MISSILE
DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA)
The MDA SBIR program is implemented, administrated
and managed by the MDA Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (SADBU). The MDA SBIR Program Manager is Frank Rucky. If you have any questions regarding the
administration of the MDA SBIR program please call 1-800-WIN-BMDO. Additional information on the MDA SBIR Program
can be found on the MDA SBIR home page at http://www.winbmdo.com/. Information regarding the MDA mission and
programs can be found at http://www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo.
For general inquiries or problems with the
electronic submission, contact the DoD Help Desk at 1-866-724-7457. For technical questions about the topic,
contact the Topic Authors listed under each topic on the http://www.dodsbir.net website before 2 December 2002.
MDA
intends for Phase I to be only an examination of the merit of the concept or
technology that still involves technical risk, with a cost not exceeding
$70,000.
Read the DoD front section of this solicitation for
detailed instructions on proposal format and program requirements. When you prepare your proposal submission, keep in mind that
Phase I should address the feasibility of a solution to the topic. MDA accepts Phase I proposals not exceeding $70,000. The technical period of performance for the
Phase I should be 6 months. MDA will
evaluate and select Phase I proposals using scientific review criteria based
upon technical merit and other criteria as discussed in this solicitation
document. Due to limited funding, MDA
reserves the right to limit awards under any topic and only proposals
considered to be of superior quality will be funded.
It is mandatory that the complete proposal
submission -- DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, entire Technical Proposal with
any appendices, Cost Proposal, and the Company Commercialization Report -- be
submitted electronically through the DoD SBIR website at http://www.dodsbir.net/submission.
Each of these documents is to be submitted separately through the website. Your
complete proposal must be submitted via the submissions site on or
before the 5:00pm EST, 15 January 2003
deadline. A hardcopy will not be required. If you have any questions or problems with
electronic submission, contact the DoD SBIR Help Desk at 1-866-724-7457 (8am to
5pm EST).
Phase II is the demonstration of the technology that
was found feasible in Phase I. MDA
selects awardees for Phase II developments through two competitive processes: a
routine competition among Phase I awardees that have been invited to submit
Phase II proposals; and a Fast Track competition for Phase I awardees that are
able to successfully obtain third party cash
partnership funds.
The MDA SBIR Program Manager (PM) or one of MDA’s
executing agents for SBIR contracts will inform Phase I participants of their
invitation to submit a Phase II proposal.
Fast Track submissions do not require an invitation; see DoD’s Fast
Track guidelines. Phase II proposals
may be submitted for an amount normally not to exceed $750,000. Companies may, however, identify
requirements with justification for amounts in excess of $750,000.
Phase II Proposal Submission
If you have been invited to submit a Phase II
proposal, please see the MDA SBIR website http://www.winbmdo.com/
for further instructions.
All Phase II proposals must have a complete
electronic submission. Complete
electronic submission includes the submission of the Cover Sheets, Cost Proposal,
Company Commercialization Report, the ENTIRE technical proposal and any
appendices via the DoD Submission site.
The DoD proposal submission site http://www.dodsbir.net/submission
will lead you through the process for submitting your technical proposal and
all of the sections electronically.
Each of these documents are submitted separately through the
website. Your proposal must be
submitted via the submission site on or before the MDA specified deadline. MDA may also require a hardcopy or your
proposal.
MDA FASTTRACK Dates and Requirements:
The Fast Track application must be
received by MDA 150 days from the Phase I award start date. Your Phase II Proposal must be submitted
within 180 days of the Phase I award start date. Any Fast Track applications or proposals not meeting these dates
may be declined. All Fast Track
applications and required information must be sent to the MDA SBIR Program
Manager at the address listed above, to the designated Contracting Officer’s
Technical Monitor (the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)) for the contract, and
the appropriate Execution Activity SBIR Program Manager. The information required by MDA, is the same
as the information required under the DoD Fast Track described in the front
part of this solicitation.
SBIR Phase II Enhancement Policy
To encourage the transition of SBIR research into
MDA acquisition programs, MDA has implemented a Phase II Enhancement
Policy. Under this policy, MDA will
allow extension of an existing Phase II contract for up to one year and will
provide additional Phase II funding of up to $250,000, either: 1) as matching
funds for non-SBIR MDA funds directed to the Phase II contract; or 2) as
transitional funding in anticipation of Phase III, based on a letter of intent
to the MDA SBIR PM from a MDA acquisition program that will award a Phase III
contract.
PHASE I
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
All of the
following criteria must be met or your proposal will be REJECTED.
____1. Your technical proposal
has been uploaded. The DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, the DoD Company
Commercialization Report, and the Cost Proposal have been submitted
electronically through the DoD submission site by 15 January 2003.
____2. The Phase I proposed cost
does not exceed $70,000.
Missile
Defense Agency 03.1 Topic List
MDA 03-001 Active
Radar System Thermal Management
MDA 03-002 Advanced
3-D Laser Radar
MDA 03-003 Advanced
Scene Generation Techniques
MDA 03-004 Early
Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts
MDA 03-005 Advanced
Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) and Track Algorithms
MDA 03-006 High
Dynamic Range Infrared Scene Projector for Boost Phase Intercept
MDA 03-007 Data
Fusion for Missile Defense
MDA 03-008 Decision
Theory Research and Development
MDA 03-009 Distributed
Battle Management Techniques
MDA 03-010 Image
Processing Algorithms for Target Discrimination
MDA 03-011 Integrated Design of Interceptor
Guidance, Control, Estimation and Kinetic Warhead System for Ballistic Missile
Defense
MDA 03-012 Intercepting
Boosting Missile Threats
MDA 03-013 Ladar
Components
MDA 03-014 Laser
Technology
MDA 03-015 Low
Phase Noise Signal Generation
MDA 03-016 Novel
Sensor Technology for Booster Typing
MDA 03-017 Low
Cost, High Altitude, Unmanned Sensor Platform
MDA 03-018 Air-transportable,
Caustic Production System
MDA 03-019 Athermal
Infrared Optical Window Material
MDA 03-020 Wavefront
Sensing for High Scintillation Environments
MDA 03-021 Lightweight
Innovative Composite Tank Concepts
MDA 03-022 Lightweight
Mirror Technology
MDA 03-023 Precision
High-Force Actuators for Adaptive Optics Mirror Shaping
MDA 03-024 Deformable
Mirror (DM) Electronics Miniaturization
MDA 03-025 Advanced
Processing of the Optical Surface on Large Lightweight Mirrors
MDA 03-026 Ultra-Lightweight
Large-Aperture, SiC Optical Components
MDA 03-027 Beam
Control for Extended Range
MDA 03-028 Electron
Bombarded Charge Coupled Device (EBCCD)
MDA 03-029 Data
Driven Prognostics
MDA 03-030 Multifunctional
Structures for Aerospace Applications
MDA 03-031 Advanced
Chemical Iodine Lasers
MDA 03-032 Lightweight
Low Contamination Materials
MDA 03-033 Ballistic
Missile Fuel Tank Ullage Fire/Explosion Modeling
MDA 03-034 Gallium Nitride (GaN) Device Technology
Enhancements Leading to Advanced Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules for Radar
Performance Enhancement
MDA 03-035 Technologies Enabling Active Multi-Mode
Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Range-Resolved Doppler Imaging LADAR and
Passive Multi-Color LWIR detection.
MDA 03-036 Technologies Enabling Active Multi-Mode
Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Angle-Angle Range Imaging LADAR and Passive
Multi-Color LWIR detection
MDA 03-037 Advanced
In-Flight Interceptor Communications System (IFICS) Error Detection/Correction
MDA 03-038 Advanced
Signal/Data Processing Algorithms
MDA 03-039 Multi-color
VLWIR Focal Plane Array
MDA 03-040 Thermal
Management of GaN Based Power Amplifiers for X-Band Radars (XBR)
MDA 03-041 Reliability, Reproducibility, and Stability
of Gallium Nitride (GaN) Based Devices for X-Band Radars (XBR)
MDA 03-042 Data
Fusion for Improved Acquisition, Tracking and Discrimination
MDA 03-043 Advanced
Real Time Discrimination Architecture
MDA 03-044 Physics
Based Discrimination Algorithms
MDA 03-045 Advanced
Signal Processing
MDA 03-046 Advanced
Engagement Planning
MDA 03-047 Management
of Distributed Real-time Databases
MDA 03-048 Define/Demonstrate
Beryllium (Be) Substitute Material
MDA 03-049 Innovative
Manufacturing Processes
MDA 03-050 Innovative
Operating Software
MDA 03-051 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Electro-Optic Products
MDA 03-052 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Radar and RF Products
MDA 03-053 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Signal Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging Products
MDA 03-054 Ballistic
Missile System Composite Materials and Structures
MDA 03-055 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Propulsion Products
MDA 03-056 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics Products
MDA 03-057 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Batteries
MDA 03-058 Increased
Thrust to weight ratio for small Rocket Motors (Directed Attitude Control
System)
MDA 03-059 Low
Cost IR Windows for High Stress Environments
MDA 03-060 Methodologies
For Rapid Software Integration, Test And Transition To An Operational State
MDA 03-061 3-D
Modeling of Rocket Motor Plumes
MDA 03-062 On-Orbit
Longevity of Cryogenic Cooling Systems
MDA 03-063 Decision
Support Tools for Capability-based Systems Engineering
MDA 03-064 Lightweight,
High-Precision Inertial Reference Unit
MDA 03-065 Thermal
Management System for Solid State Lasers
MDA 03-066 Laser
Dynamic Disturbance Mitigation
MDA 03-067 Non-linear
Optical Beam Correction
MDA 03-068 Hybrid
Vibration Isolation System for Whole-Spacecraft Launch Protection
MDA 03-069 Deployment
Mechanisms for Precision Optical Systems
MDA 03-070 On-Orbit
Servicing Fluid Couplings
MDA 03-071 Spacecraft
Separation System
MDA 03-072 Small
Payload Support Module
MDA 03-073 Multiple
Purpose Photodiode Array
MDA 03-074 Superlattice
Materials for Very Long Wavelength Infrared Detectors
MDA 03-075 Materials
for Optical Data Handling
MDA 03-076 Coatings
for MercCadTelluride
MDA 03-077 Cloud
Background Clutter Suppression for Early Detection and Track
MDA 03-078 Missile
Plume Radar Attenuation and Cross Section
MDA 03-079 Missile
Plume Temporal Intensity Fluctuation Exploitation
MDA 03-080 Propulsion
Related Missile Phenomena
MDA 03-081 Hardware-in-the-loop
Test Technologies
MDA 03-082 Soot
Formation in Liquid Hydrocarbon and Amine Fuel Combustion
MDA 03-083 Unified
Passive and Active Target Signature Simulation
MDA 03-084 Missile
Plume Signature Transient Events
MDA 03-085 Laser
Attenuation and Backscatter from Missile Plumes
MDA 03-086 Plume
Induced Missile Body Heating
MDA 03-087 Advanced
Divert and Attitude Control
MDA 03-088 Advanced
Seeker Technologies
MDA 03-089 Advanced
Avionics
MDA 03-090 Advanced
Battery Technology
MDA 03-091 Safe
and Arm and Arm and Fire Devices
MDA 03-092 Solid
Rocket Motor Propellant Inspection Device
MDA 03-093 Fiber
Optic Communication Ribbon
MDA 03-094 Structural
Flaw Detection in Composites
MDA 03-095 Development
of Advanced Radar Technologies for Missile Defense
MDA 03-096 Operation
in Stressing Environments
MDA 03-097 Integrated
Data Compression and Security Algorithms
MDA 03-098 Robust
Discrimination of Ballistic Targets
MDA 03-099 Electronic
Hardening
MDA 03-100 Lightweight
Energy Production and Storage
MDA 03-101 Propulsion
and Propeller Technology for High Altitude Airships (HAA)
MDA 03-102 Long-Endurance,
Autonomous Vehicle Control
MISSILE
DEFENSE AGENCY 03.1 TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS
MDA 03-001 TITLE:
Active Radar System Thermal Management
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
The MDA has the need for various radar antenna radar system thermal
management and cooling technologies for BMD applications. Therefore, a significant investment is made
each year in the continued development of increasingly robust and sophisticated
cooling system technologies, which may eventually find their utilization in a
ballistic missile technology or major defense acquisition programs. Furthermore, advanced radar thermal
management systems, components, sub-components, and piece part specifics are
constantly under evaluation by the various BMD elements for replacement by the
latest technology developments from industry. Research or Research and
Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a
degree of technical risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work
has not been fully established.
DESCRIPTION:
Higher power levels of future MDA advanced radar antenna systems require
state-of-the-art capabilities for waste thermal energy acquisition, storage,
transport, and dissipation. Technology
advancements are required in thermal management for power generation systems,
T/R modules, and all associated electronics. Of specific interest are concepts
to transfer heat from high power T/R modules to a heat dissipation system. Concepts, devices, and advanced technologies
for all types of power cycles are sought, which can satisfy projected advanced
radar system requirements.
PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility that a new and
innovative research and development approach can meet any of the broad needs
discussed in this topic for future MDA systems consideration.
PHASE II: Develop applicable and feasible prototype
demonstrations and/or proof-of-concept devices for the approach described, and
demonstrate a degree of commercial viability.
PHASE III: Develop pre-production and production
components and sub-systems for integration into MDA advanced radar systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: These technologies
could be applied in many RF applications such as the telecommunications
industry, commercial airport radar systems, and automotive industry.
REFERENCES:
1. R. Kirschman (ed.), “High-temperature
electronics”, IEEE Press (New York, 1999).
2. P.L. Dreike et al., “An overview of
high-temperature electronic device technologies and potential applications”,
IEEE Trans. on Components, Packaging and
Manufacturing Technol., pp. 594-604 (1994).
3. Weimer, “Thermochemistry and Kinetics”, Carbide,
Nitride and Boride Materials Synthesis and Processing, edited by A. Weimer,
Chapman and Hall, New York, 79-113, (1997)
4. Ortega, A., Agonafer, D, and Webb, B. W., Eds,
“Heat Transfer in Electronic Equipment,” ASME HTD, Vol. 171, 1991.
5. Kreith, F. and Black, W. Z., 1980, Basic Heat
Transfer, Harper & Row, New York.
6. G.F. Jones, “Analysis of a Gas-to-Plate Heat
Exchanger for Cryogenic Applications,” ASME HTD, Vol. 167, 1991.
7. G.F. Jones, "Temperature and Heat-Flux
Distributions in a Strip-Heated Composite Slab," J. Heat Transfer, Vol.
108, 1986, p. 226-229.
8. J.P. Holman, Heat Transfer, Fifth Edition 1981,
McGraw-Hill Book Company.
9. Mallik, A.K.; Peterson, G.P.; Weichold, M.H. “On
the Use of Micro Heat Pipes as an Intregal Part of Semiconductor Devices”,
Proceedings of the 3 rd Joint Conference of ASME-JSME Thermal Angering, 1991 Pg
393-401.
10. A.V. Virkar, T. B. Jackson and R. A. Cutler,
"Thermodynamic and Kinetic Effects of Oxygen Removal on the
Thermal Conductivity of Aluminum Nitride," J.
Am. Ceram. Soc., 72[11] 2031-2042 (1989).
11. W.C. Nieberding, J.A. Powell, “High-temperature
electronic requirements in aeropropulsion systems”, IEEE Trans. Industrial
Electronics, pp. 103-106 (1982).
KEYWORDS: radar, T/R module, HPA, Wide Band gap,
thermal management, power, RF, antenna array
MDA 03-002 TITLE:
Advanced 3-D Laser Radar
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop advanced, compact 3-D laser radar to enhance missile defense
kill vehicle discrimination capabilities.
Description:
Active 3-D sensing provides an estimate of range and hence time-to-go,
needed for hit-to-kill guidance against an accelerating target as well as
providing 3-D booster hardbody shape, enabling precise aimpoint selection. The ladar can be configured to measure
active polarization signatures as well as range. Active polarization techniques have been proven to penetrate
scattering media, such as plumes, better than unpolarized active approaches.
Phase I:
Develop techniques and perform analysis to demonstrate the ability to
develop 3-D laser radar.
Phase II: Develop a prototype implementation of
components. Develop a test plan, test the prototypes, compare with predictions
and explain significant variations from the predicted performance. In addition,
describe techniques for fusing the 3-D laser radar data with passive optical
(visible and/or infrared) data.
Phase III:
Test and demonstrate the compact laser radar system for transition to
missile defense elements.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The techniques developed could be applied to
commercial sensor systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: Laser radar, ladar, discrimination,
sensors
MDA 03-003 TITLE:
Advanced Scene Generation Techniques
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced scene generation techniques, including countermeasure
modeling, in a variety of wavebands (IR, MMW, visible and ultraviolet, for both
active (e.g., LADAR) and passive sensors) to support boost phase algorithm
development and testing for target acquisition, tracking, discrimination,
decision making, and intercept.
DESCRIPTION:
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is interested in advancing the current
state of the art for scene generation techniques, including countermeasure
modeling, to support boost phase algorithm development. It is important to model all aspects of the
target in boost phase including staging, shroud ejection, and General Energy
Management (GEM) maneuvers. The scenes
generated need to span all relevant engagement space and include time dependent
spatial, temporal, and spectral sampling regimes. To test the algorithms the
scene generation models need to provide time dependent high-fidelity
simulations that can be utilized from target acquisition to intercept. The models need to allow for arbitrary
vehicle operational state, position, orientation, and atmospheric
condition. The computations need to be
performed as a function of time to allow complex vehicle dynamics to be
simulated.
Phase I:
Demonstrate the feasibility that a new and innovative research and
development approach can meet any of the broad needs discussed in this topic to
support scene generation needs for future MDA boost phase algorithm
development.
Phase II:
Develop applicable and feasible prototype demonstrations and/or
proof-of-concept for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree of
commercial viability or application directly to MDA.
Phase III:
Fully integrate the developed software to allow testing of existing and
potential boost phase algorithms.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This work could be applied to commercial
Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar scene generation software.
REFERENCES: Synthetic Scene Generation Model Papers,
Validation Reports & Presentations http://vader.nrl.navy.mil/ssgm/info/refs.html.
KEYWORDS: Scene Generation, Countermeasures,
Infrared, Visible UV, Ladar
MDA 03-004 TITLE:
Early Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop and demonstrate high payoff all-weather surveillance and fire
control technologies for transition to Boost Defense Segment systems.
DESCRIPTION:
An advantage of a boost phase intercept system is that the target is
moving slower, its bright plume offers easier tracking and the boosting missile
is more vulnerable. However, the launch
locations can be deep in the adversary’s territory, requiring substantial
standoff ranges. Detecting the launch
as early as possible is essential to developing a track, determining the nature
of the launch, and initiating weapons release.
Because the launch might occur under a cloud cover, new and innovative
approaches to early launch detection and tracking (ELDT) are needed. Sensor characteristics include: large
standoff range, wide area surveillance, all weather (high availability), prompt
detection time, high probability of detection and low probability of false
alarm, and initial track accuracy. This
SBIR addresses the definition, concept development, and demonstration of ELDT
sensors. It is not primarily a
phenomenology effort.
