Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division- White Paper Submissions

For basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and advanced component development and prototypes. Contact osrp@iit.edu, Office of Sponsored Research and Programs for assistance.

Get familiar with NAWCAD mission: https://www.navair.navy.mil/nawcad/whatwedo

Submit White Papers only for actual technologies within the areas of interest (below) in Part II Section A, Program Description.

Evaluations of the white papers are anticipated to be conducted on a quarterly basis.

PHASE II – Full Technical/Cost Proposal is BY INVITATION ONLY.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML): Areas of research include
but are not limited to the following: Autonomous system development, testing,
evaluation, verification and validation tools, collaborative autonomy, complex
reasoning, agent based decision making, deep reinforcement learning, neural
networks, and demand forecasting.

Data Science & Visualization: Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: predictive modeling algorithms, complex big-data environments, data
access, storage and retrieval, data visualization techniques, and statistical analysis.

Cyber: Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: cyber
effects modeling, reverse engineering, applied cryptology, behavioral analysis,
intrusion, adaptive cybersecurity, simulation and interface research, concolic testing
and systems configuration management.

Quantum: Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: secure
communication and sensing capabilities, nitrogen vacancy diamond sensing,
quantum encryption and quantum computing.

Hypersonic Systems: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
testing and evaluation, high temperature and specific strength materials and
structures, propulsion, and multidiscipline, high-fidelity modeling and simulation.

Test and Evaluation Engineering: Areas of research include but are not limited to
the following: telemetry, communications, data links and data acquisition, signature
technologies, mission system testing, system of systems testing environments, virtual
reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), target engineering,
airborne threat simulation, integrated battle‐space simulation (Live Virtual
Constructive Environments), hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing, flight instrumentation,
ground radar analysis, test article configuration, navigation, and identification,
manned-unmanned teaming, advance training systems to include instructional
techniques and strategies, and game-based training.

Avionics, Sensors & Electronic Warfare: Areas of research include but are not
limited to the following: passive/active sensor systems (RF, EO/IR, and acoustic),
advanced/alternative precision navigation and timing (PNT), advanced
computational/open system architectures, advanced signal and image processing,
flight information and control systems, and advanced concepts in electronic warfare
systems.

Secure Communications & Networks: Areas of research include but are not
limited to the following: resilient data and communications networks for Command
and Control, platform/system health monitoring, effective data transfer of both
communications and video, all with consideration for autonomous applications,
while performing in dynamic and contested environments.

Warfare Analysis: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
operational suitability, signal extraction, clutter reduction, modeling and simulation,
maritime effectiveness, vulnerability and capability based assessment, and
conceptual aircraft design.

Readiness and Sustainment: Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: automated sustainment environment, diagnostics and prognostics,
predictive maintenance, digital thread integration, logistics modeling and simulation,
and condition based maintenance improvements.

Materials and Aircraft Structures: Areas of research include but are not limited to
the following: additive manufacturing, corrosion prevention, non-destructive
inspection, metals and ceramics, polymers and composites, analysis and simulation
of aircraft structures, structural mechanics, and life management of airframes.

Aeromechanics: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
aerodynamic and flight controls (manned and unmanned), aeromechanics modeling
and analysis tools, flight performance, rotorcraft aerodynamics and performance,
ship/aircraft aerodynamic interactions, and unmanned aviation and integration
including pilot augmentation and automation and UAV autonomous landing flight
mechanics.

Mechanical Systems: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
fire and ice protection, fuel containment, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems and
landing gear systems analysis.

Power and Propulsion Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: reliability engineering, fuel systems, prognostics and diagnostics, energy
storage/efficiency, air‐breathing engines, fuels and lubricants, electrical power
generation, auxiliary power, low observable signature technologies, propulsion life
management, and mechanical and drive systems.

Human Systems: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
human performance assessment and modeling, cognitive performance/workload,
human-machine interface/teaming, protective equipment, controls and displays,
ergonomics, anthropomorphic measurement, virtual environments, and human factor
engineering (social, behavioral, health, and cultural).

Support Equipment: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
launch and recovery equipment, electro‐magnetics, high‐energy generation and
control, environmental sensing, prognostics and health monitoring, automatic testing
of hardware and software, displays, advanced maintenance technologies, information
systems and intelligent agents, and advanced computer and data processing
applications.

Systems Engineering: Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
integrated modeling environments, model based systems engineering methodology,
integration of system models and physics-based models, systems safety engineering,
air platform development and integration, system of systems architectures,
aviation/ship integration, combat survivability, reliability and maintainability
engineering, anti‐tamper engineering, electromagnetic environmental effects
engineering, manufacturing and cost analysis.

NAWCAD may also consider submissions outside these areas if the white paper involves
the development of novel-based capabilities with potential to enhance naval capabilities.
Three pages (max) white papers to: NAWCAD_OFFICEWID.fct@navy.mil