U.S. ARMY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING COMMAND

Research and Technology

Capabilities Available for

Partnership

2007- 2008
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Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Aviation and Missile RDEC (AMRDEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Army Materiel System Analysis Activity (AMSAA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Armament RDEC (ARDEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Army Research Laboratory (ARL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Communications-Electronics RDEC (CERDEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Natick Soldier RDEC (NSRDEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Tank Automotive RDEC (TARDEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Capabilities Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

RDECOM Report on Research and Technology Capabilities Available for Partnership
2

RDECOM Report on Research and Technology Capabilities Available for Partnership

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command 

(RDECOM) became an official U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) major 

subordinate command on March 1, 2004. 

Established as a provisional command in October 2002, RDECOM was 

conceived to provide a single AMC command consisting of interdependent 

materiel research and development organizations with an improved focus on 

integrated and innovative science, technology, engineering, and analysis 

programs for the Soldier. 

RDECOM, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., promotes and 

facilitates coordination and agility to stay ahead of ever-changing technological 

advances. 

RDECOM has expanded working relationships with other Army elements, 

industry, academia, other military services, other government agencies and 

international partners, by focusing on improving coordination and integration 

of cutting edge technological research, development and engineering in response 

to Warfighter requirements. 

RDECOM manages seven research, development and engineering centers, plus 

the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis 

Activity, international technology centers, and several technology-focused 

integrated process teams. RDECOM has more than 17,000 military, civilian 

and direct contractor personnel, a multi-billion dollar annual budget and is 

responsible for 75 percent of the Army’s science and technology objectives. 

RDECOM ensures the Army has the technology it needs for the 21st century 

and beyond. 

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command 

mission is to get the right technology to the right place, at the right time, 

for the Warfighter.
3

RDECOM Report on Research and Technology Capabilities Available for Partnership

PURPOSE

This book was designed to educate a broad audience about the organic capabilities 

that reside within RDECOM. The Research, Development and Engineering Centers 

(RDECs), Army Research Laboratory and the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity 

are highlighted, providing the reader a snapshot of RDECOM’s capabilities, facilities’ 

mission, partnerships and contact information. This book is designed to be a 

RDECOM-focused supplement to the AMC “Metal Book” published by the AMC 

Director of Industrial Base Capabilities, (703) 806-9312. 

RDECOM facilities may partner with the private sector and other parts of the public 

sector under multiple legal authorities. For more information on Public-Private 

Partnerships, please contact Partnerships@hqamc.army.mil.
4

Aviation and Missile Research, 

Development and Engineering 

Center (AMRDEC)
5

Aviation and Missile Research, 

Development and Engineering 

Center (AMRDEC)

Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000 

Mission

The Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and 

Engineering Center (AMRDEC) conducts research and 

exploratory and advanced development; it also provides onestop life cycle engineering support for aviation and missile weapons 

systems and unmanned aerial and ground vehicle 

platforms to the warfighter. 

History

The genesis of the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, 

and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) can be traced to October 

1948 when the Chief of Ordnance designated Redstone Arsenal 

as the center for research and development in the field of rockets. 

About a year later, on October 28, 1949, the Secretary of the Army 

approved the transfer of the Ordnance Research and Development 

Division Sub-Office (Rocket) at Fort Bliss, Texas to Redstone 

Arsenal. Among those transferred were Dr. Wernher von Braun and 

his team of German scientists and technicians who had come to 

the United States after World War II. The Von Braun Team is most 

noted for its pioneering efforts in helping the Army at Redstone lay 

the foundation for U.S. space exploration. 

With the transfer of the Von Braun Team to the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in July 1960, research and development activities by the Army at Redstone turned 

to integrating space-age technology into weapons for the Soldier 

in the field. When the U.S. Army Missile Command (MICOM) 

was activated on August 1, 1962, the Directorate of Research and 

Development was established as one of its primary organizational 

elements. The title of this directorate was redesignated the Research 

and Development Directorate effective July 23, 1965. The Research 

and Development Directorate was redesignated the Research and 

Engineering (R&E) Directorate (Provisional) on December 23, 

1968 to standardize its terminology with that of other AMC commands. This provisional status was removed effective June 30, 1969.

The R&E Directorate was redesignated the Directorate for 

Research, Development, Engineering and Missile Systems Laboratory (RDE&MSL) effective January 4, 1971. This laboratory, in 

turn, was redesignated the Army Missile Research, Development 

and Engineering Laboratory (MRDEL) effective October 1, 1972. 

With the establishment of the U.S. Army Missile Research and 

Development Command (MIRADCOM) on January 31, 1977, 

the Technology Laboratory and the Engineering Laboratory were 

born. The Technology Laboratory was reorganized/redesignated as 

the Army Missile Laboratory (AML) effective October 7, 1979 as 

part of the shift from the dual to the merged command structure 

of the reinstituted MICOM. Also effective this date, the Engineering Laboratory was realigned and established as the Engineering 

Directorate. This directorate was abolished as a separate command 

element on September 28, 1980, and its functions were placed 

under AML.

In May 1985, AML was redesignated the Research, Development and Engineering Center (RDEC) in compliance with AMC 

directions to establish research, development and engineering 

(RD&E) centers to serve as technical centers of excellence and to 

assure maximum return from resources devoted to RD&E efforts. The establishment of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile 

Command (AMCOM) on July 17, 1997 created the need for two 

RDECs under the auspices of this command: the Aviation RDEC 

(AVRDEC) and the Missile RDEC (MRDEC). 

 October 1, 1999 marked the first official day of the provisional 

AMRDEC. Dr. William McCorkle was named Director of this 

new provisional organization which was formed by merging the 

AVRDEC and the MRDEC. The effective date of the permanent 

merger was October 1, 2000.

Installation Overview

AMRDEC’s annual budget is approximately $1.5 billion. The Center Headquarters, as well as 10 of its 12 Directorates, is located on 

the 38,000-acre Redstone Arsenal in the Northeast Alabama City 

of Huntsville. Personnel are also located at Fort Eustis, VA; NASA 

Ames at Moffett Field near San Jose, CA; Corpus Christi, TX; 

and NASA Langley in Hampton, VA. More than 5,400 men and 

women (military, government civilian, and contractor personnel) 

are dedicated to meeting the current and future needs of America’s 

warfighters and allies. 

AMRDEC’s distinction is built on a reputation for providing 

synergistic expertise to its customers. Numerous Department of 

Defense and other Federal agencies, as well as academia, corporate, 

and industrial researchers and developers, seek the Center’s science 

and technology expertise, which is characterized by its vast resources of talented and technically proficient personnel and unique test 

bed capabilities. The Center’s Core Competencies include:

• Developing technologies which create overwhelming lethality 

and decisive survivability on the battlefield

• Performing system engineering and integration and rapidly transition technologies to the Soldier

• Providing high quality technical support to weapons systems 

throughout the life cycle 

AMRDEC’s 2,700 employees develop technologies and provide 

engineering services. 

Contact Information

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and 

Engineering Center

Attn: AMSRD-AMR-CS-P

5400 Fowler Road

Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000

(256) 313-5742

amrdec-pao@amrdec.army.mil

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
6

Major Equipment/Facilities 

Advanced Simulation Center 

The Advanced Simulation Center consists of 10 individual facilities which provide missile and submunition hardware-in-the-loop 

simulation capabilities. The following types of guidance signals are 

included in the range of capabilities: microwave radar, millimeter 

wave radar, imaging and non-imaging infrared, visible, laser, combinations of radar and infrared signals, and inertial motion. Target 

signatures and background scenarios are radiated from specialpurpose signal generators and received and processed by the missile 

sensors to give real-guidance signals for use in trajectory simulations. (System Simulation and Development Directorate) 

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation 

(APEX) Laboratories I & II 

These interconnected simulation facilities provide unique collaboration of force-on-force, soldier-in-the loop, hardware-in-the-loop, 

and engineering-level simulations. The APEX Labs provide two 

wrap-around, out-the-window displays for immersive Soldierin-the-loop interaction with evolving aviation and missile system 

designs. The labs link virtual, live, and constructive models with 

geographically distributed participants. Doctrine, tactics, mobility, 

logistic support, C3, and human reaction are modeled in a synthetic 

battlefield to allow rapid turnaround, realistic testing and analysis. 

(System Simulation and Development Directorate) 

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation 

(APEX) Laboratory III 

The APEX III Lab provides the central node at the AMRDEC for 

distributed simulations (DS). This facility contains 10 interconnected application rooms, permits connection of multiple local area 

networks, and supports hardware/software essential in conducting 

DS exercises in both Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) and 

High Level Architecture (HLA). It houses the Defense Research 

Engineering Network (DREN) gateway, which facilitates simultaneous distributed experiments between RDEC labs, Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TRADOC) 

Battle Labs, industry participants, and academia. During FY03, 

System Simulation and Development Directorate made significant 

investments in APEX III to accommodate classified local and distributed simulation events, including FASTLANE encryption for 

wide-area simulation activities. (System Simulation and Development Directorate) 

Javelin Simulation Center 

The Javelin Simulation Center possesses a world-class digital simulation capability for design, analysis and evaluation of the Javelin 

weapon system. This includes the Javelin Integrated Flight Simulation (IFS) which integrates a six-degrees-of-freedom simulation 

with tactical missile code and high fidelity modeling of real-world 

environments. The IFS executes the closed-loop simulation by 

using missile tactical processors. The lab is the focal point of the 

Javelin Integrated Test and Simulation Network that links three 

other technology areas within AMRDEC, the Redstone Technical Test center and the prime contractor. (System Simulation and 

Development Directorate) 

Virtual Targets Center (VTC) 

The VTC is a joint effort with PEO STRI, PM ITTS TMO to 

provide signature management and predictive signature design 

services. It is organized into three areas: 1) The Virtual Targets 

Program, which creates digital geometry target models. 2) The Target Generation Lab, which generates multiple types of simulation 

target models ranging in complexity from low-resolution stealth 

views such as used by OneSAF to high-resolution, Hardware-Inthe-Loop and predictive signature codes. 3) The Army Model 

Exchange, which provides a protected website for the immediate 

download of thousands of target models. (Systems Simulation and 

Development Directorate) 

Aerial Targets Laboratory 

The Aerial Targets Laboratory provides the capability to integrate 

and evaluate components and technologies on existing towed 

targets. It provides a facility to design, develop and assess performance of new target configurations. Information collected in this 

facility allows for the development and maintenance of detailed 

mathematical representations of flight dynamics of targets for use 

in high-fidelity simulation. Development and maintenance of system-level training hardware and software for fielded target systems 

is also performed in this unique facility. (System Simulation and 

Development Directorate)

Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (SUAVL) 

The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (SUAVL) is used 

in research and development of new technologies applicable to 

small UAV systems, in component integration and subsystem insertion, in evaluating existing airframes, components and subsystems 

and developing new evaluation and prediction methodologies 

for small unmanned aerial systems. The facility also serves as the 

primary repository of small UAV performance and is the basis 

for future work in small UAV technologies between RDEC labs, 

TRADOC Battle Labs, industry and academia. (System Simulation and Development Directorate)

Aero-Optic Evaluation Center (AOEC), Large Energy 

National Shock (LENS) Tunnels I & II 

The AOEC facility provides world class capability for aero-thermo-chemical, aero-optics and aero-propulsion testing in the Mach 

number range from 2.5 to 15 using the world’s most powerful 

shock tunnels. The value of the AOEC facility stems from its 

capability to duplicate flight conditions experienced by supersonic 

and hypersonic vehicles. LENS tunnels can simulate atmospheric 

conditions between sea level and 70 km. This 

ability provides the community an alternative to full-scale flight 

testing at a fraction of the cost with improved variety and quality of 

data. (System Simulation Development Directorate) 

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
7

Larry O. Daniel Prototype Integration 

Facility (PIF) 

The PIF consists of a facility that houses both engineering and 

manufacturing functions. There is a high bay that contains two 

20-ton bridge-style cranes used for ground and airframe platform 

integration. The low bay area houses machinery and tooling used 

to produce most mechanical and electrical components at the 

subsystem level. All engineering and technical data development is 

contained within the office area of the PIF. Adjacent to the PIF are 

facilities specializing in printed circuit board plating and another 

for finishing/painting processes. The PIF also has access to facilities including three contractor provided facilities. (Engineering 

Directorate)

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/

TPS) Laboratory 

The ATE/TPS Laboratory consists of an integration lab that houses both engineering development and sustainment functions with 

tactical and non-tactical Army standard ATE, Integrated Family 

of Test Equipment (IFTE). The lab has four electronic and one 

electro-optic tester. The laboratory is also a Huntron Gold Disk 

certified development center. The lab also has the ability to develop 

and execute test and diagnostics for circuit cards with the VTS1000. Digital automatic test vector generation is available through 

Teradyne LASAR software and hardware modelers. (Engineering 

Directorate)

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/

TPS) Sustainment Support Center (SSC) 

The ATE/TPS SSC consists of facilities that house subject matter 

experts for staging and fielding of Automatic Test Equipment and 

Test Program Sets. The SSC uses Commercial Equivalent Equipment (CEE) and Base Shop Test Facilities (BSTFs) to provide 

sustainment functions on AMCOM managed weapon system Test 

Program Sets (TPS) and Army standard ATE. The SSC currently 

supports 75 tactical and 13 non-tactical customers with a total of 

125 ATEs. The ATE/TPS SSC is performing RESET at 14 of the 

Army’s 22 tactical Electronic Equipment Test Facilities (EETF). 