PHASE I:
Phase I SBIR efforts should concentrate on the development of the
fundamental concepts. This could
include demonstration of a process or fundamental principle in a format that
illustrates how the technology can be further developed and utilized in an ELDT
sensor. This effort should include
plans to further develop and exploit the concept in Phase II.
PHASE II:
Phase II SBIR efforts should take the concept of Phase I and
design/develop/demonstrate a breadboard sensor to demonstrate the concept. The sensor may not be optimized to flight
levels but should demonstrate the potential of the working prototype sensor to
meet emerging operational requirements.
Demonstration of the potential improvements in mass, input power, and
performance parameters should be included in the effort.
PHASE III:
Potential opportunities for transition of this technology include the
commercial sector and military programs that would benefit from improved all
weather missile launch detection and tracking
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Opportunities for developing commercial
applications of the technology include remote/environmental sensing, rocket
launch detection and characterization by NASA and environmental monitoring
agencies.
REFERENCES:
1. Kristl,
J., Clark, F., “Application of Temporal Plume Intensity Modulation to Boost
Phase Intercept”, Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors,
Environments and Algorithms, pp. XXX
2. Battleson,
K., Park, S., Lafrance, P., Fraser, J., Argo, P., Halbgewachs, R., Weber, T.,
Kiessling, J., “Parameters Affecting Boost Phase Intercept System: Early Launch
Detection and Track”, ”, Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors,
Environments and Algorithms, pp. XXX
3. Smith,
D. A., Holden, D., Heavner, M. J., “Passive RF Sensing for Missile Defense”, ”,
Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors, Environments and
Algorithms, pp. XXX
KEYWORDS: launch detection, surveillance, tracking,
all weather, boost phase
MDA 03-005 TITLE:
Advanced Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) and Track Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced ATA algorithms applicable for Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar
sensor systems viewing the boost phase of a missile flight.
DESCRIPTION: This SBIR topic seeks advancement of
the current state of the art for ATA algorithms that typically perform
detection, classification, and identification of targets detected by Visible,
UV, IR, and Ladar sensor systems. The
focus of this SBIR shall be on the boost phase of a missile flight. The complexity of the imagery collected for
a booster viewed from launch to burnout includes hardbody, plume, and
backgrounds for varying viewing conditions and geometries. ATA algorithms of interest are sought for
sensor systems viewing the boost phase of a missile flight from endoatmospheric
and exoatmospheric platforms/interceptors.
PHASE I:
Develop a design for advanced ATA algorithm suite. Demonstrate the feasibility of the ATA
algorithms by implementing a prototype thread (such as a MATLAB version of the
algorithm) and evaluating it with synthetically generated threat data of a
booster from viewed from launch to burnout.
PHASE II:
Fully develop the ATA algorithm suite in both software and
hardware. The hardware design should be
capable of running in real-time.
Demonstrate the advanced ATA algorithm suite performance by the driving
the software and hardware with synthetic/real image sequences.
PHASE III:
Fully integrate the developed software/hardware advanced ATA algorithm
suite into relevant missile defense systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The ATR algorithms could be applied to
commercial Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar sensor systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: sensor systems, Visible, UV, IR, Ladar,
autonomous target acquisition, ATA
MDA 03-006 TITLE:
High Dynamic Range Infrared Scene Projector for Boost Phase Intercept
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Space Platforms
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE: Develop an infrared scene projection
capability for very high contrast target images.
DESCRIPTION: The goal of this topic is to pursue the
development of infrared scene projection technology beyond the current
state-of-the-art. Current projection technology based on resistive arrays has
many benefits including flickerless emission, broadband output, greater than
512^2 spatial resolution, and high framerates. However, the dynamic range of
this technology does not provide for radiometric duplication of the full range
of target scenarios likely to be encountered by future MDA weapons systems.
Targets with hot engine exhausts or rocket plumes, and infrared
countermeasures, are examples of the target set that will stress the test
community’s ability for radiometric duplication. Innovative approaches are
required for simulation of spatially extended objects whose apparent
temperature may exceed 2000K. For the purpose of defining approaches, the
projector should be realizable for testing of a specific sensor having a
two-micron bandpass anywhere within the 2-12 micron band. Ideally, the
projection concept should be able to achieve at least a 512^2 spatial
resolution, provide a non-modulated output, and, if pixelated, achieve pixel response times of less than
1.25 msec.
PHASE I: Infrared projector concept definition and
proof of principle demonstration.
PHASE II: Infrared projector detailed design and
prototype development and demonstration.
PHASE III: Design refinement and product transition
to MDA HWIL test facilities.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The entire
hardware in the loop test community would benefit directly from this
development. All weapon programs relying on infrared sensors against high
contrast targets would benefit.
Commercial products designed for fire fighting or search and rescue
could use this product for developmental testing or training.
REFERENCES:
R.A.Thompson, et al., “HWIL Testbed for Dual-Band
Infrared Boost Phase Intercept Sensors,” Proceeding from 2002 Meeting of the
MSS Specialty Group on Missile Defense Sensors, Environments, and Algorithms,
5-7 February 2002.
B.E.Cole, et al., “High-Speed large-Area pixels
Compatible with 200-Hz Frame rates,” Proceedings of SPIE, Vol 4366, Pgs.
121-129, April 2001
KEYWORDS: IR, infrared, projector,
hardware-in-the-loop, HWIL, display, resistor array, test, boost phase
intercept, plume
MDA 03-007 TITLE:
Data Fusion for Missile Defense
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop data fusion algorithms that utilize ground, high-altitude, or
satellite sensor data together with onboard missile/kill-vehicle sensors to
provide an enhanced target discrimination capability.
DESCRIPTION:
Target discrimination (the ability to identify or engage any one target
when multiple targets are present) during National Missile Defense (NMD)
midcourse engagement is a complex technological hurdle. Missile guidance sensors need to
discriminate among targets, decoys, and penetration aids in an extremely short
detect-to-kill time. Feature
differences among decoys, penetration aids, and targets are not adequate for
discrimination by current passive IR missile sensors. A potential solution to the problem may be in the use of sensor
assets that are traditionally used for midcourse trajectory correction to
provide discrimination maps that can then be fused with other sensor
information during the kill phase of the missile sequence, for example
end-to-end state vector tracking. Such
a solution must be able to operate in a low bandwidth environment and to
support low latency algorithms.
PHASE I: It is anticipated that this phase will
define and develop potential data fusion concepts that aid in the target
discrimination problem.
PHASE II: Develop and test a prototype image
processing software package using real or simulated data. Validate the concept described in Phase I in
a laboratory environment.
PHASE III: The innovative algorithms and image
processing techniques developed under this effort will find Phase III
applications in military systems requiring autonomous stand-off detection of
objects in the presence of sensor clutter induced by scene structure and the
data-collection process and by spectral interferences. The algorithms will potentially be useful in
non-military applications requiring autonomous detection of objects of interest
under similar conditions of scene-induced and sensor-induced clutter, noise,
and spectral interferences. Potential
commercial applications include processing systems for object detection, and
characterization and tracking in fields such as medicine, industrial
processing, and quality control.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This target
discrimination system could be applied to high resolution tracking of
commercial air or ground vehicles.
KEYWORDS: Data Fusion, Radar, Infrared, Target
Discrimination, Multiple Sensor Fusion Algorithms.
MDA 03-008 TITLE:
Decision Theory Research and Development
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop Decision-Theoretic enabling technologies to support the
next-generation MDA BMC2 architecture.
DESCRIPTION:
It’s anticipated that the Decision Architecture will utilize networks to
codify hypotheses and associated likelihoods. Therefore, areas of interest
include Dynamic Networks, Optimization utilizing data represented in decision
graphs, approximate solutions, network pruning, and hybrid (discrete and
continuous data) networks. These areas are intended to suggest topics but are
not meant to be restrictive.
PHASE I:
Develop methodologies and show feasibility (and computability) by
analytic or other means. Define limits of applicability for both theoretical
and computational reasons.
PHASE II: Develop a prototype implementation of
algorithms utilizing the candidate techniques. Consider computational
performance as well as efficacy. Test and evaluate the technique(s) using
progressively more complex cases, including boundary cases, stressing cases and
cases beyond the anticipated limits. Characterize computational and efficacy
degradation near and beyond algorithm boundaries.
PHASE III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to future MDA BMC2 programs.
Also, the techniques developed would have applicability for decisionmaking
systems that work with uncertainty in other areas (e.g., medical diagnostics).
REFERENCES:
None
KEYWORDS: Bayesian Nets, Dynamic Nets, Optimization,
Game Theory, Pruning, Likelihood, Objective Function
MDA 03-009 TITLE:
Distributed Battle Management Techniques
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop the necessary infrastructure to support Distributed
next-generation BMC2.
Description:
The next-generation BMC2 architecture will be distributed in execution
while being homogeneous in data and algorithms, to the extent consistent with
overall system robustness. Consequently, areas of interest include distributed
processing, management and synchronization of distributed duplicate data, and
wide bandwidth comm. approaches needed to support the BMC2.
Phase I:
Develop methodologies, estimate the resulting performance and
performance limits and show feasibility by simulation, analysis or other means.
Design and build software tools supporting parametric analyses of these methods
and use these tools to analyze the infrastructure requirements.
Phase II: Develop a prototype implementation of
algorithms utilizing the candidate methodologies. Develop a test plan and
obtain/design a minimal framework which is adequate for executing the test
program for these algorithms. Identify the most likely failures due to
overload, system shortcomings or hostile activities. Consider computational
performance as well as efficacy. Test and evaluate the algorithms using
progressively more complex cases, including stressing cases and cases beyond
the predicted boundaries. Characterize computational and efficacy degradation
near and beyond the algorithm boundaries.
Phase III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to future MDA BMC2 programs.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The techniques developed would have
applicability for decisionmaking systems that work with uncertainty in other
areas (e.g., medical diagnostics).
References:
None
KEYWORDS: Distributed Processing, Distributed
Database Synchronization, Wide Bandwidth Communication
MDA 03-010 TITLE:
Image Processing Algorithms for Target Discrimination
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Design image processing algorithms that aid in the missile defense
discrimination process.
DESCRIPTION:
Target discrimination (the ability to identify or engage any one target
when multiple targets are present) during National Missile Defense (NMD)
engagement is a complex technological hurdle.
Missile guidance sensors need to discriminate among targets, decoys, and
penetration aids in an extremely short detect-to-kill time. Feature differences among decoys,
penetration aids, and targets are not adequate for discrimination by current
missile passive IR sensors. A potential
piece of the solution to the problem may be in the use of novel image
processing algorithms that perform the target discrimination task. The algorithms proposed can perform some of
the following functions: image contrast enhancement, image detail sharpening,
and spatial-temporal processing. The
algorithms developed should be computationally fast and can work on image data
produced by a variety of sensors, e.g. optical, IR, LIDAR, etc.
PHASE I: It is anticipated that this phase will
define and develop candidate image processing concepts that aid in the target
discrimination problem.
PHASE II: Develop and test a prototype image
processing software package using real or simulated data. Validate the concept described in Phase I in
a laboratory environment.
PHASE III: Automated transfer of imagery or
equivalent information from one active sensor to another with different
performance parameters could potentially be used to cue sensors to track
objects, useful in tracking object's progress in processes and providing a
means of process control.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The techniques
developed here will have application to commercial image processing systems
that would benefit from contrast enhancement and detail sharpening.
KEYWORDS: Algorithms, Image Processing, Data Fusion,
Radar, Infra-red, Target Discrimination.
MDA 03-011 TITLE: Integrated
Design of Interceptor Guidance, Control, Estimation and Kinetic Warhead System
for Ballistic Missile Defense
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE: Develop integrated methods for missile
guidance, control and estimation system design for ballistic missile defense
interceptors with hit-to-kill capability. Demonstrate, via simulation, an
improved level of performance for the integrated design against ballistic
missile targets.
DESCRIPTION: Integrated design methodologies are
desired to improve the accuracy of anti-ballistic missile weapon systems, and
also to decrease the time it takes to go from weapon concept to prototype.
Previous research has demonstrated that an integrated design methodology for
the guidance, control and estimation systems can yield significant improvements
in interceptor performance. The objective of this SBIR is to demonstrate the
integrated synthesis of guidance, estimation and control systems for a
specified missile concept. Proposed design methodologies must start from a
given configuration description and set of specifications for vehicle, sensors
and actuators, and must demonstrate the complete synthesis of the various
components of the integrated system.
Examination of multiple guidance and control
integrated design techniques is desired that effectively deal with the
ballistic missile target. Incorporation of newly emerged nonlinear guidance and
control methods such as the State Dependent Riccati Equation method, Feedback
Linearization, Finite Horizon Linear Quadratic design and other techniques
should also be considered for the integrated design. Investigations should also
include examination of new guidance laws which compensate for target maneuvers
and fire control errors.
The effectiveness of the integrated design should be
demonstrated with a sufficiently realistic nonlinear system model of the
candidate interceptor missile. A primary figure of merit should be interceptor
hit-to-kill performance against the ballistic missile target, and the benefits
of the integrated synthesis must be convincingly demonstrated.
PHASE I: Demonstrate a preliminary integrated
guidance-control-estimation system design using representative missile and
target models. Demonstrate by simulation that hit-to-kill performance is
achievable against maneuvering ballistic missiles.
PHASE II: Evaluate alternative integrated
guidance-control-estimation design architectures. Assess the performance of
each and down select a chosen design. Fully exercise the selected integrated
design for the selected missile over the complete engagement envelope.
PHASE III: Transition research to missile system
designer(s). Participate with development contractor(s) in performing
hardware-in-the-loop testing of an integrated design, and in verifying
performance of the design via demonstration flight testing.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Besides the
obvious military aerospace role, integrated design methods have direct
applications in the areas of civilian aviation, autonomous vehicles, maritime
systems, ground transportation, environmental protection, security monitoring
and others. Algorithms and methods developed under this SBIR will be useful in
a wide range of military and commercial systems.
KEYWORDS: Integrated guidance and control, ballistic
missile defense, hit-to-kill, missiles, guidance laws
MDA 03-012 TITLE:
Intercepting Boosting Missile Threats
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Improve interceptor missile performance against boosting missile threats
by improving the guidance law.
DESCRIPTION:
To achieve a kill, the interceptor must predict unknown threat
motion. Using the best prediction, the
interceptor flies towards a collision.
However, prediction errors will cause a miss. The interceptor predicts again and corrects its flight
path. Prediction / correction continues
to the end. The intercept depends on
threat maneuver, interceptor guidance law, interceptor maneuverability, and
encounter conditions. The reference
shows how to generate the optimal evasion maneuver for any scenario. With a coordinated search, it is possible to
find the guidance law scoring best against even the corresponding optimal
maneuver. If this optimal maneuver
results in a miss distance that is within the kill radius of the interceptor,
the interception law will kill the threat regardless of its maneuver.
PHASE I:
Assess improved performance opportunities against ballistic missile threats. Estimate threat maneuver characteristics
which must be countered. Choose
candidate closed-form guidance laws for improvement as well as guidance laws
requiring search techniques.
PHASE II: As
a check case, implement the reference PN guidance law and derive the optimal
evasion against it. Extend this
guidance law into 3D space and derive the optimal evasion against it. Choose the best two of the above closed-form
guidance laws and derive the optimal evasions against them. Determine the most desirable guidance
law.
PHASE III:
As a second check case, implement the reference MMT search-based
guidance law and derive the optimal evasion against it. Extend this guidance law into 3D space and
derive the optimal evasion against it.
Choose the best three of the above search-based guidance laws and derive
the optimal evasions against them.
From these three determine the most desirable guidance law.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This methodology can be reversed to improve
the survivability of civilian aircraft, such as commercial airliners
maneuvering to avoid in-air collisions.
Reference:
William S. Beebee, “Optimal Hypersonic Pursuit Evasion”, (Sc.D. Thesis),
Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1975.
KEYWORDS: Interceptor guidance, cruise and ballistic
missile interception, atmospheric reentry. maneuvering ballistic missiles
MDA 03-013 TITLE:
Ladar Components
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop ladar components to support active and Bi-static sensing
Description:
MDA is interested in ladar components. Particular areas of interest
include detectors (angle-angle, range, and Doppler), advanced adaptive optics,
relay mirror technologies, processors, and algorithms
Phase I:
Develop methodologies, establish feasibility by analysis or other means
and estimate the resulting performance improvements over current capabilities
and the performance limits. Address supporting technologies needed such as
power and cooling. Also address whether the improved performance can only be
realized if other technologies are improved in concert, name these technologies,
and define the improvements needed.
Phase II: Develop a prototype implementation of
components. Develop a test plan, test the prototypes, compare with predictions
and explain significant variations from the predicted performance. Identify the
most likely failure modes due to overload, system shortcomings or hostile
activities. Test and evaluate the components using progressively more complex
cases, including stressing cases and cases beyond the predicted boundaries.
Characterize computational and efficacy degradation near and beyond the
performance boundaries.
Phase III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to future MDA laser programs.
Also, the techniques developed would have applicability for systems in other
areas (e.g.,weapons).
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The techniques developed could be applied to
commercial sensor systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: Detectors (angle-angle, range, and
Doppler), Advanced Adaptive Optics and Beam Cleanup, Relay Mirror Technologies,
Processors, Algorithms, Amplification
MDA 03-014 TITLE:
Laser Technology
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
High-Power Laser Technology
Description:
Develop technology supporting high-power laser ladar and illuminator
usage in MDA. Technologies of interest include high-power chemical lasers
(e.g., medium to high energy Hydrogen Fluoride technology), high power
solid-state lasers, and high power density solid-state lasers exhibiting high
power, high efficiency, and high beam quality. Weapon guidance laser concepts
employing UV/Nd:Yag are also of interest.
Phase I:
Develop new technology, show feasibility and (roughly) estimate the
resulting performance improvement over current systems and performance limits.
Consider computational/physical performance as well as efficacy. Estimate size
and weight and needs for support (power, cooling, beam cleanup and
focusing). Address whether other
technologies must be improved in concert in order to achieve the estimated
performance gains. Address expected difficulties in manufacturing and
maintenance.
Phase II: Develop a test plan and perform more
elaborate analyses and/or tests designed to identify performance
characteristics and boundaries, identify problems and limitations, and characterize
computational/physical and efficacy degradation before, at, and beyond the
boundaries. Where feasible, develop and test breadboards/brassboards. Identify
the most likely failure modes due to overload, system shortcomings or hostile
activities.
Phase III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to future MDA laser programs.
