The Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker (LCITS) technology can swiftly engage and defeat multiaxis attacks by small swarming boats, increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in a short amount of time. LCITS successfully concluded its program, paving the way for its transition to the fleet.
The Office of Naval Research has successfully completed multiphase testing of the Large Vessel Interface Lift On/Lift Off Crane technology demonstrator. The demonstration successfully transferred 128 containers in waves of up to 1 meter in height, with only three crew members required for operation.
The Powered Rope Ascender technology, developed by ONR in collaboration with industry partners, allows warfighters to efficiently climb and descend vertical surfaces at high speeds. This innovation increases the functionality of naval operations, such as boarding enemy vessels or evacuating remote casualties.
The Office of Naval Research has selected nine researchers to receive funding for their innovative energy projects, aiming to help the Navy decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. The winners will use up to $100,000 to develop technologies such as solar power and microbial energy generation.
Researchers have developed a microbial fuel cell that can generate electricity from mud and wastewater using the tiny Geobacter microbe, which uses its hair-like extensions to produce power. The technology has potential applications in powering autonomous underwater vehicles and tracking ocean life.
The Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System (GREENS) is a 300-watt photovoltaic/battery system that provides continuous power to Marines in the field. The system reduces logistical supply chain for fuel, cutting fuel use and costs associated with resupply convoys.
Researchers use X-ray scanners and advanced computing to create detailed replicas of a whale's hearing anatomy. The study suggests mid-frequency sonar sounds are largely filtered, while higher frequencies used by whales for hunting are amplified.
A breakthrough technology developed by the US Navy is being adapted for breast cancer detection, offering improved reliability in early detection. The technology complements existing radiology devices by yielding more detailed images of faint cancerous lesions.
Dr. William Phillips emphasizes the importance of investing in basic research, citing ONR's support for his Nobel Prize-winning work on laser cooling and trapping of atoms. His lecture showcased the organization's commitment to innovative science and technology.
George Stimak, a program officer at ONR, has been recognized as Top Navy Scientist and Engineer of the Year for his work on high-temperature superconducting (HTS) materials-based ship degaussing systems. The HTS degaussing coil technology eliminates a ship's magnetic signature, making it safer for ships to operate closer to shore.
Dr. Kathie Olsen, a neuroscience expert, offers 5 tips for program officers to advance their ideas: exposure, management support, persistence, relationships matter, and program value. ONR's efforts to host distinguished lecturers aim to promote collaboration and innovation.
The Mobile Cleaning Reclaim and Recovery System (MCRRS) vehicle cuts grime with pressurized water, reclaims spent cleaning water and recycles hazardous materials. The system has improved flight deck safety, reduced maintenance time and enhanced aircraft carrier operations.
The US Navy has successfully demonstrated a revolutionary new counter-mine technology for ships, utilizing superconducting ceramic materials to neutralize the magnetic signature of the ship. This technology provides a warfighting advantage and can act like a cloaking device to eliminate the magnetic signature of the ship.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has developed a fuel cell powered UAV that can travel farther and carry heavier payloads than earlier battery-powered designs. This technology has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce noise levels, making it ideal for military surveillance missions.
The Office of Naval Research has awarded 15 young researchers with three-year research grants worth up to $510,000. The winners were selected from 193 proposals and include faculty members at top universities, such as Harvard College and Cornell University.
Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera's groundbreaking research led to the miniaturization of computer hard disc drives and widespread use of laptop computers, earning him the prestigious Oliver E. Buckley prize.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has partnered with General Motors to test advanced fuel cell vehicles at Camp Pendleton, which may offer benefits such as reduced air pollution and increased power potential. The partnership aims to advance technology that can also address energy challenges for the public.
Dr. Robert D. Ballard returned to the Office of Naval Research to discuss the future of deep-sea exploration and its applications for the fleet. He highlighted ONR's investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as Remotely Operated Vehicles, Unmanned Undersea Vehicles, and autonomy.
The Office of Naval Research has delivered the Gruntworks Research for Infantry Integration Testing (GRIIT), a virtual reality environment that improves the integration of infantry combat equipment. GRIIT employs 21 cameras using ONR-developed Video Flashlight technology to create an extremely realistic evaluation environment.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) showcased its technology investments to reduce the weight of Marine Corps equipment by up to 30%. New technologies aim to improve body armor, helmets, vehicles, and communications equipment. ONR's goal is to increase mobility and survivability for Marines.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has been selected by the Pentagon to manage a critical joint training program, known as FITE JCTD, which aims to develop realistic, live-action virtual environments for warfighter training. The program is expected to address joint, coalition and interagency gaps in training capabilities.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is offering up to $1 million in research seed funding for innovative science and technology ideas through its CNR Challenge program. The challenge encourages participants to submit white papers on specific themes and topics, with a focus on supporting the Navy's modern warfighter.
The Office of Naval Research selected 27 proposals for funding based on merit review. Young Investigator Awards provide up to $100,000/year for three years to support research and teaching careers.
Engineers Dr. Colin P. Ratcliffe and Dr. Roger M. Crane developed SIDER, a nondestructive testing method for detecting flaws in composite materials. The method involves tapping the material with a specialized 'hammer' and recording data from mechanical vibrations.
Dr. Michael F. Shlesinger receives the 2006 Dr. Fred E. Saalfeld Award for his significant lifetime contributions to science, particularly in nonlinear dynamics and its applications to various fields. He is recognized for fostering research in areas such as shipborne crane control, secure communications, and high-power laser arrays.