The SSC is authorized as an ATE/TPS minor repair activity. The 

SSC supports current operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 

and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). (Engineering Directorate/IMMC)

Diagnostic/Prognostic Laboratory (DPL)

The DPL Laboratory focuses on advances in micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), nanotechnology and smart materials to enable sensing technologies (conventional, fiber-optics, piezoelectric) 

and actuation technologies (electro-rheological fluids, shape-memory alloys, piezoelectric materials) that initiate embedded diagnostics 

and Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) implementation. The 

DPL examines advances in electro/optical/mechanical development 

of miniaturized sensor networks to provide both dynamic and 

non-intrusive interferometric measurements for embedded analysis. Additional assessment areas include embedded ultra-wideband 

and/or laser scanning, opto/electronic spectral sensors for in-line 

fluid analysis, remote diagnostic/prognostic data collection and 

processing, wireless sensor technology, self-diagnosing electrical and 

mechanical systems, and diagnostic data bus throughput/concentration. (Engineering Directorate)

Wireless Diagnostics Laboratory (WDL)

The WDL focuses on the application of advanced wireless communications technologies to enable embedded diagnostics and 

Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) implementation. The WDL 

is constantly seeking technology that would provide the ability to 

remotely access sensor data from aviation platforms, missile systems 

and tactical ground vehicles in order to diagnose health status via a 

wireless connection utilizing ruggedized laptop computer interrogators. This remote access would provide an extension of the existing 

on-board diagnostic systems, collecting and analyzing data from 

sensors located throughout the weapon system. The widespread use 

of digital diagnostic and prognostic electronics incorporated into 

commercial and military vehicle systems, along with the commercial 

availability of wireless electronics, has provided an opportunity to 

shift current and future Army tactical weapon systems maintenance 

operations from routine/unscheduled maintenance and repairs to 

preventive maintenance. An urgent need exists to monitor the 

health of digitally equipped tactical wheeled vehicles currently operated in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and other areas currently 

engaged in war. The WDL successfully applied cutting edge wireless technology to monitor existing tactical vehicle onboard sensors/

diagnostics systems and to enable preventive maintenance efficiency 

and avoid catastrophic failures. The WDL developed a wireless, 

embedded diagnostic system capable of automatically detecting and 

reporting vehicle system and subsystem out of tolerance conditions. 

The information captured can be used to prescribe any required 

prescriptive or preventive maintenance actions and to automatically 

capture and record data necessary for failure trend analysis. (Engineering Directorate)

Redstone Aviation Propulsion Test and Research 

(RAPTR) Facility 

The Redstone Aviation Propulsion Test and Research(RAPTR) 

Facility is an advanced, ground-level turboshaft engine test facility 

with capability for test and evaluation of aircraft turboshaft engines 

and components. Employing extensive and accurate instrumentation into a scalable, highly flexible data acquisition and control system, RAPTR is able to perform single, manually-controlled engine 

operations as well as complex and repeated test sequences in closed 

loop. MIL-STD-1553 architecture is incorporated into RAPTR. 

RAPTR incorporates facility safety controls that protect personnel 

as well as test assets. (Aviation Engineering Directorate)

AED-A’s Flight Control Technology Laboratory 

AED has established an effective helicopter flight control technology development lab targeted at greatly improving the operational 

capability of existing Army aircraft. The lab is used to develop and 

evaluate flight control laws for partial authority or fly-by-wire control systems. Integrated handling qualities and flight control system 

design tools developed by AFDD are used to optimize control law 

gains and time constants against applicable aircraft handling qualities specifications. In addition, manned simulation is used in the 

lab to assess different control concepts and to evaluate transitions 

between control law modes. (Aviation Engineering Directorate) 

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
8

AATD’s Countermeasure Test Facility 

The turboshaft engine test stand is capable of operating at full 

power in a simulated aircraft environment to measure acoustic and/

or IR radiation and signature. Instrumentation is capable of 96 

pressure channels and 105 temperature channels. Mobile Aircraft 

Infrared Measurement System (AIMS) is field deployable and is 

used to take full-spectrum IR measurements at our CTF Facility 

and remote locations. 

AATD’s Structural Test Facility 

The Structural Test Facility provides a wide variety of testing 

equipment, fixtures and facilities to perform both unique aviation 

component testing as well as common types of materials testing 

capabilities. The facility includes a rotor blade mid-span fatigue 

test fixture, rotor blade root-end test fixture, torsional fatigue test 

machine, Instron and 300 kip Tinus-Olsen load frame, and a structural backstop which can accommodate a UH-60 size helicopter. 

AATD’s Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Facility 

Research and development of manned/unmanned system technology is supported in this facility which contains sufficient space to 

assemble and maintain multiple UAVs. The facility is located on 

Felker Army Airfield (FAAF) and agreements are in place with 

both the FAA and FAAF to allow UAV operations in the local airspace. AATD regularly operates both fixed and rotary wing UAVs 

at this facility in support of it’s R&D initiatives and can support 

customer projects as well.

AATD’s Experimental Fabrication Facility 

The Experimental Fabrication Facility provides aviation fabrication support to special operations aircraft residing at Fort Eustis , 

VA and other bases in the United States. Support is also provided 

to AATD for in-house testing and prototype fabrication of Army 

aviation initiatives. The capability exists to produce almost any machined part that would be found in use on a current Army aircraft. 

The machinist routinely produced parts with tolerances of less that 

one-thousandth of an inch in any configuration.

AATD’s Instrumentation Facility 

The Instrumentation Facility provides instrumentation support 

for flight tests of prototype weapons systems using a vast array of 

airborne sensors, transducers, signal conditioning and encoding 

devices, solid-state recorders, telemetry transmitters, telemetry receivers, and decoders. A mobile instrumentation van is maintained 

to collect, process, and analyze real-time data at test locations both 

on-site at Fort Eustis or at live-fire test ranges.

AATD’s Aviation Flight Support Facility 

This facility consists of two adjacent helicopter pads located at 

Felker Army Airfield on Fort Eustis. A staff of government and 

contractor personnel provide aircraft maintenance and training for 

the Army’s AH-64, AH-1, UH-60A/L, OH-58D, UH-1 helicopters as well as the C-12 fixed-wing aircraft. The Flight Projects 

Office provides test planning, airworthiness support and test pilots 

for experimental flight test projects.

AATD’s Vehicle Antenna Measurement Facility 

(VAMF) 

The VAMF is used to conduct radio-frequency (RF) characterization of communication, navigation and ASE/ECM antennas and 

sensors test aircraft. The facility is capable of automated antenna 

gain pattern measurement and has an adjustable vehicle rotation 

system, capable of 360 degree azimuthal rotation to conduct RF 

pattern measurement of antennas and sensors 

located on vehicles up to 40,000 pounds gross weight and 36-foot 

wheel base.

Ballistic Test Facility (AATD) 

This facility includes two outdoor ballistic test ranges and one 

indoor test range. These ranges have instrumented data acquisition 

and analysis capability. An EPA approved fuel recovery system is 

incorporated in one of the outdoor ranges for use in testing aircraft 

fuel tanks. The facility is capable of test specimens up to full-scale 

aircraft against API and HEI threats up to 30mm in both foreign 

and domestic ammunition.

Ducted Rocket Test Facility 

This is the most modern, economical, sub-scale direct connect 

air facility in the world and is used for testing ducted rockets and 

ramjets. Completed in 1995, it utilizes state-of-the-art computer 

control to deliver a wide range of airflow rates and temperatures 

during a single test run, in effect ‘flying’ a mission while on the test 

stand. (Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

Propellant Aging and Mechanical Properties Facility 

State-of-the-Art laboratory and remote aging facilities, unique to 

the Army, dedicated to characterization and sensitivity testing of 

energetic materials used in rocket motors, warheads, and related 

ordnance devices. Engineering analysis tools and test equipment 

to assess solid rocket motor structural integrity and service life 

extension and to perform analytical chemistry evaluations, forensic 

investigations on failed hardware or foreign systems exploitation. 

Completed in 1988, it meets DoD’s rigorous safety requirements 

for attended operations, storage, and handling of hazardous propulsion materials. (Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

Two-Room Blast Characterization Facility

The AMRDEC has constructed and is currently doing evaluation 

of explosives in a two-room, non-responding structure outside of 

TA-10. In this facility, novel explosive charges of up to 15 pounds 

are evaluated for blast overpressure and thermal output within a 

confined space. The structure, based on a Marine Corp ORD for 

fire from enclosure (FFE), is one of only two facilities of its kind 

in the world. The dimension of each room is 12x15x7 feet. The 

primary blast room is layered with replaceable mild steel. Both 

rooms are instrumented with an adaptable array of transducers, 

thermocouples, and calorimeters. The primary room is also fitted 

with a barrel feature for mechanically measuring total impulse. 

(Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
9

Gel Propellant Rheology Facility 

This facility is used to determine rheological properties of gelled 

propellants over the full range of the Army operational temperature limits and for shear rates equivalent to those imposed on the 

gels by engine injectors. This information is required to minimize 

the volume and weight of gel propulsion systems. (Propulsion and 

Structures Directorate)

Signature Characterization Facility (SCF) 

This facility is used to characterize the exhaust plumes of rocket 

motors. The facility consists of a static test stand mounted inside an 

environmental chamber. Small test motors can be fired under any 

atmospheric condition of temperature and humidity, and evaluated 

as to their exhaust characteristics. These include visible and infrared 

flash, visible and infrared smoke attenuation, toxicity, particle analysis, and mm wave radar absorption. (Propulsion and Structures 

Directorate)

Composites Manufacturing Facility 

Wholly Government owned and operated, the Composites 

Manufacturing Facility provides MRDEC engineers with a 

“hands-on” capability in missile composites manufacturing from 

project concept, through fabrication, and testing. This facility is the 

Government’s principal repository of technical expertise in this area. 

(Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

Materials Facility 

The materials facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment 

for materials testing and analysis. The facility contains equipment 

for mechanical testing, metallography, failure analysis, analytical 

chemistry, heat treating, corrosion testing, and materials processing. 

(Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

Modal Analysis and Visualization Equipment 

This state-of-the-art equipment is used to measure and visualize the vibration characteristics of military hardware. It features a 

very large and powerful multi-channel data acquisition capability 

for determining structural mode shapes and natural frequencies. 

Obtained in 2002, the equipment supports field failure investigations and development of new military systems. (Propulsion and 

Structures Directorate)

Rocketball Test Facility 

This test facility offers the capability to emulate and measure 

guided missile radar cross-section without requiring flight tests of 

tactical missiles. This facility was developed in support of vehicle 

protection systems development efforts. (Propulsion and Structures 

Directorate)

Microfabrication Laboratory 

The laboratory includes a specialized clean room space up to class 

100, plus a clean room space housing associated equipment. This 

area is divided into three separate laboratory areas: mask making 

and photolithography, mask aligners and spinners for layering of 

EO polymer materials, and micromachining (DRIE, RIE, and Ion 

milling) and thin-film metals and dielectric materials deposition. 

Also housed in this complex are precision surface analysis instruments (mechanical and optical surface profilers), a scanning electron 

microscope, and a flip-chip bonder. (Weapon Sciences Directorate)

Anechoic RF Test Chamber 

This facility is world renowned for its wide anechoic bandwidth and 

physical size. A specially designed floor provides realistic simulation of surface wave propagation - a unique capability. The chamber 

is 114 x 25 x 40 feet, with a 16 x 18 feet door. It has supported tests 

of armored vehicles, small helicopters, battlefield radars, and tactical 

missiles and launch vehicles. (Weapon Sciences Directorate)

Platform Integration Laboratory 

This laboratory provides the capability of the AMRDEC to perform hardware modifications and platform integration activities to 

ground and air weapon systems. This laboratory also develops the 

AMRDEC LAV test-beds, which demonstrate emerging missile, 

launcher and fire control technologies in a relative environment. 

(Propulsion and Structures Directorate)

NASA Vertical Motion Simulator 

This facility consists of four interchangeable cabs and computer image generator visuals on top of the worlds largest amplitude 6 DOF 

motion base, used to conduct 8-10 simulations a year, including JSF, 

Comanche, UH-60, Shuttle, and shipboard ops. (AFDD)

Rotorcraft Advanced System Concepts Airborne Lab 

(RASCAL) JUH-60A (AFDD) 

RASCAL is a full authority, fly-by-wire, glass cockpit in-flight 

simulator used for a wide range of flight control and advanced 

guidance display work by both the AMRDEC and NASA. It is the 

only helicopter in-flight simulator in the U.S. (AFDD)

National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 

This facility is the world’s largest wind tunnel consisting to two 

separate test sections (40’x80’ and 80’x120’) capable of accommodating aerodynamic testing of articles up to full-scale, at speeds of 

up to 250 kts. Although a NASA facility, it is to be operated by the 

USAF beginning in FY06 with the Army as the principal customer. 

(AFDD)

US Army AMCOM AMRDEC Life Cycle Software 

Engineering Center Complex 

Life Cycle Software Engineering Center (LCSEC) Complex - A 

Level 4 Capability Maturity Model Organization comprised of 

state-of-the-art workspace and special purpose conferencing and 

training facilities. In FY 07, construction will begin to add engineering and laboratory workspace. Over 900 employees perform 

work in an environment that is host to over 40 software/computer 

engineering laboratories, plus adjoining high bays for tactical equipment operations. (SED)

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
10

Kiowa Warrior (OH-58D) Scout Helicopter Cockpit 

Procedures Trainer with Image Generator (CPTIG) 

Software Support Environment (SSE)

The CPT-IG SSE has the capability to maintain, support and upgrade CPT-IG Trainer software. The trainers are used at the Army 

Flight School, Fort Rucker, AL to assist in the training of Pilots, 

Co-pilots and Maintenance Test Personnel in operational/maintenance procedures of the actual aircraft. (SED)

Joint Technology Center/System Integration 

Laboratory (JTC/SIL) 

A world-class facility unique in its ability to integrate multiple 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems and test common subsystem 

integration interfaces. (SED)

Weapon System Interoperability Test Facility 

Designed for weapon system software and communication testing, 

this is the only facility in the government having, in residence, 

Army deployed tactical air defense systems, Unmanned Aerial 

Vehicle C3 assets, and other ground and fire support weapon and 

C3 systems. It is regularly used for joint interoperability certification testing, AWE and field demonstration preparation, and soldier 

training. (SED)

Applied Imagery Lab (AIL) 

The AIL is a center of excellence for integrating COTS imagery 

into tactical applications, particularly trainers and system-in-theloop simulators for weapon systems. AIL focuses on providing 

low-cost, supportable, high-end PC-based technologies to solve 

real-time simulation problems. AIL leverages these PC products 

with in-house expertise to provide prototyping, development, integration, demo, and testing. (SED)

Army Air and Missile Defense Network Design 

Facility (AAMDNDF) 

This facility provides JTIDS network designs and platform initialization load files for all Joint and Army-only tests, exercises, 

operations, and contingency events in which Army JTIDS-equipment units participate. The AAMDNDF is the Army’s only 

JTIDS network design facility. Additionally, the NDF supports 

Army platform specific communications subsystem design, analysis, 

and testing for intra-Army, joint, and allied interoperability on this 

Joint mandated link. While routinely providing on-call technical 

support, the NDF is frequently called on to provide on-location 

support for tactical units deployed to field locations for exercises 

and contingency missions. (SED)