Also, the techniques developed would have applicability for weapon systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The technology developed could be applied to
commercial high energy laser systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: Chemical Lasers, Solid State Lasers,
Hydrogen Fluoride Lasers, High Power, High Efficiency, Beam Quality, High Power
Density, UV, Nd:Yag, Beam Focusing,
Cooling
MDA 03-015 TITLE:
Low Phase Noise Signal Generation
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Radar operational requirements include ever-increasing demands for
lower-phase noise signal and waveform generation. The MDA is looking for feasibility demonstrations of innovative
ideas on how to extend the performance limits of what is achievable with the
present state of the art for oscillators, frequency synthesizers and waveform
generators. Proposals may include the
use of distributed techniques, which would effectively place multiple parallel
copies of a digitally-controlled component of the radar exciter to take
advantage of noise de-correlation and produce a lower total phase noise than
with a single component. Research and
development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate the technical
feasibility of how to achieve increased phase noise performance and should
address issues of cost and size, especially in the case of distributed
approaches. Proposed efforts will be
considered which address the improvement of a specific exciter component as
well as those that address the architecture issues associated with paralleling
state of the art components.
DESCRIPTION:
Phase I:
Identify potential innovative research and development approaches to
address the exciter performance issues discussed in this topic.
Phase II:
Develop applicable and feasible prototype demonstrations and/or
proof-of-concept devices for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree
of commercial viability.
Phase III:
Develop pre-production and production components and sub-systems for
integration into MDA advanced radar systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: It is expected that many of these
technologies will have applications in the telecommunications, space and
meteorology sectors.
REFERENCES:
1. R. S. Raven, “Requirements for Master Oscillators
for Coherent Radar,” Proc. IEEE, Vol. 54(2), pp 237-243, Feb. 1966.
2. M. J. Underhill, “Fundamentals of oscillator
performance,” Elec. & Comm. Eng. J., pp185-193, Aug 1992.
3. M. M. Driscoll, A. C. Hazzard, and D. G. Opdycke,
“Design and Performance of an Ultra-Low Phase Noise Radar Exciter,” 1994 IEEE
Int. Freq. Control Symp. Digest, pp 647-650.
4. S. J. Goldman, “Phase Noise Analysis in Radar
Systems,” John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
5. V. S. Reinhardt, “Frequency and Time Synthesis –
A Tutorial,”
http://www.ieee-uffc.org/freqcontrol/tutorials/FCS%20Tutorials%2000/2000TutorialProgram.htm
6. B. Cantrell, J. de Graaf, F. Willwerth, G.
Meurer, L. Leibowitz, C. Parris, and R. Stapleton, “Development of a Digital
Array Radar (DAR), IEEE AESS Systems Magazine, pp. 22-27, Mar. 2002.
KEYWORDS: radar; exciters; oscillators;
synthesizers; waveform generators; direct digital synthesis; phase noise; AM
noise; PM noise; side-band noise.
MDA 03-016 TITLE:
Novel Sensor Technology for Booster Typing
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop sensor technology that facilitates precise typing of threat
boosters as early as possible in the flight timeline.
Description:
With the increased emphasis on engaging threat missiles early in the
flight timeline, early determination of the threat characteristics, such as
booster type, is critical. This SBIR
topic seeks innovative approaches to sensor technology to provide early
detection of vehicle launch and early identification of threat booster type.
Phase I:
Design and conduct experiments to provide proof of principle for
improved performance of the sensor technology in the booster typing role.
Phase II:
Develop a prototype of the proposed sensor technology, capable of
preliminary test and evaluation from an airborne test platform.
Phase III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to ongoing launch detection
and tracking programs for missile defense systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This work could be applied to the
advancement of commercial optical sensors.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: booster typing, algorithms, optical
sensors
MDA 03-017 TITLE:
Low Cost, High Altitude, Unmanned Sensor Platform
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop a low cost unmanned air vehicle capable of carrying observation
platforms to high altitude for observation of missile launches and flights.
Description:
With the increased reliance of weapons programs on simulation to support
test and evaluation, observation of missile test flights is critical to
providing validation of those simulations.
This is particularly important in the boost phase of missile flight,
where high-resolution data taken at high altitude is very useful. At the same time, commercial off-the-shelf
balloon technology has enabled university and amateur organizations to easily
exceed 100,00 feet altitude.1,2 This
SBIR topic seeks innovative solutions to the problem of lifting a light-weight
observation platform to high altitudes using off-the-shelf balloon or airship
components.
Phase I: Conduct design experiments to define the
trade space of platform design / cost, observation altitude, payload mass and
cost. Provide a preliminary design that
optimizes these design factors.
Phase II: Develop a prototype platform based on the
preliminary design. Testing during this
phase will emphasize demonstration of lifting capability and vehicle
controllability.
Phase III:
This SBIR would have direct applicability to on-going and future test
programs for missile defense systems.
In addition, increased vehicle endurance and application of
low-observable technologies may allow this platform to function in other
intelligence and battlefield support roles.
In addition to surveillance applications, there are weather balloon
applications.
Technologies in this area will have direct
applicability to flexible, low cost airborne communications solutions being
developed for commercial applications.
As a communications technology, it is anticipated that commercial and
industrial transferability and applicability will be high.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The technology could be applied to
commercial applications, such as cell phone tower replacement.
REFERENCES:
1. University of North Dakota High Altitude Balloon
Project, http://balloons.aero.und.edu/habp.
2. MSAM: Top Hat Program:
http://topweb.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html
KEYWORDS: Low cost, High altitude, Optical,
Boost-Phase, Balloon, Airship
MDA 03-018 TITLE:
Air-transportable, Caustic Production System
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a compact,
air-transportable, rapidly assembled, liquid caustic production system
(pilot-scale).
DESCRIPTION: The system must produce a minimum of
1,000 kg per hour of caustic solution as a mixture of potassium hydroxide
(KOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and lithium hydroxide (LiOH). The system must produce adequate de-ionized
water from potable water supplied at the operating site. The system must utilize anhydrous KOH and
NaOH and utilize LiOH monohydrate (LiOH.H20) as starting reagents. The system must provide for all possible
orders of addition for each of the solid caustics in the blend procedure. The system must handle solid caustic from
commercially supplied standard containers; i.e., drums or super-sacks. The system must have adequate controls and
automation to allow the selection of specific proportions of each caustic and
water as well as provide for the selection of a pre-determined blend
procedure. The system must has
sufficient storage for 6,000 kg of caustic solution. The system must have adequate automation and controls to produce
specified formulations to within ±0.5%.
Phase I: (1) Develop a process flow diagram with
material and energy balance for a deployable (military air transportable)
caustic production facility capable of producing 1,000 kg/hour. (2) Develop piping and instrumentation
diagrams (P&ID’s) for a deployable, air-transportable caustic production
facility. (3) Prepare a major equipment
list and specifications to include materials of construction and power requirements. (4) Develop a preliminary layout design with
a general arrangement of equipment. And
(5) prepare an electrical single line diagram for the system.
Phase II: (1) Complete detailed engineering of
caustic production system and prepare level-3 “build-to” drawings. (2) Procure and fabricate caustic production
system. (3) Demonstrate production
system setup, checkout, operation, and breakdown at Tyndall AFB, FL.
Phase III: If Phase II is successful, the system
will be scaled up to full-scale (approximately 3x to 5x) and 3 to 10 systems
will be produced for weapon system testing, operational training, and weapon
system deployment/employment.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The chemical
processing industry would be able to utilize this technology for intermittent
and remote location situations where high-strength caustic solutions are needed
(oil-field, superfund sites, waste disposal locations, etc.) without the
inherent hazards of transporting liquid caustic. In addition, this technology may have military applications for
chemical and biological decontamination.
References: (1) High-strength, multi-component
caustic formulations (contact Hurley) (2) Rapid caustic blending procedures
(contact Hurley)
KEYWORDS: caustic; liquid-caustic production;
caustic heat of solution; caustic solid precipitation; multi-component phase
diagrams; caustic blending.
MDA 03-019 TITLE:
Athermal Infrared Optical Window Material
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Develop bulkhead window material with minimal optical thermal
distortions.
DESCRIPTION: Develop innovative materials or improve
existing materials that reduce the optical aberrations caused by temperature
variations within the material. The objective is a material with slightly
negative change of index of refraction as a function of temperature balanced
with the lensing effects of the thermal expansion of the window. High power laser systems often require
optical windows mounted in pressure bulkheads.
These windows must be capable of surviving high power laser fluences,
while minimizing aberrations that typically result from window heating at local
laser hot spots. The window must have very low absorption and scatter
characteristics at the laser wavelengths.
Additionally, it must be capable of accepting a high polish and
anti-reflective surface coatings. The
material(s) used must be affordable and available in sufficient volumes.
PHASE I: Define the proposed material concept,
specific material requirements, and predict the performance of the optical
bulkhead proposed design. Demonstrate basic material concepts in a laboratory
environment.
PHASE II: Provide a prototype optical component and
laboratory demonstration to mutually agreed performance parameters.
Demonstration optical bulkhead with capable to support ground demonstration in
a government facility and be qualifiable for an airborne experiment. The prime consideration must be deliverable
optical hardware and a clear demonstration of the high-performance optical material
that will demonstrate a 20-year lifetime.
PHASE III: Airborne Laser, Space Based Laser, Ground
Based Laser, and Navy HEL programs will benefit from new material that can
reduce aberrations.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENETIAL: Commercially
all optical systems are subject to the negative affects of thermally induced
aberrations. Development of materials that eliminate or reduce aberrations will
have signification application commercially (example laser cutting/welding
applications).
REFERENCES: (1) D.C. Tran et al, “Heavy Metal
Fluoride Glasses and Fibers: A Review”,
IEEE J Lightwave Tech, LT-2, 566 (1984). (2) D.C Tran et al, “Preparation and
Properties of High Optical Quality IR Transmitting Glasses and Fibers Based on
Metal Fluorides”, SPIE, Vol 618 (1986). (3) D.C. Tran et al, “Light Scattering
in Heavy Metal Fluroide Glasses in Infrared Spectral Regions”, Electronics
Letters, 22, 117 (1986)
KEYWORDS: Infrared windows; thermal aberrations;
high power laser systems; oxyfluoride glass; laser windows; low absorption
& scatter
MDA 03-020 TITLE:
Wavefront Sensing for High Scintillation Environments
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate innovative wavefront sensing
methods that lead to efficient wavefront reconstruction of an optical wavefront
in the presence of high scintillation and the resulting branch points in the
phase.
DESCRIPTION:
The Air Force is interested in the propagation of laser beams over long
atmospheric paths. Two systems of interest are the Airborne Laser (ABL) and
Relay Mirror. These systems require
operation in high scintillation environments where branch points occur in the
phase of the propagated beam.
Typically, a probe beam gathers information about the atmospheric phase,
and an approximate conjugate phase is applied to the outgoing beam. ABL will use active illumination of a
missile body for the adaptive optics beacon whereas the relay mirror will use a
well placed point source on the relay mirror itself. We say that ABL will have an extended beacon and the relay mirror
will have a point source beacon. In
either case, current practice derives the approximate phase from the phase
gradient as sensed by a Hartman-style wavefront sensor. Intensity scintillation and the associated
branch points hamper the reconstruction of the phase from the wavefront sensor
measurement. Intensity scintillation
yields low signal-to-noise ratios on some subapertures. Branch points
complicate the phase reconstruction process and lead to difficulty in placing
the optimal phase on a continuous face sheet mirror. There are indications that other forms of wavefront sensing might
perform better in the high scintillation environment. For example, shearing interferometer sensing and/or exponential
reconstructors may provide an advantage-and there may be concepts. This effort
seeks innovative wavefront sensing methods that lead to efficient wavefront
reconstruction of an optical wavefront in the presence of high scintillation
and branch points. The concept must
support high bandwidth operation – 2000 Hz or more – at resolutions of 16 by 16
equivalent subapertures or more.
PHASE I: Conceptualize and design an innovative
wavefront sensor and associated reconstruction scheme, and demonstrate in
simulation that the design is attractive and feasible for operation in a
high-scintillation, branch-point environment.. Plan a feasibility demonstration
of the wavefront-sensing concept, and outline a sound set of demonstration
success criteria. A design review will cover
the sensing concept, it's implementation, and the data processing methods used
to extract the deformable mirror phase from the sensor output.
PHASE II: Demonstrate the wavefront sensor concept
developed in Phase I and show that it leads to continuous faceplate deformable
mirror commands which improve strehl in imaging or laser projection
systems. The offeror may test the
concept at his/her facility, or, at the offeror’s request, the AFRL may arrange
to conduct test at the ABL Advanced Concepts Laboratory operated by MIT Lincoln
Laboratory or at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Airborne Laser Advanced
Concepts Testbed located at the White Sands Missile Range North Oscura Peak
Facility. These facilities will be
provided to the contractor at no cost to the contractor or the SBIR Program. It
is expected that this phase will provide a new wavefront sensing method that is
sufficiently validated to readily facilitate transition to systems such as the
Airborne Laser and Relay Mirror.
PHASE III: Successful solution of the strong
turbulence phase reconstruction problem would have widespread military
application, including all military imaging or laser projection systems with
requirements for precise atmospheric compensation through turbulent media. These applications include ABL, Relay
Mirror, remote sensing, and atmospheric imaging programs.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The commercial market includes such areas as
astronomy, communication, power beaming, and surveying.
REFERENCES: (1) D. L. Fried, “Least squares fitting
a wave-front distortion estimate to an array of phase difference measurements,”
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 67, 1977, pp. 375-378. (2) D. L. Fried, “Branch point problem
in adaptive optics,” J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 15, pp. 2759-2768, October 1998. (3) G.
A. Tyler, “Reconstruction and assessment of the least squares and slope
discrepancy components of the phase,” accepted for publication in J. Opt. Soc.
Am. A, 2000 (in press). (4) M. C. Roggemann and A. C. Koivunen, “Branch-point
reconstruction in laser beam projection through turbulence with
finite-degree-of-freedom phase-only wave-front correction,” J. Opt. Soc. Am. A
17, pp. 53-62, January 2000. (5) L. C. Andrews and R. L. Phillips, Laser Beam
Propagation through Random Media, SPIE Optical Engineering Press, Bellingham,
1998.
KEYWORDS: adaptive optics; scintillation; branch
points; wavefront reconstruction; wavefront sensing; beam control
MDA 03-021 TITLE:
Lightweight Innovative Composite Tank Concepts
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Space Platforms
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Develop lightweight composite tankage concepts for the Airborne Laser
(ABL) Program. Develop innovative
composite tankage design and fabrication methodologies that will reduce weight,
be compatible to ABL fluid and gas media, and demonstrate an ability to resist
microcracking when subjected to thermal and pressure cycling.
DESCRIPTION:
The ABL Program is interested in the development of lightweight
composite tanks as a means to reduce the overall mass of their system. The ABL system must contain a large amount
of pressurized fluids, including several hundred gallons of cryogens. By utilizing composite tankage, the weight
of these structures can be reduced by up to 40%. This reduction in weight directly translates to an additional
payload margin of several thousand pounds.
Additionally, lightweight composite tanks promise savings in cost,
associated with their decreased need for touch labor and machining, which will
help the program meet their budgetary goals.
All composite tankage developed must be compatible to the ABL fluid or
gas media being contained. The
contractor is also encouraged to propose methodologies to prevent or resist
composite laminate microcracking when thermal cycled. Another technology focus should be the tank boss regions. This region typically endures the highest
leak rate due to its inherent complexity.
The boss is typically made of aluminum, or another metal, and sealed
against the composite structure of the tank.
This typical material disparity frequently leads to inadequate sealing
as a result of Coefficient of Thermal Expansion mismatches and differential
strains. Contractors are encouraged to
propose designs and fabrication methodologies that will eliminate the need for
a tank boss, or somehow reduce the weight and complexity of this tank component
substantially. Ease of manufacture,
lower cost, less mass, media compatibility, and lower thermal conductivity and
heat transfer to the contained fluids are all important to the ABL system.
PHASE I:
Develop an ABL tankage concept to achieve at least one of the tank
development objectives listed above.
Identify the potential impact on critical parameters such as weight,
cost, reliability, and performance.
Develop a program plan that shall incorporate, but is not limited to, an
ABL integration strategy/methodology for the new tank technologies. Determine system and subsystem level
payoffs. Prepare a technical challenge
report and risk mitigation strategy.
Proof-of-concept hardware demonstrations including laminate coupon level
testing are strongly encouraged.
PHASE II: Develop, fabricate, and test a prototype
tank concept for the ABL Program as identified in Phase I. Conduct flight-qualification-like testing
to validate the concept. Testing
performed will gather data for a detailed performance analysis of the tank
technology. Program success will be
evaluated in accordance with ABL tank specifications, performance, and cost
guidelines.
PHASE III: Both the military and the commercial
space community stand to gain dramatically with the development of composite
tankage. Reduced propellant system mass
for ABL translates directly into increases in vehicle payload, range, speed,
acceleration, and maneuverability.
Composites also offer dramatic cost savings, because they do not require
the extensive touch labor and machining required of similar metallic tank
structures. Operational systems would
gain considerably by utilizing the benefits associated with composites, this includes
enhanced reliability and manufacturability.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: All commercial space systems (satellites,
launch vehicles, aircraft, etc) that utilize tanks to contain gas and fluid
media will benefit by utilizing all composite tanks in lieu of the 60% heavier
metal configurations. Less mass means
more payload, and better vehicle maneuverability. Composites have reduced life cycle costs relative to metallic
structures.
REFERENCES: (1) Brandon J. Arritt, Eugene R.
Fosness, Peter M. Wegner, and Jim Guerrero, “Composite Tank Development Efforts
at the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate,” AIAA Space
Conference & Exposition, Albuquerque, NM, August 2001. (2) David Whitehead, Brian Wilson, “Liquid
Hydrogen (LH2) Tank Development Program”, Final Report AFRL-VS-PS-TR-1998-1021,
May 1998.
KEYWORDS: Cryogenics; Lightweight; Advanced
materials; Launch vehicles; Propellant tanks; Composites; Microcracking,
Boss-less Composite Tanks, Composite Joining
MDA 03-022 TITLE:
Lightweight Mirror Technology
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Design and develop high-stiffness, ultra-lightweight, scalable mirror
fabrication/production techniques.
DESCRIPTION:
Current light-weighting approaches to mirror fabrication using
glass-based substrates are limited in achieving an optimal solution to both
structural and optical requirements.
Primary considerations in mirror design are performance-based metrics
such as optical performance in static and dynamic environments. Aperture weight and risk mitigation in
fabrication, handling and polishing are usually relegated to a secondary design
considerations. However, it is these
secondary considerations that drive the cost of the item. Lightweight mirror production rates are
exceedingly slow, with procurement times and costs that do not scale well with
the mirror aperture. New technologies,
such as nano-laminates, optically polished mandrels, better and faster
polishing techniques and other technologies, have shown great promise at being
able to meet performance based metric while making great strides in weight,
cost and production times.
High-structurally efficient mirror systems that cost less, can be made
faster and have less fabrication risk are desired under this topic.
PHASE I: Investigation of advanced, high payoff
approaches to high-structural efficiency mirrors is desired. The advantages of
the approaches investigated with regards to structural efficiency, optical
quality, manufacturability, producability, scalability, and environmental
requirements should be demonstrated by analysis or historical data.
