Under stedily repeated cyclic loading imposed by live loads, fatigue cracks in bridges can be initiated at small defects. because defects can eliminate the initial stage of crack growth, the fatigue life is greatly reduced, especially if fracture is controlled by crack initiation. therefore, the… More

This research addresses techniques and materials for on-orbit maintenance and refurbishment of thermal control surface coatings used on long-life spacecraft. in many cases, conservative assumptions on the effects of long-term degradation have driven the design of spacecraft thermal systems toward… More

Naval carrier battle group mission requirements frequently results in their forward deployment under potentially hostile circumstances that exposes them to the cruise missile threat from both air and submarine launched weapons. development of a radar buoy capability, "sonobuoy like" packaged and… More

Very large and accurate reflective surfaces will be required for future applications such as laser power transmission, laser propulsion, solar energy collection, antennas and telescopes. present techniques used to construct highly accurate reflectors are limited in application to diameters of a few… More

The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of a light weight, compact, durable and portablesolar powered water purification and desalination system which has versatile applications in producing potable water. the basic technology for the components of such system is available but… More

For nondestructive evaluation to remain a versatile tool, not limited by complex geometries or material types, industry must refine the existing nondestructive evaluation techniques or develop newer ones. because of the recent advances in higher sensitivity infrared detectors, the availability of a… More

The objective of this project is a new concept for improved fire detection systems for large, high ceiling, high volume facilities such as the orbiter processing facility. emphasis is placed on systems which are economical, highly reliable, have rapid response times, and minimize false alarms. the… More

Forward basing and mission requirements, frequently result in fleet aircraft operations in geographical locations that do not permit military personnel ready access to the appropriate aircraft simulators necessary to remain in the highest state of tactical proficiency. this phase i project will… More

The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of establishing an automated data base and retrieval system which contains a broad cross section of information on spacecraft materials. such a data base does not currently exist. the data base file structure will include outgassing and… More

Yhe objective of this research is to evaluate requirements for a remote weather sampling system for use on remotely piloted vehicles (rpv). the weather sampling system is to measure cloud statistics, particle size/water content information, density and, if possible, wind information. the research… More

This sbir phase i proposal outlines an approach to develop a unique low radar cross-section antenna design. three candidate configuration approaches are presented, each exploiting a specific design concept. these candidates will be evaluated during phase i to determine performance from both a radar… More

Evaluation of the effectiveness of defensive avionics systems is a complex process involving assimulation of literally hundreds of test data elements associated with the system under test, engagement scenarios, conditions, associate multi-spectual avionics, weapos, threats, tactics, etc. ec… More

The object of this phase i activity will be to identify those robust signature characteristics which are difficult to suppress that may be present in a number of adversarial resources. a qualitative assessment of their relative value and the information that they provide will be determined and… More

Current and future rotorcraft scenarios such as the lhx stress the need for survivable operations over, around, and through hostile air defenses. key to satisfying this requirement is reduction of ir and rf observables. proponents of reduced observables tend to argue for complete reduction of rcs to… More

Spectra research, inc. proposes to research and synthesize advanced covert multi-spectral iff concepts which employ unique low cost discrimination techniques to detect and positively identify friendly forces. the proposed interrogating sensor operates on a combination of passive non-cooperative… More

Future Army aircraft, avionics, and weapons system will be required complex state-of-the-art multiprocessing computer system. New communication and processor technologies permit multitasked process operation across multiple processing elements reducing overall costs, minimizing packaging… More

The AN/MPS-36 radar is a missile range instrumentation radar used for precision tracking of flight vehicles. Angular resolution is achieved by a monopulse lobing technique. The AN/MPS-36 radars were built in the 1970'x and since their inception have been subject to occasional tracking problems… More

Spectra Research, Inc. (S*R) proposes to develop and demonstrate a technique for detecting low power CW laser sources operating in the visible (0.4-1.1 m), near infrared (1.0-3.0 m), and far infrared (9.0-11.0 m) spectral bands and to formulate a design for a visible spectral band system for… More

For this Phase I SBIR, Spectra Research, Inc. proposes to research rugged, non-intrusive IFF concepts which employ unique low cost discrimination techniques to detect and positively identify friendly combat soldiers. The proposed design operates on passive non-cooperative emissive radiation and… More

Spectra Research Inc. (S*R) proposes to configure off-the-shelf specialized antennas for installation in the wall of an anechoic chamber to provide a quick look test capability where fine direction of arrival (DOA) is not required. Several technical approaches to the antenna installation will be… More