UH-60 System Integration Laboratory 

This facility provides the equipment and resources to analyze 

problems reported by the user, conduct avionics tests, support airworthiness analysis and certification and produce components in 

conjunction with enhancing the Blackhawk fleet. (SED)

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Laboratory 

This facility is used for design, development, test and integration 

of robotic systems. The lab is used in the integration of technology 

from various sources including other Government facilities and 

commercial products. The lab is used to expose the user community to robotics and test new concepts of use. (SED)

Russell Measurement Facility (RMF) 

The tower is 329-feet tall with an enclosed, 32x17 foot laboratory 

at the top providing a view of surrounding test ranges. One of two 

elevators serves as a measurements platform allowing variable lookdown angle capability. The facility includes: fleet of tactical vehicles, track-mounted vehicle tilt/turn table, office space, rest facilities 

and both single and three phase power. The facility is utilized for 

the development of visible, IR and RF spectrum sensors/seekers, 

signature measurement collection of both air and ground vehicles, 

etc. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics Directorate)

Laser Countermeasures Laboratory (LCML) 

The laboratory includes optical tables, mid-wave and long-wave IR 

laser sources, a blackbody target source, an ultraviolet background 

source, a flare simulator and optics to combine all of these, which 

present a realistic (range scaled) scene to an IR seeker. The LCML 

has been employed for (1) development of laser CCM under Army 

STO III.WP.2002.02, (2) determination of fundamental laser/detector effects and interaction, (3) evaluation of tactical, developmental and foreign IR seekers, (4) pretest simulation of US/UK 

laser/flare CM field tests, and (6) laser guidance link experimentation for CKEM. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate)

Longbow/Hellfire and Stinger Systems 

Integration Facility 

This facility is used to design and evaluate the integration of 

launchers and missiles with aircraft and ground platforms. It 

provides the capability to assess hardware and software designs for 

entire weapon systems and supporting equipment such as test sets 

and training missiles. The Longbow/Hellfire and Stinger Systems 

Integration Facility currently supports Common Missile, Comanche, Aviation Rockets and Missiles Project Office, and SHORAD 

Project Office. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate)

Control Actuation System (CAS) Test Facility 

The CAS Test Facility provides capability for development and 

testing of pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical and cold gas jet 

reaction control systems. Test equipment is available for measuring dynamic performance (stall torque, slew rate, hysteresis, and 

frequency response) of control systems. Pneumatic, hydraulic and 

electrical power supplies are used to support testing. Electronic 

diagnostic equipment includes oscilloscopes, data recorders, logic 

analyzers and frequency response analyzers. The CAS Facility 

has equipment for hydrostatic testing pressure vessels to 40 kpsi 

and pressurizing pressure vessels to 15 kpsi. The facility contains a 

six-component test stand, with instrumentation, for measuring the 

forces and moments generated by reaction control systems. The 

equipment available for measuring CAS performance consists of a 

Schlumberger 1250 Frequency Response Analyzer, Tetronix Digital 

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
11

Oscilloscope, Gateway personal computer and a custom designed 

ATACMS Automated Test Stand that uses Lab View for data 

collection and analysis. The Control Actuation System Test Facility 

supports CKEM, Control Systems Technology and ATACMS. 

(Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics Directorate) 

GPS Satellite Simulation Facility 

The GPS satellite simulation facility consists of a GPS satellite 

simulator controlled by either a Silicon Graphics Origin 2000 

or PC, depending upon the unit under test requirements. These 

simulators are capable of generating RF for a full satellite constellation for both military and civilian signals. The GPS simulators are 

used to evaluate: (1) total system navigation accuracy, (2) accuracy 

improvement enhancements (i.e., Local/Wide Area Differential, Wide Area GPS Enhancement (WAGE), pseudolites), (3) 

acquisition and reacquisiton performance, (4) effects of terrain or 

body masking, (5) satellite geometry and visibility effects including 

antenna-gain pattern modeling, (6) effects of vehicle dynamics, (7) 

effects of selective availability/anti-spoofing (SA/A-S) operation, 

(8) inertial navigation system (INS) aided and unaided performance 

and (9) interference (i.e., jamming) susceptibility. The GPS Test 

facility consists of three GPS satellite simulators used to test GPS 

receiver and integrated GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) 

hardware over a flight environment. The GPS simulator can be 

used in conjunction with a rate table, centrifuge, or vibration table. 

The GPS Test Facility supports project office programs including 

ATACMS, MLRS M270A1 Launcher, GMLRS as well as technology programs including Point-Hit MLRS, and Netfires. The GPS 

test facility has the capability of supporting any evolving weapon 

system that utilizes GPS receivers. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and 

Electronics Directorate) 

Automated Laser Seeker Performance Evaluation 

System (ALSPES) 

This facility provides complete open-loop test capability for semiactive laser (SAL) seekers/sensors operating at 1.064 microns. 

ALSPES provides characterizations on prototype/R&D hardware including specification compliance requirements, functional 

performance and active electro-optical countermeasures (EOCM) 

susceptibility. The modular equipment/software interface allows 

numerous systems to be tested with minimal changeover downtime. 

(Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics Directorate) 

Laser Guidance Analysis Facility 

This facility, which provides for real-time, closed loop evaluation of 

semi-active laser guidance hardware, has and continues to be instrumental in the development and life cycle support of such systems 

as HELLFIRE and Copperhead. It is currently being utilized in 

the development and demonstration of new laser guidance concepts 

for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. (Applied Sensors, 

Guidance and Electronics Directorate) 

Air Defense Radar Operations Facility 

This facility consists of laboratories, experimental test equipment, 

including state-of-the-art test bed radar, and test ranges. The facilities are used to design, develop and test new advanced air defense 

radars as well as support of existing fielded systems. Hardware and 

software laboratory capabilities include development of advanced 

radar subsystem hardware and advanced signal processing algorithms with test on radar hardware. Advanced signal processing 

and algorithms include composite tracking with multiple radar 

platforms to perform data fusion and target identification. (Applied 

Sensors, Guidance and Electronics Directorate) 

Compact Antenna Range 

This facility consists of a folded compact antenna range including a computer-controlled, three-axis position table, parabolic 

reflector and RF sources for the measurement of antenna patterns 

including quantification of the effect of scan and radomes on the 

patterns. The range is qualified for RF frequencies from X to W 

band. Current sources are the Ka frequency band. This facility 

has been used to quantify RF antennas for LONGBOW, PAC-3 

and various advanced technology developments. Additionally, the 

facility includes a Far Field Range that provides a capability for the 

laboratory development and test of radars transmitters and receivers. 

This facility has been utilized for the development of both Active 

Protections Systems and Counter Active Protection Systems and 

the evaluation of advanced phased array antennas. (Applied Sensors, 

Guidance and Electronics Directorate) 

Automated Infrared Sensor Test Facility (AISTF) 

The laboratory includes optical benches, calibrated blackbody 

sources, target plates, PC controllers and data recording and reduction hardware and software. This AISTF provides capability to 

perform both manual and automated performance evaluation of 

infrared seekers and sensors. Measurements include: a sensor’s 

modulation transfer function (MTF), removing human subjectivity 

and the measurement of Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) and Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference 

(MRTD). The AISTF is used to establish benchmark performance 

testing of all infrared sensors/seekers. Support is provided to: (1) 

Avenger FLIR Upgrades, (2) NLOS-LS PAM, (3) STINGER 

Block II, (4) UAV sensor payloads and (5) Cooled/Uncooled SOA 

Sensor Development. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate) 

Embedded Processor Laboratory 

This laboratory provides the means to design, develop, fabricate 

and test embedded processor designs of missile flight computers and subsystem controllers for technology demonstrations and 

other missile programs. It consists of equipment for developing and 

testing both hardware and software and integrating the processors 

with other missile components. Capabilities include: (1) Schematic 

Capture, Hardware Development Language (HDL) Synthesis, and 

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Implementation and 

Simulation tools to create, implement and simulate the designs, (2) 

Printed Circuit Board Simulator to determine signal integrity due 

to routing, layer stack-up, line terminations, and path dimensions, 

(3) Multi-Channel High Speed Logic Analyzers, High Bandwidth 

Digital Oscilloscopes, and Protocol Analyzers to test and troubleshoot the assembled boards, (4) In-Circuit Emulators and Code 

Generation Tools for development, integration and test of software. 

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
12

This laboratory currently supports the Guided Multiple Launch 

Rocket System (GMLRS) Cargo Round and Trajectory Correction 

Kit (TCK) programs. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate) 

MEMS and Nano-Technology Clean Room 

The MEMS and Nano-Technology Clean Room is a state-of-theart, 800 square foot, Class 1000-capable facility used for development of micro and sub-micro scale sensors and systems. The clean 

room contains analysis and test equipment including a Scanning 

Electron Microscope and Probe Station. Devices developed and 

tested in this facility will be used for inertial and environmental 

sensor applications. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate) 

Automatic Tracking Evaluation and Development 

System (ATEDS) 

The heart of the ATEDS network consists of four SGI Octane 

computers running the IRIX operating system and equipped with 

V12 hardware graphics to support synthetic image generation. 

The network also includes over one terabyte of RAID disk drive 

space for storing captive flight test data for playing back actual 

data through simulations and to support the development of new 

tracking algorithms. (Applied Sensors, Guidance and Electronics 

Directorate) 

Sensor Signal Processing System (SSPS) 

The heart of the SSPS network consists of two real-time ATR systems with customized 300 Hz. cross-correlator engines. This facility 

consists of a high-speed, local-area network for implementation, 

development and assessment of target acquisition and ATR functionality for fire control and precision strike weapon applications. 

The SSPS currently supports NLOS-LS PAM and LAM, the Joint 

Attack Munition System ( JAMS) Project Office and other evolving weapon systems that plan or potentially could make use of an 

advanced target acquisition capability. (Applied Sensors, Guidance 

and Electronics Directorate) 

Capabilities at a Glance

Advanced Simulation Center 

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation 

(APEX) Laboratories I & II 

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation 

(APEX) Laboratory III 

Javelin Simulation Center 

Virtual Targets Center (VTC) 

Aerial Targets Laboratory 

Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (SUAVL) 

Aero-Optic Evaluation Center (AOEC), Large Energy 

National Shock (LENS) Tunnels I & II 

Larry O. Daniel Prototype Integration Facility (PIF) 

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/TPS) Laboratory 

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/TPS) 

Sustainment Support Center (SSC) 

Redstone Aviation Propulsion Test and Research (RAPTR) 

Facility 

AED-A’s Flight Control Technology Laboratory. 

AATD’s Countermeasure Test Facility 

AATD’s Structural Test Facility 

AATD’s Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Facility 

AATD’s Design and Analysis Facility 

AATD’s Experimental Fabrication Facility 

AATD’s Instrumentation Facility 

AATD’s Aviation Flight Support Facility 

AATD’s Vehicle Antenna Measurement Facility (VAMF) 

Ballistic Test Facility (AATD) 

Ducted Rocket Test Facility 

Propellant Aging and Mechanical Properties Facility 

Gel Propellant Rheology Facility 

Signature Characterization Facility (SCF) 

Composites Manufacturing Facility 

Materials Facility 

Modal Analysis and Visualization Equipment 

Rocketball Test Facility 

Microfabrication Laboratory 

Anechoic RF Test Chamber 

Platform Integration Laboratory 

NASA Vertical Motion Simulator 

Rotorcraft Advanced System Concepts Airborne Lab (RASCAL) JUH-60A (AFDD) 

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
13

National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 

US Army AMCOM AMRDEC Life Cycle Software 

Engineering Center Complex 

Kiowa Warrior (OH-58D) Scout Helicopter Cockpit Procedures 

Trainer with Image Generator (CPTIG) 

Software Support Environment (SSE) 

Joint Technology Center/System Integration 

Laboratory (JTC/SIL) 

Weapon System Interoperability Test Facility 

Applied Imagery Lab (AIL) 

Army Air and Missile Defense Network Design 

Facility (AAMDNDF) 

UH-60 System Integration Laboratory 

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Laboratory 

Russell Measurement Facility (RMF) 

Laser Countermeasures Laboratory (LCML) 

Longbow/Hellfire and Stinger Systems Integration Facility 

Control Actuation System (CAS) Test Facility 

GPS Satellite Simulation Facility 

Automated Laser Seeker Performance Evaluation System 

(ALSPES) 

Laser Guidance Analysis Facility 

Air Defense Radar Operations Facility 

Compact Antenna Range 

Automated Infrared Sensor Test Facility (AISTF) 

Embedded Processor Laboratory 

MEMS and Nano-Technology Clean Room 

Automatic Tracking Evaluation and Development System 

(ATEDS) 

Sensor Signal Processing System (SSPS) 

Partnerships

DARPA/Navy MORPH Program effort to develop and demonstrate high-performance, non-linear, electro-optical polymers 

NASA/MSFC - MOAs for the following technology development 

Development of a micro-sized scanning electron microscope 

(SEM) for robotic material analysis 

Development of Integrated System Health Management (ISHM) 

development of rocket fuel monitoring sensors both in the 

fuel storage and supply lines)

Establishment and operation of a joint laser-optics 

laboratory

Development of microfluidic chemical sensors

Development of monolithic ring laser gyroscope

Development of micro MEMS linear actuator

Investigation of photonic band gap devices

CRADA for the development of nonlinear optical materials 

with Alabama A&M University 

AEGIS Technologies 

Morgan Research 

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa 

Vism Corp 

SBIRs - involve the utilization of WS facilities and 

laboratories

DARPA Phase II SBIR with Time Domain Corp on 

Metamaterials

DARPA Phase II SBIR with Dymas Research Corp on Pulse 

Propagation in Negative Index Materials

Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
Army Materiel System 

Analysis Activity (AMSAA)
15

Army Materiel System Analysis 

Activity (AMSAA)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5071

Mission

Providing analytical solutions to enhance Warfighter capabilities.

History

The U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) was 

established in 1968 in order to provide the Army with the professional systems analysis capability it needed to evaluate complex 

modern military systems. AMSAA gained the mission of test, design, and evaluation (TD&E) of major Army systems in 1975, acquired the Inventory Research & Logistics Studies Offices in 1981 

and gained the independent logistician mission in 1991. AMSAA 

divested its TD&E mission in 1997. This marked AMSAA’s shift 

away from the TD&E mission to our present mission of materiel 

and logistics systems analysis. 

