DARPA projects to either improve GPS or remove vulnerability to loss of satellites

DARPA has its budget for 2014.

Basic Photon Science

FY 2012 21.5 million
FY 2013 25.2 million
FY 2014 18.9 million

FY 2014 Plans:
– Demonstrate a 10 Gigahertz (GHz) oscillator using optical frequency division with a micro-frequency comb.
– Demonstrate free space time transfer over 10 km with timing error 1000 times better than GPS (less than 10^-12 seconds timing error over 1 second).
– Demonstrate laser pulses less than 50 attaseconds for stroboscopic imaging of material dynamics.

FY 2013

– Demonstrate novel technologies for encoding and decoding orbital angular momentum.
– Demonstrate low-light level imaging at an information rate of 5 bits per photon.
– Construct a low phase noise microwave oscillator based on optical frequency division from a fiber based optical frequency comb.
– Build a 4 micron, 1-10 Kilohertz (kHz) laser system with a pulse energy of 10 Megajoules (mJ).

Enabling Quantum Technologies

FY 2012 10.7 million
FY 2013 18.6 million
FY 2014 23.3 million

Examine other novel classes of materials and phenomena such as plasmons or Bose-Einstein Condensates (BEC) that have the potential to provide novel capabilities in the quantum regime, such as GPS-independent navigation via atom interferometry and communications, and ultrafast laser technologies

FY 2014 Plans:
– Demonstrate an optomechanical accelerometer with sensitivity ( over 100 10^-9 acceleration due to gravity/Hz^1/2) and bandwidth (over 10 kHz) compatible with inertial navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
– Demonstrate a single diamond nitrogen vacancy magnetometer with less than 10 nm resolution that is compatible with imaging biological systems.
– Validate the performance of a compact (less than 10 liters) portable optical clock with a timing accuracy 10 times better than satellite GPS clocks.
– Demonstrate prototype macroscopic quantum communications systems at secure long haul communications distances.
– Demonstrate improved decoupling between secure bit rate and loss in long-haul quantum communications.
– Implement macroscopic quantum communications testbed capable of simulating realistic conditions (loss, noise, and decoherence) through the modern fiber-optic telecommunications grid.

Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro PN and T)

The Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro PN and T) program is developing technology for self-contained chip-scale inertial navigation and precision guidance. This technology promises to effectively mitigate dependence on Global Positioning System (GPS) or any other external signals, and enable uncompromised navigation and guidance capabilities.

FY 2012 12.1 million
FY 2013 18.2 million
FY 2014 23.4 million

FY 2014 Plans:
– Demonstrate a physical structure and architecture of an inertial sensor capable of near navigation-grade performance.
– Demonstrate architecture for co-integrated clock, accelerometers, and gyroscope on a small single platform with a volume of less than ten cubic millimeters.
– Use predictive error models for on-chip calibration of gyroscopes and accelerometers.
– Explore new physics for chip-scale combinatorial atomic navigator and determine fundamental limits of the microtechnology.
– Develop architectures and algorithms to enable reduced startup time for atomic inertial devices.

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile Demonstration (LRASM)

FY 2012 24.0 million
FY 2013 39.0 million
FY 2014 29.5 million

In response to emerging threats, DARPA is building on recent technology advances to develop and demonstrate standoff anti-ship strike technologies to reverse the significant and growing U.S. naval surface strike capability deficit. The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program is investing in advanced component and integrated system technologies capable of providing a dramatic leap ahead in U.S. surface warfare capability focusing on organic wide area target discrimination in a network denied environment, innovative terminal survivability in the face of advanced defensive systems, and high assurance target lethality approaches. Specific technology development areas will include: robust precision guidance, navigation and control with GPS denial, multi-modal sensors for high probability target identification in dense shipping environments, and precision aimpoint targeting for maximum lethality. Component technologies are being developed, demonstrated, and integrated into a complete weapon system. The program will result in a high fidelity demonstration to support military utility assessment. LRASM is a joint DARPA/Navy effort.

FY 2013 Plans:
– Conduct high fidelity independent government performance assessment of detailed designs against key performance criteria.
– Update supporting documentation including concepts of operations, flight test and safety plans, lifecycle cost estimates, and transition plans.
– Complete final integration and checkout of guided test vehicles in preparation for flight testing.
– Complete end-to-end system flight demonstrations.
– Validate demonstrated system performance.
– Modify booster adapter structure which mates standard Mk-114 booster clamp to missile body aft end.
– Complete detailed design of new hybrid canister with solid-wall section on forward end and corrugated side panels on aft end.
– Analyze shock and fly-out performance for the missile and canister.
– Complete minor airframe design modifications for canister fit and internal structure/composite skin strengthened to react to vertical launch loads.

FY 2014 Plans:
– Complete missile and canister integration for a surface launched system.
– Perform two controlled test vehicle flights from the Vertical Launching System

Adaptable Navigation Systems (ANS)

FY 2012 13.2 million
FY 2013 16.9 million
FY 2014 13.2 million

The Adaptable Navigation Systems (ANS) program will provide the U.S. warfighter with the ability to navigate effectively in all environments, including when Global Positioning System (GPS) is unavailable due to hostile action (jamming) or blockage by structures, foliage, or other environmental obstacles.

FY 2014 Plans
– Demonstrate flexible, real-time operation of ANS systems on sea, air, and land-based platforms using relevant sensor suites.
– Transition novel navigation measurement technologies, via new sensors, algorithms, or measurement enhancements, into ANS demonstration systems.
– Evaluate options for Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C)-constrained reference stations that enable full SoOp-based navigation.
– Complete second generation 6-degree-of-freedom cold atom IMU.

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