Army 18. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions

(1) A radome that operates efficiently in the frequency band from 9 - 20 GHz when incorporated into the RF transmitter systems.
(2) Can withstand high peak powers (10 TW).
(3) A pulse length of 30 ns.
(4) A pulse repetition frequency of 500 Hz.
(5) Use Temperature: -40 degrees F and 150 degrees F.
(6) Survive Temperature: -70 degrees F and 180degrees F.
(7) Strength, Stiffness: Survive 100+ mph winds
(8) No performance degradation in 90 degrees F, 100% humidity.
(9) No performance degradation in Salt Fog environment.

The radome will also need to be hail resistant. Delivery of a full scale prototype is preferable, but may not be feasible with funding constraints.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: There are many military and commercial uses for radomes including communications, radars, and various sensors. In particular, the results of this effort will be of interest. Likewise, there are many military platforms that require broadband radomes including missiles, munitions of various types, and satellite communications systems. If successful, the most immediate transition path is the delivery of a new class of radome to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS).

REFERENCES:

1. J.D. Kraus, Antennas, McGraw-Hill Book Company (1950).

2. R.A. Cairns and A.D.R. Phelps, Generation and Application of High Power Microwaves, Taylor and Francis (1997).

3. D.V. Giri, High-Power Electromagnetic Radiators: Nonlethal Weapons and Other Applications, IEEE Press (2001).

4. R.J. Barker and E. Schamiloglu, High-Power Microwave Sources and Technologies, Wiley-IEEE (2001).

5. J. Benford, J.A. Swegle, and E. Schamiloglu, High Power Microwaves, 2nd Edition, CRC Press (2007).

A18-088

TITLE: Navigation-Grade Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) Accelerometer Technologies

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate Navigation-Grade MEMS inertial accelerometers that is applicable for use in precision gyro-compassing, tilt measurement, GPS denied navigation and guidance for various DoD assets; that reduces the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) of systems.

DESCRIPTION: Although low-cost consumer-grade MEMS accelerometers are widely available in the commercial market, these devices have a higher noise floor, smaller range, and higher thermal sensitivity than required for navigation-grade accelerometers. There is a demand for navigation grade MEMS accelerometers to complement concurrent developments in the navigation grade MEMS gyroscopes. Navigation grade Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) contains 3 or more navigation grade MEMS gyros and accelerometers. Accelerometers play a significant role in the navigation performance when used with navigation grade gyroscopes in an INS.

Research is required in the area of sensing mechanism(s) for the specific force measurements along with low noise electronics to develop a high-performance accelerometer. Some of the key performance parameters for the navigation grade accelerometers are as follows:

# Accelerometer Parameters Threshold Values

PHASE I: Develop a preliminary design for the proposed accelerometer sensor technology.

PHASE II: Perform trade studies and conduct component test and evaluations.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Productize the accelerometer design and integrate into an INS that can used in soldier-worn, soldier-borne, UAV or other platforms requiring navigation or Situational Awareness function. The accelerometer may be integrated into existing inertial navigation systems.

Additionally, identify broader use commercialization and militarization options for this technology

REFERENCES:

1. Honeywell, QA2000 Q-Flex® Accelerometer, https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en/~/media/aerospace/files/brochures/accelerometers/q-flexqa-2000accelerometer_bro.pdf

2. Safran, Colibrys, MS-9000 Accelerometer, http://www.colibrys.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/30S-MS9000.M.03.15-nod1.pdf

KEYWORDS: Gyro-compassing, GPS Denied navigation, Precision tilt measurement, Navigation-Grade inertial Sensors

A18-089

TITLE: Next Generation Aviation Helmet Mounted Display

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Propose and develop next generation day Heads Up Display (HUD) capable of accepting an external video signal and projecting that video on an aviator helmet visor.