The firing of indirect fire weapons and the effect of incoming rounds have historically been simulated pyrotechnically. Weapon firing has been simulated by firing blank rounds and the effect of incoming rounds has been simulated by small explosive charges. Pyrotechnics have the advantage of being… More

Spectra Research, Inc. (S*R) proposes to develop a comprehensive standardized test suite to evaluate and compare these motion algorithms and techniques. This test suite is a software package that can be run on a UNIX based workstation as well as a WINDOW or OS/2 based personal computer. The test… More

An overwhelming need exists for an economical methodology to convert existing mainframe hosted scientific software to a personal computer (PC) graphical user interface (GUI) environment. Currently, this done as a tedious manual process that is inefficient and expensive. Without more efficient… More

Maintenance of US air superiority requires that current and future combat aircraft be equipped to counter an increasing diversity of aircraft and missiles. One cost-effective response to this requirement is the use of both computer and hardware simulation to test the response of US electronic… More

Pyrotechnic signal cartridges are used to mark the point of impact of practice bomb when simulating bomb drops for pilot training. The current practice bomb uses a pyrotechnic signal cartridge containing red phosphorous to produce smoke and flame for signaling. This design often causes fires and… More

Computers and hardware simulators are currently used to test the response of on-board aircraft radars and electronic warfare (EW) systems within the confines of shielded ancehoic chambers. Histori cally, most laboratory tests of these systems have used direct injection of the simulated radar… More

Maintenance of U.S. air superiority requires that current and future combat aircraft be equipped to counter an increasing diversity of aircraft and missiles. One cost-effective response to this requirement is the increasing use of both computer and hardware simulation to test the response of US… More

Weapon system effectiveness studies require the utilization of both low and high-level models and simulations. Often the data for these models are not compatible. A large part of the analysis process is spent extracting, assimilating, and transforming output data of one model into the compatible… More

Simulation of sensor s is an important issue in weapons system development. Recent resurgence in the use of complex engagement models to simulate combat situations has exposed a weakness in these codes. Engagement models are in a hierarchy, from the lowest level, having the greatest detail in the… More

This proposal addresses the need for a low cost QRC combat identification system. S*R proposes to breadboard and demonstrate such a system. This system utilizes a passive, cooperative, multi-spectral tag which operates in conjunction with existing airborne (or ground based) sensors. S*R… More

A novel application of electromagnetic hardware technology used in military radar and signal processing algorithms are combined to detect and locate both metal and dielectric targets. The application of hardware technology can provide a man-portable system for battlefield use. These are mature… More

In order to become HLA compliant, a Simulation Object Model (SOM) and interface code must be developed for every legacy model that needs to interoperate with other models in a federation. Lessons learned from the protofederation experiments proved that this is a very difficult task that can take up… More

This proposal addresses the need for a low cost QRC combat identification system. S*R proposes to breadboard and demonstrate such a system. This system utilizes a passive, cooperative, multi-spectral tag which operates in conjunction with existing airborne (or ground based) sensors. S*R calls… More

In order to become HLA compliant, a Simulation Object Model (SOM) and interface code must be developed for every legacy model that needs to interoperate with other models in a federation. Lessons learned from the protofederation experiments proved that this is a very difficult task that can take up… More

The consolidation of Air Force Laboratories into the single Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) integrates organizations in New York with organizations in Ohio. This consolidation, coupled with declining defense budgets and personnel, increases the urgency of implementing the AFRL Collaborative… More

Not Available This proposal is written in response to NASA solicitation subtopic 07.04 which specifically seeks ¿advanced technologies for integrated propulsion systems such as pulse detonation-techniques for the low speed portion of operation of integrated air-breath

The Army Material Command (AMC) Research, Development, and Engineering Centers (RDECs) have a goal to implement a RDEC Federation. The objective RDEC Federation is to be able to transfer system and subsystem engineering data from CollaborativeEnvironments (CE's), being implemented at each RDEC,… More

A flash ladar sensor concept for obtaining three-dimensional images of target scenes will be designed and demonstrated. The sensor will provide depth resolution at maximum ranges. The low-cost sensor will incorporate minor modifications to existing flashladar hardware and will provide maps of target… More

A prototype laser threat warning sensor capable of detecting pulsed and continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation of orbiting platforms will be developed. The sensing technique will cover the 0.4 to 12 micro-meter spectral band with high sensitivity. Thesensor will incorporate interferometric detection… More

A prototype laser threat warning sensor capable of detecting pulsed and continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation of orbiting platforms will be developed. The sensing technique will cover the 0.4 to 12 micro-meter spectral band with high sensitivity. Thesensor will incorporate interferometric detection… More