AMSAA’s mission expanded to include acquisition and industrial 

base analysis, as well as manpower analysis, when the Industrial 

Engineering Activity at Rock Island Arsenal was transferred to 

AMSAA in 1998 and the Management Engineering Activity at 

Redstone Arsenal in 1999. AMSAA’s technical and analytical 

expertise and knowledge of Army logistics, acquisition and the 

industrial base allow AMSAA to conduct crucial analyses for the 

U.S. Army and the Department of Defense so that our leaders can 

make informed decisions concerning the acquisition, procurement 

and support of the Army’s forces. 

Installation Overview

AMSAA is an element of the Army Materiel Command’s Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM). 

AMSAA headquarters are located in Aberdeen Proving Ground, 

MD with additional offices in Rock Island Arsenal, IL; Redstone 

Arsenal, AL; and Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA. 

AMSAA’s mission is to provide analytical solutions to enhance 

Warfighter capabilities. AMSAA’s vision is to be the analytical 

organization of choice – providing credible and relevant systems 

analysis in response to Warfighter needs. AMSAA is a world-class 

analytical organization committed to giving the Soldier decisive 

capability to win across the spectrum of current and future military 

operations; providing analytical expertise to help guide the Army in 

selecting, acquiring, fielding, and sustaining new technologies; and 

developing the analytical workforce of the future. 

Contact Information

U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity

ATTN: Director, AMSRD-AMS-D

392 Hopkins Rd

APG, MD 21005-5071

410-278-6614 (COM), 298-6614 (DSN)

http://www.amsaa.army.mil/

Major Equipment/Facilities

Materiel and Logistics Analyses Facilities

AMSAA utilizes up-to-date information technology equipment, 

modeling and simulation and Army civilians (operations research 

analysts, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, mathematicians, 

logistics management specialists and management analysts) to 

conduct critical analyses. Facilities and equipment are available to 

conduct highly classified systems analyses. 

Capabilities

AMSAA provides item and system-level analyses to support decisions throughout the materiel systems’ life cycle, from technology 

development through production, sustainment and system disposal. 

AMSAA’s performance, combat effectiveness and logistics analyses are used to address the capabilities and needs of conceptual, 

developmental and existing systems as well as technologies that will 

be integrated into the Current and Future Forces. The results of 

these analyses are used by U.S. Army and Department of Defense 

leadership to make informed decisions concerning the acquisition, 

procurement and support of the Army’s forces. AMSAA is the 

Army’s primary provider of certified materiel systems performance 

and combat effectiveness data. In serving this role, AMSAA is 

responsible for the generation and certification of performance 

and effectiveness data and for ensuring their standard use across 

Army and Joint studies. AMSAA has developed methodologies 

and models which use these data to characterize the functionality of 

Army materiel systems by accurately predicting critical performance 

variables. This capability supports the timely transition of warfighting technologies from the technology base to materiel and system 

specific applications. Many of AMSAA’s analyses supporting 

decision making for equipping and sustaining the U.S. Army rely 

on analytical tools, methods, models and simulations that have been 

developed to represent, assess, and evaluate specific characteristics 

of the system(s) or technologies under study. AMSAA employs 

its modeling and simulation capabilities to support the development, linkage and accreditation of live, virtual, and constructive 

simulations and provide unique tools that support analysis of both 

individual systems and the combined arms environment. AMSAA 

is furthermore instrumental in the development, application, refinement and investigation of models to support both wholesale and 

retail Army logistics operations and analyses. AMSAA has tools 

available to generate required stock lists for each supply echelon 

based on combat damage and/or reliability failures, optimize on 

several variables including operational availability and cost and 

Army Materiel System Analysis Activity (AMSAA)
determine optimal repair strategies. AMSAA also analyzes ways to 

improve the processes for designing, developing, acquiring and sustaining Army systems and components by managing AMC’s Value 

Engineering Program and by analyzing the status of the industrial 

base and production lead times for developmental Army systems. 

Finally, AMSAA provides business process and manpower analyses 

and administers and executes the Management Engineering Program (MEP) for AMC and all its Major Subordinate Commands 

and Separate Reporting Activities

Capabilities at a Glance

• Conducting materiel system performance and effectiveness analyses, risk analyses, trade-off analyses and requirements analyses 

of Army systems for the Army Materiel Command (AMC), the 

Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Battle Labs, the 

Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), the HQ, Department of Army (HQDA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).

• Developing, certifying and maintaining performance and effectiveness data for armor, infantry, mine warfare, artillery, aviation, 

air defense and C4ISR systems to support major Army and DoD 

program analyses and initiatives.

• Developing and maintaining methodologies, models and simulations to support performance and effectiveness analyses of Army 

commodities.

• Conducting analyses in the areas of wholesale and retail logistics 

systems, primarily addressing supply, maintenance and reliability 

issues.

• Supporting AMC, program managers and other Army organizations in the conduct of resource analyses and cost/benefit studies 

to include cost versus performance/effectiveness trade-off analyses for Army weapons systems.

• Providing automation and analyses of the Army’s industrial base 

information.

• Exercising overall program direction for the execution of the 

AMC management and engineering program to include the 

workload-based staffing analysis program (WBSAP) and commercial activity initiatives.

Army Materiel System Analysis Activity (AMSAA)

16
17

Partnerships

University of Maryland Center for Life Cycle 

Engineering (CALCE)

University of Maryland Center for Prognostics and Health 

Management(CePHM)

Sandia National Laboratory

University of Iowa

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO 

Armaments Ballistic Kernel / NATO Indirect-Fire 

Appreciation Kernel)

The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) Joint Systems 

and Analysis Group (UK, Australia, Canada)

Joint Technical Coordinating Group / Munitions Effectiveness

Army Test and Evaluation Command / Army Evaluation Center

Program Manager Joint Attack Munitions (JAMS)

TRADOC Analysis Center - White Sands Missile Range

Program Manager One Semi-Automated Force 

(OneSAF)

Program Manager Future Combat System

Natick Soldier Center

Government of The Netherlands

Government of Germany

Physics of Failure Consortium (Government, 

Industry, Academia)

Center for Army Analysis

US Army Research Laboratory / Survivability and Lethality 

Analysis Division

U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency 

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Joint Improvise Explosive Device Defeat Office (JIEDDO)

Joint Test Board

HQ AMC

Army Materiel System Analysis Activity (AMSAA)
18

Armament Research, Development and 

Engineering Center (ARDEC)
19

Armament Research, Development 

and Engineering Center (ARDEC)

Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000

Mission

ARDEC is a business center of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC). 

ARDEC provides the United States military with the firepower 

to achieve decisive battlefield victory which currently accounts for 

over 90 percent of the Army’s lethality. Our mission is to execute 

and manage totally integrated life-cycle engineering processes required for the research, development, production, field support and 

demilitarization of ammunition, weapons, fire control and associated items. This includes engineering support for production and 

integrated logistics support. We provide management of initial production quantities and technical support to soldiers and equipment 

in the field throughout the entire life cycle. The primary function 

of ARDEC is to provide products that radically redefine warfare, 

enabling the American warfighter to dominate the battlefield. 

History

In 1977, the government created the U.S. Army Armament 

Research and Development Center (ARRADCOM) to take 

charge of creating new and improving old weapons and munitions. 

Headquarters of the new command was on the site of the former 

Picatinny Arsenal in north central New Jersey. 

In 1983, the Army disestablished ARRADCOM and placed 

its mission under its Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command (AMCCOM) at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. However, 

the bulk of weapons and munitions research and development 

remained at the Picatinny site, now called the U.S. Army Armament Research and Development Center (ARDC). In 1986, the 

Army ordered all its R&D centers to recognize an important aspect 

of their work with a name change, and ARDC became ARDEC, 

the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering 

Center. 

The name remained the same despite the center’s transfer from 

AMCCOM to the Tank-automotive and Armament Command 

(TACOM) in 1994 and then to RDECOM in 2003. More importantly, the mission remained the same: developing high quality 

weapons and munitions for U.S. troops. 

ARDEC developed items which proved their worth during 

Operation Desert Storm in 1991 including the warhead for the 

Patriot missile, the fire control systems and the ammunition for 

the Bradley fighting vehicle the Abrams tank and the laser guided 

Copperhead artillery projectile. These items were still in use 10 years 

later during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also playing in 

key role in Afghanistan was ARDEC’s bunker defeat munition. 

Singled out for praise during the Iraqi fighting were the XM107 

sniper rifle, the 120mm M919 and M830 high explosive-multipurpose tank round, the M211 and M212 countermeasure flares, 

the M4 carbine, and several types of small arms ammunition and 

electric detonators. 

Installation Overview

Headquartered at Picatinny, N.J., The U. S. Army Armament 

Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) is the 

Army’s principle researcher, developer and sustainer of current and 

future armament and munitions systems. Additional site locations 

include: The Fuze and Precision Armaments Technology Directorate, Adelphi, MD; Firing Tables and Ballistics Team, Aberdeen, 

MD; The weapons Systems and Technology Directorate, Watervliet Arsenal, NY; and the Production of Field Support Team, Rock 

Island, IL.

ARDEC plays a key part in Army Transformation with its 

involvement in the development of the Soldier and Future Combat 

Systems and continued efforts in the development of advanced 

weapons that exploit technologies like high-power microwaves, 

high-energy lasers and nano-technology.

ARDEC’s overall mission is to improve already fielded items, 

develop new ones, maintain a strong armament technology base in 

government, industry and academia, provide technical support to 

the Solider in the field and to execute and manage totally integrated 

life-cycle engineering processes required for the research, development, production, field support and demilitarization of ammunition, 

weapons, fire control and associated items.

Contact Information

U.S. Army Armament Research Development & 

 Engineering Center

ATTN: AMSRD-AAR-EMB, 

Picatinny, NJ 07806-5000

Phone: 973-724-7953

http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/ 

 organizations/ardec/index.asp

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
20

Major Equipment/Facilities

Distributive Simulation Lab 

The Distributive Simulation Lab uses high-performance computers and networks to simulate weapon systems and battles and to 

interoperate with live forces. Our software suite contains tools that 

can model individual rounds, weapon platforms and force structures to varying degrees of fidelity as apropos to the purpose of the 

analysis. In addition, we offer a robust 3-D visualization capability 

to enhance understanding of the analysis and to convey a sense of 

reality to an audience. Operations and analysis using the Distributive Simulation Laboratory can serve several purposes. The primary 

reason to use the distributed simulation approach is to define 

system requirements early in the acquisition life cycle. Candidate 

requirements are encoded into the simulated systems, and the systems are used either in a totally simulated combined arms environment or are used in a virtual sense by live troops in real-time. In 

this way, the pertinent requirements for the system are identified 

during the concept definition stage. Thus, the systems managers 

can avoid costly system characteristics that contribute minimally to 

real-world effectiveness. 

Life Cycle Software Engineering (LCSE) Center 

ARDEC’s LCSE Center is a state-of-the-art facility consisting 

of the latest computer hardware, software and environments used 

for designing, developing, testing, managing, controlling, storing, 

fielding and maintaining Mission Critical Computer Resources 

(MCCR). Included in this MCCR are embedded software for 

Army Battlefield Automated Systems, Automated Trainers for 

Gunnery and Maintenance Institutional and Field simulators and 

trainers, in support of Army TRADOC Schools. The LCSE Center is one of the three charted Army Materiel Command LCSE 

Centers in support of all Army MCCR software. 

Acoustic Technology Laboratory 

This laboratory contains an electro-magnetic worldwide data 

collection and field measurement capability in the area of acoustic technology. Outfitted by NASA Langley with a multitude of 

acoustical data collection equipment and computers, this facility provides a clean, quiet, temperature-controlled and relatively 

dust-free laboratory environment. The Army’s signature library 

for threat systems is maintained in this facility. Digital computers 

provide the capability for quick-look analysis, data reduction and 

display. Meteorological data collection instrumentation provides 

data on atmospheric conditions such as wind speed and direction, 

barometric readings (pressure), and relative humidity. 

Wind Tunnel Laboratory 

This facility consists of subsonic, transonic and supersonic wind 

tunnels to acquire aerodynamic data. Full-scale and sub-scale models of munitions have been assembled to sensitive laboratory instruments and mounted in the wind tunnels to measure their aerodynamic characteristics associated with flight stability, drag, spin rates 

and fuze arming at the velocities the test items would experience in 

service. The facility is typically used to evaluate munitions from the 

small arms ammunition arena to the large caliber artillery rounds. 

However, aerodynamic information may be collected on almost any 

item. 

Arena Fragmentation Evaluation Facility 

This facility is used to evaluate the lethality of fragmenting munitions. Arena’s can be constructed up to 48-feet square, which 

translates into explosive weights up to 15 pounds. Fragmentation 

dispersion pattern and velocity are measured through the use of 

high-speed FASTEX cameras. Fragment size and weights are captured in Celotex panels then removed and weighed by a computerized weighing system. The resulting information is then evaluated 

for lethal area and effectiveness. 

Armament Software Engineering Center 

The Armament Software Engineering Center (ASEC) enhances 

ARDEC’s traditional military roles as a center for armaments 

and lethality while expanding both lethal and non-lethal mission 

areas, capabilities, core competencies, system deployment, upgrades, 

improvements and Software Blocking compatibility and utilization. 

The ASEC emphasizes our Fire Control mission with situational 

awareness technology insertion which allows for reconfigurable 

Fire Control technologies, development and implementation. This 

state-of-the-art facility integrates centralized Capability Maturity 

Model Integration (CMMI) Level III software center capabilities 

to enhance mission objectives. 

Armament Technology Facility 

The Armament Technology Facility is a secure, environmentallysafe, integrated small arms and cannon-caliber design and evaluation facility. The ATF collocates simulation modeling, design, 

validation and diagnostic engineering with the capability to 

immediately conduct confirmation experimental firings of interior 

and exterior ballistics. This concurrent engineering facility supports 

multiservice infantry, air defense, aircraft and combat vehicle armament systems and is available to government and private industry. 

It has four weapons validation bays with an environmental chamber 

capable of weather conditions between -65 degrees Fahrenheit and 

+165 degrees Fahrenheit and two indoor ranges: one 100-meter 

range, and one 300-meter range. 

