Naval Air WarfAre Center Aircraft Division Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is interested in receiving white papers for Research and Development projects which offer potential for advancement and improvement of NAWCAD operations. Research Opportunity Areas of Interest:  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.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: Autonomous system development, testing, evaluation, verification and validation tools, airworthiness and risk quantification/acceptance, collaborative autonomy, complex reasoning, multiagent based operation and decision making, airspace integration including sense and avoid algorithms, deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and demand forecasting.  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.  Cyber (Priority). Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following: cyber effects modeling, reverse engineering, behavioral analysis, intrusion, adaptive cybersecurity, simulation and interface research, concolic testing and systems configuration management. Page | 4  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, risk assessment and uncertainty quantification, and statistical analysis.  Digital Engineering (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: advancements in the use of Digital Twin technology and concepts to support predictive maintenance, automated sustainment environment, diagnostics and prognostics, predictive maintenance, digital communication of system requirements using model-based systems engineering (MBSE)/Systems Modeling Language (SysML) views, engineering models and virtual environments to test designs across broader parameters than what live testing permits  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).  Hypersonic Systems (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: external and internal high-speed aerodynamic, multi-physic modeling and simulation, hypersonic system testing and evaluation, high temperature and specific strength materials, structures and coatings, guidance, navigation and control and advanced air-breathing propulsion.  Materials and Aircraft Structures. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: additive manufacturing, corrosion prevention, non-destructive inspection, structural repair and repair processes for metals and ceramics, polymers and composites, analysis and simulation of aircraft structures, structural mechanics, fouling, low observable, high temperature material, low temperature icing resistant and life management of airframes.  Mechanical Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: fire and ice protection for aviation systems, 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. Page | 5  Quantum (Priority). 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.  Secure Communications & Networks (Priority): Areas of research include but are not limited to the following: resilient data and communications networks for Command and Control, architecture, analysis and software development, information assurance including blockchain networks and security, platform/system health monitoring, effective data transfer of both communications and video and integration of security end to end in software development, all with consideration for autonomous applications, while performing in dynamic and contested environments.  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.  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.  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.