Submission of proposals



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A02-083 TITLE: Accurate Aerodynamic Analysis Design Tool for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform
OBJECTIVE: Develop an efficient computational design and analysis tool that will enable rapid computation of the vehicle performance for a wide range of rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicles.
DESCRIPTION: The US Army has placed a new emphasis on the development of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the short term, existing manned or unmanned platforms are likely to be modified to accomplish emerging mission requirements. However, as the shortcomings of these vehicles impact the mission requirements, alternative platforms will be sought. Whether it be greater payload, greater range, lower vibration levels or lower acoustic signatures, it is anticipated that improvements in existing platforms will be required. An accurate and efficient aerodynamic design analysis which enables meaningful trade studies for a large variety of vehicle types needs to be developed. The vehicle types which can be analyzed by the tool should include: conventional helicopter, helicopter with shrouded-fan tail rotor, tilt-rotor, tilt-wing, coaxial and main rotor shrouded-fan with various control surfaces.
The computational tool must address critical flow phenomenon important to the design of this class of vehicles. For example, UAV size rotor blades operate at a combination of low chord Reynolds number [1] and high subsonic Mach number. The design tool must be able to accurately predict the performance penalties associated with laminar separation bubbles and shocks as well as with a combination of both [2]. Fortunately, much research on airfoil analysis in this flight regime has been accomplished in several high-altitude fixed wing studies [3]. A severe limitation in all of these studies, however, is the lack of available airfoil data at these conditions. The current tool must address this challenge in order for future validation work, such as flight testing [4] or wind tunnel testing [5], to be successful.
The analysis must also address various flight regimes including both axial and non-axial flight conditions. The low disc loading of these types of highly efficient aircraft mandates that the analysis properly model the vortex wake, especially in descent conditions. One of the primary objectives of the Army’s UAV program is ease of piloting, and so the analysis must take into account various configuration dependant unsteady effects that might be encountered, such as vortex ring state, forward flight with gusts, and hovering flight with variable cross wind.
PHASE I: Develop and show proof of concept of a fast computational tool capable of analyzing the viscous flow field and performance of a single main rotor in non-axial conditions. The results of this phase should show validation work on the airfoil models with comparison to the available measurements. In addition, the analysis tool should be able to accurately model the vortex wake with comparisons to the available measurements. These results should provide useful guidance for Phase II as well as demonstrating the necessary expertise, knowledge, and experience to perform the required Phase II development.
PHASE II: Extend the analysis to the required vehicle configurations (conventional helicopter, helicopter with shrouded-fan tail rotor, tilt-rotor, tilt-wing, coaxial and main rotor shrouded-fan with various control surfaces). Further extend the method to include other components such as the fuselage and control surfaces without compromising the computational efficiency. Establish the utility of the method for obtaining forces and moments on all the components of the system for the required vehicle types.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The technology developed under this program would have widespread application at the preliminary design level before design-build cycles begin for both the Army and V/STOL community at large. This type of design tool would also allow preliminary flight envelope restrictions to be estimated before the flight test phase of development. In addition, the tool would provide an environment for computational prototyping new UAV's for the entire mission.
References:

1) Miley, S. J., "A Catalog of Low Reynolds number Airfoil Data for Wind Turbine Applications," Texas A&M University, 1982.

2) Drela, M., "Transonic Low Reynolds Number Airfoils," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 29, No. 6, 1992, pp. 1106-1113.

3) Maughmer, M. D., and Somers, D., "Design and Experimental Results for a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance Airfoil," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 26, No. 2, 1989, pp. 148-153.

4) Foch, R. J., and Ailinger, K. G., "Low Reynolds Number, Long Endurance Aircraft Design," AIAA Paper 92-1263, AIAA Aerospace Design Conference, 1992.

5) Stollery, J. L., and Dyer, D. J., "The Flight Performance of an RPV Compared with Wind Tunnel and Theoretical (CFD) Results," ICAS-88-4.9.2, 1988, pp. 1392-1401.