PHASE II: Finalize Phase I design and based on final
design, develop a prototype component or system. Design and conduct laboratory
demonstration based performance parameters derived from a military or
militarily-relevant commercial application.
PHASE III: Due to the current high activity levels
in both government and industry related to both the SBL and ABL programs, there
are many opportunities for the advancement to a successful Phase-III program
for this topic. Partnership with
traditional DoD prime-contractors will be pursued towards this end. In addition, while government applications
will receive the most direct and immediate benefit from a successful program,
terrestrial optics also stands to benefit from the results of this program. In
particular, high-structural efficiency steering mirrors could reduce complexity
of any optical system with pointing requirements, including ground-based
telescope applications, Printed Circuit Board photoetching systems, automatic
identification systems, scanning and dimensioning systems, environmental &
gaseous emission testing systems, Inspection mirrors, military & commercial
aircraft mirrors, commercial and civilian remote sensing applications, and
optical communications systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Commercial
optics will benefit from the results of this program. In particular,
ground-based telescope applications would be improved by in creasing the efficiency
of the steering mirrors. They could
also have an effect on Printed Circuit Board photoetching systems, automatic
identification systems, scanning and dimensioning systems, environmental &
gaseous emission testing systems, Inspection mirrors, military & commercial
aircraft mirrors, commercial and civilian remote sensing applications, and
optical communications systems.
REFERENCES:
1. Chen, P. C., et. al., "Advances in Very
Lightweight Composite Mirror Technology," Opt. Eng., Vol. 39, pp.
2320-2329, September 2000.
2. Catanzaro, B., et. al., "C/SiC Advanced
Mirror System Demonstrator Designs," UV, Optical, and IR Space Telescopes
and Instruments, J. B. Breckenridge and P. J. Jakobsen, ed., Proc. SPIE Vol.
4013, pp. 672-680, 2000.
3. Safa, F., Levallois, F., Bougoin, M., and Castel,
D., "Silicon Carbide Technology for Large Sub-millimeter Space-Based
Telescopes," International Conference of Space Optics, ICSO97, Toulouse,
December 1997.
4. Barbee, Troy; Wall, Mark A; “Interface reaction
characterization and interfacial effects in multilayers”, Proc of the SPIE,
Vol. 3133, p. 204-213, Grazing Incidence and Multilayer X-Ray Optical Systems.
5. Ulmer, Melville P.; Altkron, Robert I.; Graham,
Michael E.; Madan, Anita; Chu, Yong S, “Production and performance of
multilayer coated conic sections”, Proc. of the SPIE, Vol. 4496, p. 127-133,
X-Ray Optics for Astronomy, Multi-Layers, Spectrometers, and Missions.
KEYWORDS: Lightweight; Mirrors; Manufacturing;
Structures; Optics
MDA 03-023 TITLE:
Precision High-Force Actuators for Adaptive Optics Mirror Shaping
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate technology for efficient
nanometer-precise high-force actuators for shape control of adaptive optics
mirrors for directed energy applications.
DESCRIPTION: Deformable mirrors development work has
been employed to improve the quality of the wavefront of a projected beam or
source image, which has been distorted by optical disturbances along the
optical path. The military application
is the delivery of a useful photon beam at a distance with good beam quality
for illumination or lethality purposes.
Actuator technology is needed to accomplish this deformation, but with
power efficiency exceeding the state of the art while maintaining nanometer
precision to accomplish optical surface shaping. The actuator motion must be stiff in the face of dynamic and
thermal loads, while minimizing mass and volume of the device as well as the
associated control and power electronics.
There are both military and commercial uses for such devices, including
Airborne Laser Systems (ABL). The state
of the art for High Energy Laser (HEL) applications is a 32 x 32 actuator array
around 10 inches in diameter capable of improving the wavefront with sufficient
stroke to the order of a millisecond response.
Flight applications may include the upper atmospheric environment and
possible use under warfighting conditions.
Integration with state-of-the-art deformable mirror materials is also
important part of a proposal.
PHASE I: The respondent shall develop concepts and
define the requirements for the design of an actuator with improved mass,
volume, and power efficiency over state-of-the-art deformable mirror
actuators. The conceptual design of a
single actuator proof-of-concept prototype without form-factor electronics
should be built and demonstrated in Phase I.
The designs, a Phase I report including experimental data, and a
proposal for Phase II will be expected products.
PHASE II:
Detailed design and fabrication of a prototype with mature electronics
and control schemes to be tested is expected.
The contractor shall design appropriate characterization and performance
tests to evaluate the prototype. These
may include optical tests with a deformable surface. Scalability of the new design must be demonstrated and sufficient
analysis performed to describe techniques for scaling. The final product is a complete test and
characterization report of the new technology.
PHASE III: An immediate military customer is
ABL. The likely dual use of this
technology is a component technology for imaging sensor and astronomy
applications.
REFERENCES:
1. Eugene R.
Fosness, Waylon F. Gammill, and Steven J. Buckley, “Deployment and Release
Devices efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles
Directorate,” AIAA Space Conference & Exposition, Albuquerque, NM, August
2001.
2. Peffer,
A., Fosness, E., Capt Hill, S., Gammill, W., and Sciulli, D., “Development and
Transition of Low Shock Release Devices for Small Satellites,” presented at
14th Annual AIAA/Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites, Logan,
Utah, Aug 23 – 26, 2000.
KEYWORDS: vibration isolation, structural dynamics,
structural control, vibration suppression, high energy laser pointing
MDA 03-024 TITLE:
Deformable Mirror (DM) Electronics Miniaturization
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Develop designs and techniques to miniaturize the electronics for
deformable mirrors.
DESCRIPTION:
Present designs of DM electronics are heavy and require a significant
amount of space in a standard electronics rack. These standard design consist of a single driver for each
actuator. The intervening cable, that
connects each driver to a single actuator, adds additional weight and becomes a
mechanical short for the optics bench.
These aspects of DM technology have to date not be considered
restrictive. Most applications of DM's are in ground based systems. A ground based system does have restraints
on rack space or weight. Additional
racks can easily be accommodated and large, stiff structures can be used for
cable routing, since weight is not an issue on the ground. Applications in airborne and spaceborne
systems, however, can not apply these standard methods and are forced to
consider a more direct solution.
Technology exists that can miniature an actuator driver to 7 cubic
inches. The goal of 1 to 2 cubic inches
per actuator driver could allow for the entire electronic package of a
256-actuator mirror to fit conveniently behind the DM faceplate. An associated weight of 2 ounce per actuator
driver is also desirable for ease in mounting.
PHASE I: Provide the design of a DM actuator driver
which can meet the goals of being packaged in 1 to 2 cubic inches of volume and
weigh less than 2 to 3 ounces. The design is to consider heat removal which
will become a significant issue with the dense packaging of all drivers behind
the DM faceplate. The design is to be
able to drive a lead, manganese, nyobate (PMN) actuator with a 4 micrometers
amplitude sinusoidal signal at a 2 kHz rate with less than 3 degrees lag and at
a 1 micrometer amplitude at a 10kHz rate with less than 50 degrees lag.
PHASE II: A subscale DM with miniaturized
electronics is to be built and tested.
PHASE III: Application exists in ground based
adaptive optics by making the secondary mirrors adaptive, diagnostics
application in optometry and adaptive optics in airborne and spaceborne
systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL WORKLOAD: Application
exists in utilizing the diagnostics application in optometry.
REFERENCES: (1) Thomas Bifano, Micromechanical
Arrays for Macroscopic Actuation of Deformable Mirrors, Boston University, 1996
(project code: memsact). (2) SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3126, Experimental
demonstration of using microelectomechanical deformable mirrors to control
optical aberrations, (paper #: 3126-19). (3) SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3126,
Investigating a Xinetics Inc. Deformable Mirror (paper #: 3126-75).
KEYWORDS: Deformable Mirror Actuators; Deformable
electronics Miniaturization;
Miniature Current Drivers; Low voltage DM actuators
MDA 03-025 TITLE:
Advanced Processing of the Optical Surface on Large Lightweight Mirrors
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVES:
To develop innovative, low cost, fast processes capable of producing an
optical surface of visual quality on large mirror substrates for use in air
borne and space based applications.
DESCRIPTION:
The Air Force is seeking new and highly innovative concepts for reducing
the cost and schedule of producing large, lightweight, segmented mirror systems
(up to 10 meters in diameter) for both surveillance and directed energy
applications. Traditional glass mirrors
used in large telescopes are often very expensive and have very long production
times mainly because of the labor intensive slumping, grinding, and polishing
operations needed to produce the optical surface configuration. Near net
shaping, grinding, and polishing of advanced metallic (Be or Si) and ceramic
(SiC or Si3N4) based mirrors are even more time consuming because of inherent
high hardness. The surface quality of a mirror is usually described by two
parameters; (1) the precision of the geometrical shape/figure which should
typically have an RMS value within 1/10 to 1/20 of the wavelength of light and
(2) the surface micro-roughness, which contributes to scattering should to be
on the order of 1/200 to 1/500 of a wavelength RMS. The stability of these quality parameters throughout the anticipated
operational environment/life is also critical and must be understood.
Print-through distortions caused by the mirror system geometry coupled with the
differences or inhomogeneity in modulus and CTE of the various materials that
make up a mirror system must be quantified to assure that the quality
parameters remain within their specified acceptable ranges. New methods of producing the optical
component/member to visual quality and maintaining it throughout the assembly
stages shall be explored in this program.
New or enhanced methods of contact and/or non-contact machining and
polishing will be considered in this program if it can be shown to
substantially reduce both cost and schedule compared to the current state of
the art. Additionally, methods that
eliminate the machining and polishing steps altogether will also be considered
if it can be shown that they don’t re-introduce more processing steps with
substantial cost and schedule penalties. Such processes could be either
spinning a surface film of the desired quality onto a non-polished structural
member or replicating the optical surface from a reusable polished mandrel
followed by the buildup or attachment of the non-polished structural member
prior to removal from the mandrel. In
both cases a detailed discussion of the issues and impact of the bonding agents
properties on the optical surface quality (including reliably and robustness)
should be provided. The use of
adhesives, solders, brazes or integral-bonding agents should be structurally
compatible and stable with both the support and optical members under the
anticipated operational conditions (ambient air or space with some heat
loading). Desired material characteristics of the total mirror system include
low density, high stiffness, low CTE in the operational range, high thermal
conductivity, and high fracture toughness for vibration, impact, and heat-load
damage control. Innovative
methodologies and materials for the manufacturing of the optical member/surface
and its attachment to the structural support member of a mirror system are
sought.
PHASE I:
Select and develop one or more materials, design approaches, and
manufacturing processes for the optical member/surface of a mirror system. Develop estimates in terms of mass, cost,
schedule, and performance parameters of this optical member when attached to
the mirrors structural support member.
Fabricate proof-of-concept coupon/sub-element components containing the
optical member attached to the structural member and conduct preliminary performance
testing necessary to aid in performance estimations. Suggest iterations to the mirror design, manufacturing
methodology, and performance testing necessary to improve the scalability,
while reducing cost and schedule without sacrificing performance.
PHASE II:
Implement the manufacturing and test methodologies suggested in Phase I
on a sub-element basis so that a down-selection to the optimum
design/methodology is possible.
Demonstrate the capability of this optimized process by fabricating at least
a one-meter diameter primary mirror.
Quantify the cost, schedule, and performance of the one-meter mirror
with respect to the estimated parameters from Phase I. Produce a plan for demonstrating
reproducibility and reliability of the one-meter mirror manufacturing process
and provide a list of the limitations and problems expected in scaling up to a
3 to 4 meter mirror segment with the desired quality/performance.
PHASE III:
DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Primary
imaging and beam converging mirrors have a variety of DoD and commercial
applications including land, air, and space based systems. Traditional mirror designs are heavy,
costly, and very time intensive to manufacture. Demonstration of a lightweight, low cost, fast manufacturing
method would provide tremendous savings and capability enhancement for future
aircraft and spacecraft missions requiring these types of mirrors.
REFERENCES:
1. Carlin,
P. S., "Lightweight Segmented Mirror Systems for Spacecraft",
Proceedings of the IEEE Aerospace Conference, 18-25 March 2000, Big Sky,
Montana.
2. Wilson,
R. N., Reflecting Telescope Optics I, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996.
3. Wilson, R. N., Reflecting Telescope Optics II,
Springer-Verlag, New York, 1999.
KEYWORDS: Adaptive Optics; Replicating Optical Surfaces;
Micromachining Optical Surfaces;
Deformable Mirror; Space Based Laser Wavefront Control; Segmented
Mirrors; Airborne Laser Wavefront Control
MDA 03-026 TITLE:
Ultra-Lightweight Large-Aperture, SiC Optical Components
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Space Platforms
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: To dramatically reduce cost, schedule,
and weight for large-aperture optical systems via use of Silicon Carbide for
mirror backing structures and optical substrate.
DESCRIPTION: Numerous government agencies have
defined needs for large, lightweight optical systems. Ongoing programs, are
directed at dramatically reducing cost, schedule, and weight for large-aperture
optical systems through emphasis on use of advanced design and integration
techniques. Preliminary results have
shown the potential for further stiffness and unit mass improvement via use of
advanced manufacturing techniques that employed advanced thermally stable
materials such as Silicon Carbide for mirror backing structures and optical
substrate. For the proposed effort, the
contractor shall select a valid optical system architecture concept for
application of advanced SiC for backing structures and optical substrate. Cost estimates to acquire any necessary
facilities to fabricate, assemble, and test a full optical system (prime
contractor concept) of the proposed technology must be provided. In addition, the contractor shall provide
the cost data showing the cost benefits, choose a optical system architecture
design for detailed manufacturing analysis, describe their approach for
accommodating mirror deformation from coating stresses, thermal loading
(absorption of solar and/or laser irradiation), and the costs associated with
these modifications through their manufacturing analysis. The proposal shall provide test data to
support their coating selection that addresses issues such as solar absorptance
and traceability analysis.
PHASE I: The offeror is expected to produce a
detailed design that will achieve the architecture goals and show traceability
to a valid deployable optical system.
PHASE II: This effort will fabricate, assemble, and
test a prototype mirror system. The
offeror must demonstrate that the ambient mirror system can be used for
visible-wavelength applications. If a
single mirror is selected under ambient and/or cryogenic requirements, the
mirror will be required to meet the ambient requirements and undergo the
necessary modifications for cryogenic testing under this Phase if the cryogenic
option is chosen.
PHASE III: It is anticipated that successful
demonstration of Phase II goals will lead to commercialization of this
technology for low cost imaging systems and incorporation in laser cross-link
communications.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This will give corporations with remote sensing better imagery or an increased
capability to cross link communications.
REFERENCES: (1) T. T. Saha, D. B. Leviton, and P.
Glenn, “Performance of ion-figured silicon carbide SUMER telescope mirror in
the vacuum ultraviolet,” Applied Optics, Vol. 35, No. 10 (April 1996). (2) E. L. Church and P. Z. Takacs,
“Specification of surface figure and finish in terms of system performance,”
Applied Optics, Vol. 32, No. 19 (July 1993).
(3) R. R. Shannon, The Art and Science of Optical Design, Cambridge
University Press (1997).
KEYWORDS: optics; large-aperture; lightweight;
silicon carbide
MDA 03-027 TITLE:
Beam Control for Extended Range
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Demonstrate innovative methods for adaptive optics and tracking for an
airborne platform addressing fast long-range targets that may be at high
altitude.
DESCRIPTION:
There is interest in the propagation of laser beams over long
atmospheric paths. A primary system of interest is the Airborne Laser
(ABL). ABL missions typically require
operation in high scintillation environments that greatly complicate the
tracking and adaptive optics tasks. In
designs, the track beacon gathers information for pointing, and a separate
adaptive optics beacon gathers information for adaptive optics. With the two beacons, the anisoplanatic hit
can be taken in the tilt loops, whereas the adaptive optics beacon is placed on
the missile body so that the higher order loops run on isoplanatic information.
The reason for this separation is that tilt anisoplanatism is more forgiving
than higher order anisoplanatism. Tilt anisoplanatism is then set by the
aimpoint position relative to the nose.
The targets of interest for this SBIR are at longer
ranges (on the order of 1,000Km) and are moving at higher speeds (several Km/s)
than those that gave rise to the above family of designs. Applicable Rytov
numbers range from 0.1 for very high targets up to 1.0 for lower elevation
targets. due to the speed and range of many of these targets the adaptive
optics beacon would have to be placed ahead of the missile body in order for
the incoming sensed information to be isoplanatic with the pointing
direction. This clearly doesn't
work. Thus this solicitation seeks beam
control designs that accommodate this situation which may use relay technology
techniques. Specifically, there appear
to be several beacon approaches for the adaptive optics loops: 1 use the nose beacon for both adaptive
optics and for tracking; 2 use a guidestar for the adaptive optics loops.
For case 1 the adaptive optics information is from
the wrong direction, thus some sort of estimation, adaptive perhaps, will be
required for best performance. On the
other hand one now has wavefront sensor information from the nose. This may be useful, together with the
tracker information, in more optimally pointing the beam. For case 2 the guidestar beacon can be
placed in the right direction, obviating directional anisoplanatism in the
higher order loops. However, one now
has to contend with focus anisoplanatism as well as signal to noise
issues. In either case there are
additional problems to overcome, but also some additional opportunities. Perhaps non-linear phase reconstruction plus
estimation may play a role. Perhaps
combining wavefront sensor and tracker information with guidestar information
might prove both practical and beneficial.
This solicitation seeks innovative solutions to the
above-described challenges. Most
desirable is a concept that would address the total problem. However the government will consider
concepts addressing tracking only or adaptive optics only,
PHASE I:
Conceptualize a solution, considering relay technology techniques, to
one or more aspects of the beam control problem for the fast, long-range
targets of interest. A design review
will cover the concept, it's proposed implementation, and simulation or
analytical validation of the approach.
PHASE II:
Demonstrate the concept developed in Phase I through further simulation
as well as in hardware. The simulation
will be a full wave optics simulation that is representative of the types of
systems and scenarios of interest to the Air Force. The hardware demonstration should be done at the AFRL Advanced
Concepts Laboratory at MIT Lincoln Labs.
PHASE III:
Successful demonstration of a concept for improving beam control
performance in the scenarios of interest will be transitioned to the ABL SPO
for incorporation in future ABL like systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Solutions of tracking and adaptive optics in
an aberrating environment have already found applications in the medical
imaging community. The enhanced solutions called for here should extend current
applications to even more difficult medical imaging problems.
REFERENCES:
1. Andrews, L. C. and R. L. Phillips, Laser Beam
Propagation through Random Media, SPIE Optical Engineering Press, Bellingham,
1998.
2. Fields, M. H. and J. E. Kansky, P. J. Berger and
C. Higgs, “Initial Results for the Advanced-Concepts Laboratory for Adaptive
Optics and Tracking,” Proc. of SPIE, April 2000.