Army Propellant Surveillance Laboratory 

The Army Propellant Surveillance Laboratory is the only facility 

of its kind in the world. It is DoD’s lead laboratory for ammunition surveillance and assures the safety, serviceability and economic 

use of the Army’s war reserves by identifying potentially hazardous 

propellant lots and having them removed from the world-wide 

stockpile before a catastrophic auto ignition can occur. This laboratory performs testing on Army, Marine Corps, PREPO, and Navy 

assets. It is an internationally recognized leader for the breadth of 

experienced personnel, responsiveness, high quality control and 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
21

high volume test capability and advanced surveillance test and 

measurement techniques. It performs one of DoD’s oldest and 

most aggressive safety missions with the primary mission to ensure 

the safety of our Soldiers by assuring that DoD has a safe, reliable, 

and ready inventory of ammunition. It plays a key role in ensuring 

DoD’s propellant quality and ordnance reliability that begins with 

research and development and extends through test and evaluation, 

production, field maintenance, sustainment, environmental compliance, pollution prevention, accident and malfunction investigations 

and demilitarization. The facility houses a large analytical laboratory, a synthesis laboratory for preparing analytical standards, a 

thermal laboratory, an accelerated aging laboratory, environmental 

conditioning laboratory and is uniquely equipped to perform a high 

volume of testing annually (>22,000 analyses) in order to maintain 

a safe and reliable stockpile. High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Pseudo-kinetic Testing, Environmental Conditioning, Gas 

Chromatography, Infrared spectroscopy, Gel Permeation Chromatography, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Reaction Rate 

Calorimetry, Karl Fischer Titration and Microcalorimetry are some 

of the techniques used in the propellant characterization and safelife-assessment process. 

Ballistic Rail Gun Soft Recovery Facility 

The Ballistic Rail Gun Soft Recovery Facility accommodates a 

155mm Howitzer that is fired horizontally into a long water trough 

to slow the projectile and recover the payload undamaged. Experimental items are loaded into the 155mm projectile and fired with 

energetic propellant to experience the in-bore setback, acceleration 

and spin of a typical projectile firing. Spin can be minimized by the 

use of the slip obturator to simulate smoothbore environments. The 

projectile is recovered intact in the water trough within five minutes 

of firing. This facility is used to evaluate projectiles, mine components, telemetry packages, components for guidance systems, whole 

guidance systems, fuzes and fuze components. 

Breech and Tube Fatigue Test Facility 

This facility has the capabilities of duplicating firing pressures in its 

breech mechanism and tube test facilities. It applies cyclic hydraulic 

pressure to pressurize vessels through either quasi-static or dynamic 

loading up to 120,000 psi. This allows the rapid evaluation of new 

concepts, materials and the establishment of safe firing lives for 

these components in the laboratory rather than the much more 

expensive test firing previously necessary. These combined facilities 

provide the Army with a capability not available anywhere in the 

free world. 

Computer-Based Image and Signal Processing 

Analysis Facility 

This facility is dedicated to image processing and signal processing as related to the design and implementation of measurement 

systems that support research and development. At its core is a 

supercomputer capable of 200-million 64-bit floating-point operations-per-second. This facility has unique peripherals including a 

one gigabyte-per-second Local Area Network which links the computer to high performance graphics workstations for visualization; 

a 14.4 million byte-per-second, digital, video tape recorder for the 

importing and digitization of images; and a million byte-per-second 

analog-to-digital converter for the digitization of analog data. 

Davidson Advanced Warhead Development Facility 

The Davidson Advanced Warhead Development Facility consists 

of a reinforced concrete dome, lined w/ armor plate, attached to a 

concrete tunnel for extended warhead-to-target standoff distances. 

The blast containment chamber is constructed of 12-feet thick reinforced concrete, lined with 1.5-feet thick armor plate, and capable 

of withstanding a 50 pound explosive charge (TNT equivalent). 

It is used to test shaped charges, EFPs and other experimental 

warheads in support of ARDEC’s R&D mission and will accommodate heavy metal liners, such as tantalum and tungsten. Instrumentation includes flash radiography, framing/streak camera, digital 

still camera and electronic streak array. This facility will provide a 

safe, secure, cost-effective and environmentally acceptable means of 

conducting tests for terminal ballistic evaluation of armor-defeating 

warheads. 

Depleted Uranium Fabrication/ Characterization 

This laboratory is unique in that it is the only facility within DA 

certified to characterize and analyze DU and its alloys. It possesses specimen machining and preparation capabilities to conduct 

mechanical and environmental testing under a wide range of strain 

rates and includes the measurement of tensile/compression properties, fatigue life, fracture toughness, residual stress measurements 

and strain rate sensitivity. Additional analysis capability includes 

optical metallography, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, corrosion and stress corrosion testing. 

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Laboratory

This facility has the capability to expose systems to a wide range 

of severe electromagnetic environments. The systems’ response to 

those environments is measured utilizing custom instrumentation 

designed and fabricated by E3 team personnel. E3 team engineers 

provide design guidance to ensure developmental systems will not 

be susceptible to electromagnetic environments to be encountered 

during their life cycle. Additionally, the E3 team serves as technical 

liaison with the Army Nuclear Survivability requirements community and test facilities. Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to 

Ordnance (HERO) ensure the safety and reliability of electrically 

initiated explosives in high electromagnetic radiation environments. 

Electromagnetic Radiation, Operational (EMRO) evaluation 

ensures the safe, reliable operation of electronic systems in their 

anticipated electromagnetic radiation environment. This type of 

system evaluation is similar to the MIL-STD-461 radiated susceptibility test for subsystems. Other environments include Lightning 

Effects (LE) experiments, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) requirements, Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/

EMC) measurements and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) experiments. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
22

Electronics Laboratory 

The Electronics Laboratory is a fully equipped facility providing 

capability to support electronic product development from highly 

complex weapon system sensors, mine electronics and electronic 

warfare equipment to simple electronic devices. Experienced 

laboratory personnel provide design, fabrication, test evaluation, 

troubleshooting and failure analysis assistance for any type of 

electronic system, subsystem or component. In addition to a full 

complement of instrumentation, environmental test equipment 

and a prototype machine shop, the laboratory is in possession of a 

variety of software for design, simulation and analysis of electronic 

circuits through the media of computer-aided design/engineering 

(CAD/CAE). The laboratory and its personnel are an ideal source 

of electronic ‘know how’ for small and medium businesses seeking 

assistance in electronic product development. 

Energetic & Engineering Materials Laboratory 

The Energetic and Engineering Materials Laboratory (EEML) acts 

as the principal materials consultant and liaison with engineering 

organizations in the materials technology areas of composite/energetic materials, thermoplastics/thermosets, adhesives/sealants and 

lubricants. The laboratory seeks transition opportunities within 

the armaments community and other OGA’s for basic research 

conducted by DOD, academia and industry. Resident within the 

EEML is the Adhesives/Sealants Joining Technology Laboratory 

which operates as the Army’s center of expertise in engineering 

with adhesives and sealants and the Composite Materials Technology Facility which acts as the principal lightweight, composite 

materials process design and development consultant/liaison. 

Energetic Material Demonstration Module Facility 

This facility is unique to DOD. New energetic materials which are 

synthesized in the laboratory on the scale of grams can be scaled 

up to 50-100 pound quantities in order to optimize the process, 

provide material for further characterization in the laboratory and 

to provide experimental formulation of these new materials in 

explosives, propellants or pyrotechnics. 

Energetic Material Reclamation / Processing R&D 

Facility 

These R&D facilities are unique in their construction and equipment enabling the execution of numerous energetic material 

reclamation/processing programs. These programs include the reclamation of explosives for recycle/reuse, pink water treatment, high 

explosive loaded munition wash out, advanced explosive de-mil 

operations, explosive screening and melt pour of castable explosives. 

Energetic Materials Analysis Laboratory 

The Energetic Materials Analysis Laboratory is a recognized leader 

in the field of energetic materials chemistry and provides support to 

the tri-services, other government agencies (FBI, DEA), approved 

foreign governments, academia and private industry through 

analysis and testing in support of development of new ammunition, qualification of energetic material used in DoD munitions, 

life-cycle testing of fielded munitions, development of demilitarization and disposal processes and investigations of field malfunctions. The laboratory consists of a physical properties laboratory, a 

thermal properties laboratory, a metals laboratory, a wet chemistry 

laboratory and an instrumental laboratory for both organic and 

inorganic analyses. Instruments include GC-MS, DSC, TGA, 

FTIR, ICP-AES, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Reaction Rate 

Calorimeter, Accelerated Rate Calorimetry, High Performance 

Liquid Chromatography, Karl Fischer Automated Titrator and Ion 

Chromatography. 

Energetics Experimentation R&D Facility 

This facility provides the capability for explosive testing of gun 

charges, ignition systems, recoilless rounds, pyrotechnics, fuzes, 

large caliber components, primers and mine dispersal systems. High 

and low temperature and humidity test cycling of solid or liquid 

explosive loaded components for functioning or for temperature 

gradient measurements is also available. Instrumentation capability 

consists of multiple tape and high-speed digital data channels with 

computer processing of pressure, force, temperature, strain, blast 

and other measurements. 

Energetics Laboratory Facilities 

These energetic materials laboratories are equipped with explosionproof hoods with blow out walls for added safety, that are certified for safe handling of primary and secondary high explosives. 

Modern instrumentation for thorough analysis and characterization of new energetic materials is available. Analytical techniques 

available on site include high-field nuclear magnetic resonance 

spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography coupled with 

mass spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry and UV-visible 

spectrometry. Equipment for process development and scale-up 

of energetic materials is available including jacketed reactor vessels 

and programmable heating and cooling circulators. Analysis of 

thermal properties of new materials is carried out using differential 

scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis. Computational facilities include various personal computers and workstations and software for advanced molecular modeling and prediction 

of energetic performance characteristics of new materials. 

Environmental Experimental Facilities 

This large complex conducts environmental experimentation and 

evaluation of material during R&D, production and qualification 

programs. It contains numerous vibrators (electrodynamic and 

hydraulic), vertical shock machines, a HYGE horizontal shock 

machine, spin equipment and climatic chambers for temperature/

humidity, altitude, salt spray and environmental stress screening 

(ESS). The facilities are equipped for on-line data monitoring and 

analysis of the equipment for both explosive and inert testing. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
23

Experimental Explosive Pressing Facility 

This facility supports R&D press loading for various warhead 

configurations including conventional warheads and those in early 

concept phase incorporating new explosive formulations. The facility houses a computer-controlled 190-ton press and a 420-ton press, 

an explosion-proof electrical oven and pressing support equipment 

such as hydraulic and vacuum systems. The 190-ton press supports 

double acting press loading of conventional and other novel explosives up to 105 mm in diameter for warheads. The 420-ton press 

can press warheads up to 150 mm in diameter. The computer-control capability provides accurate control, reading and recording of all 

pressing parameters, such as pressure, pressing cycles, vacuum, ram 

speed and temperature to provide optimal procedures for maximum 

performances of explosive formulations. This facility is operated 

remotely thus providing safe, cost-effective and environmentally 

friendly pressing operations. 

Experimental Weapon / Armament Prototyping Facility 

This complete manufacturing facility contains 250 pieces of equipment to include CNC, NC and conventional machine tools, heat 

treating, welding, inspection and associated support equipment to 

support the weapons R&D mission. This equipment is used for 

prototype development of test quantities on a wide variety of armaments. The uniqueness of this facility is in the varied type and the 

quality of the equipment it houses. 

Explosive Development Facility 

The Explosive Development Facility consolidates small-scale 

sensitivity diagnostics and research into one area and includes: two 

instrumented 10 pound experimental chambers, on-site dark room 

facilities with an automatic radiographic film developing, explosive 

preparation rooms and three 100 pound magazines on site. 

Pilot Plant for Explosive Formulation 

The Pilot Plant for Explosive Formulation supports the development of new explosives that are comprised of several components. 

This system is particularly beneficial for the development of 

Insensitive Munition (IM) explosives. The system consists of three 

remotely operated Brabender screwfeeders which feed the various explosive components to a formulation kettle. The system can 

be operated remotely. Explosive material produced using the IM 

Formulation Facility can be flaked for storage or processing using 

the Sandvick Belt Flaker. 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Facility 

The EOD Facility has the capability of performing examinations, 

measurements, photographing and limited x-ray of live ordnance 

items; remote disassembly of fuzes; and disassembly, stripping, and 

inerting as well as remote drilling, re-torquing and sectioning of 

ammunition for the purpose of supporting exploitation of new or 

first-seen foreign ordnance items. This facility satisfies the intelligence requirements of evaluating the threat that these items pose to 

the Army in the field and develops tools and procedures for EOD 

countermeasures. 

Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL) 

The Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL) is capable of 

accommodating a broad array of combat vehicles and towed 

weapon systems for integration and testing of various mechanical 

and electrical on-board components and subsystems, in a two bay, 

high-ceiling shop. Typically, hardware and software undergoing 

integration, debugging and testing is intended as a performance 

upgrade for a specific system through follow-on retrofitting. The 

FCIL contains a full complement of electrical instrumentation for 

system monitoring and data acquisition during testing, common 

shop tools, overhead lifts and cranes for removal and replacement of 

components weighing up to two tons and is heated for year-round, 

all season work. 

Gun Dynamics Laboratory 

The Gun Dynamics Laboratory is a research multi-task facility, 

which includes two firing bays, a high bay area and a second floor 

laboratory space. The high bay area is used for the investigation of 

structural dynamic response of heavy weapons and weapon components to launch excitation. The room is 80 feet x 40 feet with a 

high-load density floor. Instrumentation includes 12 channels of 

digital data capture and display in three synchronized Nicolet oscilloscopes with 4,000 points per channel. There is also a data acquisition system with 10 channels at 256,000 points per channel. 

High-Energy Propellant Formulation Facility 

This facility is used to conduct pilot scale propellant and igniter 

fabrication for experimental testing. This facility will assure that 

ARDEC preserves the knowledge base required for developing new 

propellant formulation and manufacturing techniques to provide 

superior service technical support to the military establishment 

while executing its primary mission: Army-wide development of 

propellant, igniters and manufacturing processes. This facility will 

produce single, double and triple base solvent and solvent-less 

propellants, and it will include the use of Thermo Plastic Elastomer 

material. Future composite propellants that may be based on high 

energy fillers such as CL-20, TNAZ, RDX and Octanitro Cubane 

can be used in a safe and environmentally clean operation. 