DESCRIPTION: The current day HUD tested by the Army overlays data on vision, but forces the wearer to change his focal point when looking at the symbology vs looking at his environment, and has a limited field of view. A new HUD technology which creates a projected image so that it appears at the same focal distance of your eyes as the environment around the user is needed and allows a much greater field of view. A greater field of view will allow more symbology on the HUD display without interfering with direct line of sight or distracting the pilots. Number one complaint with current system is the inability to declutter enough symbols, which is directly linked to the 2nd complaint, reduced field of view (Final Test Report, Air Soldier System, Developmental Test for the CH-47F, May 2017, ATEC Project No. 2017-DT-RTC-AIRSS-G5960). Multiple companies are working on commercial HUD products for motorcycle helmets which can project symbology such as moving map display, instrument gages, and an interface for the motorcycle radio which is easy to use without taking eyes off the road. These new products are very light since crash standards for weight on a motorcycle helmet are very similar to Army aviation crash requirements. Projecting the display symbols on the visor have other advantages. As example, a projected image can be bright enough to see in bright sunlight at a programmable focal distance that can better serve the eyesight of different people as they age. Another advantage is that the display is far less susceptible to problems with glare.

The proposed system must support an external video source of an existing HUD computer. The proposed display must be capable of projecting on or through a helmet visor equipped with laser protective properties. The proposed system must include system components to provide symbology on an aviation visor with the necessary reflective properties to see the symbology while still seeing through the visor in both day and night conditions. Cost target for production rates anticipated for fielding would be $10,000. In commercial quantities, would estimate that to be as low as $2,000, similar to the other commercial systems.

The current motorcycle market in America does not have this product on the market, nor do commercial aviation helicopter helmets. Leverage of this technology could be easily applied to a HUD enhanced with moving map directions attached to a phone or Garmin.

PHASE I: This effort shall generate a feasibility study which defines whether an existing or development commercial projection HUD product can be modified to fit on an Army HGU-56P helmet and project an image provided by a standard PC video input on the visor. The product proposed shall not introduce a new lens in front of one eye. The product proposed shall project an image in front of the pilot that is perceived at infinity. The visor in the product proposed shall support laser protective properties per the requirements of the Common Helmet Mounted Display (CHMD) specification AVNS-DTL-10868B. The study shall outline what technology can be leveraged from an existing product already in development or production. The vendor shall provide any supporting data already in existence to include performance, optical characteristics, distortion and the results of any testing that may have been performed, and provide analysis where data or testing is not available.

PHASE II: This effort shall build and produce a quantity of not less than eight prototype hardware displays capable of mounting on an HGU-56P helmet and projecting a video input from a laptop computer on the helmet visor. The hardware shall demonstrate sunlight readability of the display, adjustable brightness and the ability to adjust the focal length of the display. The hardware shall demonstrate the ability to see symbols projected while night vision goggles are installed on the helmet. The vendor shall create an item specification for the product which shall be delivered. The item specification would define product capability, test requirements to prove those capabilities, and include compliance requirements of the specification written in phase II. A study shall be delivered outlining a program cost and schedule to build the product so that it would accept video input from the Army standard HUD, bench test the system for all performance requirements called out in the new item specification, and support aircraft simulator testing. All hardware developed under Phase II shall become the property of the US Government as a deliverable. The Government will furnish as many helmets as required to support development. All drawings and source code developed in response to this effort shall be delivered to the Government upon completion of this phase.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Projection HUD shall be built and tested to accept video input from the Army standard HUD computer. The production hardware weight shall be less than or equal to the current HUD display weight with an objective of half the current display weight. The new HUD display will be tested in a simulator to the performance specification requirements. The new HUD display will undergo bench qualification testing to the performance specification requirements. The new HUD display will then enter aircraft flight testing and evaluation. Thirty six (36) displays will be built and furnished to support test and evaluation.