Cmdr. Dylan Schmorrow, a pioneer in Augmented Cognition, has received the first Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work. He aims to remove technology burdens and enable humans to think more freely, using techniques like brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers sponsored by ONR have made groundbreaking discoveries in graphene and carbon nanotubes, leading to novel electronic devices and sensors. Their work has the potential to revolutionize industries such as electronics and materials science.
The Free-Electron Laser produced a 14.2 kilowatt beam of laser light at an infrared wavelength of 1.61 microns, shattering another power record. This achievement supports the Navy's vision for a high-power FEL as part of a ship-based weapon system.
The M/V Susitna will operate as a ferry between Anchorage and Port Mackenzie, while also being used as a technology demonstrator for the Navy's expeditionary warfare concepts. The vessel features a unique hull design with adjustable buoyancy and multiple modes of operation.
The US Office of Naval Research supports the joint US-Taiwan COSMIC satellite project, which will track hurricanes, monitor climate change, and accelerate space weather research. The constellation will provide real-time atmospheric data daily.
Dr. Peter Worcester is being recognized for his contributions to acoustical oceanography, tomographic inverse methods, and leadership in the US ocean acoustics community. He has led numerous experimental programs to develop and use tomography, including notable experiments north of Hawaii and in the Greenland Sea.
The Office of Naval Research has successfully tested a fast scramjet, reaching speeds of Mach 5.5 and demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost flight test techniques at hypersonic speeds. The engine, powered by liquid fuel, offers a safer alternative to other designs, making it suitable for shipboard use.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a technology that allows binoculars to transmit digital voice over long distances, up to five nautical miles. LightSpeed can also be used for communication between ships at sea and platforms in the air and on the ground.
The Navy has recognized four inventors for their Terrain Awareness Warning System (eTAWS), which has saved two F/A-18 aircraft and their crews. The technology is now installed in over 200 aircraft and could reduce the Navy's mishap rate by up to 90%, saving approximately $304 million.
Researchers developed nanorobot fabrication to build extremely small sensors, improving detection capabilities for aircraft carriers and mini-UAVs. The new technology is also being considered for breast cancer detection, enabling non-contact examinations.
The Smart Sensor Enabled Neural Threat Recognition and Identification (SENTRI) system uses software developed by Dr. Ted Berger to recognize suspicious noises. It can distinguish between gun fire and other noises, as well as small-arms fire from heavy weapons.
The Marine Corps has created a dedicated virtual-reality training system for its assault amphibian vehicles, allowing for increased training capabilities due to range and ammunition supply constraints. The Virtual Environment Assault Amphibian Vehicle (VEAAV) training system was developed by a Navy-Marine Corps team in just six months.
Researchers are investigating virtual reality therapy as a potential treatment for acute post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active-duty military members. The therapy aims to provide innovative tools and techniques for early intervention and treatment of PTSD symptoms, including those related to combat.
Researchers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center developed a method to process contaminated plastic waste, leading to the creation of the Plastics Waste Processor. The device has been installed on over 650 Navy ships and has improved the sustainability of naval operations.
The CBLAST-Hurricane project is using new ocean probes to collect data on water conditions before, during, and after hurricanes. This information helps scientists develop better models to predict a hurricane's development, which can inform the size of storm surges that pose a threat to ships in port.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new metal alloy, BlastAlloy-160, with enhanced strength and resistance to blast damage. This breakthrough design could lead to improved safety in various industries, including construction and transportation.
The US Navy has successfully upgraded its free electron laser to a record-breaking 10 kW power level, enabling new possibilities in manufacturing, medical research, biology, and basic physics. The upgrade marks a significant milestone in the FEL program's development and opens doors to various applications.
The Navy is developing a new radio frequency concept, AMRF-C, to enable a limited number of transmit and receive antennas to handle multiple communications, radar, and electronic warfare functions. The goal is to reduce costs and improve performance by leveling so-called 'antenna forests'.
A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.
A new brain-based controller mimics the human olivo-cerebellar system to enable precise movement control. The system will be tested on a mobile autonomous research vehicle to replicate complex maneuvers and wing control of birds and insects.
Fuel cells offer improved efficiency, low emissions, and design flexibility for naval vessels, slashing shipbuilding costs. The Navy's ONR is testing a diesel fuel reformer to develop a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which will be capable of between 37-52 percent efficiency.
The Coalition Chat Line, a trans-lingual instant messaging technology, was successfully implemented at several US and allied sites in Iraq. The system enabled commanders and operators to communicate rapidly and reliably, even when speaking different languages, reducing costs and delays associated with conventional translation practices.
The Office of Naval Research is developing new materials to increase the survivability of future Marine Corps vehicles. Six contractors have developed new material concepts, with three selected for Phase 2 contracts. Lightweight high-strength composite materials and embedded sensors will be integrated into a vehicle demonstrator.
The Navy is using microorganisms to produce a key missile propellant, butanetriol, which could reduce production costs and environmental impact. The process involves modifying bacteria to convert sugars into the synthetic material, allowing for a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
The Navy is testing a blog as part of the Defense Acquisition Incentive-Net Centricity (RAI-NC) initiative to speed up the exchange of information on new defense technologies. The pilot program, developed by Traction Software, enables users to post proprietary data and distribute general information among team members.