Award Data

"Deep Learning for standoff detection of Special Nuclear Material (DLeN) applies the same deep learning techniques that allow computers to beat human performance in image recognition and the game of Go to detecting Special Nuclear Material. Spectral analysis and signal processing can in some cases be augmented by the use of much larger neural nets that conduct much deeper analysis of features of t ...

Traditional weapon systems often fail to meet the requirements of close combat typical of the previously discussed engagement, where insurgents often blend in or store weapon amongst friendly or non-combatant forces, to shield them from precision strike munitions of a technologically superior force. This type of warfare has led to an increased focus on the use of less-lethal weapons, to reduce let ...

In an effort to development more robust optical system coatings DTRA, in collaboration with Sandia National Labs, is working to characterize the degradation of optical materials for space systems when exposed to high intensely EUV/ cold x-rays. The experiments utilizes the Double Eagle z-pinch facility which generates high current, high voltage arc pinch plasma to produce an intense EUV and cold x ...

The primary objective of this Phase I SBIR is to develop and demonstrate a State-of-Art Multi-Functional RF Material System applicable to a multitude of Navy Sea, Air and Land platforms that is producible in large quantities, affordable, maintainable, and sustainable. The proposed Multi-Functional RF Material System can be tailored to provide low to high dielectric and magnetic properties and low ...

Current and, more importantly due to increasing threat capabilities, future US Navy (USN) low-observable (LO) aircraft require operational repair and LO performance verification well beyond all other USN airborne assets. Maintaining high-fidelity LO characteristics is particularly challenging in operational environments and even with best maintenance-practices, insidious radar cross section (RCS) ...

The Navy is currently developing a Pulsed Power System (PPS) to power an Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG). The PPS uses a capacitor bank as the source of the very high current required by the EMRG for operation. EMRG requirements necessitate the use of a high power density (>3MW/m3) DC/DC converter capable of a 10 capacitor recharge rate per minute. This capacitor bank is comprised of 325 kJ capaci ...

A very fast 1xN optical switch capable of handling high-optical power is proposed. It is designed for switching laser power from a central source to multiple outputs using photonic switch technology that does not have any mechanical moving parts. It is designed to have a very compact size and high-reliability operation suitable for airborne environment. The switching speed will be >10 W of optical ...

The Navy needs a small, self-contained, lightweight system for starting E-2D T56 engines to allow for remote field operations. We propose to develop a Rocket Fuel Starter (RFS) to meet Navy needs. Our RFS uses a liquid-fuel rocket engine to drive a turbine that generates shaft power to start the T56 engine. We project our RFS will fit in available spaces and will weigh significantly less than 200 ...

A need exists to improve the ballistic response of armor for Littoral Combat Ships. Simply increasing armor thickness is unacceptable because the associated increase in weight and space would reduce vessel performance speed and range. Surface treatment techniques for current armor materials such as steel, aluminum and ceramic may improve armor performance significantly without an associated weight ...

Traditional manufacturing methods for producing warheads, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems are timely and costly. Additive manufacturing (AM) approaches offer one path of alternative manufacturing technologies. Among various technologies, powder bed fusion (PBF) is one promising approach. Hewlett Packards Multi-Jet Fusion printers utilize a unique PBF process that presents a desirable solution ...