REFERENCES:

1. AVNS-DTL-10868B, Detail Specification, Item Specification for the Air Soldier Common Helmet Mounted Display (uploaded in SITIS on 12/8/17)

2. Commercial technology potential sources:

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR proposal is the demonstration and subsequent production of new small arms barrels with improved durability, and maintaining performance in a high rate of fire in varying environmental conditions. For example; Titanium barrels with deep titanium nitrided bores have been made using Powdered Metal (PM) and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technology. A bi-metal barrel with refractory liner will create a heat and wear resistant bore using a conventional barrel material as the outer tube. Longer barrel life is expected at a reasonable cost. The new barrel can result in a long life barrel at significant weight savings as compared to conventional steel barrels.

DESCRIPTION: New Powdered Metal (PM) gun barrel technologies are being studied and new manufacturing methods and material combinations have been proposed which promise to show gun barrel life extension and consistent accuracy. Goal is to have a barrel capable of a rate of fire of 60 rounds per minute for 16 minutes and 40 seconds without a barrel change or risk of cook-off. Cyclic 200 rounds without cook off (Threshold). Capable of 108 rounds per minute sustained for 9 minutes and 16 seconds without barrel change or risk of cook off.(Objective). A cost target of $900.00 (Threshold) $400.00 (Objective)

PM technologies have matured to a point where the construction of sample test barrels can begin and made ready for live fire evaluation. Advancements include:

A bi-metal barrel with refractory liner will create a heat and wear resistant bore using a conventional barrel material as the outer tube. Longer barrel life is expected at a reasonable cost.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort is intended as a first step into a new world of gun barrel manufacture. Demonstrating a sample bi-metal barrel or rugged titanium barrel, or both, will open the door to a new light weight and long lasting gun barrel technology available at a reasonable cost. Phase activities shall include: a) literature survey, b) market research, c) samples acquired and demonstrated in lab. Along with the sample supply a report providing results of the literature survey, market research, weight and cost projections, material specifications, and fabrication process description will also be supplied.

PHASE II: A Phase II effort is envisioned to expand the types of new material bores and further develop as a viable gun barrel material. Government furnished ammunition will be requested for Phase II in order to establish and validate the durability, extended life, and performance of these new technology gun barrels. Government issued weapon barrels will also be requested for use as control samples. No other certifications or restrictions are envisioned. The goal is to deliver two finished barrels made with new technologies, each having been subjected to limited testing to validate feasibility, determine accuracy, and record initial muzzle velocity. The barrel technologies shall demonstrate capability of a barrel capable of a rate of fire of 60 rounds per minute for 16 minutes and 40 seconds without a barrel change or risk of cook-off. Cyclic 200 rounds without cook off (Threshold) at a target of cost $900.00 USD.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: DoD and Federal Agencies

Commercial Firearms Market

The Commercial firearms market has been growing steadily with over 10-million firearms produced annually. More than 4 million of these are rifles, where the PM technology is expected to show the most significant advantages. If 10% of this market can be captured in the near term, 400,000 gun barrels yearly will represent a sizeable market. It is believed this market potential can be achieved over a 5-year period.

REFERENCES:

1. Richter, D., G. Haour, and D. Richon. "Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)." Materials & design 6.6 (1985): 303-305.

2. Helle, A. S., Kenneth E. Easterling, and M. F. Ashby. "Hot-isostatic pressing diagrams: new developments." Acta Metallurgica 33.12 (1985): 2163-2174.

3. Bocanegra-Bernal, M. H. "Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) technology and its applications to metals and ceramics." Journal of Materials Science 39.21 (2004): 6399-6420.

4. Jackson, Melvin R., Paul A. Siemers, and David P. Perrin. "Gun barrel for use at high temperature." U.S. Patent No. 4,669,212. 2 Jun. 1987.

KEYWORDS: Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), refractory metal bores, Powder metal technology, barrel manufacturing, firearms, gun barrels, small arms barrels

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a singular or multi-aspect non-pyrotechnic Battlefield Effects Replication (BFER) system/family of solutions to provide audio and visual cues of hostile threat fire, successful target engagement/hit, and lingering effects (burning). The capability must be usable within a live fire open environment for extended periods of time, and must not create any health or environmental impacts (operations and disposal).