Pilot Plant for High Explosive Loading 

The Pilot Plant for High Explosive Loading includes various 

loading systems. The 50-gallon Melt Pour System includes a Grid 

Melter, Solids Flow TNT Feather Feeder, 50-gallon Melt Kettle, 

four-Nozzle Pour Machine and Cooling Ovens. It gives the Army 

a unique pilot scale melt-pour system for loading 155 mm M107 

and M795 projectiles. The system is capable of loading projectiles 

using an air or water cooling process. This system is currently used 

to load projectiles with PAX/AFX-196 to support the 155mm IM 

development effort. Future plans include developing a pressurized 

pour system for loading viscous melt-pour IM explosives and utilizing the existing equipment to load a new version of the Bangalore 

Torpedo. The 75-gallon Melt Pour System, which includes an 

explosives Grid Melter, 75 gallon Melt Kettle, a 16-Nozzle Pour 

Machine and Steam Heated Cooling Ovens. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
24

High-Speed Wind Stream Facility 

This facility is one of only two high-speed wind stream facilities 

within the Department of Defense. It simulates the environment 

that countermeasure flares experience when they are dispensed in a 

free-fall manner from an aircraft. The facility contains air-handling 

apparatus that operates in the intermittent blow-down mode. It 

provides both constant and preprogrammed variable velocity-time 

profiles. The latter is achieved via a microprocessor-controlled 

valve. Flares are mounted at the exit nozzle of the air handling 

system and remotely ignited. State-of-the-art instrumentation 

measures and analyzes burn times, spectra and IR emission. 

Hot Air Decontamination Facility 

This facility provides for an environmentally compliant way to decontaminate metal and provides a means of safe disposal/recycling. 

The oven is utilized to decontaminate metal/process equipment 

that has been exposed to energetic material. This controlled heating process destroys the energetic contamination on the metal/

equipment. This facility provides the Army with the ability to 

decontaminate material to a certifiable 5X contamination level by 

ARDEC Safety Office. It can decontaminate equipment with little 

to no disfiguration for safe reworking/welding/disposal, depending 

on type of metal and equipment configuration. 

Instrumentation and Measurement 

System Facility 

This suite of collocated facilities supports armament research, development, evaluation and manufacturing by addressing the needs 

of instrumentation and measurement systems. These instrumentation and measurement systems can be used for research, design, and 

development across a broad spectrum of disciplines. These include: 

acoustics, magnetics, Newtonian transducers (force, displacement, 

acceleration), analog circuitry, digital circuitry, microprocessor 

systems, control systems, software in high level and low level languages, and computer-aided design. 

Intelligent Sensor-Based Robotics Laboratory 

The ARDEC Automation and Robotics Laboratory has developed 

unique facilities and capabilities in the area of advanced sensorbased robotics control systems, distributed and cooperating robotics 

systems, advanced crew station architectures and embedded decision aids, voice/natural language machine vision and impedance 

control techniques. The laboratory has implemented and demonstrated an intelligent sensor-based robotics control system for 

two Puma 560 robots, instrumented with arm mounted cameras, 

force/torque sensors, range sensors, IR sensors and tactile sensors, 

which have the capability to cooperatively execute complex tasks 

communicated over a voice natural language interface. 

Large Caliber Ballistic R&D Evaluation Area 

This area is used to accommodate ballistic firing of conventional 

and experimental weapon systems, munitions, and propellant for 

caliber 40mm through 8-inch. Interior, exterior, and terminal 

ballistic data evaluation includes: pressure verses. time, muzzle 

velocity, acceleration, stress/strain, recovery, muzzle flash evaluation, 

projectile stability, Hadland digital range camera, FASTAX cameras, digital high-speed video, thermal measurements and weapon 

integrity. Data is recorded in real-time, allowing project engineers 

to evaluate each round as it is fired. Additional capabilities include 

the loading/modifying of standard and experimental propellant 

charges, along with support facilities such as service magazines, 

conditioning chambers, and material handling equipment. 

Laser Survivability Laboratory 

This facility was designed to emulate the defined laser threats so as 

to evaluate laser eye protection performance under realistic conditions. As presently configured, the facility is capable of duplicating 

all five defined threat laser wavelengths in terms of fluence and 

energy density and has the means for characterization of the laser 

beam for hot spots and shape. The lasers are used in conjunction 

with critically toleranced fixturing and highly sensitive electo-optical detectors to perform critical optical density (laser blocking 

performance) tests on devices and systems. The power of the lasers 

allows them to be used for evaluation of optics, both protected and 

unprotected, with regards to their susceptibility to laser damage. 

Lubricants Laboratory 

This facility is capable of providing the following services: lubricity 

determination of oils, greases, and solid film lubricants; corrosion 

prevention; firing residue removal determinations; compatibility determinations; and determination of physical properties of 

hydrocarbon products. Available equipment includes fales pin and 

vee block lubricant testers, four-ball wear lubricant tester, salt-spray 

chamber, humidity chambers, grease worker, penetrometer, flash 

point testers, high and low viscosity baths, cloud and pour point 

chambers, and an LFW-1 friction and wear tester. 

Precision Armaments Laboratory 

The Precision Armaments Laboratory (PAL) represents a new and 

unique mission-essential facility at ARDEC for smart weapon 

system research and development. This mission concentrates on 

the experimentation, development and evaluation of sensors and 

seekers during adverse weather conditions, and represents a new 

DoD capability that was not available previously. This capability 

will enable the development and fielding of precision ammunition 

that require “all weather” performance capability. The PAL consists 

of a 215-foot tower, a laboratory building and three target areas: 

short range (near the base of the tower), mid range (approximately 

700m from the tower) and long range (approximately 1,300m from 

the tower). The tower is equipped with two unique laboratory elevators, one on the east face and the other on the north face of the 

tower, to be used to mount sensors for measurements at different 

heights and to simulate the descent of submunitions equipped with 

sensors. It also has seven platforms located at 40-foot intervals 

from which measurements can be made. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
25

Powder Metallurgy Facility 

The facility is uniquely equipped as the only laboratory within DA 

to conduct PM processing of refractory metals and alloys as well 

as the processing of a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. 

The capability includes a broad range of furnaces/temperatures. Its 

consolidation equipment includes uniaxial compaction presses (up 

to 500 tons) and isostatic presses for cold and hot operation. The 

facility also possesses mechanical alloying equipment, as well as a 

plasma powder processing and material characterization capability. Extensive processing is conducted at this facility on advanced 

tungsten alloys for kinetic energy penetrator applications. 

X-ray Imaging Technology Development Laboratory 

ARDEC is the only DOD agency developing new technology to be 

implemented in state-of-the-art x-ray and neutron imaging systems. 

This technology includes unique x-ray tubes, unique and powerful 

electronic generated neutron sources, highly efficient digital radiation detectors and detector systems, multi-spectral radiographic 

imagers, cone beam tomographic imaging systems and automated 

software analysis of radiographs and tomographs. The impact to 

the military will be the ability to discern defects in materials with 

greater accuracy and certainty, to create portable x-ray units of considerably less weight for both Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) 

and medical imaging, to increase the throughput for both medical 

and NDI imaging systems, to create neutron radiographic systems 

using neutron tubes rather than nuclear material and to create 

powerful and efficient neutron based mine detection and baggage 

inspection equipment. 

Welding and Production Metallurgy Facility 

This facility represents the only welding laboratory of its kind 

within DA. It is capable of conducting investigations associated 

with solid-state welding, overlay as well as other arc welding-related technologies. A new concept overlay band machine enables 

investigators to apply overlay rotating bands to projectile bodies of 

non-conventional design. The facility also features a state-of-the-art 

production machine. 

Projectile Demilitarization Facilities 

The Projectile Wash Out Facility is U.S. Army Ammunition Peculiar Equipment (APE 1300). It is a pilot-scale, wash-out facility 

that uses high pressure water and steam to wash out and demil 

projectiles as large as eight inch HE filled M106 projectiles. In 

addition to the Projectile Wash Out Facility, a Pink Water Treatment Facility is utilized to process all contaminated water wastes. 

The Autoclave Demil System can be used to demil 60mm, 81mm, 

120mm, and 155mm projectiles. The system is also used to demil 

projectiles received from onsite EOD personnel. This includes foreign munitions recently removed from Southwest Asia. Explosives 

drained from the projectiles are captured in a 25-gallon Melt Kettle 

where the composition of the material can be analyzed utilizing 

Near Infrared (NIR) Compositional Analysis System. 

Twin Screw Mixer/Fine Grind Facility 

The 40 mm Twin-Screw Mixer/Extruder (TSE) pilot plant is a 

continuous, remotely operated, flexible facility that can significantly enhance safety and environmental considerations during the 

processing of energetic materials. Personnel exposure to hazardous 

operations is substantially reduced and equipment is in place to 

recover solvents utilized during material processing. The facility is 

available to support a broad spectrum of mission-related Research 

and Development including new propellant, explosive and pyrotechnic formulation development and insensitive munitions. The 

pilot scale TSE is corotating with fully intermeshing screw elements 

acting as a continuous mixer and compounder capable of continuously producing up to 50 pound/hour of energetic material. The 

facility is currently being operated to support a Life Cycle Pilot 

Process effort to demonstrate and validate a safe and reproducible 

process for the manufacture of black powder. 

Nitramine Drying and Fine Grinding Facility 

The Nitramine Drying and Fine Grinding Facility provides ARDEC with a state-of-the-art facility capable of drying and grinding high explosives (e.g., RDX and HMX). It is also available to 

support a broad spectrum of mission Research and Development 

including new propellant, explosive and pyrotechnic formulation 

development and insensitive munitions. It is capable of drying and 

grinding energetic materials and related raw materials up to 100 

pounds per hour. The facility is currently undergoing inert operational testing. 

RADAR Anechoic Chamber/RCS Measurements 

Laboratory 

The facility’s chamber was uniquely designed to provide radar 

characteristic measurements and data on projectiles. The information gathered within the chamber relates to the amplitude of a 

projectile’s radar reflection as it rotates within the radar beam. This 

also includes measurement/evaluation of stealth capabilities of items 

under test. This technology has been used for artillery test programs 

to evaluate and improve projectile performance parameters such as 

range, yawing motion, spin, and position. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
26

Rapid Prototyping Lab 

This laboratory enables engineers to rapidly produce parts from 

their CAD models, typically one week for plastic parts and six 

weeks for metallic parts. The parts can be used directly for form, fit 

and function testing, used as masters for silicon molding of parts 

in other materials (polyurethane) or can be used as a replacement 

for the wax part in the lost wax investment casting process. The 

lab also provides 3-D CAD design services to customers on an as 

needed basis. As compared to an outside service bureau, the lab 

provides easier accessibility, scheduling flexibility, and one-on-one 

assistance with specific knowledge of the armament/ammunition 

design field. 

Nanotechnology and Characterization Laboratory 

The facilities include a wide range of apparatus for production, potential scale up and characterization of nanostructures. Facilities for 

production of nanostructures includes: a chemical vapor deposition 

oven system for production of carbon nanostructures, radio frequency generated plasma systems to scale up production of metal 

nanoparticles, rapid expansion of saturated solution (RESS) of fluids for production of nanocrystals, as well as facilities to chemically 

make and coat metal nanoparticles in oxygen-free environments. 

The available facilities for characterization include x-ray diffraction, Micro Raman spectroscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 

photo correlation spectroscopy for particle size determination, 

x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 

scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy and x-ray 

diffraction. 

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Laboratory 

This pilot facility for the production of optical waveguides is 

centered about the Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) machine. This 

machine is an ultra-high vacuum machine containing ovens with 

gallium, arsenic, aluminum and dopants. Wafers of gallium arsenide 

are placed in the machine. Molecular particle beams from the 

ovens are directed towards the gallium arsenide wafers. Materials 

from the beams will condense on, and react with, material on the 

wafers to form layers of material. By proper etching of these layers, 

optical waveguides can be formed. In addition to the MBE machine, there are laminar flow clean benches and a chemical hood for 

the preparation of the wafers and the maintenance of parts for the 

MBE machine. Furthermore, there are means of characterizing the 

material layer produced. These include a Hall measurement system, 

electrochemical semiconductor profiler, an infrared spectrophotometer and other smaller instruments such as microscopes. 

Molten Salt Deposition Facility 

The purpose of the refractory metals electrodeposition pilot plant 

is to coat large caliber gun tube liners and metals having a higher 

erosion and corrosion resistance than chromium. It has the ability 

to electrodeposite metals such as tantalum, niobium, molybdenum 

and tungsten. All of these metals have very high melting points 

compared to chromium. The facility is composed of a vacuum 

chamber, two very large electric furnaces, gas handling equipment, 

salts purification equipment, rectifiers and computer monitoring 

and control apparatus. 

Small Arms Simulator 

The Small Arms Simulator is a single-lane computerized firing system with standard gun, M4 Carbine, converted for simulator use. 

Other weapons included in the simulator are the M203 Grenade 

Launcher and the M16A1/A2. All the guns retain their normal 

feel, operating characteristics and features. Recoil and noise are 

realistically simulated and shooting accuracy matches that of the 

original weapons. Graphical targets include pop-up, moving, stationary or multiple targets at various ranges as defined by the user. 

DoD Center for X-Ray Diffraction 

The Department of Defense’s Center for X-Ray Diffraction at 

ARDEC is well recognized for its complete line of sophisticated 

X-Ray equipment, including two of the latest diffractometers and 

spectrometers, as well as for the comprehensive knowledge and experience of its personnel. The facility, which can have multiple uses, 

is currently used to enhance ballistic performance by determining 

the optimal crystal orientation of warhead and penetrator materials 

as well as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

Full Scale Investment Casting Foundry 

Benet Laboratory’s investment casting foundry provides the necessary base from which technical support is provided to the Laboratory in the form of the development of new castings and providing 

prototype castings, to Watervliet Arsenal in the form of production 

castings to meet initial deliveries until a contractor can start full 

deliveries, and to Outside Contractors in the form of technical assistance to overcome problems encountered in meeting the requirements of castings for production. 

