kinetic energy.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is evaluating how it uses the Electro-magnetic (EM) Spectrum with an objective of gaining military advantages and achieving freedom of action across all Navy missions in support of nearwater warfare. This effort is driven by both new threats and available and emerging technologies. These technologies have the potential to vastly improve the agility and flexibility of the Navy systems by utilizing high-energy lasers for Battle Space Supremacy and Water Space Management as envisioned by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The current technology for High Energy Laser (HEL) at this wavelength for kW class amplifiers is in early development. A major challenge exists for this technology to be viable for development of doped fiber for the 2 µm kW class amplifier systems. The Navy seeks to address the manufacturability, electrical-to-optical (EO) efficiency and technology risk assessment and reduction of this class of laser amplifier design. The major advantage of this spectrum for HEL class amplifier should lead to an increase in engagement range at marine atmospheric conditions, such as scattering, thermal blooming etc., when compared to the scenario where the same power at 1 µm wavelength is used. Another advantage of this wavelength spectrum is providing operation in the eye-safe spectrum from the optical scattering from the marine wave boundary layer (MWBL) when compared to the 1 µm wavelength laser, which has higher scattering properties from MWBL. The third consideration of 2 ?m laser is the less detectability compare to current standard 1 ?m HEL system. A major challenge to develop this technology is the development of thulium based doped double clad optical fiber design for the 2 ?m kw class amplifier system. The second challenge is to demonstrate an EO efficient > 40% with high beam quality (M2 < 2) > 2 kW class laser module prototype system for test and evaluation at Navy lab. The current state-of-the-art technology in the commercial or DoD arena is based on 1 µm wavelength high-energy, weapon-grade laser. The challenges of current laser technology at marine atmosphere levels are its detectability by adversaries due to its higher scattering property and that it is not an eye-safe operation in a clutter condition where friendly force or bystanders are present. The EO efficiency of the 2 µm kW laser amplifier module shall be greater than 30%. The technology shall be demonstrated through the Spectral Beam Combining (SBC) of the individual module to combine power to achieve 30 kW continuous wave output power with higher beam quality M2<2. Both the power specifications and wavelength of operation and EO efficiency will be tested at a NSWC Dahlgren, Navy HEL test facility. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop a concept of 2 µm operating wavelength fiber laser/amplifier products for Navy application. Consider the Size, Weight, and Power-Cooling (SWaP-C) aspect of the amplifier for the design of the kW class amplifier. Ensure that the EO efficiency of the amplifier is greater than 30%. In Phase I company shall provide a feasibility study of the kw class 2 um amplifier design based on Model Based Engineering. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution based on by modelling and simulation. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and deliver an efficient, high beam quality (M2 <2) 2kW class prototype laser module system for testing and evaluation. Evaluate the prototype laser kW class module by testing. Provide test results and analysis. Demonstrate the SBC of the individual module to combine power to achieve 30 kW output power with higher beam quality M2<2. Deliver the prototype to the NSWC Dahlgren Navy lab to evaluate the performance of the system in terms of power specifications, wavelength, beam quality and EO efficiency for a HEL prototype system that can meet Navy performance goals. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. For this purpose, show the scalability of power to 100kW class and beyond. The laser system will be deployed ultimately in a submarine or other Navy platform to advance the future Navy warfighting capability. Both the power specifications and wavelength of operation and electrical to optical (EO) efficiency will be tested at a NSWC Dahlgren, Navy High energy laser (HEL) test facility. There is a potential for dual use of this system for cutting/welding, optical communication and use in space or airborne platforms. One of the most important characteristics of this wavelength is that it will be less affected by the atmospheric operation near marine wave boundary layer (MWBL) and its eye-safe operation from scattered light.

REFERENCES:

1. Fang, Q., Shi, W., Kieu, K., Petersen, E., Chavez-Pirson, A. and Peyghambarian, N. "High power and high energy monolithic single frequency 2 µm nanosecond pulsed fiber laser by using large core Tm-doped germanate fibers: experiment and modeling." Opt. Express 20, 2012, pp.16410-16420. https://www.osapublishing.org/oe/abstract.cfm?uri=oe-20-15-16410

KEYWORDS: HEL; High Energy Laser; Optical Amplifier; Optical Efficiency; Spectral Beam Combining; SBC; Electro Magnetic Spectrum; Marine Wave Boundary Layer; MWBL

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DoD 2020.1 SBIR Solicitation

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