3. Gibson, J. S., C.-C.-Chang, and B. L. Ellerbroek,
“Adaptive optics: correction by use of adaptive filtering and control,” Applied
Optics, Optical Technology and Biomedical Optics, No. 16, p. 2525.
4. Merritt, P., Cusumano, et. al. "Active
Tracking of a Ballistic Missile in Boost Phase", Proceedings of SPIE, ATP,
2739, 1996.
5. Roggemann, M. C., and Welsh, B, Imaging through
Turbulence, CRC Press, New York, 1996.
KEYWORDS: adaptive optics, scintillation, wavefront
reconstruction, wavefront sensing, tracking, beam control, estimation,
guidestar
MDA 03-028 TITLE:
Electron Bombarded Charge Coupled Device (EBCCD)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Develop EBCCD's with frame rate of 10hZ and provides a gain of 200 which
would boost the photon shot noise above all other detector and readout noise
sources.
DESCRIPTION: The state of the art Electro bombarded
charge coupled device has no proven reliability. This sensor resolves the
illuminated hard body to determine the High energy laser and Beacon illuminator
aim point and to measure atmospheric jitter, also to avoid latency in the
control loop, an EBCCD frame rate of 10hZ is required to provide adequate
sample time for data transfer and processing.
Improve reliability of their photodiodes with
reliability growth testing of the EBCCD's. This would ensure that the EBCCD
provides a gain of 200 which would boost the photon shot noise above all other
detector and readout noise sources and provide photon limited detection of the
illuminator signal returned by the target for maximum SNR. This reliability
improvement will reduce maintenance burden on all systems employing a fine
tracker concept, improve specifications for procuring EBCCD's and improve
maintenance process and reduce operating and support costs.
PHASE I: Define the proposed system concept,
specific system requirements, and predict the performance of the proposed
design. Demonstrate basic system concepts in a laboratory environment.
PHASE II:
Provide a prototype component or system and laboratory demonstration to
mutually agreed performance parameters. Demonstration EBCCD (Sensor) must be
capable to support ground demonstration in a
government facility and be
qualifiable for an airborne experiment.
The prime consideration must be deliverable system hardware and a clear
demonstration of the integrated high-performance system that will demonstrate a
20-year lifetime.
PHASE III: There is tremendous growth in the use of
sensors in both space and airborne applications. With this increase along with
requirements of ABL and SBL a requirement is created for an effective EBCCD
with high frame rates and low noise. It is expected such a system will find an
abundance of applications in the commercial and defense sectors.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Biomedical
imaging and photonic systems are some of the dominant potential users of this
technology.
REFERENCES: (1) R.G. Hier, W. Zheng, E.A. Beaver,
C.E. McIlwain, and G.W. Schmidt, "Development of a CCD-Digicon detector
system," Advances in Electronics and Electron Systems Vol. 74, pp. 55-67,
Academic Press, 1988. (2) J.C. Richard, L. Bergonzi and M. Lemonier, "A 604x288
Electron-bombarded CCD image tube for 2D photon counting", SPIE Vol 1338
Optoelectronic Devices and Applications, pp. 241-54, 1990. (3) W. Enloe, R.
Sheldon, L. Reed and A. Amith, "An electron-bombarded CCD image
intensifier with a GaAs photocathode," SPIE Vol 1655 Electron Tubes and
Image Intensifiers, pp. 41-49, 1992. (4) J.C. Richard, D. Riou and M. Vittot,
"Low-light-level TV with image intensifier tubes and CCDs", Advances in Electronics and
Electron Physics Vol. 74, pp. 9 -15, Academic Press, 1988. (5) G.I. Bryukhnevitch,
et. al., "Picosecond image converter tubes incorporated with EB CCDs
readout," SPIE Vol 1655 Electron Tubes and Image Intensifiers, pp. 94-105,
1992. (6) M. Dunham and P. Sanchez, "Ultimate sensitivity and resolution
of phosphor/fiber/charge-coupled-device system," Optical Engineering, Vol.
26 No. 10, pp. 1035-1042, Oct 1987. (7) J.C. Cheng, G.R. Tripp and L.W.
Coleman, "Intensified CCD readout system for ultrafast streak cameras," J. Applied Physics,
Vol. 49, No. 11, pp. 5421-5426, Nov. 1978. (8) T. Daud, J. Janesick, K. Evans
and T. Elliott, "Charge-coupled-device response to electron beam energies
of less than 1 keV up to 20 keV," Optical Engineering, Vol. 26 No. 8,
pp. 686-691, Aug. 1987. (9) W. van
Roosbroeck, "Theory and yield and Fano factor of electron-hole pairs
generated in semiconductors by high energy particles," Physical Review,
Vol. 139 No. 5A, pp. A1702-16, Aug. 30, 1965. (10) M.K. Ravel and A.
Reinheimer, "Backside-thinned CCDs for keV electron detection," SPIE
Proceedings Vol 1447-10, Feb. 1991.
KEYWORDS: Electron Bombarded Charge Coupled Device;
sensors; frame rates; signal to noise ratios; EBCCD.
MDA 03-029 TITLE:
Data Driven Prognostics
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: Develop a data driven prognostic system
based on pattern recognition technologies that provides advanced warning of
failure, fault and other error events.
DESCRIPTION:
Computer controlled machines/equipment continually generate operating
data, such as sensor logs, command logs, activity logs and error code logs,
that act as a record their operating history.
Such data can be represented mathematically to describe the state of a
machine at a point in time. A
functioning machine creates a dataset in n-dimensional space containing
certain, recognizable signatures, whilst a malfunctioning machine generates
different data and creates different signature sets with each signature being
specific to a particular condition or event.
These signatures are separated by complex partitions in the n
dimensional dataset.
The objective of the project is to develop and
demonstrate a library of predictive engines based on a number of advanced
pattern recognition techniques and mathematical algorithms - such as generic
algorithms, multivariate statistics, theories of chaos, topology, neural
networks, signal analysis and mathematical logic - which identify the
partitions that separate the early signatures of functioning machines from
those later signatures of malfunctioning machines, thereby allowing the
prediction of specific machine or system malfunctioning events prior to their
occurrence.
Once defined, the predictive engines will be ported
to an automated processing environment, where operational machine data will be
sent electronically to a remote processing facility where it will be analyzed
to provide advanced warning of specific failure, fault and error events.
PHASE I: A
mapping process will be created to define target events for prediction, based
on a value set that includes cost and safety considerations. In conjunction, available historical data
will be analyzed in a preliminary assessment of the adequacy of the existing
dataset for prediction.
PHASE II:
Using historical operational machine data, their transforms and error
code mapping, an initial group of predictive engines will be developed for
target events. These predictive engines
will then be refined for accuracy using live machine data sets, and
demonstrated in a test field environment
PHASE III:
An automated solution for data integration, transformation, and
prediction will be established. The
resulting prognostic system will be deployed across the identified fleet
population and further refined for predictive capability and to expand the
target event base.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The ability to
predict machine/equipment events has significant commercial potential in
aircraft, power, manufacturing, processing, transportation, and other
industrial applications where such capability would allow companies to improve
reliability and safety, reduce downtime, and lower the direct maintenance cost
of physical assets.
REFERENCES:
(1) Artificial Intelligence in Equipment Maintenance and Support: Papers from the 1999 AAAI Spring Symposium,
Technical Report SS-99-04, ISBN 1-57735-081-2.
(2) 2001
IEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings.
Track 11: Diagnostics,
Prognostics, and Health Management. IEEE Catalog Number 01TH8542C, ISBN
0-7803-6600-X.
KEYWORDS: multivariate statistics, theories of
chaos, topology, neural networks, signal analysis and mathematical logic,
Prognostics
MDA 03-030 TITLE:
Multifunctional Structures for Aerospace Applications
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Space Platforms
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE:
Reduce mass and volume of DOD weapon systems through use of
Multi-Functional Structures (MFS) technology.
DESCRIPTION: Current state-of-the-art for aerospace
vehicle electronic configurations use heavy cumbersome cabling and
connectors. These components compose a
significant portion of the mass of the aerospace vehicle, require a large
amount of touch labor to manufacture, have a limited test/monitoring
capability, are difficult to install in the vehicle, and require significant
support brackets. The avionics boxes
are connected together by conventional round wire cable bundles that are
touch-labor intensive to manufacture due to the many individual manual solder
connections that are necessary at each connector node. These cables are composed of a bundle of
individual wires bound together with mechanical bindings, attached to the
aerospace vehicle structure with various high-strength mechanical brackets and
tie-downs, and finished on each end with complex and expensive connectors. These cables are difficult to install and do
not precisely conform to structural curvatures. The avionics boxes are large and do not smoothly integrate with
the vehicle structure and cabling.
Additionally, the cables, once installed, have limited test/monitoring
capabilities. For example, the
flight-ready configuration must be compromised and the cables disconnected in
order to troubleshoot for electrical discontinuities. The Air Force is looking for new innovative ideas to integrate
the load carrying capability of traditional structures with the cabling requirements
of aerospace vehicles. The basic
approach is to reconfigure the cabling to improve the way they integrate into
the aerospace vehicle structure, minimize mass and volume requirements, and to
simplify the cabling manufacturing process.
The proposal should address solutions for these issues and should focus
on flexible circuitry, high density interconnects, and multichip module
technologies. The technologies
proposed should address thermal management of the electronic subsystems, while
not sacrificing maintainability of these systems before or after integration
onto the aerospace vehicle. A
collaborative effort with the aerospace vehicle manufacturer is encouraged to
facilitate integration and demonstration of the technologies proposed.
PHASE I:
Develop and design a concept that will replace an aerospace vehicle
electronics system. Provide a
proof-of-concept demonstration of proposed technology. Perform an impact analysis of technology on
proposed system. A strategy to
transition the technologies developed for existing and future aerospace
vehicles are strongly encouraged
PHASE II:
Develop and demonstrate prototype hardware for the concept identified in
Phase I. Tasks shall include a detailed proof of concept demonstration of key
technical parameters that can be accomplished at a subscale level and a
detailed performance analysis. In
addition, develop a program plan that shall incorporate an implementation
strategy/methodology, a detailed technical challenge breakdown, risk mitigation
strategy, potential flight demonstration opportunities, proposed program
schedule, and estimated costs. .
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Both the military and the commercial sector
stand to gain with the replacement of conventional round wire cable with new
innovative cabling technologies that integrate the development of MFS
technologies. If successful, this
technology could provide a new design paradign for aerospace cabling that could
lead to substantial mass, volume, and cost savings at the system level. For example, the reduction of touch labor
associated with build-up, rework, inspection, and testing is a substantial cost
of the overall system level expense associated with aerospace vehicles. This capability will be very attractive to
both military and commercial aerospace vehicle managers.
REFERENCES :
1.
“Multifunctional Structures”, presented at the AIAA Space 2001
Conference in Albuquerque, NM, 28-30 August 2001.
2. “Design
& Testing of Multifunctional Structure Concept”, presented at the 41st
Annual Structural Design and Materials AIAA and ASME Conference, 4 April 2000,
Atlanta, GA.
3.
“Multifunctional Structures Technology Demonstration on NMO Deep Space
1”, presented at the Deep Space 1 Technology Validation Symposium, 9 February
00, Pasadena, California.
4. “Overview
of Multifunctional Structure Efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory”,
presented at the Space 2000 & Robotics 2000 Conference, Albuquerque, NM 28
February 1999.
KEYWORDS: Multichip module, Flexible circuitry,
Multifunctional structures, Modular avionics, Aerospace vehicles, Spacecraft,
Cabling, Structures
MDA 03-031 TITLE:
Advanced Chemical Iodine Lasers
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
Objective: Demonstrate innovative concepts relevant
to the development of a high-energy chemical iodine laser.
Description: The Air Force Research Laboratory's
Directed Energy Directorate (AFRL/DE) is interested in promoting and conducting
innovative research on promising new technologies relevant to the development
of high-energy chemical iodine lasers.
The most common chemical iodine laser, COIL (Chemical Oxygen Iodine
Laser), uses the highly efficient reaction between molecular chlorine and basic
hydrogen peroxide (BHP) to generate electronically excited (singlet delta)
oxygen. Singlet delta oxygen reacts via
electronic energy transfer with atomic iodine to produce a population inversion
on the I*(2P1/2) - I(2P3/2) spin-orbit transition. Provided that sufficient gain can be achieved, single line lasing
at 1.3 microns is the result of the energy transfer process. Similarly, the All Gas-phase Iodine Laser
(AGIL) produces singlet delta NCl that also reacts with atomic iodine to
produce a population inversion.
Unfortunately, traditional COIL devices require the
use of highly corrosive and bulky liquid reagents (eg. BHP) and current AGIL
concepts use hydrogen azide (HN3) a highly toxic and explosive gas. These features are troublesome for both
airborne and space-based applications and AFRL/DE is seeking alternative
methods for generating singlet delta oxygen and/or NCl.
Potential sources of electronically excited O2 and
NCl include electric discharges, alternative chemical mechanisms, optical
pumping schemes, or other efficient energy transfer processes. Proposed concepts must be capable of
producing high number densities of singlet delta O2, NCl, or another acceptable
energy carrier.
Phase I: 1)
Define and model a promising chemical iodine laser concept or energy carrier
generator. Or 2) investigate issues
related to the production, storage, and usage of high densities of hydrogen
azide or an alternative source of singlet delta NCl. Identify and investigate the key physical or chemical processes
and arrive at a design concept.
Phase II:
Continue the effort initiated in Phase I. Design, construct, and carry out the key experiment(s) identified
in Phase I. Generate an engineering
design for a full scale device. Where
appropriate, construct and demonstrate the full-scale device.
Phase III:
Possible applications include nuclear reactor decommissioning, robotic
welding, and mining / drilling.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Possible
applications include nuclear reactor decommissioning, robotic welding, and
mining / drilling.
References: (1) Gerald C. Manke II and Gordon D.
Hager, "Advanced COIL - Physics, Chemistry, and Uses," J. Mod. Opt.,
accepted, 2001. (2) Thomas L. Henshaw, Gerald C. Manke II, Timothy J. Madden,
Michael R. Berman, and Gordon D. Hager, "A New Energy Transfer Laser at
1.315 microns," Chem. Phys. Lett., Vol. 325, pp. 537- 544, 2000.
KEYWORDS: Chemical lasers; Directed energy weapons;
Lasers; Space based lasers; Airborne lasers
MDA 03-032 TITLE:
Lightweight Low Contamination Materials
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: Develop lightweight, low contamination
materials for Absorption of high-energy laser beams.
DESCRIPTION: High-energy laser systems require laser
beam absorption Materials that can be placed in the beam to provide beam
shaping, control, and dumping. A laser
needs to have lightweight materials that will not melt, change dimensions or
contaminate the laser system when exposed to the high-energy laser beam. Such
materials should be environmentally robust, machineable and dimensionally
stable over normal military specification ranges (-40 to 60 C). After exposure
to a high-energy laser they should not lose appreciable amounts of mass, less
then 0.01 percent mass loss as a goal. These materials should have high heat
capacity and resistance to pulsed and continuous wave laser damage, estimated
levels would be in excess of 15 J/cm2 and 10 kW/cm2. Other useful features of
the new material would be high (greater than 0.99) absorption and low
reflectivity (less than 0.01).
PHASE I: Deliver small-scale test coupons ready for
testing to determine their energy-absorption characteristics. These coupons
would also be tested for their laser-damage resistance, mass loss, and
reflectivity properties. It is also possible that coupons will be subjected to
atomic oxygen and ionizing radiation, to determine if they are qualifiable for
space application.
PHASE II: Deliver full-scale shaped material ready
for testing to determine their energy-absorption characteristics. At this point,
the materials would be subject to full-scale qualification for flight, with all
the structural material and optical properties, remeasured.
PHASE III: Materials of this type will be of use on
Air Borne Laser (ABL) and the ABL Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development
(ABL EMD), for lightweight safety dumps, the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL)
and follow ons, and the SBL.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Use of
light-weight material with the above properties will be of use in laser beam
shaping and control materials for any industrial application and could be of
use as insulation and nonablative shielding materials for use in jet and rocket
engines and commercial furnaces.
REFERENCES: (1) Gerald C. Manke II and Gordon D.
Hager, "Advanced COIL - Physics, Chemistry, and Uses," J. Mod. Opt.,
accepted, 2001. (2) Thomas L. Henshaw, Gerald C. Manke II, Timothy J. Madden,
Michael R. Berman, and Gordon D. Hager, "A New Energy Transfer Laser at
1.315 microns," Chem. Phys. Lett., Vol. 325, pp. 537- 544, 2000.
KEYWORDS: Chemical lasers; Directed energy weapons;
Lasers; Space based lasers; Airborne lasers
MDA 03-033 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile Fuel Tank Ullage Fire/Explosion Modeling
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AL
OBJECTIVE: Model laser interaction with ballistic
missiles to determine the interplay between fuels and heated missile walls.
DESCRIPTION: High power lasers are currently in
development that are designed to engage ballistic missile during there active
boost phase. These weapons systems are
designed to engage the pressurized propellant tank or motorcase of the missile,
causing it to fail in a catastrophic manner.
While the baseline failure mechanism is well characterized1, there are
many factors that can cause enhancements to the lethality of weapons system
against the missiles. One such factor
is fuel ignition that leads to additional damage to the missile. Fuels used in many common aircraft
application2 have been characterized and various models handling ballistic impact
on these fuel tanks have been developed3.
However, there exists a deficiency in the availability of detailed
numerical models for the laser/missile fuel tank interaction.
PHASE I: Research current state of the art
combustion modeling and develop a first principle model that handles the
geometry and environment of a ballistic missile that has been vented by a laser
weapon. The initial model should be
able to handle a single tank geometry and fuel type as well as a limited number
of engagement conditions (altitude and missile velocity). All relevant physics should be accounted
for, including reaction kinetics, aerodynamic, and heat transfer to between the
heated missile wall and combustible fuel.
PHASE II: Carry the model development to a working
level that includes user-specified geometries, additional propellant types,
greater rage of engagement conditions, user-friendly interface. Model should be validated against test data
collected against geometries and fuels of interest.
PHASE III: Commercial launch vehicle reliability
analysis, Aircraft safety. The
developed model would have additional military application in analysis of the
Space Based Laser lethality analysis as well as a tool for system hardening of
domestic missile.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This can be
used for Commercial launch vehicle reliability analysis, Aircraft safety
REFERENCES: (1) J. Beraun, et al., “ Airborne Laser
Lethality Test Series, Volume I of II Subscale and Half Scale Targets,”
PL-TR-96-1051, Vol. I, Phillips Laboratory, KAFB, NM, June 1996.
(Unclassified). (2) T. B. Biddle, et al., “Properties of Aircraft Fuels and
Related Materials,” WL-TR-91-2036, Wright Labs, WPAFB, Ohio, July 1991.