Nondestructive Evaluation Facility 

This facility is used to nondestructively evaluate a wide variety of 

products and materials. Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is the 

examination of an object or material with technology that does not 

affect its future usefulness. NDE can be used without destroying a 

product or material. Because it allows inspection without interfering with a product’s final use, NDE provides an excellent balance 

between quality and cost-effectiveness. The term ‘NDE’ includes 

many methods that can: 

• Detect internal or external imperfections 

• Determine structure, composition or properties 

• Measure geometric characteristics. Some of the methods 

 available in the facility include: 

• Magnetic Particle, 

• Dye Penetrant 

• Eddy Current 

• Ultrasonics. NDT can and should be used in any phase of a 

product’s design and manufacturing process including materials 

selection, research and development, assembly, quality control 

and maintenance.

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
27

Ground-Based Hyper Spectral Imaging 

Development is ongoing for hyper spectral (HS) scopes that operate in the visible to near infrared (VISNIR), the midwave infrared 

(MWIR) and the long wave infrared (LWIR). ARDEC’s VISNIR prototype system currently operates with full data processing 

and visualization at a rate of two data cubes per second. The next 

generation will operate at a twenty to thirty data cubes per second. 

Unique sensors are being developed in all three spectral ranges that 

will operate at up to thirty cubes per second. Data rates of ten or 

more cubes per second is fast enough to replace current optical and 

infrared scopes that provide no spectral analysis with HS scopes 

that provide spectral analysis to discern and separate targets from 

background, greatly aiding the Warfighter in detecting and tracking 

targets. The next generation sensors are being designed to operate 

without cooling, to use very little electric power and to weigh little 

more than optical scopes. ARDEC’s method of extracting meaningful information from the massive data cube and displaying it for 

instantaneous comprehension by the Soldier is unique and key to 

the success of HS imaging. 

Energetics Rheology Laboratory (ERL) 

The Energetics Rheology Laboratory houses a variety of instruments and equipment for the characterization of energetic materials, which include propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics, precursor materials (e.g., energetic thermoplastic elastomers (ETPE), 

binders) and non-energetic materials such as epoxies, composites 

and polymeric resins. All instruments are remotely controlled from 

a centralized control room via CCD surveillance cameras and 

computerized monitoring systems. The ERL is used to conduct 

various experiments and analyses of energetic and non-energetic 

materials. The ERL uses specialized software and data analyses 

programs, making the ERL a technically competent and unique site 

for performing energetic materials characterizations. Rheology is 

the field of science that relates the flow and deformation behavior of 

liquid and solid materials to their molecular structure and morphology. Manufacturing processes for conventional energetic materials, 

such as propellants and explosives, often involve complex flows 

under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. Advanced 

and novel energetic propellant and explosive formulations are highly 

filled and manufactured into complex configurations. Knowledge 

of their rheological properties is necessary to process and finish 

them into complex configurations such as the co-layered discs or 

radial strips configurations. Processes include mixing, extrusion, 

casting, rolling, laminating and annealing. Therefore, experimental evaluation of specific rheological properties provides material 

data required to analyze processes. Equally important, data can be 

generated regarding the structure (molecular/macromolecular) and 

morphology of energetic fluids as they are being processed, as well 

as the solid-state rheological properties of energetic products. 

Drop Tower 

The Drop Tower provides for free fall testing of R&D munitions 

and can be dropped onto steel, concrete, water or other media to 

test suitability of munitions for deployment from aircraft, and the 

safety and structural integrity of an item and its packaging during 

shipping and handling. Test items can be dropped at a range of 

temperature based on the needs of the developer. On-board instrumentation is available. 

Ammunition Surveillance/Inspection Testing Lab 

The Ammunition Surveillance/Inspection Testing Lab is a computer facility for the design, development and testing of computer 

software and databases developed by the Automated Test Systems 

Division. The major software applications supported by this facility are: Ammunition Surveillance Information System (ASIS), 

a portable, computer-based, electronic library of thousands of 

publications, ammunition drawing and reference materials used 

by ammunition inspectors to ensure global ammunition safety and 

readiness; ASIS/Munitions History Program (MHP), an internetaccessible database of ammunition inspections used to determine 

the readiness status of the global munitions stockpile managed by 

the Joint Munitions Command ( JMC); Automated Test Systems 

(ATS) Database, a database used to support the life cycle management and configuration management of technical data, hardware, 

software, and documentation.

Combat Vehicle Diagnostics / Prognostics Laboratory 

ARDEC maintains a full-range Diagnostics/Prognostics Laboratory for the research, development, testing and support of Embedded Diagnostics/Prognostics, Built-In Test, At-System Diagnostics, 

Software Downloaders (also known as Software Loader/Verifiers), 

Automated Software Testing and System Emulators. The lab is 

equipped with full diagnostics development environments for 

supported weapon systems, consisting of actual system hardware 

and subsystem emulators. Our facility is also equipped with all 

At-System ATE (Automated Test Equipment) required to support 

our customers, including the IFTE Soldier’s Portable On-System 

Repair Tool (SPORT) and Maintenance Support Device (MSD) 

utilized by the Army and the Panasonic ToughBook utilized by 

the Marines. The laboratory staff consists of engineers, scientists, 

technicians and contractors specializing in Diagnostics, Software 

Downloaders and Automated Software Testing. Some of the 

systems supported include the Paladin M109A6 Self-Propelled 

Howitzer, M777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer, Mortar Fire Control System (used on M1064 and Stryker), Crew Remote Operated 

Weapon Station (CROWS), and the IPADS inertial navigation 

system. 

Automatic Test Equipment Lab 

The Automated Test Systems Division (ATSD) has assembled 

facilities to support the on-site development of Test Program Sets 

(TPS) for Weapon Systems. These systems are representative of 

all TACOM ATS used for direct support and Depot Testing of 

electronic components. 

Warhead Design Facility 

The Warhead Design Facility has the capability to design new 

warhead concepts on the computer using the latest computer codes. 

It optimizes warhead designs for increased lethality using these 

codes. Associated on-site facilities exist for machining the metal 

parts, explosive loading and test firing these designs against a variety 

of targets. New explosives can be loaded and tested in warheads 

to optimize the explosive/metal interaction. In addition, there are 

ARDEC developed warhead design codes for the most accurate 

and fastest development cycles which minimize costly fabrication 

and test phases. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
28

Virtual Prototyping / Virtual Reality Simulation 

Laboratory 

Virtual Prototyping (VP) supports and accelerates the Acquisition 

process through interactive, synergistic models and simulations. VP 

achieves its many benefits through realistic simulation of hardware 

in virtual environments by real users far in advance of any operational end products or static physical mockups. Virtual Reality 

(VR) Simulation fully immerses the user into a synthetic environment suitable for true user-in-the-loop evaluation of emerging 

technologies. Users are able to rapidly evaluate and interact with 

which is only a computer based ‘notion’ in a realistic environment. 

VP/VR allows for many design iterations in place of costly physical 

fabrications, bringing the power of real-time ‘what-if ’ computer 

analysis. SBA/SMART (Simulation Based Acquisition/Simulation 

and Modeling for Acquisition Requirements and Training) are two 

Army-wide initiatives that are supported by VP/VR. VP models 

and VR simulations not only support traditional item development, 

but also allow real-time user in-the-loop logistical, maintenance, 

training and requirements evaluations of concept weapons systems, 

early in the design cycle. These permits robust designs that are more 

sustainable, producible and more effective when produced. 

Vessel Plating Facility 

This facility was developed specifically to deposit high-performance 

bore coatings inside long gun tubes. It can accommodate cylinders up to 26 feet in length and studies can be conducted on fluid 

dynamics in turbulent annular flows with strong magnetic fields 

causing heat and mass transfers. This facility is unique in that the 

cylinder whose interior is being plated actually serves as the plating 

vessel. This process negates the need to submerge the entire object 

into a potentially corrosive salt bath. The ends of the cylinder are 

capped and the plating solution is pumped through the cylinder. 

This is extremely effective in plating cylindrical objects when only 

the interior requires plating or the exterior cannot tolerate plating. 

Thin Film Optical Coating Laboratory 

This lab is utilized for research of optical coating materials and 

development of the processes for deposition of thin film coatings onto optical components of fire control sights and systems. 

This facility when tied with resident CAD programs for coatings provides the means for carrying optical coating R&D from 

concept through prototype. Initial efforts in the development of 

laser protection coatings for Army fire control sights were conducted using these facilities and the resulting laser-blocking filters 

were supported through production and fielding again using the 

resident capabilities to verify processes and evaluate materials. The 

laboratory houses five electron-beam guns, high vacuum deposition 

chambers capable of depositing Mil-Spec quality optical coatings 

for use in the near ultra-violet, visible, and near infrared regions of 

the electro-magnetic spectrum. The facility has produced prototype dielectric interference coatings, metallic optical mirrors, and 

transparent electrically conductive semi-metal films. A dual-beam 

spectrophotometer, capable of measuring spectral performance of 

coatings in all regions of interest, and environmental chambers, capable of assessing performance during or after exposure to military 

environments, are maintained 

Rotary Forge 

Cannon tube forgings are conventionally produced by press forging 

an ingot into a solid cylinder with approximate external dimension. 

Rotary forging produces hollow cannon tube forging, with dimensional control comparable to a machined press forging. A heated 

preform is automatically transferred to the rotary forging machine, 

where it is automatically forged into a hollow tube, using numerical 

control. 

Test Program Set (TPS) Laboratory 

The ARDEC TPS Laboratory provides an organic Test Program 

Set (TPS) development, maintenance, and life cycle management 

capability for DoD LCMC materiel developers. Although its 

primary responsibility is to Army TACOM LCMC, its capabilities have attracted other DoD material developers. Current TPS 

customers are Ml Abrams, M2 /M3 Bradley Family of Vehicles, 

LW155 Towed Artillery Digitization (TAD), Common Remote 

Operated Weapon (CROWS), Marine Corp LAV, Kiowa Warrior Remote Rocket Assembly, and M109A6 Paladin. The laboratory has a large in-house knowledge base of engineers, scientist, 

technicians and contractors who have experience developing TPSs, 

separating it from other LCMC support centers. Their experience 

includes the following Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) platforms: IFTE V3, IFTE V5, Aurora (Mantech VTS-1000), Marine 

Corp TETS, ADADS, AN/USM410 EQUATE, AN/USM-465 

(Genrad 2225A), DSESTS, Huntron, and DIT-MCO. 

Thin Film Deposition Laboratory 

This is a unique facility used for exploratory development and 

fabrication of thin films and membranes. The primary feature of 

this facility clean room. It contains multiple thin film deposition 

chambers, photolithography (1 micron) process equipment for 

imaging and developing metal and polyamide layers, anodizing 

and automated electrical test equipment. The Clean room is a 

Class 100, vertical flow facility (Class 100 = less than 100 particles 

of contaminant of 0.5 micron (0.000001 meter) in size per cubic 

meter). One room contains three vapor deposition chambers for 

applying thin films of metals or insulators up to three microns 

thick. Two rooms contain photolithography equipment for imaging and etching the above films with dimensional accuracy of 1 

micron. The last room contains space for electrical testing of the 

fabricated devices. Connected externally to the Clean room are a 

de-ionized water plant (pure H2O) and the A/C system to control 

temperature and humidity. 

Telemetry Engineering Laboratory 

This unique, state-of-the-art facility supports the design and development of high-shock, miniature telemetry systems. The facility 

includes the latest in CAD/CAM software and equipment for the 

design, layout and fabrication of telemetry systems and extensive 

special purpose equipment for the check out, test and calibration of 

these systems 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
29

Remote Machining and Evaluation of Explosively 

Filled Munitions 

This facility is used for remote machining of explosively loaded 

ammunition. Munition sizes from small arms through 8-inch artillery can be accommodated. Sectioning, debulleting, lathe turning, 

milling, drilling, crimping and detorquing capabilities are available. 

Typical uses include surveillance testing of high explosive filled 

warheads, malfunction investigations, evaluation of experimental 

munitions and disassembly, modification and preparation of explosively loaded projectiles. Evaluation capabilities include Air Gun 

launching, high-speed photography, Explosively Formed Penetrator 

(EFP) and Shaped Charge warhead evaluation, Flash x-ray, Fluoroscope, Mass Properties, Satellite machine shop, Insensitive Munitions tests, Fast and Slow Cook-off testing and armor penetration 

evaluation. 

Radiological Analysis and Development Facility 

This facility is used to nondestructively examine items including 

explosives, and to investigate automated, real-time radiographic 

technology. It is useful in examining a wide range of items including fuzes, flares, rocket motors, and shells. The 180 degree panoramic X-Ray beam is put to maximum advantage through the use 

of a continuous, carousel-type conveyor. This heavy, precision-built 

system carries the items being inspected and X-Ray films through 

the X-Ray beam on a continuous basis without vibration or adverse 

motion. It permits the processing of large quantities of items in 

relatively short periods of time. The facility includes solid concrete 

walls. 

Reliability Physics / Failure Analysis Laboratory 

The Reliability Physics / Failure Analysis Laboratory performs 

reliability assessments and failure analysis studies of electronic 

components and systems. These include discrete, integrated and 

hybrid electronic components both active and passive, subassemblies 

and assemblies including printed wiring boards, solder joints and 

interconnects, mechanical systems including single components, 

timers and S & A’s, electro-mechanical components and systems, 

and optical and electro-optical components and systems. 

The Reliability Physics / Failure Analysis Laboratory provides 

excellent capabilities. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), 

equipped with both wavelength and energy dispersive spectrometers, enables the observation of microstructures and performs full 

elemental (both qualitative and quantitative) analysis. The SEM 

can produce images with resolutions as fine as 4nm. The laboratory 

contains all the equipment required to sample preparation and surface analysis, including high quality optical microscopes, carbon and 

gold coaters and a dedicated machine shop. Coupled with other 

fine facilities in the A&IFD Laboratories, this lab can perform 

a number of analytical techniques in the area of semi-conductor 

failure analysis, such as voltage contrast and current induced failure 

detection. In the voltage contrast mode, a suspect device can be 

lowered while being examined with the microscope. All positively 

charged metalization runs will appear dark while negatively charged 

runs will appear light. While functioning, isolation of defective 

areas can easily be accomplished 

Pyrotechnic Pilot Manufacturing Facility 

This facility encompasses the entire range of R&D related to pyrotechnic formulations and items including both processing and testing capabilities. Processing is done at the small pilot plant level and 

includes mixing, granulation and drying of pyrotechnic composition 

and consolidation and loading of powder into items. Test capabilities access the thermodynamic, kinetic, physical and storage stability 

characteristics of pyrotechnic compositions using assorted equipment. In addition, a flare tunnel with the most current equipment 

and instrumentation is used to measure the burn time, radiometric, 

photometric and spectral characteristics of a wide range of pyrotechnic items. This facility can provide quick development of novel 

pyrotechnic items and transition to production. 

