Researchers at the Office of Naval Research created a national study to understand and predict abrupt wing stall (AWS) in aircraft. They developed new tools and procedures to assess an aircraft's susceptibility to AWS, which can be used to screen new wing designs earlier in their development phase.
The CBLAST project aims to provide more accurate predictions of hurricane intensity, landfall, and storm surge using new data-collection instruments and computer models. This research will help save lives and reduce economic losses for citizens and the Navy.
Researchers investigate how La Jolla and Scripps Canyons near San Diego impact waves, currents, and beaches. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach with sensors, aircraft, and autonomous underwater vehicles to gather data on the dynamic nearshore environment.
The Office of Naval Research has unveiled a new, ultra-accurate Rubidium atomic clock that is smaller than a matchbox and consumes less power. This tiny clock loses only about one second every 10,000 years, making it ideal for precise ship and aircraft navigation, ground to outer space communications, or missile guidance.
The US Navy is developing an all-digital radio receiver that can handle multiple simultaneous signals and reduce communication 'clutter'. The new technology, developed by HYPRES Inc., will enable seamless interoperability among different military units and systems.
A historic conference at the U.S. Naval Academy brought together experts on underwater rescue and salvage, including survivors of notable submarine accidents like USS SQUALUS and USS TANG. The accounts of these men are now transcribed in a new book that explores some of the most daring undersea missions of the last century.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully redesigned sensor proteins that can detect a range of molecules, including explosives like TNT and neurotransmitters. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies for monitoring diabetes and locating underwater robots.
The US Navy is developing a powerful free-electron laser that can transmit infrared light for use in ship-defense systems. The laser has the capability of generating extremely short pulses, sub-picosecond pulses, and breaking records for tunable high-average power lasers.
The Surf Zone Crawler, a fully autonomous amphibious vehicle, can follow search instruction plans, classify and map underwater mines in turbulent ocean surf zones. It has been used to search under the World Trade Center after 9/11, Afghan caves, and underwater wreckage off Normandy's beaches, with plans to deploy it in Iraq.
A team of Marine Corps reconnaissance swimmers, Navy SEALS, Explosive Ordnance divers, dolphins, and REMUS worked together to clear mines from Iraq's port. REMUS successfully located potential targets, allowing the dolphins to inspect and report back on its findings.
Developed by Z-Medica Corporation and funded by the Office of Naval Research, QuikClot has been proven effective in treating severe arterial hemorrhage with a high success rate. The product is set to be released for consumer use this summer and may also help individuals with specific bleeding disorders.
Acer's process creates a micro-porous calcium phosphate coated polymer 'bone' that allows natural bone growth, reducing recovery time to 18 months. The technology, funded by the Navy Small Business Technology Transition program, has shown success in animal testing and tissue cultures.
Dr. Thomas Rossby is recognized for his groundbreaking acoustically tracked floats and innovative methods to measure ocean currents, offering new insights into the North Atlantic circulation. His work has revolutionized our understanding of physical ocean processes using sound in the sea.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a chest-mounted air-conditioning system that can cool an aviator's body by up to 10 degrees Centigrade. The system uses zeolite to absorb heat and is designed to be lightweight, compact, and independent of aircraft power.
Researchers have discovered a complex system of communication in bacteria, known as quorum sensing, which allows them to sense the size of their colony and produce toxins. This system has significant potential for rapid pathogen sensing and novel antibiotic strategies.
A team of researchers at an Arctic ice camp gather data to better understand the physical, biological, and chemical environment of the ice-covered ocean. They examine sea ice thickness, atmospheric mercury levels, and its impact on marine mammals.
The Office of Naval Research's Silver Fox UAV is a small tactical UAV equipped with state-of-the-art camera technology and GPS navigation, providing battle-ready Marines with real-time intelligence on enemy positions. With its compact size and long flight endurance, Silver Fox enables the Marine corps to cover large areas of territory ...
A new personal chemical agent detector has been developed using a hybrid of sensor technologies, offering high sensitivity and fast reaction time. The device is reusable, can differentiate between warfare agent threats and background environments, and requires minimal power.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a stable, DNA-modified diamond film that can detect biological molecules with high accuracy. The sensor, which is about the size of a postage stamp, has the potential to be used in early warning systems for defense against biological weapons.
SpeechGear's Compadre language translation technology offers simultaneous two-way translation of spoken language, generating written records and handling nuances of language translation. The system connects to a remote server for massive computing power, enabling seamless verbal communication with individuals speaking different languages.
The Office of Naval Research will host a venture initiative called the 'wargame,' which aims to improve the technology transition process. The game will examine venture capital decision-making and mechanisms for engaging the venture capital community.
The Office of Naval Research conducted a technology transition 'wargame' to explore approaches for rapid spin-out of emerging technologies into the commercial sector. The exercise examined three different models, including traditional government office, not-for-profit corporation, and for-profit company models.
Geneva Aerospace successfully tested a variable autonomy control system that allows a single human operator to control three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during a mission. The demonstration showed advanced yet affordable technologies can enable non-aviators to coordinate multiple UAVs, significantly reducing logistical burden.
The US Navy has successfully tested a hybrid drive vehicle, called the Shadow, which achieved 1000 miles without major issues. The vehicle features an in-hub hybrid-electric drive that enables it to run silently and generate auxiliary power, making it suitable for various military applications.