(Unclassified). (3) A. M. Pascal, “Ullage Explosion Model Source Code Description,”
SURVIAC-TR-97-024, 1997. (Unclassified)
MDA 03-034 TITLE: Gallium
Nitride (GaN) Device Technology Enhancements Leading to Advanced
Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules for Radar Performance Enhancement
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop and demonstrate Gallium Nitride (GaN) device technologies that
contribute to the development of GaN-based high power amplifiers and
Transmitter/ Receiver (T/R) modules for incorporation in X-Band Ballistic
Missile Defense (BMD) class radars, with increased power, bandwidth, and power
added efficiency exceeding performance attainable with state of the art Gallium
Arsenide (GaAs) modules.
DESCRIPTION: Enhanced performance (improved
resolution, enhanced discrimination, and increased power) of BMD X-Band Radars
may be achieved by incorporating Transmit/ Receive (T/R) modules that use power
amplifiers composed of multiple GaN based transistors capable of 30 Watts of
power per module operating through 10 GHZ.
Individual transistors should achieve power added efficiencies of 40-50%
and power amplifiers should achieve power added efficiencies on the order of
25%. Device power, efficiency, and
bandwidth should not degrade significantly over extended periods of peak power
operation. Novel power amplifier and device designs, materials processing and
production methods, and device cooling are anticipated. Current GaN High
Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) change performance over time at
temperature. Performance-enhancing techniques such as gate recess are not
established for GaN-based devices. GaN
HEMTs should not show significant degradation in power, efficiency, or
bandwidth over long periods of operation at peak power levels when the channel
temperature does not exceed 150 C.
PHASE I:
Analyze, design, and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of
advanced GaN based devices (HEMTs, Power Amplifiers, T/R modules) or
technologies leading to the production of these devices.
PHASE II:
Develop and demonstrate prototype devices (power transistors,
amplifiers, T/R modules) that demonstrate stable device performance and meet or
exceed the power, efficiency, bandwidth, and degradation goals. Develop and demonstrate new processes (or
hardware) that lead to production improved devices.
PHASE III: Prepare detailed plans to implement
demonstrated capabilities on critical military and commercial
applications. Produce production
quality HEMTs, power amplifiers, T/R modules, or devices that lead to the
production of said components.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Advanced GaN
based HEMTs and power amplifiers have application throughout commercial
industries. Commercial radars, communications equipment, cell phones, and
satellites, would benefit from this development.
REFERENCES:
1.
http://nsr.mij.mrs.org/
2.
http://nina.ecse.rpi.edu/shur/Tutorial/GaNtutorial2/index.htm
KEYWORDS: GaN Power Amplifiers; GaN transistors;
Radar; Transmit/Receive Module; X-band; GaN based materials processing; gate
recess
MDA 03-035 TITLE: Technologies
Enabling Active Multi-Mode Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Range-Resolved
Doppler Imaging LADAR and Passive Multi-Color LWIR detection.
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDa/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced active seeker based on Range-Resolved Doppler Imaging
Laser Radar (LADAR) and Passive Multi-Color LWIR detection for incorporation in
an Exo-atomospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) to improve target detection,
discrimination and aimpoint selection.
DESCRIPTION: An active seeker would provide enhanced
target detection, on-board discrimination and improved end-game guidance for
hit-to-kill interceptors. Technologies
that enable Range-Resolved Doppler Imaging Laser Radar (LADAR) to achieve
higher transmitted energy levels, faster waveform processing, better beam
quality, higher pulse repetition rate, enhanced efficiency, greater revisit
rates, improved sensitivity, and increased reliability, while conforming to the
mass, volume, and power constraints of an EKV are critical to the optimal
performance of this technology.
Combination of the LADAR with a multicolor IR seeker would provide a
three-dimensional imaging capability that would reduce or eliminate dependency
on a priori data for aimpoint selection.
PHASE I:
Design, fabricate and provide proof-of-principle demonstrations of
advanced seeker sensor technologies.
PHASE II:
Develop prototype seeker systems and demonstrate these in a simulated
flight environment. These tests should
include environmental testing to ensure reliable operation in a stressing,
realistic operational environment.
PHASE III: Integrate seeker technology into
interceptor designs for incorporation in block upgrades.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The sensor
technologies being developed in this effort will have dual application in law
enforcement and for material processing to detect material defects.
REFERENCES:
1. Jelalian,
A.V., Laser Radar Systems, Artech House, Norwood House, MA, 1992.
2. http://web.cas-inc.com/divs/AMOR/data_examples.html
3. HgCdTe
photodiodes for IR detection: a review; Reine, Marion B.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4288,
p. 266-277.
4. Dual-band
infrared focal plane arrays; Rogalski, Antoni; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4340, p. 1-14.
5.
Simultaneous MW/LW dual-band MOVPE HgCdTe 64x64 FPAs; Reine, Marion B.,
et. al.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 3379, p. 200-212.
KEYWORDS: Seeker; Multicolor Focal Plane Array;
LADAR; MWIR; LWIR; VLWIR; waveform processing; Coherent LADAR
MDA 03-036 TITLE: Technologies
Enabling Active Multi-Mode Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Angle-Angle Range
Imaging LADAR and Passive Multi-Color LWIR detection
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced active seeker based on Angle-Angle Range Imaging Laser
Radar (LADAR) and Passive Multi-Color Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) detection for
incorporation in an Exo-atomospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) to improve target
detection, discrimination and aimpoint selection.
DESCRIPTION: An active seeker would provide enhanced
target detection, on-board discrimination and improved end-game guidance for
hit-to-kill interceptors. Technologies
that enable Angle-Angle Range Imaging Laser Radar (LADAR) to achieve higher
transmitted energy levels, better beam quality, higher pulse repetition rate,
enhanced efficiency, greater revisit rates, improved sensitivity, and increased
reliability, while conforming to the mass, volume, and power constraints of an
EKV are critical to the optimal performance of this technology. Combination of the LADAR with a multicolor
IR seeker would provide a three-dimensional imaging capability that would
reduce or eliminate dependency on a priori data for aimpoint selection.
PHASE I:
Design, fabricate and provide proof-of-principle demonstrations of
advanced seeker sensor technologies.
PHASE II:
Develop prototype seeker systems and demonstrate these in a simulated
flight environment. These tests should
include environmental testing to ensure reliable operation in a stressing,
realistic operational environment.
PHASE III: Integrate seeker technology into
interceptor designs for incorporation in block upgrades.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The sensor
technologies being developed in this effort will have dual application in law
enforcement and for material processing to detect material defects.
REFERENCES:
1. Jelalian,
A.V., Laser Radar Systems, Artech House, Norwood House, MA, 1992.
2.
http://web.cas-inc.com/divs/AMOR/data_examples.html
3. HgCdTe
photodiodes for IR detection: a review; Reine, Marion B.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4288,
p. 266-277.
4. Dual-band
infrared focal plane arrays; Rogalski, Antoni; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4340, p. 1-14.
5.
Simultaneous MW/LW dual-band MOVPE HgCdTe 64x64 FPAs; Reine, Marion B.,
et. al.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 3379, p. 200-212.
KEYWORDS: Seeker; Multicolor Focal Plane Array;
LADAR; MWIR; LWIR; VLWIR
MDA 03-037 TITLE:
Advanced In-Flight Interceptor Communications System (IFICS) Error
Detection/Correction
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Improve In-Flight Interceptor Communication System (IFICS) performance
to enhance probability of message delivery in adverse conditions.
DESCRIPTION:
Improve IFICS performance by means of optimized error detection/
correction methods that permit more robust communication in nuclear or jamming
environments. Recent developments in coding theory, particularly Turbo Codes,
have the potential to significantly improve link performance. This SBIR seeks to improve link performance
by optimizing error detection/correction algorithms in Rayleigh and Rician
fading channel conditions as produced by nuclear weapons effects in the
ionosphere. These algorithms may be
implemented in the form of software and/or application specific integrated
circuits.
PHASE I: Conduct research and experimental efforts
to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. Measure and report performance improvements
over current state-of-the-art.
PHASE II: Demonstrate flight readiness of
technology. Fabricate and test
prototype hardware/software.
Demonstrate applicability to both selected military and commercial
applications.
PHASE III: Insert this technology into future
Ballistic Missile Defense systems such as the GMD interceptor. Adapt this technology to commercial markets.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The technology may have commercial and
industrial application in remote operations and airline communications.
REFERENCES:
1. Performance Evaluation of Superorthogonal Turbo
Codes in AWGN and Flat Rayleigh Fading Channels by Petri Komulainen and Kari
Pehkonen, IEEE Journal on Selected
Areas in Communications, Vol. 16, No. 2 Feb. 1998.
2. A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Turbo
Codes, by Gerard Battail, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications,
Vol. 16, No. 2 Feb. 1998.
KEYWORDS: error correction; error detection; missile
communications; turbo codes; fading channels.
MDA 03-038 TITLE:
Advanced Signal/Data Processing Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDa/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced signal/data processing algorithms to enhance the
acquisition, tracking, and discrimination of a target object in high clutter
environments. These algorithms will
increase probability of detecting lower cross section targets while reducing
the bandwidth necessary for discrimination.
DESCRIPTION: The state of the art algorithms used
for signal/data processing are not adequate for evolving threats that ballistic
missile interceptor radar systems must detect.
This research is to develop advanced algorithms that are compatible with
the developed BMD Class X-Band Radar (XBR).
These algorithms must provide an improvement in the ability to detect and
track targets in a high clutter environment as well as in the presence of
jammers and nuclear environments.
Successful algorithms will be supportable by COTS processing systems and
not require unique hardware solutions.
PHASE I:
Develop and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of advanced
signal/data processing algorithms using simulated radar data.
PHASE II:
Update algorithms based on Phase I results and demonstrate those
algorithms in a realistic environment using radar data. Demonstrate ability of algorithms to work in
real-time in a high clutter environment.
PHASE III: Integrate algorithms into BMC4I systems
and demonstrate the total capability of the updated system. Partnership with
traditional DOD prime-contractors will be pursued since the government
applications will receive immediate benefit from a successful program.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The
signal/data processing algorithms have applicability to radio frequency systems
that must operate reliably in a high noise environment. These algorithms would have applicability to
the cell phone industry as well as commercial radar systems.
REFERENCES:
D.F. Elliot, editor, Handbook of Digital Signal
Processing, Engineering Applications, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, CA,
1987.
KEYWORDS: Signal Processing; Data Processing;
Algorithm; XBR; Evolving Threat
MDA 03-039 TITLE:
Multi-color VLWIR Focal Plane Array
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE: Develop simultaneous/same-pixel
Multi-color VLWIR (wavelength > 14 micrometers) Focal Plane Array technology
for Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle.
DESCRIPTION: Current Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle
seeker technology relies on multiple Long Wavelength Infrared (LWIR) Focal
Plane Arrays (FPAs), filters, beam splitters, Read Out Integrated Circuits
(ROICs) and cooling circuits to perform multi-color sensing to acquire, track,
and discriminate objects. Problems with
spatial co-registration of targets and sensor calibration, which result from
this approach, complicate system design and reduce system reliability. A
multi-color Very Long Wavelength Infrared (VLWIR) FPA with high pixel
uniformity, reduced readout noise, improved resolution and operability would
permit the EKV seeker to acquire, track, and discriminate colder objects at
longer range than currently possible. A
reduction in cost, volume, and mass is achieved by incorporating multiple-FPA
features in a single full-resolution FPA.
Detector material growth, high-speed signal processing, radiation hardening,
ROIC performance at low temperature, manufacturability, operability, and
thermal management issues must be addressed.
PHASE I: Conduct research and experimental efforts
to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. Demonstrate the arguments
that the developing technology will be reliable and affordable (Cost vs.
payoff).
PHASE II: Demonstrate feasibility and engineering
scale-up of proposed technology; identify and address technological hurdles;
finalize phase I design and develop a prototype component. Demonstrate
applicability to both selected military and commercial applications.
PHASE III: Many opportunities for the advancement of
this technology during phase III program. Partnership with traditional DOD
prime-contractors will be pursued since the government applications will
receive immediate benefit from a successful program.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Supporting
instruments can be used in a wide variety of commercial environmental/remote
sensing monitoring systems.
REFERENCES:
1. HgCdTe
photodiodes for IR detection: a review; Reine, Marion B.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4288,
p. 266-277.
2. Dual-band
infrared focal plane arrays; Rogalski, Antoni; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4340, p. 1-14.
3.
Comparison of HgCdTe and QWIP dual-band focal plane arrays; Goldberg,
Arnold C., et. al.; Proc. SPIE Vol. 4369, p. 532-546.
KEYWORDS: multicolor; multispectral; sensors;
filters; VLWIR; FPA; IR detectors
MDA 03-040 TITLE: Thermal
Management of GaN Based Power Amplifiers for X-Band Radars (XBR)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Design, develop, and demonstrate advances in Gallium Nitride (GaN) based
power amplifier thermal packaging for GaN components intended for use in
Ground-based Mid-course Defense (GMD) radars operating at 8-12 GHz
(X-Band).
DESCRIPTION: Cooling
high power GaN based heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET) power
amplifiers is a critical problem in GaN based radars. Heat dissipation may ultimately limit the development and
implementation of GaN based transmit/receive (T/R) modules. Thermal packaging employing new materials
and configurations, bonding methods etc. is needed to overcome this potential
limitation. A GaN based device
substrate can be a design choice but SiC substrates are assumed for lattice
miss-match and thermal conductivity considerations. The design should accommodate a minimum gate pitch and a maximum
GaN power device density. These
packages should be compatible with conventional multiple board modules and the
method of heat removal from the overall T/R module should be specified.
PHASE I:
Analyze, model, and design novel thermal packaging for GaN based power
HFETs. Conduct proof-of-principle
demonstrations that include documentation in the form of thermal images of the
GaN devices, their packaging, and the surrounding circuit. The demonstration should include current
state of the art GaN power HFETs and should maintain steady state temperature
of the GaN HFET channels below 150 C.
PHASE II:
Develop and demonstrate prototype thermal packaging that meets or
exceeds heat dissipation requirements for GaN based T/R modules. Conduct hardware tests to evaluate the
performance of the package design using multiple state of the art GaN based
HFETs in a realistic environment. Total
heat dissipation is expected to be on the order of 100 W. Thermal management
materials should be designed to keep the transient and steady state channel
temperature at or below 150 C. Prepare
detailed plans to implement demonstrated capabilities on critical military and
commercial applications.
PHASE III: Produce production quality packaging that
meet or exceed requirements. GaN power
HFETs are expected to reach and greatly exceed 30 W/mm.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Dual
applications exist for advanced packaging for GaN based power amplifiers
throughout the DoD and commercial industries.
Commercial radars, communications equipment, especially wireless, cell
phone, and satellite, will have commercial potential for this development.
REFERENCES:
1.
http://nsr.mij.mrs.org/
2.
http://nina.ecse.rpi.edu/shur/Tutorial/GaNtutorial2/index.htm
KEYWORDS: Thermal management; thermal packaging; GaN
based device packaging; GaN based HFETs; GaN Power Amplifiers; Radar;
Transmit/Receive Module; X-band; GaN based materials processing
MDA 03-041 TITLE: Reliability,
Reproducibility, and Stability of Gallium Nitride (GaN) Based Devices for X-and
Radars (XBR)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Identify, explain, model, and demonstrate failure modes in current and
proposed AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET) architectures
and identify and demonstrate solutions that will lead to high yield manufacture
and production of superior, reliable, and stable devices operating at 8-12 GHZ
under high power/temperature conditions. These devices are intended for use in
Transmitter/Receiver (T/R) modules for Ground Based Mid-course Defense (GMD)
radar systems.
DESCRIPTION: Long-term
device stability and reproducibility of superior performance of Gallium Nitride
(GaN) based transistor technology must be addressed. Quality of materials, strain distribution, lattice mismatch,
potential distribution, edge effects, current crowding, and contact robustness
contribute to device instability and degradation in device performance,
especially at high-current operation.
Device aging also leads to more pronounced current collapse, threshold
voltage shift, increased gate and drain-to-source leakage, increased low
frequency and microwave noise, and reduced reliability. Part of the purpose of this topic is to
research and explain common failure mechanisms in HFETs resulting from
essential features such as the dynamics of the AlGaN/GaN interface and
different ohmic contact metalization schemes.
PHASE I:
Analyze, model, and explain the physics of various failure mechanisms in
GaN based HFETs. Design and conduct
proof-of-principle demonstrations of solutions to these mechanisms.
PHASE II:
Develop and demonstrate prototype GaN based HFETs that demonstrate
viability, reproducibility, and stability of proposed solution(s) by conducting
operational life tests on more than 20 devices under high power/temperature
conditions for periods greater than 1000 hours under pulsed operating
conditions where the channel temperature does not exceed 150 C. These HFETs
should show no significant degradation in power, bandwidth, or efficiency. Prepare detailed manufacturing plans that
ensure high yield producibility.
PHASE III: Produce production quality HFETs for use
in power amplifiers that meet or exceed 30 W/mm per monolithic chip at 8-12 GHZ
with power added efficiency of 25-30%.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Commercial
radars, communications equipment, cell phones, and satellites will benefit from
this development.
REFERENCES:
1.
http://nsr.mij.mrs.org/
2.
http://nina.ecse.rpi.edu/shur/Tutorial/GaNtutorial2/index.htm
KEYWORDS: GaN based HFETs; GaN Power Amplifiers;
Radar; Transmit/Receive Module; X-band; GaN based materials processing
MDA 03-042 TITLE:
Data Fusion for Improved Acquisition, Tracking and Discrimination
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop algorithms, software, and/or hardware necessary to collect,
process, and fuse information from multiple sensors based on multiple platforms
(XBR, SBIRS, EKV, UEWR) in real time in order to improve acquisition, tracking
and discrimination of threat objects in a cluttered environment.
DESCRIPTION: Timely fusion of data collected from a
variety of active and/or passive sensors that acquire information from multiple
perspectives, may provide a more accurate picture of the adversary threat cloud
than any one sensor or group of sensors operating independently. Algorithms, software, and/or hardware that
enable this synergistic fusion and interpretation of data from disparate GMD
sensors should enhance system acquisition, tracking and discrimination of
threat objects in a cluttered environment.
Fusion of data at several levels may be required since the
Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle alone contains multiple sensors. Technical issues
that must be addressed include: spatial and temporal registration of sensors,
data throughput within and between sensor platforms, processing speed and
capacity, and sensor calibration.
PHASE I:
Develop and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of advanced data
fusion concepts using simulated sensor data.
PHASE II:
Update/develop technology (algorithms, software, hardware, or a
combination thereof) based on Phase I results and demonstrate technology in a
realistic environment using data from multiple sensors. Demonstrate ability of technology to work in
real-time in a high clutter environment.
PHASE III: Integrate technology into GMD system and
demonstrate the total capability of the updated system. Partnership with
traditional DOD prime-contractors will be pursued since the government
applications will receive immediate benefit from a successful program.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The
technology is applicable to robotic systems, earth sciences, weather science,
biometrics, transportation systems, and industrial applications requiring process
monitoring by multiple-sensors.
REFERENCES:
1. McDaniel, R., et. al., “Image Fusion for Tactical
Applications,” Proc. SPIE 3436 pp. 685-695, (1998).