KEYWORDS: UAV, aerodynamic analysis, computational fluid dynamics, computational tool, separated flow, non-axial flow, low Reynolds number airfoils


A02-084 TITLE: Ultra Wideband Technology for Sensor Network Communications
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this program is to develop a communications network system, utilizing Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, to provide new or improved communications for forward-deployed, unmanned, clustered entities such as smart munitions, sensors and robotic systems that will be deployed with the Objective Force on the digitized battlefield of the future. An Organic Distributed Sensor Network offers the means for the Objective Force Commander to augment his battlefield situational awareness by filling the gaps in the higher echelon surveillance. Specifically, the program will investigate the intrinsic security characteristics of UWB technology (i.e., Antijamming (AJ), Low Probability of Interception and Detection (LPI/LPD)) and develop appropriate networking protocols and antennas suitable for UWB. The UWB technologies developed under this task can be applied in the Homeland defense area. Examples of uses for Homeland defense are: covert, border security, and government building security.
DESCRIPTION: Sensor technology is enabling identification and tracking of enemy movements that is critical to survival of a lightweight force, however energy-efficient networked communications capabilities that provide AJ and LPI/LPD for miniature micro sensors do not exist. These capabilities will enable adaptive, self-healing, multi-hop, communications networks with optimal routing algorithms that are secure and simultaneously exchanges imagery and data traffic among the clustered entities and rearward to all echelons including all those beyond line-of-sight. Specific technological challenges include the development/adaptation of network protocols for UWB and high efficiency, low profile UWB antennas.
PHASE I: The purpose of Phase I is to explore the available UWB technologies, study and formulate tradeoffs, develop metrics, and to recommend a solution of a UWB systems for unattended sensors. A report with recommendations shall be provided under this phase. The report shall include hardware and software solutions and a test plan for Phase II.
PHASE II: Design, develop, and demonstrate UWB radio prototypes to satisfied the requirements as determined in Phase I.
PHASE III: This system could be used in a broad range of military and civilian security applications.
a. Civilian applications: Possible applications for civilian use include seismographic sensor communications and appliances communications. This technology could also be directly applicable to communication systems for Homeland Security.
b. Military applications: This technology can be utilized to provide covert border and government building security. This technology could also be directly applicable to communication systems for Homeland Security.
REFERENCES:

1) TRADOC Pamphlet 525, Objective Force


KEYWORDS: Networked Sensors, Ultrawide Band, AntiJam, LPI/LPD, Ad-Hoc Communications Network


A02-085 TITLE: Mine Detection
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Program Manager, Mine, Countermine, Demolition
OBJECTIVE: Develop a state-of-the-art technology capable of detecting buried land mines. New and innovative concepts will be given priority.
DESCRIPTION: The objective is to develop advanced mine detection technologies to provide new or improved mine detection through discrimination and or identification capabilities. Novel concepts and techniques are encouraged. Technologies including, but not limited to, vapor detection, nuclear, ground penetrating radar, infrared, x-ray, electromagnetic, acoustic or other methods may be considered. The effort should be planned with the goal of demonstrating technologies for detection with a near 1.0 Probability of detection (Pd), sub 0.01 false-alarms per square meter at rates of advance appropriate for small ground and airborne platforms. Techniques that are slow but have a very high capability are also of interest as a confirmation sensor. The proposed technologies shall address individual anti-tank (AT) and anti-personnel (AP) mines, whose burial depths can vary from surface laid to 20 cm below the ground surface. Burial depth is defined from the surface of the ground to the top of the target. The landmines will range in size from 4.5 cm to 38 cm (which covers AP to AT mines respectively) in diameter or width. Explosive fill is typically TNT, RDX or PETN. The mines may employ a variety of fuse types, including pressure, tilt rod, magnetic influence, seismic/acoustic and other sensors. Both on- and off-route mines must be considered. The proposed technologies are intended for use in support of a highly mobile force; therefore, rate-of-advance (OP-TEMPO) is an important factor. A remotely controlled or robotic vehicle is the likely host platform. A remotely controlled sensor may be proposed, however, this is not a requirement. Proposals that only address the platform without including new and innovative sensors are not of interest. Size, weight and power consumption are important factors. The ground clearance of the sensors must be 30 cm. at a minimum. Proposed technology applications should address the development of hardware/software and field exercises to ascertain mine detection capability.
In addition, to support ongoing acoustic mine detection programs, vibration measurement technology is of interest. This technology must be capable of measuring the velocities of ground vibrations with an accuracy better than 10 microns/second at a frequency of 100 Hz. The spatial accuracy at the ground must be better than 10 cm., however better than 3 cm is greatly preferred. The instrument must operate at least 20 cm. above the ground and have a minimum operating range of from 50 to 700 Hz. Speed of operation, area of coverage, and standoff distance are important qualities. Sensors that can penetrate light vegetation are preferred but not required. A laser Doppler vibrometer with a single focused beam is not of interest.