The Office of Naval Research is partnering with venture capitalists through the VCs@Sea initiative to explore new business models and technologies. Led by Susan Bales, the program aims to accelerate the transition of naval technology to sailors and marines.
The US Navy is developing new antifouling hull coatings inspired by nature, using complex nanometer-scale patterns to prevent barnacles from attaching. These coatings have shown exceptional low settlement rates in early experiments, promising a reduction in fuel costs and frequent cleaning needs for Navy ships.
The Office of Naval Research is developing a suite of technologies to help sailors and Marines avoid mines during amphibious landings. The systems, including Moving Map, Augmented Reality Visualization, and Expeditionary Warfare Decision Support System, aim to reduce the risk of accidents by providing real-time navigation data.
The Navy's new concept, FORCEnet, focuses on integrating long-haul networks, knowledge management tools, and wireless technologies to support warfighters in the field. This initiative aims to provide real-time information advantage and enhance combat operations.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a new missile called the Affordable Weapon, designed to carry a significant payload to a target several hundred miles away. Equipped with GPS navigation and line-of-sight data links, the Affordable Weapon can fly directly to its target or loiter until directed by a forward observer.
Researchers have developed thin layer silicon with improved lattice vibrational frequency, leading to a 30% increase in thermal conductivity. This breakthrough enables faster charging and more efficient heat conduction in digital semiconductor devices.
A partnership between Navy and National Severe Storms Laboratory aims to improve weather forecasting by integrating SPY-1 radar with existing Doppler technology. The new phased array radar can provide faster updates of weather features, allowing for more detailed scans and increased lead time before tornadoes strike.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a compact freezer case using sound waves to substitute chemical refrigerants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Navy has funded the project and is exploring its potential for distributed cooling systems on carriers.
Researchers have developed a reusable multi-agent infrastructure called RETSINA, which enables teams of intelligent agents to work together autonomously. This allows for more efficient collaboration among humans and agents in joint mission planning and execution.
The Office of Naval Research developed a new warhead that combines kinetic energy with chemical reactions to destroy targets. The warhead uses advanced composite materials and has shown improved structural damage and lethal radius in testing.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is developing an Advanced Multi-Function Radio-Frequency Concept (AMRF-C) antenna aperture that can integrate radar and communications functions, reducing the need for separate antennas and increasing stealth.
The US Navy is funding a diverse range of international science programs to address key security challenges. These programs focus on developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, underwater swimmer detectors, and blast-resistant structures to support anti-terrorism and force protection efforts.
The Arctic and oceans hold mega-tons of methane hydrate, a cleanest and most abundant energy source. However, extracting and transporting it is challenging due to its gas form and expansion issues, as well as geo-political considerations and potential environmental impacts.
Howie Choset's snakebot technology can navigate through three-dimensional terrains with enhanced flexibility and 'reach' ability. The robot's hyper-redundant mechanisms enable it to thread through tightly packed spaces without disturbing the surrounding areas.
The new sonar system, Advanced Sonar (SAS), offers four times the range and 36 times the resolution of traditional side-looking sonar. The CTTO facilitated a rapid transition by brokering a Memorandum of Agreement to incorporate SAS into the Mine Reconnaissance System.
The Navy has built an Air-Sea Interaction Tower to measure atmospheric and ocean conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wave height. The tower will provide better weather forecasts, enabling the avoidance of storms and saving lives.
The Navy is using immersive simulation training, known as 'visceral reality,' to challenge fresh recruits through realistic and intense scenarios. This new approach aims to better equip sailors to deal with combat situations, providing a more effective training evolution.
Two robotic gliders, Slocum Glider and Seaglider, will be tested operationally off Southern California this winter. The gliders harness changes in buoyancy or temperature layers to collect data on ocean currents, salinity, and biological sounds.
A newly developed 200-channel hyperspectral remote sensing capability has shown astounding results in improving breast cancer diagnosis accuracy. The algorithm, invented by ONR scientists Dr. Harold Szu and James Buss, uses a brain-like approach to analyze thermal heat distribution and detect early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ.
The TOPP program will track the movements of 15 species, including great white sharks and tuna fish, across immense Pacific Ocean areas. Scientists aim to understand migration patterns, diving behaviors, and ocean conditions affecting these marine animals.
The Navy is exploring the use of HSLA-65 steel in its next-generation aircraft carriers to reduce weight and increase service life. Preliminary calculations suggest that this new steel can provide equal or greater service life than traditional high-strength steel, but be thinner and weigh less.
The new technology uses small electric crystal chips that can be embedded into products and read by electromagnetic scanners, providing unique identification for individual items. The tags can be used for tracking, inventory management, and logistical tasks, offering possibilities such as checkout-free shopping.
Scientists at ONR have created a novel technique to hide information within the naturally occurring fluctuations of light polarization in optical fibers. The signal is modulated onto these variations, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized parties to intercept and decode the message.
A new compound is being developed to target specific types of hearing loss, with the goal of repairing and regrowing injured or damaged auditory hair cells. The treatment aims to prevent hearing loss by bolstering the inner ear's antioxidant defenses and may offer hope for some patients with sudden hearing loss.
The Marine Corps has developed an automated suite of tools called the Coherent Analytical Computing Environment (CACE) to help simplify complex mission planning. The CACE Decision Support Suite can produce four weeks' worth of flight schedules in just 15 minutes, reducing the time spent on scheduling from hours to minutes.
A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.