2. Smith, P. W. and Elstrom, M. D., “Stereo-Based
Registration of Multi-Sensor Imagery for Data Fusion and Visualization,” Opt.
Eng. (40) 3, pp. 352-361, (2001).
3. Schwering, P. B. W., “Sensor Fusion of GPR, MT,
and TIR,” Research on Demining Technologies Joint Workshop, 12-14 July 2000.
4. McGuirk, P., Donohoe, G., Lyke, J., “Malleable
Signal Processor: A General Purpose Module for Sensor Integration,” 2000
Military and Aerospace Applications of Programmable Devices and Technologies
Conference.
KEYWORDS: Sensor Fusion; Data Fusion; Sensor
Integration; Signal Processing; Algorithm; Multi-Sensor
MDA 03-043 TITLE:
Advanced Real Time Discrimination Architecture
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Improve real time database architecture in support of missile defense
system target discrimination.
DESCRIPTION:
Aggregate disparate sources of target-complex and associated data into a
metalanguage (for example, Extensible Markup Language) database, and develop
prototype architecture to syndicate the information to end users, all in real
time. The GMD requires the capability
to aggregate, fuse, integrate, correlate, syndicate, and otherwise manipulate
data associated with the discrimination process from a diverse array of sensors
and environment monitors in real time for some number of target complexes. The sources of this data use various formats
that will require translation during the aggregation process. The data is generated by various sources
with disparate, often incompatible, characteristics such as quality ratings and
object specifications (radar, IR, visible).
For example, the metalanguage elements may include and integrate radar
returns and optical measurements. The
metalanguage-formatted real time distributed database architecture must be
designed to enable a broad range of heterogeneous discrimination applications
that support Battle Management systems such as commander displays, and
automated processes such as weapon systems.
The solution should leverage Internet-based technologies and open
standards.
PHASE I: Conduct research and experimental efforts
to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. Measure and report performance improvements
over current state-of-the-art. Use
contractor-generated notional data.
PHASE II: Demonstrate readiness of technology. Fabricate and test prototype
hardware/software. Demonstrate
applicability to both selected military and commercial applications.
PHASE III: Insert this technology into future GMD
BMC3 systems. Adapt this technology to
commercial markets.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The technology may have commercial and
industrial application in remote operations and airline communications.
KEYWORDS: information aggregation; syndication;
discrimination; sensors; fusion; correlation; missile defense; BMC3.
MDA 03-044 TITLE:
Physics Based Discrimination Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop physics based discrimination algorithms to improve GMD’s ability
to identify target objects in cluttered environments.
DESCRIPTION: Current and anticipated sensors
available to GMD for discrimination of threat objects include Radar, LADAR, and
passive detectors operating in the infrared and visible bands. These sensors may operate from a variety of
platforms in space, in the atmosphere, and on the earth’s surface. The
Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle may have both passive and active sensors
onboard. The goal of this effort is to
develop innovative algorithms that can utilize available sensor inputs in
conjunction with the basic laws of physics to discriminate threat objects from
decoys set against a variety of natural backgrounds populated with
countermeasures. Algorithms supporting
discrimination approaches based on the use of plausible alternate active or
passive sensors may also be considered.
PHASE I:
Develop and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of advanced
discrimination algorithms using simulated sensor data.
PHASE II:
Update algorithms based on Phase I results and demonstrate those
algorithms in a realistic environment using actual sensor data. Demonstrate ability of algorithms to work in
real-time in a stressing environment.
PHASE III: Integrate algorithms into GMD systems and
demonstrate the total capability of the updated system. Partnership with
traditional DOD prime-contractors will be pursued since the government
applications will receive immediate benefit from a successful program.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Physics
based discrimination algorithms have applicability in robotics, earth science,
transportation, law enforcement, medicine and industrial production.
REFERENCES:
1. Acetta,
J.S. and Schumaker, D. L., Ed., The Infrared and Electro-Optical Systems
Handbook, Vol. 1-8, SPIE Press, 1993.
2. Knott, E.
F., et. al., Radar Cross Section, 2nd Ed., Artech, MA, 1993.
3. Jelalian,
A.V., Laser Radar Systems, Artech, MA, 1992.
4.
http://www.nist.org/
KEYWORDS: Algorithm; Target Discrimination; Evolving
Threat; IR Signature; Radar Cross Section; Counter-Counter Measure.
MDA 03-045 TITLE:
Advanced Signal Processing
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced signal processing technologies, to include: algorithms,
software, and/or hardware, which contribute to enhanced target acquisition,
tracking, and discrimination.
DESCRIPTION: This research is aimed at developing
advanced signal processing capabilities that will optimize sensor functionality
for any or all sensor platforms contributing to GMD (XBR, SBIRS, UEWR, EKV
seeker). These signal processing
innovations must improve detection, tracking and discrimination of targets in
high clutter environments that may also include: jammers, nuclear effects,
flash effects or cool backgrounds.
Innovations that increase the probability of detecting targets that have
a smaller radar/LADAR cross section or a cooler thermal signature are also
desired.
PHASE I:
Develop and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations of advanced signal
processing algorithms using simulated sensor data.
PHASE II:
Update algorithms based on Phase I results and demonstrate those
algorithms in a realistic environment using sensor data. Demonstrate ability of algorithms to work in
real-time in a high clutter environment.
PHASE III: Integrate algorithms into GMD systems and
demonstrate the total capability of the updated system. Partnership with
traditional DOD prime-contractors will be pursued since the government
applications will receive immediate benefit from a successful program.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Signal
processing algorithms have applicability in communications, commercial radar
and space science.
REFERENCES: D.F. Elliot, editor, Handbook of Digital
Signal Processing, Engineering Applications, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego,
CA, 1987.
KEYWORDS: Signal Processing; Data Processing;
Optical Signal Processing; Algorithm; Evolving Threat.
MDA 03-046 TITLE:
Advanced Engagement Planning
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE: Develop methods for increasing the
performance of an existing engagement planning system.
DESCRIPTION: Higher performance engagement planning
capabilities would improve GMD’s ability to handle increased threat numbers and
expanded weapons capabilities in less time. Seek to develop scalable techniques
compatible with the Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) infrastructure
that will be in a form ready for integration with the system. Accommodate
increased threat numbers and capabilities such as dog-leg maneuvers and delayed
interceptors. Increase the state space for planning. Directly impacts timelines
due to critical sections of planning algorithms that cannot be run in parallel.
PHASE
I: Develop concept for improving GMD
engagement planning capabilities. This
should include the development of a prototypical engagement planning capability
with nominal sensors, missile and threat parameters, a concept for improving
the performance, metrics for capturing the amount of performance improvement,
and a methodology to “prove” the improvement concept(s) will work. Perform technical, sensitivity and
feasibility analysis to estimate the amount of performance improvement
resulting from the development of the proposed performance improvement
concept(s).
PHASE II:
Demonstrate proposed performance improvement technology against the
metrics established in Phase I. Assess
impact of technology on engagement planning accuracy, reliability, and
maintainability. Determine growth
(expansibility and scalabilty) and adaptability of demonstrated concept.
PHASE III:
This technology can be applied across a variety of military weapons
engagement planning systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Enhance
performance of Air Traffic Control Systems, Communications/Network Management
Systems, modeling and simulation, automated logistics and transportation
systems, medical research, etc.
REFERENCES:
1. BMDO FACT
SHEET 122-00-11: Battle Management, Command, Control and Communications,
November 2000, http://www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo/bmdolink/pdf/jn0024.pdf
2. Gompert,
David C. and Jeffrey A. Isaacson, Planning a Ballistic Defense System of
Systems – An Adaptive Strategy, IP-181 (1999) RAND Issue Papers,
http://www.rand.org/publications/IP/IP181/
3. Seffers,
Georg I., Army Fine-Tunes Missile Defense C3, Federal Computer Week, August 25,
2000, http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2000/0821/web-army-08-25-00.asp
4. DOD Joint
Technical Architecture (JTA), Version 3.1, http://www-jta.itsi.disa.mil, March
2000
5. Defense
Information Infrastructure Common Operating Environment,
http://diicoe.disa.mil/coe/
KEYWORDS: Command and Control; Engagement Planning;
Intelligent Agents; Adaptive Algorithms; High Performance Computing; Real-time
processing
MDA 03-047 TITLE:
Management of Distributed Real-time Databases
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE: Develop technology to support the
management of advanced real-time distributed databases required to enable an
optimal environment for tight coupling, low latency, and real-time database
solutions for Ground-based Midcourse Defense applications.
DESCRIPTION: The ability to integrate and manage
vast amounts of data from distributed, heterogeneous sources is critical for
decision makers in Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) systems. New methodology, software, and hardware
tools and techniques are needed to intelligently and automatically assist the
warfighter in transforming this data into useful and operational
knowledge. Technology should improve
situational awareness, forecasting, planning and resource allocation, and
reduce reaction/decision times. Core
functionality should include: fusion of data from heterogeneous sources; robust
handling of missing or imprecise data; filtering of irrelevant information;
event detection and situation assessment based on fused data; mapping of data
and knowledge to appropriate human effector and interface type; and response
recommendations presented in a situationally-relevant manner.
PHASE I: Conduct experimental efforts to demonstrate
proof-of-principle of the proposed technology to manage real-time distributed
databases. Demonstrate the initial
feasibility of integrating the technology into an existing system.
PHASE II: Demonstrate feasibility and engineering
scale-up of proposed technology; identify and address technological hurdles.
Demonstrate applicability to both selected military and commercial
applications.
PHASE III: Integrate technology into BMC2 systems
and demonstrate the total capability of the updated system.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Technology that
supports the management of real-time distributed databases has significant
commercial potential. Specific private
sector areas include the electronic commerce and almost any web-based data rich
applications.
REFERENCES:
1. J.S.
Przemieniecki, Critical Technologies for National Defense, AIAA Education
Series, Washington, D.C., 1991.
2. M.Tamer
Ozsu, Patrick Valduriez, Principles of Distributed Database Management, Prentice
Hall, New York, 1999.
KEYWORDS: databases; data management; distributed
data; heterogeneous data sources; data; information technology; data processing
MDA 03-048 TITLE:
Define/Demonstrate Beryllium (Be) Substitute Material
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/GM
OBJECTIVE: Investigate/define suitable Be/Be alloy
substitute that is affordable, meets Be/Be alloy material
profile/characteristics, is producible in a production environment, and does
not pose any of the health hazards associated with Be/Be alloy materials.
DESCRIPTION:
As an industrial material, Be/Be alloy possesses some uncommon qualities
such as its ability to withstand extreme heat, remain stable over a wide range
of temperatures and function as an exceptional thermal conductor. These
characteristics have made it a unique material suitable for a host of diverse,
demanding applications. Be/Be alloy
structures, including sensor mirrors, are used in a wide range of
military/defense applications. It has
been the material of choice for many applications due to its desirable
characteristics/properties despite health hazard concerns associated with
material handling and per unit cost.
The health hazard concerns are becoming increasingly more visible and it
is anticipated that Be/Be alloy structures will become unavailable within the
next seven years. The challenge is to
find a material that fulfills all of the desirable, or least the most critical,
Be/Be alloy properties/characteristics without any of the associated health
hazard concerns in an affordable, producible material to fill the void when
Be/Be alloy is no longer an option.
Phase I:
Investigate suitable Be/Be alloy substitute materials. Develop a matrix to do a comparison/cross
walk of desirable properties, cost per unit, producibility characteristics and
availability. Primary desirable
characteristics include but are not limited to: light weight (Be is one of the
lightest of all metals), high melting point, rigidity (stiffness), dimensional
stability over a wide range of temperatures, hardness, high tensile strength,
resistance to corrosion from acids, fatigue resistance, nonmagnetic properties,
and electrical and thermal conductivity.
Phase II:
With the successful completion of Phase I, down select one to three
candidate materials and prototype production representative structure(s) for
qualification-type testing. The
prototype structures will be selected based on the most desirable Be/Be alloy
characteristics that can be demonstrated in testing scenarios. Input from prime contractors will be
solicited to assist in determination of most desirable property characteristics
to demonstrate. However, at this
juncture it appears that rigidity, lightweight, high tensile strength, dimensional
stability over a wide range of temperature and fatigue resistance are the more
desirable characteristics to be tested.
Once the test parameters are selected, a test plan will be developed to
demonstrate the desired properties. The
prototype structure, possibly to scale, will be fabricated and the testing will
occur. Test results will be documented
so that performance can be compared to Be/Be alloy structure performance. These results will be available to
interested commercialization partners.
Phase III: Successful completion of Phase II will
result in a demonstrated/validated production representative prototype
component that can serve as the basis of the migration to more acceptable (from
the health hazard perspective) material solution for candidate weapon
system. It is anticipated that the
cognizant prime contractor will welcome the opportunity to partner with the
proven substitute material provider.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERICAL POTENTIAL: The use of
beryllium, as an alloy, metal and oxide, in electronic and electrical
components, and in aerospace and defense applications accounted for an
estimated 80% of the total 2000 US consumption. Beryllium and beryllium alloys are used as base metal in battery
contacts and electronic connectors in cell phones and base stations.
Beryllium-Copper alloys are often the only material that meets the need for
high reliability and miniaturization in these applications as well as being
used as castings in the aerospace industry. FM radio, high-definition and cable
television and underwater fiber optic cable systems also depend on
beryllium. Beryllium metal is used
principally in aerospace and defense applications, such as surveillance
satellite and space vehicle structures, inertial guidance systems, military
aircraft brakes and space optical system components. Military electronic targeting and infrared countermeasure systems
use beryllium components, as do radar navigation systems. Beryllium is also a staple material in
Apache helicopters, fighter aircraft and tanks, and aircraft landing gear
components. In the US space shuttles,
several structural parts and brake components use metallic beryllium. Beryllium oxide is an excellent heat
conductor and acts as an electrical insulator in some applications. However, beryllium oxide serves mainly as a
substrate for high-density electronic circuits for high-speed computers, and
automotive ignition systems. The medical profession relies on beryllium for
applications in pacemakers and lasers to analyze blood for HIV and other
diseases and for X-ray windows since it is transparent to X-rays. The uses for Be/Be alloys spans an enormous
range of commercial as well as defense applications and the commercial
potential for a substitute material is virtually incalculable.
References: None
KEYWORDS: Beryllium; stiffness; hardness; strong;
stable; fatigue-resistance;
MDA 03-049 TITLE:
Innovative Manufacturing Processes
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Materials/Processes, Battlespace, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
Develop innovative processes that improve manufacturing capabilities,
product quality and reliability, reduce unit costs and enhance manufacturing
yields and sub-systems and component performance.
Description:
MDA is seeking innovative approaches that will allow economically
feasible acquisition of new process technologies for components of the
ballistic missile defense system. This
can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced materials through innovative
application of methods and tools to improve manufacturing processes and
procedures on current systems and subsystems.
MDA is also interested in process technology that facilitates the
transition of a product (breadboard, brass board or prototype) from an R&D
environment to any manufacturing environment (commercial, defense or
both).
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Passive
Electro-Optic Sensors and Active Ladar:
Infra-red (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR and VLWIR); dual-band and multi band
systems; angle-angle range direct detection and coherent ladars and components
(transmitters/receivers).
· Radars and
RF Components: Advanced GaAs and
wideband gap (WBG) high power amplifiers, (UHF through Ka Band); solid state
transmitters (IMPATT diodes), thermal management systems, software defined
waveform generators/receivers; Advanced Multi-Frequency Generators (AMFG);
photonics; MMIC packaging and high-density interconnects; Multi-band frequency
date links, multi-band antennas.
· Signal
Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging:
Advanced Optical Processor (AOP), flow motion sensor, wide instantaneous
bandwidth processing of multiple waveforms (Pseudo-Random Noise (PRN) codes,
chaotic waveforms).
· Radiation
Hardened Electronics: FPA Readouts,
FPGAs, ASICs, microprocessors, memory, analogue and digital devices.
·
Propulsions: Boosters, divert
and attitude control, nozzles, components, high temperature materials.
· Composite
Materials and Structures: Polymer
matrix and metal matrix graphite and ceramic composites for structures and
thermal management systems, missile canisters.
integrated thermal /structured aeroshells.
·
Batteries: Advanced thermal
batteries, lithium and lithium oxyhalide batteries.
Phase I: Demonstrate
that a new or innovative process technology can meet MDA needs including, where
appropriate, a process technology roadmap for implementing promising approaches
for near term insertion into BMD element systems, subsystems, or components.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the process technology by demonstrating its
use in the fabrication of prototype items for BMD element systems, subsystems,
or components. A partnership with the
current or potential supplier of BMD element systems, subsystems, or components
is highly desirable. Identify any
commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of a new process technology and near-term
application to one or more BMD element systems, subsystems, or components. This
demonstration should also verify the potential for enhancement of quality,
reliability, performance and reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of
the proposed subject.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Proposals should
show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or should show that the
innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense manufacturing
methods. The projected benefits of the
innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they reduce
cost, improve producibility, or performance of products that utilize the
innovation process technology.
References:
BMDS Cost Drivers
http://www.winbmdo.com -BMDO/MP presentation at 2001
Defense Manufacturing Conference
KEYWORDS:
reliability, reduced costs, yields, performance
MDA 03-050 TITLE:
Innovative Operating Software
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Information Systems,
Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms,
Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative approaches to software that improves product
capabilities, improves product quality and reliability, and reduces the time
and cost of transitioning prototypes into production. Of special interest is the application of commercial software
approaches, methods, and tools to mitigate problems encountered with legacy
software, architectures, and languages, (e.g., ADA).
Description:
MDA is seeking innovative approaches that will allow economically feasible
acquisition of new software products and adaptation of software to changing
situations (e.g., evolving threat).
Many missile defense systems use proprietary software in an
R&D/laboratory environment, and are subject to expensive, time-consuming
custom integration into systems. Also,
many legacy DoD systems upgraded for use by MDA employ antiquated software that
is difficult to modify and maintain.
Specific technology areas include, but not limited
to:
· Fault
Tolerant Software: Development of techniques
including modification of existing fault tolerant software with application to
MDA systems.
·
Object-Oriented Software Developments:
MDA is interested in conversion of
legacy codes into structures that facilitates software upgrades and improves
life cycle costs.
· Software
Libraries: Many algorithms and software
models used for radar, electro-optic imaging, or other MDA applications could
be standardized for use across multiple MDA systems.
Phase I:
Develop conceptual software, firmware and hardware designs or
modifications to existing software that address problem areas addressed
above. Conceptual designs would
include, but not be limited to, flowcharts, simulations and emulations, timing
analyses, GUI designs (where applicable) and narrative descriptions of software
operation.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the software by demonstrating its use in the
testing and integration of prototype items for BMD element systems, subsystems,
or components. Validation would
include, but not be limited to, software based system simulations, operation in
test-beds, or operation in a demonstration sub-system. A partnership with the
current or potential supplier of BMD element systems, subsystems or components
is highly desirable. Identify any
commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation.
