Army researchers are working with the Marines to develop 3-D printed drones as materials science, aviation technology and software development merge to deliver new capabilities. “Several years ago when we were collaborating with our academic partner, Georgia Tech, we had this project where we were focusing on design engineering of small unmanned aircraft systems,” said…
Army Completes Autonomous Micro-Robotics Research Program
Researchers from industry and universities across the nation have rallied around a collaborative technology alliance with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory since 2008. A research program called Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology, or MAST, came to its conclusion during a capstone event of presentations and demonstrations of both ground and air micro-robots Aug. 22-24. Teams…
Army Looks At Industry Innovation
At a small airfield near the nation’s capital an innovative group of engineers is designing and building futuristic aircraft that are catching the attention of Army researchers. Aurora Flight Sciences, hosted a visit from U.S. Army Research Laboratory aerospace engineers Aug. 15. Earlier this summer, officials from the company visited the Army’s research facilities at…
University Researchers Share Findings With Army
University students researching unmanned aerial vehicles visited the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to discuss their recent findings. The Army reached out to the students to promote collaboration, officials said. “We invited the University of Maryland and Penn State University to present on their ongoing efforts on micro air vehicles,” said Michael Avera, a researcher with…
Experimental Drone Transforms In Flight
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is experimenting with a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle that transforms in flight and gives Soldiers an advantage on the battlefield of the future. Weighing in at just over half a pound, this UAV tilts its rotors to go from hovering like a helicopter to speeding along like a sleek airplane.…
West Point Cadets Explore Robotics Research
Two West Point cadets spent time learning about military robotics and software programming at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory May 30-June 17. The U.S. Military Academy and ARL collaborate each summer to support the USMA Academic Individual Advanced Development program, which provides cadets with an “opportunity to observe and implement concepts from their course work…
Army Laboratory Shapes Future Research
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory hosted its Program Formulation Meeting March 20th to 23rd at the Mallette Training Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in hopes of building bridges with stakeholders and gathering feedback to influence the future of Army research. Acting ARL Director Dr. Philip Perconti briefed the nine Essential Research Areas that the…
West Point Official Visits Army Laboratory
For many years, the Army Research laboratory has partnered with U.S. Military Academy to sponsor internships in science and technology. Dean of Academics Brig. Gen. Cindy R. Jebb visited the laboratory to meet with ARL officials for briefings, demonstrations and a facilities tour March 10, 2017. Acting ARL Director Dr. Philip Perconti told Jebb that…
Army Flies Hoverbike Prototype
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory and industry partners demonstrated the flying capabilities of a unique rectangular-shaped quadcopter during a visit from DOD officials at APG Jan. 10. Dr. William Roper, director of the Strategic Capabilities Office at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and members of his staff visited the laboratory to see the…
Army Investment In Risk Research Also Benefits Children
Risk may be unavoidable for Soldiers, but Army-funded research hopes to use science and technology to make their job safer by reducing the risk of eye and facial injuries from projectiles. The same research is also making toys safer for children. A team of Virginia Tech researchers published findings that have become what they call,…
Army Researchers Search for Technology Solutions to Defeat Sand
Armor is good protection against an enemy, but what if the enemy is so small that it takes aircraft down from the inside? Sand and dust can significantly damage a helicopter engine, which is why the Department of Defense is united in its hunt for a technology solution to protect aviators from this dangerous enemy.…
Army Researchers Seek Innovation During Small Business Visit
Army scientists and engineers are seeking future partnerships with small businesses in an effort to find innovative technology solutions for the future. A group of 12 mechanical and aerospace engineers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory toured two aviation companies run by two brothers in the Philadelphia area Oct. 13, 2016. Michael Piasecki, president of…
Nanotechnology May Revolutionize Future Engines
At the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, scientists are on the hunt for nanomaterials that will improve engine technology in a big way. “What we’re seeing is a revolutionary property arising in a class of materials that we never thought was possible,” said Dr. Kristopher A. Darling, a materials scientist with the laboratory’s Lightweight and Specialty…
DOD Supercomputing Inspires Interns, Helps Army Researchers
Six graduate students recently concluded the DOD High Performance Computing Internship Program, or HIP, at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. “The intern’s summer projects were highly relevant and critical to our mission,” said Dr. Luis Bravo, Vehicle Technology Directorate. “They really took the lead in creating complex models that push the boundaries of engine combustion…
Tech Must Respond to Evolving Threats, DOD Official Tells Researchers
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall emphasized responsiveness to changing threats during his meeting with scientists and engineers from the Army Research Laboratory. During his visit to the ARL’s Adelphi Laboratory Center on Monday, Aug. 8, Kendall spoke about the Department of Defense’s efforts to improve acquisition practices and implement…
Scientist Stimulates Complex Diesel Injection Mist with Supercomputer
The ability to study complex interactions inside a diesel engine gives Army scientists a new perspective that may help design more fuel efficient and effective engines. Using state-of-the-art supercomputers, Army scientist Dr. Luis Bravo led efforts to create simulations highlighting the first year of his project, allowing them to investigate the jet fuel spray breakup…
Army Researchers Explore Future Rotorcraft Tech
The U.S. Army is moving ahead with research on potential new component-level technologies for future rotorcraft. A team from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory completed the first-ever live-fire test of a rotor blade with individual blade control technology in mid-January. Researchers fired three shots representative of typical ground fire on a 7-foot span, 10-inch chord…