June 13, 2014
The Hart Prize recognizes outstanding Independent Research and Development (or IRAD) accomplishments within the Laboratory. Selection of the winning IRAD’s was based on novelty, technical excellence and potential for impact. This year the Management Forum selected two development IRADs. One is a large, multi-sector IRAD and the other is a specific technology offering a breakthrough in both performance and affordability. In addition, one research IRAD was selected for a Hart Prize.
Hart Prize for Development: Offensive Operations in an A2/AD Environment
Investigators: David M. Van Wie, Jeffrey D. Barton, Cameron K. Peterson, Hans P. Widmer, Mark A. Oursler, Treven P. Wall, Brian L. Geesaman, Coire J. Maranzano, Daniel J. Silvera, Edmund H. Nowicki
This multi-faceted project featured design, simulation, and field experiments for novel, affordable counters to Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2AD) threat environments. Significant accomplishments were made in the offensive areas of large-volume fire swarming vehicle control, small-platform confusers, and joint electronic attack/cyber operations, and to APL capabilities to model complex multi-domain system-versus-system interactions.
Hart Prize for Development: Agile IR Scene Projector Based on Carbon Nanotubes
Investigators: Raul Fainchtein, David M. Brown, Karen M. Siegrist, Ryan P. DiNello-Fass, Terry E. Phillips, Andrew H. Monica, David M. Deglau
An array of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes was fabricated to create a new class of infrared scene projectors with highly responsive frame rates and very high resolution. The resulting technology will enable Standard Missile-3 seekers to be tested against highly advanced emulations of future ballistic missile threats. The technology also offers to advance high-resolution image sensor capabilities.
Hart Prize for Research: High-Energy Laser (HEL) Effects on Space Systems and Materials
Investigators: Kaushik A. Iyer, John J. Aiello, O. Manny Uy
This National Security Space project started from what is known and modeled of a high energy laser – encounter with a spacecraft. Using experimental data and physics modeling, the team advanced the characterization of the effects of a laser attack on the materials and functions of a spacecraft. This new understanding and modeling capability will enable the design of spacecraft defenses and protections against lasers.