DESCRIPTION: During Force-on-Force and Live Fire Training events, there exists inconsistent replication of threat fire, successful engagement, and lingering effects signatures. The effort will be to design and develop a singular or multi-aspect approach for creating realistic cues and signatures (visual, thermal, and audio) within the training environments. Non-pyrotechnic development and solutions are desired.

The non-pyrotechnic Battlefield Effects Replication (BFER) system should leverage common off the shelf control and cueing elements to the maximum extent possible. There is no requirement for a single device to do everything. Solution could be a single “box” or could be a family/product-line of solutions predicated on a common control, interface, and/or signature solution.

The BFER needs to:

• Replicate burning vehicles within the live fire training area (i.e., black lingering smoke), that creates a real world like obscurant in the battle space.
• Create visual, thermal, and audio signatures associated with mounted (main gun) and un-stabilized hostile fire signatures within the live fire training area.
• Create visual, thermal, and audio signatures associated with small arms hostile fire (15 rounds per second) to include 3D replication of tracer round fly-outs as applicable (out to 40m).
• Create visual, thermal, and audio signatures (metal strike) associated with a successful target engagement within the live fire training area.

These elements should utilize a modular concept to fulfill the requirement; could be one box or many as long as interoperability is achieved.

The S&T of the effort is the mechanism, processes, and approaches to achieve the effects. Solution must support to eventual safety certification of the solution(s). Portability of the solutions is very important; most solutions will be emplaced during training exercises. Space limitations will apply, and will be driven to the space available within a live fire target position (refer to TC 25-8 and CEHNC 1110-1-23). No hazardous materials will be allowed within the approach or solution.

The design must support operations for 3 to 5 days before maintenance actions (number of actuations will vary by training event and signature replication). In terms of burning effects, hostile threat, and hit signatures, the preliminary design should support a minimum of 30 actuations. In terms of small arms hostile fire with tracer replication, the preliminary design should support 600 actuations with 40 tracer actuations.

The BFER should utilize common off the shelf elements to reduce cost and increase availability. The solutions must be capable of integrating into an existing (TCP/IP) live fire range network. The sensor must not be fixed to a target system, and must be capable of operating either in conjunction with a target or in a stand-alone mode.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility and approach of developing a Battlefield Effects Replication (BFER) solution. The study shall determine the ability to create realistic effects (illumination, thermal, and audio) for the desired cues. The study shall determine the design capacity based on the various training use cases, and develop the design approach to ensure training requirements can be supported. The study shall consider the environmental impacts and ballistic protection schemas as required.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype modular Battlefield Effects Replication (BFER) solution. Demonstrate its ability to create the various battlefield effects as defined in the topic description. Demonstrate its ability to align with the Live Training Transformation (LT2) product line in terms of common command and control (via Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) interfaces/contracts). Demonstration will be at TRL 7.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Military application: Transition technology to the Army Program called Future Army System of Integrated Targets (FASIT). Technology would be viable for both digital and non-digital ranges, urban operations ranges, and other live fire training ranges where Battlefield Effects Replication (BFER) solutions are required. Technology would also may be applicable to the force-on-force training environment.

Commercial applications include sports, gaming, and law enforcement applications.

REFERENCES:

1. Chen, Gary; Showalter, Shawna; Raibeck, Gretel; Wejsa, James; “Environmentally Benign Battlefield Effects Black Smoke Simulator”; 1 November 2006; DTIC Accession Number: ADA481520

2. CEHNC 1110-1-23; USACE Design Manual for Ranges - Revised Range Design/Construction Interface Standards Supplement

3. Training Circular (TC) 25-8, Training Ranges; https://atiam.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/6851-1/TC/25-8/toc.htm

4. Field Manual (FM) 7-1, Battle Focused Training; https://atiam.train.army.mil/soldierPortal/atia/adlsc/view/public/11656-1/fm/7-1/fm7_1.pdf

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Create a user-friendly training content management system for scenario-based training, supporting discovery of scenarios or scenario elements on the basis of learning objectives. Help unit personnel build an adaptive training roadmap.