Phase III.
Successful demonstration of new open/modular, non-proprietary, operating
software. Demonstration would include,
but not be limited to, demonstration in a real system or operation in a system
level test-bed. This demonstration should show near term application to one or
more BMD element systems, subsystems, or components.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Most
innovations in operational software are taking place in the commercial
sector. DoD & MDA need infusions of
commercially strategic/design tools/middle-ware and software
architectures. The projected benefits
of the innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they
reduce cost, improve producibility, or performance or products that utilize the
innovation process technology.
References:
http://www.winbmdo.com BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense
Manufacturing Conference
BMDS Cost Drivers
KEYWORDS: software, quality, reliability
MDA 03-051 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile Innovative Electro-Optic Products
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve multi-spectral imaging
and optical sensor capability, reliability and producibility in Ballistic
Missile Defense systems. Innovations include, but are not limited to,
application or or modification to existing products whether
Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or Military-off-the-shelf (MOTS) that are
applied in creative ways to MDA systems, subsystems, or component requirements.
Description:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D or laboratory
environment and are subjected to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. MDA is seeking innovative approaches that will allow economically
feasible acquisition of new process technologies for components of the
ballistic missile defense system. This
can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced materials through
innovative application of methods and tools to improve manufacturing processes
and procedures on current systems and subsystems. MDA is also interested in process technology that facilitates the
transition of a product (breadboard, brass board or prototype) from an R&D
environment to any manufacturing environment (commercial, defense or
both).
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Infra-red Focal Plane Arrays (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR and
VLWIR) such as pixel density, sensitivity and manufacturing yields that enhance
performance or lower production costs.
· Dual-band and multi band systems, subsystems and
components such as pixel density, sensitivity, spectrum coverage and
manufacturing yields that enhance performance or lower production costs.
· Laser Radar: Angle-angle range direct detection
and coherent ladar systems, subsystems and components (transmitters/receivers)
such as laser amplifier, oscillators, pump diode, Intensified Photo Diode (IPD)
and Photo Multiplier Tube (PMT) arrays or other component design and
manufacturing improvements that enhance performance or lower production costs.
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for Electro-Optic product design or
modification that will improve performance, lower cost, or increase reliability
of BMD element systems, subsystems, or components.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the Electro-Optic product technology by
demonstrating its use in the operation of prototype items for BMD element
systems, subsystems, or components. A
partnership with the current or potential supplier of BMD element systems,
subsystems, or components is highly desirable.
Identify any commercial benefit or application opportunities of the
innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of the Electro-Optic product technology. This
demonstration should show near-term application to one or more BMD element
systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also verify the
potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and reduction of
unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed Electro-Optic product.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Proposals
should show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or should show
that the innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense manufacturing
methods. The projected benefits of the
innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they reduce
cost, improve producibility, or performance of products that utilize the
innovation process technology.
References:
http://www.winbmdo.com -BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense Manufacturing Conference BMDS Cost Drivers
MDA 03-052 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile Innovative Radar and RF Products
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Sensors, Electronics, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve Radars and RF system
capability, reliability and producibility in Ballistic Missile Defense systems.
Innovations include, but are not limited to, application or modification to
existing products whether Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or
Military–off–the–shelf (MOTS) that are applied in creative ways to MDA systems,
subsystems, or component requirements.
Description:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D or laboratory
environment and are subjected to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. MDA is seeking innovative approaches that will allow economically
feasible acquisition of new process technologies for components of the
ballistic missile defense system. This
can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced materials through
innovative application of methods and tools to improve manufacturing processes
and procedures on current systems and subsystems. MDA is also interested in process technology that facilitates the
transition of a product (breadboard, brass board or prototype) from an R&D
environment to any manufacturing environment (commercial, defense or
both).
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Advanced Galium Arside (GaAs) and Wideband gap
(WBG) High Power Amplifiers (HPA) in the frequency range from UHF through Ka
Band such as enhancements to wafer manufacturing, device characterization and
performance improvements, and amplifier module manufacturability,
miniaturization, reliability that enhance performance or lower production
costs.
· Solid State Transmitters such as IMPATT diode and
transistor based design, manufacturability, reliability improvements that
enhance performance or lower production costs.
· Thermal Management systems such as improvements in
subsystem active and passive cooling, heat conduction and related
manufacturability improvements that enhance performance or lower production
costs.
· Software defined waveform generators and receivers
such as programmable telemetry transceivers, associated software reliability
and manufacturability that enhance performance or lower production costs.
· MMIC packaging and High–Density Interconnects
(HDI) such as three-dimensional high–density interconnect, flip–chip, and high
frequency/high power density packaging designs and manufacturability
improvements.
· Multi–band frequency agile data links such as
reprogramable multiband radio frequency data links which provides
interoperability between multiple platforms with little or no modifications and
least possible cost by permitting adaptation to the specific data link
requirements through software loading.
· Multi–band Antennas such as phased array antenna
structure, adaptive beamforming, and wideband T/R modules design and
manufacturing improvements.
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for Radar or RF system product design or
modification that will improve performance, lower cost, or increase reliability
of BMD element systems, subsystems, or components.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the Radar or RF system product technology by
demonstrating its use in the operation of prototype items for BMD element
systems, subsystems, or components. A
partnership with the current or potential supplier of BMD element systems,
subsystems, or components is highly desirable.
Identify any commercial benefit or application opportunities of the
innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of the Radar or RF system product technology.
This demonstration should show near-term application to one or more BMD element
systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also verify the
potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and reduction of
unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed Radar or RF system product.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Proposals
should show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or should show
that the innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense manufacturing
methods. The projected benefits of the
innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they reduce
cost, improve producibility, or performance of products that utilize the
innovation process technology.
References:
http://www.winbmdo.com -BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense Manufacturing Conference BMDS Cost Drivers
MDA 03-053 TITLE: Ballistic
Missile Innovative Signal Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging Products
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Sensors, Electronics, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve Signal Processing, Data
Fusion and Imaging system capability, reliability and producibility in
Ballistic Missile Defense systems. Innovations include, but are not limited to,
application or modification to existing products whether Commercial-off-the-shelf
(COTS) or Military–off–the–shelf (MOTS) that are applied in creative ways to
MDA systems, subsystems, or component requirements.
Description:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D or laboratory
environment and are subjected to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. MDA is seeking innovative approaches that will allow economically
feasible acquisition of new process technologies for components of the
ballistic missile defense system. This
can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced materials through
innovative application of methods and tools to improve manufacturing processes
and procedures on current systems and subsystems. MDA is also interested in process technology that facilitates the
transition of a product (breadboard, brass board or prototype) from an R&D
environment to any manufacturing environment (commercial, defense or
both).
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Advanced Optical Processors such as fourier optic,
optical system and component, sensor array, A/D converter, processor and
algorithm designs and manufacturability improvements or miniaturization that
enhance performance or lower production costs.
· Flow Motion Sensors such as high integration single
of multichip system, algorithm or sensor array designs and manufacturability
improvements that enhance performance or lower production costs.
· Wide instantaneous bandwidth processing of
multiple waveforms such as Pseudorandom noise (PRN) code, chaotic waveform and
ultra-wideband modulation format designs or implementations that enhance
performance or lower production costs.
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for Signal Processing, Data Fusion and
Imaging system product design or modification that will improve performance,
lower cost, or increase reliability of BMD element systems, subsystems, or
components.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the Signal Processing, Data Fusion and
Imaging system product technology by demonstrating its use in the operation of
prototype items for BMD element systems, subsystems, or components. A partnership with the current or potential
supplier of BMD element systems, subsystems, or components is highly desirable. Identify any commercial benefit or application
opportunities of the innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of the Signal Processing, Data Fusion and
Imaging system product technology. This demonstration should show near-term
application to one or more BMD element systems, subsystems, or components. This
demonstration should also verify the potential for enhancement of quality,
reliability, performance and reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of
the proposed Signal Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging system product.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Proposals
should show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or should show
that the innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense manufacturing
methods. The projected benefits of the
innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they reduce
cost, improve producibility, or performance of products that utilize the
innovation process technology.
References:
http://www.winbmdo.com -BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense Manufacturing Conference BMDS Cost Drivers
MDA 03-054 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile System Composite Materials and Structures
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
OBJECTIVE:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve capability, reliability,
and producibility in ballistic missile defense systems, including application
of or modification of existing products, whether commercial off-the-shelf
(COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS), but applied in a creative way to
unique MDA systems, sub systems, or component requirements.
DESCRIPTION:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D/laboratory
environment and are subject to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. Product technology is
transitioned from laboratory to factory without complete understanding of
producibility constraints on product designs.
Therefore, MDA is interested in innovative product improvements and
innovative product applications of constantly evolving products technologies,
within a path toward integration into MDA systems. This can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced
materials to innovative products that improve the capability of current systems
and subsystems. This may involve basic
industrial research and development, characterization testing of advanced
materials, development of improved material manufacturing and component
assembly processes, ect., that lead to a specific product application. The goal is to enhance producibility of
missile defense composite material and structure products, reduce cost, or
improve product reliability and performance.
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
. Polymer
matrix and metal matrix graphite and ceramic composites for structures and
thermal management systems capitalizing on more recent rapid prototyping
composite manufacturing techniques to reduce cost, weight, and lead time for
MDA subsystems
· Interceptor Structures: Electronic enclosure
assemblies, EKV EU Compression Clips and Rings, EU Heatsink, EKV EU Housing and
Covers, EKV Hardened Sunshade, and Sensor Platform Mirrors and Support
Structures, THAAD DACS ACS Manifold, Aerodynamic fins.
· RF antenna structures: Use of lightweight
composite materials and advance thermal management approaches for both Ground
Based Mid-Course and Terminal Defense layers.
· Missile Canisters: Use of more recent
manufacturing improvements in commercial industry to reduce cost and lead-time
on large structures such as Missile Canisters.
· Integrated thermal/structural aeroshells/shrouds:
Replace the current airframe manufacturing process and designing a one-step
infusion process for stitched glass knitted bundle pre-forms for application to
low cost, lightweight, and high performance aeroshells and shrouds.
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for composite material and structure
product design or design modification, which would be used for MDA integration
into a system or subsystem to increase performance, lower cost, or increase
reliability.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the composite material and structure product
technology by demonstrating its use in the operation of prototype items for BMD
elements systems, or components. A
partnership with the current or potential supplier of BMC element systems,
subsystems, or components in highly desirable.
Identify any commercial application of technology or opportunities of
benefit from using the innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of the Composite Materials technology. This demonstration should show near-term
application to one or more BMD element systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also verify the
potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and reduction of
unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Most innovations in manufacturing processes
take place at the supplier/subcontractor level. The proposals should show how the innovation can benefit
commercial business or should show that the innovation has benefits to both
commercial and defense manufacturing methods.
The projected benefits of the innovation to commercial applications
should be clear, whether they reduce cost, or improve producibility or
performance of products that utilize innovation process technology.
REFERENCES:
http://www.winbmdo.com BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense
Manufacturing Conference.
MDA 03-055 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile System Innovative Propulsion Products
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Materials/Processes, Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms,
Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve propulsion capability,
reliability and producibility in ballistic missile defense systems, including
application of, or modification of existing products, whether commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS), but applied in a
creative way to unique MDA system, subsystem or component requirements.
Description:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D/laboratory
environment and are subject to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. Product technology is transitioned from laboratory to factory
without complete understanding of producibility constraints on product designs.
Propulsion systems and components require lengthy development and testing
cycles and there is much technical, cost and schedule risk associated with
changes. Therefore, MDA is interested in innovative product improvements and
innovative application of constantly evolving product technologies, within a
path toward integration into MDA systems. This can range from improvements in
fabrication of advanced materials to innovative products that improve the
capability of current propulsion systems and subsystems. This may involve basic
industrial research and development, characterization testing of advanced
materials, development of improved material manufacturing and component
assembly processes, etc., that lead to a specific product application. The goal
is to enhance producibility of missile defense propulsion products, reduce unit
cost, or improved product reliability and performance.
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Booster technology, including innovative assembly
processes, novel uses of materials for rocket motor propellants, rocket motor
cases and insulators, enabling technologies for high burn rate propellants; reduction
of drag and aero-heating; variable thrust and thrust management systems
· Divert and attitude control, including enabling
technologies for liquid propellants, bi-propellants, and solid propellants;
injectors, valves, seals and computerized controls; innovative cold gas
technologies; hot gas generators
· Nozzles, and nozzle components, including
innovative designs and applications of high temperature materials for throats
and nozzles and thrust vector controllers (TVC); use of refractory metals; use
of high temperature composites
· Innovative Assembly Processes, including basic
industrial research involving innovative joining of materials; innovative
molding of composite materials
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for propulsion product design or design
modification, which would be used for the propulsion product and MDA
integration into a system or subsystem to increase performance, lower cost, or
increase reliability.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the propulsion product technology by
demonstrating its use in the operation of prototype items for BMD element
systems, subsystems or components. A partnership with the current or potential
supplier of BMC element systems, subsystems, or components is highly desirable.
Identify any commercial application of technology or opportunities of benefit
from using the innovation.
Phase III: Successful demonstration of a new product
technology. This demonstration should show near-term application to one or more
BMD element systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also
verify the potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and
reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Most innovations in manufacturing processes
take place at the supplier/subcontractor level. The proposals should show how
the innovation can benefit commercial business or should show that the
innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense manufacturing methods.
The projected benefits of the innovation to commercial applications should be
clear, whether they reduce cost, improve producibility, or performance of
products that utilize the innovation process technology.
References:
http://www.winbmdo.com BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense
Manufacturing Conference.
MDA 03-056 TITLE: Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics Products
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms, Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
OBJECTIVE:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve Radiation
Hardness/Tolerance of Electronics for ballistic missile defense systems,
including application of, or modification to existing products, whether commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS), but applied in a
creative way to MDA systems, sub systems, or component requirements. The overall program goal is to expand on
previous efforts in dual-use applications programs which attempted to exploit
commercial CMOS foundry capability by tailoring design rules to enhance
radiation hardness/tolerance at the device level and to leverage encapsulation
techniques. The results will be the capability to manufacture affordable
radiation hardened, or radiation tolerant electronic devices.
DESCRIPTION:
Many missile defense products are fabricated in an R&D/laboratory
environment and are subject to expensive, time-consuming custom integration
into systems. Product technology is
transitioned from laboratory to factory without complete understanding of
producibility constraints on product designs.
Therefore, MDA is interested in innovative product improvements and
innovative product applications of constantly evolving products technologies
with a path toward integration into MDA systems. This can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced
materials to innovative products that improve the capability of current systems
and subsystems. This may involve basic
industrial research and development, characterization testing of advanced
materials, development of improved material manufacturing and component
assembly processes, etc., that lead to a specific product application. The goal is to enhance the radiation
hardness, or radiation tolerance of missile defense products with a secondary
goal to reduce unit cost, or improve product reliability and performance.
Technical areas of interest include, but are not
limited to:
· Focal Plane Array (FPA) Readouts:
· Field Programmable Gate-Array (FPGA):
· Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC):
· Thin Film Silicon on Insulator (SOI):
· Microprocessors:
· NonVolatile Memory:
· Analog devices:
(A to D Converters)
· Mixed Signal Processors: (Analog/Digital Hybrids)
Phase I:
Develop conceptual framework for Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics
product design or design modification, which would be used for MDA integration
into a system or subsystem to increase performance, lower cost, or increase
reliability.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics
product technology by demonstrating its use in the operation of prototype items
for BMD elements systems, or components.
A partnership with the current or potential supplier of BMD element systems,
subsystems, or components is highly desirable.
Identify any commercial application of technology or opportunities of
benefit from using the innovation.
Phase III:
Successful demonstration of the Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics
product technology. This demonstration
should show near-term application to one or more BMD element systems,
subsystems, or components. This
demonstration should also verify the potential for enhancement of quality,
reliability, performance and reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of
the proposed subject.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Most innovations in manufacturing processes
take place at the supplier/subcontractor level. The proposals should show how the innovation can benefit
commercial business or should show that the innovation has benefits to both
commercial and defense manufacturing methods.
The projected benefits of the innovation to commercial applications
should be clear, whether they reduce cost, or improve producibility or
performance of products that utilize innovation process technology.
REFERENCES:
http://www.winbmdo.com BMDO/MP presentation at 2001 Defense
Manufacturing Conference.
MDA 03-057 TITLE:
Ballistic Missile System Innovative Batteries
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Materials/Processes, Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Space Platforms,
Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/MP
Objective:
MDA is seeking innovative products that improve capability, reliability
and producibility in ballistic missile defense systems, including application
of, or modification of existing products, whether commercial off-the-shelf
(COTS) or military off-the-shelf (MOTS), but applied in a creative way to
unique MDA system, subsystem or component requirements.
Description:
Many missile defense battery products are fabricated in an R & D/
laboratory environment and are subject to expensive, time-consuming custom
integration into systems. Product
technology is transitioned from laboratory to factory without complete understanding
of producibility constraints on product designs. Therefore, MDA is interested in innovative product improvements
and innovative application of constantly evolving product technologies, within
a path toward integration into MDA systems.
This can range from improvements in fabrication of advanced materials to
innovative products that improve the capability of current systems and
subsystems. The goal is to enhance
producibility of missile defense products, reduce unit cost, or improve product
reliability and performance.
Technical Area of Interest Include, but are not
limited to:
· Advanced thermal batteries: lithium ion, lithium
oxyhalide, and lithium ion polymer.
For
example: enhanced safety of high energy lithium rechargeable batteries,
improved separators for Lithium Oxyhalide batteries, or thermal management of
very high current pulse loads in batteries.
· Develop lower cost batteries by: reducing the cost
of the anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte materials by researching and developing
alternative materials that have the same or better electrochemical properties
at lower cost.
· Research and develop improved electrochemical
processing techniques to lower costs and improve battery safety, size, weight,
and improved electrolytes with higher transport numbers.
· Enabling technologies to produce extremely
lightweight, safe, relatively inexpensive, inherently powerful primary
batteries with enhanced producibility and manufacturability are necessary for
mission success.
Phase I: Develop conceptual framework for battery design/design
modification for MDA integration into system or subsystem to increase
performance, lower cost and increase reliability and producibility.
Phase II:
Validate the feasibility of the battery technology by demonstrating its
use in the operation of prototype items for MDA element systems, subsystems or
components. A partnership with the
current or potential supplier of these systems is desirable. Identify and commercial application of
technology or opportunities of benefit from using the innovation.
Phase
III: Successful demonstration of
a new enhanced product technology. This
demonstration should clearly show near-time application to one or more MDA
element systems, subsystems or components.
This demonstration should also verify the potential for enhanced
quality, performance, producibility and lower cost of the proposed new
technology.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Most innovations in manufacturing processes take place at the supplier/subcontractor level. These proposals should show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or show that the innovation has benefits to both military and commercial manufacturing methods. The projected benefits to comm