PHASE I: This proof of feasibility phase will focus on laboratory and limited field investigation of the novel mine detection technique(s) as a potential candidate for application as a tactical mine detection system. The sensitivity of the mine detection technique to discriminate mines from clutter objects will be determined. Phase I will include a demonstration to experimentally confirm/verify the lab results and analyses by utilizing a variety of mines and surrogate mines or representative components for different classes of mines.

PHASE II: The purpose of this phase is to design and fabricate a brassboard data acquisition system and to use this brassboard to experimentally confirm/verify the detection capability under varied conditions. Practical application of the technology, including proposed host-platform integration, will be investigated. Estimates, with supporting data, will be made of size, weight, power requirements, speed, Pd, Pfalse-alarm and positional accuracy.

PHASE III: This technology has numerous applications in the Army, Navy, humanitarian demining area as well as counter terrorism. This tool could be utilized either in a joint mode with neutralization techniques or independently.

REFERENCES:

A host of information regarding the current state-of-the-art in mine detection can be obtained through the following conferences: SPIE AeroSence Conference (Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mine and Minelike Targets Session) in Orlando, FL; Mine Warfare Conference; and UXO Detection and Remediation Conference.


KEYWORDS: Landmine technologies, mine detection


A02-086 TITLE: Munitions for Standoff Mine Neutralization
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM, Mines, Countermine and Demolitions
OBJECTIVE: Develop a munition suitable for delivery by a precision delivery system capable of neutralizing existing and next generation land mines at safe standoff distances.
DESCRIPTION: The objective is to investigate technologies for use in advanced mine neutralization munitions with the goal of achieving improved standoff mine neutralization capabilities. A precision delivery system for a mine-neutralizing warhead is currently under development. The warhead has not been developed but is assumed to have a kill diameter of 1 m. The purpose of this solicitation is to explore concepts and techniques suitable for this warhead. Technologies including, but not limited to, explosives, fragmentation, reactive materials, shaped charges, explosively formed fragments, kinetic energy or other methods may be considered. The effort should have a goal of demonstrating technologies for neutralization with a 0.95 Probability of Kill (Pk), assuming that the point of impact of the warhead is within 0.5 m of the target location. The delivery system is envisioned as being similar to a mortar or catapult. Techniques that result in minimal damage to road surfaces are of interest. The proposed technologies shall address individual anti-tank (AT) and anti-personnel (AP) mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), whose burial depths can vary from surface laid to 20 cm below the ground surface. Burial depth is measured from the surface of the ground to the top of the target. The landmines will range in size from 4.5 cm to 38 cm (which covers AP to AT respectively) in diameter or width. Explosive fill is typically TNT, RDX or PETN. Both "dumb" and "smart" mines must be neutralized. The mines may employ a variety of fuse types, including pressure, tilt rod, magnetic influence, mm-wave, infrared, seismic/acoustic and other sensors. Both on- and off-route mines must be considered, including sensored off-route and side-attack mines. The proposed technologies are intended for use in support of a highly mobile force; therefore, rate-of-advance (Operational Tempo) is an important factor. Numerous false alarms are expected so the effect of false alarms on the system should be considered. The Army's Future Combat System (FCS) family of vehicles are likely host platforms. Size, weight and other logistics considerations, including collateral effects, are important factors. This effort will support and leverage ongoing STO programs in FCS Mine Detection and Neutralization and Off Route Mine Detection and Neutralization. While the immediate purpose of this solicitation is to investigate technologies to neutralize landmines, there are clear opportunities for commercialization and dual use. Technologies for explosive destruction of landmines and UXO are directly applicable to commercial use in the areas of oil exploration and concrete breaching. Improved explosives and reactive materials as well as improved shape charge devices will offer immediate benefit to law enforcement and security applications. The humanitarian demining area is also searching for safe and effective techniques to employ in removing the tremendous landmine/UXO threat around the world. The technologies developed under this effort would have a direct impact on that community in improving reliability and cost effectiveness.