A flash ladar sensor technique for obtaining three-dimensional images of target scenes that was demonstrated on a Phase I program will be researched, developed and demonstrated. The effort will include fabrication of a field-test sensor, collection andanalysis of 3-D scene images of various… More

"Recent developments have led the services to consider the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and/or unmanned ground systems(UGS) to perform tasks that previously performed by military personnel. Reductions in force levels have made it necessary to keepavailable forces, "out of harm's way" and… More

"Simulation and Modeling for Acquisition Requirements and Training (SMART) is the U.S. Army's implementation of the DoD Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) initiative. SMART's goal is to significantly reduce the time required to develop Future Combat Systems(FCSs) from over 20 years to about 8 years… More

DESCRIPTION (Applicant?s abstract): A novel application of existing technology will be used to detect and identify a condition common on the battlefields and civilian emergencies, pneumothorax. This relies upon an electromagnetic technique that collects, stores, and processes scattered field… More

DESCRIPTION (Applicant?s abstract): A novel application of existing technology will be used to detect and identify a condition common on the battlefields and civilian emergencies, pneumothorax. This relies upon an electromagnetic technique that collects, stores, and processes scattered field… More

Simulation and Modeling for Acquisition Requirements and Training (SMART) is the U.S. Army's implementation of the DoD Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) initiative. SMART's goal is to significantly reduce the time required to develop Future Combat Systems(FCS) from over 20 years to about 8 years… More

Spectra Research, Inc. (S*R) proposes to leverage its current development efforts to investigate a novel method for identifying compartment syndrome in medical trauma cases. The proposed method is based on S*R's Non-Invasive Field Triage Device (NFTD) thatuses electromagnetic waves in the X-band… More

In this Parallel Phase II program, Spectra Research, Inc. proposes to enhance and demonstrate its low-cost cooperative ID design to solve an important part of the air-to-ground target identification problem. S*R's secure, passive, multi-spectral design is largely covert, non-radiating, and not… More

Spectra Research and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) are proposing to develop, demonstrate, and deliver compact ultra-broadband omni-directional non-transponder RF Tags employing both current (Spectra Research) design topologies (with separate dielectric antennas for each radar… More

The S*R FCS Advanced RF Tag design utilizes covert, passive RF Tags, operating in conjunction with surveillance, and tactical based SAR/GMTI radars, to meet joint service and Coalition ID requirements and other operational needs. The flight tested, proven tag employs S*R's patented van Atta array… More

A flash ladar sensor technique for detecting and locating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) will be researched, developed and demonstrated. Intended to reduce casualties from terrorist-planted bombs, the sensor will apply the Spectra Research Range Slice Ladar (RASL) in a change detection mode to… More

MetaMaterials with new advancements such as fragmented aperture antenna arrays may offer additional significant advantages in the drive to provide reduced size, high efficiency controlled radiation pattern antennas (CRPAs). The Spectra Research-Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) team proposes to… More

MetaMaterials with new advancements such as fragmented aperture antenna arrays may offer additional significant advantages in the drive to provide reduced size, high efficiency controlled radiation pattern antennas (CRPAs). The Spectra Research team proposes to apply fragmented aperture and… More

The Spectra-GTRI team proposes an innovative approach to optimizing weight on UAVs by integrating the antenna systems directly into the UAV wing or fuselage mechanical structure. By carving slot antennas of various sizes out of the wing structure, an array of bandwidths can be accommodated. … More

Spectra Research, Inc. has teamed with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to develop a miniaturized broadband antenna solution for electronic support measures (ESM) missions. The antenna will be designed for conformal mounting (for very low profile) on UAV platforms with low observable (LO)… More

Spectra Research, Inc. has teamed with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to provide the unique capabilities and design tools necessary to successfully design a broadband conformal antenna that meets the requirements for maritime patrol aircraft. The objective of this program is to develop a… More

The increasing demand for additional antennas competing for space on the already heavily populated military airborne platforms requires antenna solutions that will accommodate multiple functions through efficient broadband or simultaneous multiband operation. At the same time, the issues of antenna… More

Identification and tracking techniques are required for discovering juvenile Desert Tortoise migration paths at Edwards AFB, and specifically in the PIRA solid rocket plume outwash areas. Now, only the technology for tracking adult tortoises exists, and as a threatened species the juveniles must be… More

Major problems associated with performance of modern military aircraft are due to the space demanded to accommodate the multitude of antennas, the weight and drag introduced by these antennas, and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) between these close-packed electromagnetic structures. The… More

