Communications Infrastructure UAVs

Solar-powered unmanned aircraft can provide a resilient inter-vendor, mesh-based communications infrastructure to provide over-the-horizon networks that are self-aware and can cover large areas beyond line-of-sight.

Solar-Powered Satellite Hardware in Orbit

The Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module is the first orbital experiment designed to convert sunlight for microwave power transmission for solar power satellites.

Electric-Powered Warship

The first full-electric power and propulsion surface combatant, the USS Zumwalt, has been delivered to the US Navy.

Battery Show Teems with All Things Rechargeable

Although electric vehicles (EVs) currently comprise less than 2% of the U.S. light-vehicle market, the transportation sector is bursting with established companies and startup enterprises...

Solar-Powered Structures

Pvilion, a solar-powered fabric provider, was recently awarded a contract by the United State Air Force (USAF).

Energy Harvesting for Soft-Matter Machines and Electronics

A new class of soft multifunctional materials could be used to convert mechanical deformation from vibrations and stretching into electrical energy.

Electrodeposition of Metal Matrix Composites and Materials Characterization for Thin-Film Solar Cells

Metal matrix composites can electrically bridge the cracks that appear in semiconductor substrates and the composite grid lines.

Microwave Photonic Notch Filter

Interference mitigation is crucial in modern radio frequency (RF) communications systems with dynamically changing operating frequencies, such as cognitive radios, modern military radar, and electronic warfare...

Assessment of Non-Traditional Isotopic Ratios by Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Nuclear Activities

The objective of this work is to identify isotopic ratios suitable for analysis via mass spectrometry that distinguish between commercial...

Rotorcraft Anti-Icing Systems

Flying anytime, anywhere, in all-weather conditions is one of the most challenging technology and capability goals across the rotorcraft industry to meet a growing demand for reliability, safety and the ability...

Autonomous Underwater Munitions and Explosives of Concern Detection System

The objective of Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) Project MR-201002, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Munitions and Explosives of...

Designing a Power Generation System for a More-Electric Aircraft

It is theorized that systems and equipment for an All Electric Aircraft (AEA) will be developed 20 years hence as a More-Electric Aircraft (MEA) with no bleed system, which is...

DPA Countermeasures — Theory vs. Practice

The Threat

In today’s interconnected world, the information that we generate, store, transmit, and receive has become a valuable commodity. We have increasingly turned to cryptography as a tool...

Using Sensor Technology to Combat Legacy Issues in Defense Avionics

Reliance on aging military platforms has become a global concern and military aircraft today are expected to remain in service for longer than their original life cycles....

Testing Multijunction Solar Cell Efficiency

The photovoltaic community is closer than ever to achieving ultra-high multijunction solar cell efficiencies (>50%). Subcells from III–V compound semiconductors are approaching ideal...

Getting It Right with Composites

"Composite design and analysis is a highly integrated activity,” said Chris Gear, Chief Technology Officer & Senior Technical Fellow for GKN Aerospace. He noted that how composite material is placed,...

Controlling the Seas: Introducing a New Concept in Autonomous Surface/Underwater Vehicles

The boundary between the sea and sky is an important place to be. It’s the critical connecting layer for commercial and military information exchange...

Sikorsky’s All-New Raider Helicopter Prototype is Ready to Fly

Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled in early October the first of two S-97 Raider lightweight tactical helicopter prototypes. In 2015 Sikorsky plans to offer the S-97 as a replacement...

Researchers Develop Multiphysics Model for Electro-Thermal Analysis of UAV

Vives College University and Kulab (KU Leuven University campus Ostend) in Belgium are undertaking an aeronautical research program for the development of a new UAV...

Hybrid-electric distributed propulsion explored

A turboelectric distributed propulsion (TeDP) system is a powertrain consisting of a turboshaft engine used solely to provide electrical power through a generator to electric motors driving...

Enabling high-strength composites to reach their full potential

The use of composite materials for construction of aerospace components began in the early 1980s and is now the material of choice for commercial and military airframe...

Photovoltaic Thermography From the Air

Micro-Epsilon
Raleigh, NC
919-787-9707
www.micro-epsilon.com

Defective solar cells can destroy an entire module. Therefore, conducting regular inspections using thermography is a...

More Electric, Integrated Fuel Systems

Global warming and environmental friendliness considerations have recently been key for multiple global industries. In the commercial aviation industry, reduction of aircraft emissions, including...

Implementing Interconnected Generation in Future Civil Aircraft

In addition to providing thrust, the engines on conventional civil jet airliners generate power for onboard systems and ancillary loads in the form of pneumatic, hydraulic, and...

Bi-Axial Vibration Energy Harvesting

For air platforms, the installation of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems is complicated by the fact that the majority of SHM devices need to be fitted on internal aircraft structure, underneath...

Buoy System Tracks Ships in Real Time

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the nation’s 360 ports and waterways remain especially vulnerable to attack from small vessels carrying improvised explosive devices, including...

A Fundamental Key to Next-Generation Directed-Energy Systems

Imagine an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit on a routine scouting patrol deep in the notorious “Triangle of Death” south of Baghdad, where marines, sailors, and soldiers...

High-Temperature Silicon Carbide Power Module for Military Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The ever-increasing electrical power, power density, and cooling requirements of present and future military platforms are pushing silicon-based power...