PHASE I: This phase will focus on laboratory and limited field investigation of the novel mine neutralization technique as a potential candidate for application in a tactical mine neutralization system. The sensitivity of the mine initiation process will be determined as well as the vulnerability thresholds for various components, subsystems, and the total system of various mine targets. Practical application of the technology with the proposed delivery mechanism will be investigated. Estimates, with supporting data, will be made of size, weight, Pk and logistics requirements. Phase I will include a demonstration to experimentally confirm/verify the lab results and analyses by utilizing a variety of mines and surrogate mines or representative components for different classes of mines.
PHASE II: The purpose of this phase is to design and fabricate a brassboard system and to use this brassboard to experimentally confirm/verify the neutralization capability under varied environmental and application conditions.
PHASE III: This technology has numerous applications in the humanitarian demining area as well as counter terrorism. This tool could be utilized either in a joint mode of detection (utilizing the detection technology referred to above) and neutralization or independently.
REFERENCES:

1) Information regarding the current state-of-the-art in countermine technology can be obtained through the following conferences: SPIE AeroSense Conference (Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mine and Minelike Targets Session) in Orlando, FL; Mine Warfare Conference; and UXO Detection and Remediation Conference. FM 20-32 Mine/Countermine Operations is the Army Field Manual which provides technical guidance for conducting mine and countermine operations.

2) Numerous references and links are available through the following sites: Mine Warfare Association - www.minwara.org;

3) BRTRC humanitarian demining website - www.demining.brtrc.com;

4) demoz.org/Society/Issues/War,_Weapons_and_Defense/Landmines; Demining Technology Center (DeTeC) website.
KEYWORDS: Landmine technologies, mine neutralization, lethality mechanisms, countermine application


A02-087 TITLE: Image Fusion of Thermal and Image Intensified Video Sensors for Ground-Mobility Applications
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative techniques for combining the video signals of thermal and image-intensified video sensors, such that the resultant “fused” image optimally conveys the salient scene features provided by both sensors. These image fusion techniques shall exploit the complementary nature of these two respective sensors, such that situational awareness is enhanced for military users in dismounted (i.e., non-vehicle) ground-mobility applications. The program’s goals are to demonstrate real-time image fusion techniques which are valuable and practical within the weight, power and cost constraints associated with military dismounted, ground-mobility (i.e., non-targeting) applications.
DESCRIPTION: Numerous techniques have emerged over the past ten years for utilizing two distinct video sensor types (e.g., sensors “A” and “B”) to enhance situational awareness. These techniques include the following, in order of increasing cost/power: simple switching (i.e., sensor “A” or sensor “B”); user-adjustable additive combination (i.e., 0.xx sensor “A” plus [1- 0.xx] sensor “B”); and feature-level fusion based upon digital image-processing algorithms. All of these techniques seek to exploit the complementary nature of thermal and image-intensified sensors for mobility (i.e., non-targeting) applications. Thermal sensors operating in the 8-12 micron waveband typically yield high-contrast, low-noise imagery which is relatively unaffected by fog and which clearly depicts threats/targets; drawbacks are relatively low resolution, image washout during thermal crossover or after prolonged rain, and inability to detect natural/cultural lighting cues, text on road signs, etc. Image-intensified sensors operating in the 0.4-0.9 micron waveband provide higher resolution imagery which clearly depicts lighting/shadow cues, text on road signs, etc. and which is relatively unaffected by rain; drawbacks are degraded imagery for scenes with fog or low ambient illumination, where the imagery has relatively low contrast and/or high noise.