Advanced radar signature modeling and signal processing techniques are required to support evolving radar technology in non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR). Modeling to produce NCTR techniques in both air-air and air-ground radar modes are required. The proposed research will first utilize… More

For this Phase I program, Spectra Research will leverage its recent accomplishments in advanced antenna designs (and those of its research partner GTRI) to investigate the application of fragmented aperture and fragmented volume technologies in concert with metamaterial based EBG substrates to… More

The increasing demand for additional antennas competing for space on already heavily populated military aircraft requires antenna solutions that will accommodate multiple functions through efficient broadband or simultaneous multiband operation. At the same time, the issues of antenna coupling and… More

A program involving analysis and design, reinforcement materials research and development, composite fabrication, and composite property testing is proposed here to develop improved interlaminar properties of carbon-carbon composites used as the substrates for rocket propulsion components, such as… More

Spectra Research has teamed with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to employ an innovative technique that uses advanced radiator materials and methodologies, such as fragmented aperture arrays, to develop an integrated antenna array that functions as a radar antenna. Many of the design issues… More

Successful operation on the present day battlefield is critically dependent on the utilization of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), while jamming of the GPS signal may limit the viability of systems that rely on high levels of GPS accuracy. Air based weapons and aircraft require Anti-Jam (AJ)… More

The purpose of the proposed program is to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a prototype wideband antenna that is operational over selected portions of the service bands (2-2000 MHz) required by the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). In addition, the designs will address the following technical… More

In this program, Spectra Research will investigate issues related to the design and development of aircraft-mounted communication antennas that do not cause significant aerodynamic drag and do not require structural penetration of the aircraft hull, while providing vertically polarized coverage to… More

Innovative approaches for broadband multi-function antennas that conserve vehicle weight and reduce drag are welcome solutions for all airborne platforms including suborbital vehicles, where less total weight translates to longer mission times, less expensive payloads, and more acrobatic flight… More

The objective of the proposed research program is twofold. Spectra Research will demonstrate new computational tools and design methodologies for optimizing antenna performance of electrically small antennas and antenna arrays. In addition, Spectra Research will show advanced antenna constructs that… More

Spectra Research proposes an innovative approach that employs advances in numerical modeling, fragmented aperture antenna design methodologies, and metamaterials research toward the development of an advanced electrically small antenna. In the Phase I program Spectra Research will investigate the… More

In the Phase I program, the Spectra Research team demonstrated that fragmented aperture antenna designs can be utilized to great advantage in meeting the requirement of developing a surface mounted tunable communications antenna. We further demonstrated new computational tools and design… More

The proliferation of antennas for communications, radar, and ESM roles on the modern military platform places greater demand for available surface area. A basic problem arises from the situation that as additional antennas are incorporated into platforms, there is an increasing issue with parasitic… More

Leveraging the Phase I program results, Spectra Research will investigate issues related to the design and development of aircraft-mounted communication antennas that do not cause significant aerodynamic drag and do not require structural penetration of the aircraft hull, while providing vertically… More

Innovative approaches that improve overall antenna performance while minimizing antenna profile are desired solutions for all volumetrically restricted platforms. This is especially critical for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms that are expected to provide… More

NASA employs various passive microwave and millimeter-wave instruments, such as spectral radiometers, for a wide range of remote sensing applications from measurements of the Earth's surface and atmosphere to cosmic background emission. These instruments such as the HIRAD (Hurricane Intensity… More

In the long-term, the Navy is moving toward a multifunction submarine mast (or family of masts) supporting communications, electronic warfare (EW), and radar functions in a common aperture to alleviate, as much as possible, the clutter of masts (see Inset Pictures) on a typical submarine sail. In… More

The purpose of the present effort is to develop a Dual Mode Tag (DMT) proof-of-concept system for reducing fratricide, contributing to battlefield situational awareness (SA) and finding downed pilots, by identifying friendly vehicles at tactically significant ranges. We propose an RF Tag, IR/E-O Tag… More

There is an urgent, growing demand for versatile, lightweight, low profile, phased arrays to be utilized on advanced ISR platforms. These arrays can be employed for accurate determination of the direction of arrival of emitted signals and for detection of weak signals in noisy environments. The… More

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the Phase II program is to develop and test a Dual Mode Tag (DMT) proof-of-concept system for reducing fratricide, contributing to battlefield situational awareness (SA) and finding downed pilots at tactically significant ranges. The Spectra Research team proposes an… More