Dismounted ground-mobility applications in the military are severely bound by constraints upon weight and power consumption: the total mobility system must be head-borne and must operate off inexpensive battery power. Present limits are a maximum 2 pounds total system weight and a maximum 2 watts total system power. These goals dictate a budget of 0.5 watts maximum power and 0.25 pounds maximum weight for the fielded version of an image fusion device. Psycho-physical considerations dictate that the fusion device be capable of fusing video sensors having at least a 60 Hz frame or field rate. These constraints also dictate that fusion be executed in real-time, which is herein defined as an associated fusion latency (lag) of no more than 60 milliseconds (< 30 milliseconds is highly desirable).


Innovative techniques are needed to optimally fuse in real time the imagery from wide field-of-view (nominally 40-deg by 30-deg) mobility sensors having moderate-to-high resolution (up to 640 x 480 pixel array for thermal sensor, up to 1280 x 960 pixel array for intensified sensor). These techniques may be digital-based, analog-based, or some combination of the two. Fused imagery may be based upon either monochrome or color display.
PHASE I: Develop and refine techniques for fusing the imagery from thermal and image-intensified video sensors. These techniques shall be demonstrated by performing image fusion on Government-supplied single-sensor videotapes. These videotapes will be time-coded and are available in either the Super-VHS or mini-DV formats. The intermediate product shall be one (1) each deliverable videotape demonstrating the fusion techniques for the Government-supplied imagery. The Phase I Final Report shall include a detailed developmental plan to implement the fusion techniques for the military dismounted, ground-mobility application. This plan’s objective shall be the fabrication of a brassboard fusion device demonstrating the feasibility to meet the performance, weight, and power goals described above. This device shall be compatible with the RS-170 sensor/display video architecture. The developmental plan shall be more than a conceptual, top-level outline; it should instead constitute a preliminary design, for which key component vendors and timelines on the critical program path are specified.
PHASE II: Implement the Phase I plan by fabricating and delivering one (1) each brassboard fusion device. This device shall accept analog RS-170 video from thermal and image-intensified TV sensors, and shall output a fused image to a typical RS-170 display. This brassboard shall be self-contained, readily man-portable, and shall operate for a minimum of one (1) hour off one set of inexpensive commercial batteries. It shall be capable of operation in benign field environments (i.e., moderate temperature and humidity, moderate movement/vibration). The Phase II Final Report shall include a detailed program plan for development of a ruggedized fusion device satisfying the ultimate performance, weight, and power goals described above for a fielded fusion device. As before, this program plan shall specify key component technologies and availability for all efforts on the critical program path.
PHASE III: The Phase III commercialization of this technology shall target present commercial applications for low-cost, uncooled thermal systems, such as the thermal sensor/head-up display for high-end automobiles. A low-cost fusion system consisting of this thermal imager plus a commercial charge-coupled device (CCD) would represent a significant enhancement in nighttime situational awareness. Law enforcement and border surveillance/interdiction operations represent two additional applications for low-cost fusion systems.
REFERENCES:

1) SPIE 2001 Helmet- and Head-Mounted Displays VI, HMD Integration and Design Issues, “Multi-Spectral/Image-Fused Head-Tracked Vision System (HTVS) for Driving Applications”.


KEYWORDS: Image Fusion, Thermal Sensor, Image-Intensified Sensor, Low Power, Dismounted Mobility


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