RADAR Engineering Facility 

This remote facility provides the means of developing, testing, 

maintaining, servicing, calibrating and evaluating radar measurement systems. The facility includes: a secure, safe, outdoor, radar 

radiation test area; a high-power, tower-mounted, radar calibration 

system that supports two Advanced Hawk Radar Velocimeters 

(AHV) valued at $1.2 million each; a remote control video system 

to interface the AHV two large radar equipment bays; radar control 

and record analysis labs; and associated recording, acquisition, and 

development equipment systems. 

Product Evaluation Laboratory 

The Product Evaluation Laboratory is comprised of Dimensional 

Inspection and Materials Testing. The Dimensional Inspection facility offers the services of highly trained and experienced 

specialists that have a full complement of measuring equipment. 

It is equipped with two optical Comparators and a Coordinate 

Measurement Machine (CMM). The lab specializes in all types of 

physical evaluations, including engineering evaluations, first article 

tests, product configuration audits and malfunction investigations. 

The CMM is a computer-aided three axis machine that uses touch 

probes to perform measurements. Reports can be computer generated and sent anywhere via e-mail. The Materials Testing facility 

provides testing and evaluation services including tensile, compression, shear, hardness, and temperature/humidity conditioning. 

These services are available to satisfy a wide range of customer needs 

in a timely, cost-effective manner. 

Powder Gymnasticator 

The powder gymnasticator provides for the evaluation of large caliber experimental gun mounts and recoil mechanisms by subjecting 

the recoil mechanisms to the same impulse as the full-scale firing 

of the weapon. The chamber is loaded with propellant and fired, 

simulating the recoil forces associated with a full-up live firing. This 

method is extremely cost effective; projectiles, and full-scale propellant charges are not needed. Additional environmental savings are 

realized through reduced noise levels. The powder gymnasticator 

can accept forces up to 2.5 million pounds. Instrumentation includes pressure vs. time, rod-pull gages, hydraulic pressure, stress/

strain, and metal parts integrity. 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
30

Precision Optics Boresight Alignment & Assembly 

Facility 

These facilities are used to test manufacturing samples of precision optics including: binoculars, gunnery sights, quadrants, aiming 

circles. Large clean rooms, a optical collimator, isolation benches, a 

variable wavelength laser and scanning microscopes are available. 

Pit Fragmentation Facility 

This facility contains steel tubs in which experimental munitions 

are exploded while covered with sawdust. The sawdust is automatically screened following detonation and the resulting fragments 

are magnetically removed for analysis. Also available is a four foot 

diameter sphere for small fragmenting small munitions and an 

eight foot diameter by 12 foot high water tank where non-ferrous 

munitions can be detonated and recovered. A computerized fragment weighing system sorts the fragments by weight and provides 

a detailed analysis by size and weight. 

Nanotechnology Laboratory 

ARDEC now has the largest radio-frequency plasma-based 

nanoparticle reactor in North America once something only 

comprehensible in science-fiction. The reactor is the first of a series 

of flexible pilot lines to create a nanotechnology center. The new 

pilot facility can produce one kilogram per hour of nanoparticles 

using a variety of materials. Possible uses for nanotechnology cover 

a wide spectrum of needs, ranging from integration into weapon 

and equipment systems that support Soldiers fighting in the war 

on terror to health care and cosmetics to electronics and telecommunications. We expect to use this capability to rapidly prototype 

improved defense systems on behalf of the DoD and commercial 

partners looking at applying nanotechnology to improving lethality. 

The new facility serves as a key element in New Jersey’s Nanotechnology and Economic Development strategy. 

Capabilities at a Glance

Distributive Simulation Lab 

Life Cycle Software Engineering (LCSE) Center 

Acoustic Technology Laboratory 

Wind Tunnel Laboratory 

Arena Fragmentation Evaluation Facility 

Armament Software Engineering Center 

Armament Technology Facility 

Army Propellant Surveillance Laboratory 

Ballistic Rail Gun 

Breech and Tube Fatigue Test Facility 

Computer-Based Image and Signal Processing Analysis 

Facility 

Davidson Advanced Warhead Development Facility 

Depleted Uranium Fabrication/ Characterization 

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Laboratory 

Electronics Laboratory 

Energetic & Engineering Materials Laboratory 

Energetic Material Demonstration Module Facility 

Energetic Material Reclamation / Processing 

R&D Facility 

Energetic Materials Analysis Laboratory 

Energetics Experimentation R&D Facility 

Energetics Laboratory Facilities 

Environmental Experimental Facilities 

Experimental Explosive Pressing Facility 

Experimental Weapon / Armament Prototyping 

Facility 

Explosive Development Facility 

Pilot Plant for Explosive Formulation 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Facility 

Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL) 

Gun Dynamics Laboratory 

High-Energy Propellant Formulation Facility 

Pilot Plant for High Explosive Loading 

High-Speed Wind Stream Facility 

Hot Air Decontamination Facility 

Instrumentation and Measurement System Facility 

Intelligent Sensor-Based Robotics Laboratory 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
31

Large-Caliber Ballistic R&D Evaluation Area 

Laser Survivability Laboratory 

Lubricants Laboratory 

Precision Armaments Laboratory 

Powder Metallurgy Facility 

X-ray Imaging Technology Development Laboratory 

Welding and Production Metallurgy Facility 

Projectile Demilitarization Facilities 

Twin Screw Mixer/Fine Grind Facility 

Nitramine Drying and Fine Grinding Facility 

RADAR Anechoic Chamber/RCS Measurements 

Laboratory 

Rapid Prototyping Lab 

Nanotechnology and Characterization Laboratory 

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Laboratory 

Molten Salt Deposition Facility 

Small Arms Simulator 

DoD Center for X-Ray Diffraction 

Full Scale Investment Casting Foundry 

Nondestructive Evaluation Facility 

Ground-Based Hyper Spectral Imaging 

Energetics Rheology Laboratory (ERL) 

Drop Tower 

Ammunition Surveillance/Inspection Testing Lab 

Combat Vehicle Diagnostics / Prognostics 

Laboratory 

Automatic Test Equipment Lab 

Warhead Design Facility 

Virtual Prototyping / Virtual Reality Simulation 

Laboratory 

Vessel Plating Facility 

Thin Film Optical Coating Laboratory 

Rotary Forge 

Test Program Set (TPS) Laboratory 

Thin Film Deposition Laboratory 

Telemetry Engineering Laboratory 

Remote Machining and Evaluation of Explosively Filled Munitions 

Radiological Analysis and Development Facility 

Reliability Physics / Failure Analysis Laboratory 

Pyrotechnic Pilot Manufacturing Facility 

RADAR Engineering Facility 

Product Evaluation Laboratory 

Powder Gymnasticator 

Precision Optics Boresight Alignment & Assembly Facility 

Pit Fragmentation Facility 

Nanotechnology Laboratory 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
32

Partnerships

3M

Aerojet General

Armtec Defense Projects

ATK 

BAE Land Armament Systems

Barrett Firearms

Coherent Logix, Cybernet Systems, Intelligent Automation, 

Robotics Research, Chi Systems, Declog, S International, 

Galaxy Scientific, ProLogic

Foster Miller, QUINETIQ, Taser International, Aegis

General Dynamics

Honeywell International

Insitech

Kigre 

L-3 Communications

McDonnell Douglas

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Northrop Grumman

Pennsylvania State University

Stevens Institute of Technology 

Texas Tech University

University of Florida

University of Maryland

Polymer Technologies

Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute

RTI International Metals 

Rutgers University

Savit 

Textron

Universities of Mississippi

New York at Buffalo and Texas at Austin

Curtis Wright Electromechanical

DRS Test and Engineering Management

BAE System

University of Pittsburgh, CACI

Villanova University

Western Design

DEAs/IEA

Canada

Mine, Countermine and Demolition Technologies

France

Development of Land Mines

Energetic Substances

Medium Caliber Ammunition and Weapons

Field Artillery Weapons Systems, Ammunition, Fire Control 

and Propellant Charges

Appraisal Of Safety And Suitability For Service For Non-Nuclear 

Munitions

Germany

Field Artillery Weapon Systems -- Towed and Self-Propelled Guns 

and Howitzers

Automatic Gun Systems

Land Mines

Fuzes

Demilitarization and Disposal of Conventional Munitions

Energetic Materials

Mortar Systems

Israel

Artillery Systems

Infantry Weapons

Japan

Artillery Technology

Small Arms Technology

Korea

Conventional Munitions

Conventional Firearms, Recoilless Rifles, Mortar and Artillery 

Weapons

Mine Laying Systems and Land Mines

Norway

Mortar Systems

Poland

Technologies for High Explosive Warheads

South Africa

Artillery and Mortars

Singapore

Indirect Fire Systems

Infantry Weapons and Munitions

Energetic Materials

Sweden

Artillery and Mortar Weapon Systems and Munitions

Mines, Countermine and Demolitions Technologies

Energetic Materials

Switzerland

Army Weapons and Ammunition

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
33

United Kingdom

Direct Fire Systems

Indirect Fire Systems

Energetic Materials

Mine and Demolition Technologies

Tank Main Armament Systems

Infantry Weapons and Munitions

Weapons Safety and Suitability for Service of Non-Nuclear 

Munitions

Project Agreements:

Australia

Land-Based Acoustic Surveillance System

Korea

Insensitive Munitions

Academia

Stevens Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology

Fairleigh Dickinson University 

County College of Morris

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Benet) 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)
Army Research Laboratory 

(ARL)
35

Army Research Laboratory (ARL)

Adelphi, MD 20783-1197

Mission 

Provide innovative science, technology and analyses to enable fullspectrum operations. America’s Laboratory for the Army: Many 

Minds, Many Capabilities, Single Focus on the Soldier. Acknowledged for scientific, technical and analytical excellence. Recognized 

as the bridge between the scientific and technical community and 

the Army. Leader in providing innovative solutions for the current 

and future Army.

History

The U.S. Army has had research facilities dating back to 1820 when 

the laboratory at Watertown Arsenal in Massachusetts studied pyrotechnics and waterproof paper cartridges. This facility and would 

evolve into the Materials Technology Laboratory. Most pre-WWII 

military research occurred within the military by military personnel, 

but in 1945, the Army published a policy affirming the need for civilian scientific contributions in military planning and weapons production. Non-military involvement before this time was frequent; 

however, methods for contribution to warfare technology were on 

limited and incidental basis. In June 11, 1946, a new research and 

Development Division of the War Department General Staff was 

created; however, due to internal forces within the military which 

supported the traditional technical service structure, the division 

was closed. A variety of reorganizations took place over the next 

fours decades, which put many organizations in command of U.S. 

Army research and development. Often, commanders of these organizations were advocates of the reorganization while some members 

of middle-level management were opposed to the change. 

Installation Overview

ARL laboratory facilities are located at three main locations: the 

Adelphi Laboratory Center, Adelphi, MD; Aberdeen Proving 

Ground, MD; and White Sands Missile Range, NM. Additional 

locations include co-location with NASA facilities at Langley Research Center, Langley, VA and Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, 

OH. ARL’s Army Research Office is located at Research Triangle 

Park, NC. ARL Human Research and Engineering field elements 

are co-located across the country with TRADOC schools and centers and with AMC Research and Development activities.

Contact Information

U.S. Army Research Laboratory

ATTN: AMSRD-ARL-O-PA

2800 Powder Mill Rd

Adelphi, MD 20783-1197

Public Affairs Office: (301) 394-3590

http://www.arl.army.mil/main/MAIN/default.htm

Major Equipment/Facilities 

Ground Vehicle Research Facility 

This course is used for unmanned vehicles and indirect driving 

studies. It has several hills and small ridges so that study subjects 

cannot see the entire course at one time and to provide terrain to 

create vehicle pitch, roll and motion in the “Z” direction. An instrumentation trailer serves as a control room. Driving paths include a 

simple figure eight that is used to train subjects and a path containing straight a ways, slaloms, tight turns and straight and broad paths 

in which obstacles such as logs and rocks must be avoided. 

Tactical Environmental Simulation Facility (TESF) 

ARL’s Hostile Environmental Simulator was incorporated into an 

expanded Tactical Environmental Simulation Facility in FY02. This 

facility integrates, under one roof, the Omni-Directional Treadmill 

(ODT) into virtual visual and auditory environments to enable 

repeatable, laboratory-controlled investigations of critical Soldier 

issues for FFW and permits multi-sensory immersion of the Soldier 

into an environment which may vary from benign to hostile without exposing the subject to the hazards and variability of outdoor 

experimentation. 

Advanced Material Growth and Processing Facility 

This is the Army’s most extensive facility of its type and contains six 

elemental, dedicated, state-of-the-art molecular beam epitaxy and 

one metal-organic, chemical-vapor deposition systems. These systems enable the growth of advanced III-V and II-VI semiconductors used in numerous optical (lasers, detectors, etc.) and electronic 

(FETs, thyristors, etc.) components. 

Specialty Electronic Materials Devices Class 100 & 

Class 10 Cleanroom Research Facility 

This facility has deposition, characterization, and photolithography 

systems. These systems enable the patterning and fabrication of 

advanced Nano Devices, Microelectromechnical Systems and III-V 

and II-VI semiconductors used in numerous bio and trace-gas detection, RF (resonators, switches), power generation (micro turbine, 

energy harvesting), optical (laser, detectors, etc.) and electronic 

(FETs, thyristors) components. 

Army Research Laboratory (ARL)
36

High-Temperature Power Electronics Facility 

This facility conducts research and development providing DoD 

with unique capabilities. SiC devices can be stressed under application-specific (inductive motor load) circuit stresses at case temperatures between -20 degrees to +220 degrees Celsius. High-temperature device characterization capabilities include wafer level I-V, 

C-V, G-V characterization to 450 degrees Celsius. 

Nonlinear Materials Characterization Facility 

The protection of US Army personnel and sensors from laser 

threats on the battlefield is a critical concern. ARL is working with 

TARDEC and NSC to design, develop and evaluate candidate 

non-linear optical approaches to minimize or eliminate the threat 

posed by frequency agile lasers to the optical sensors utilized by the 

Army and Soldiers vision. 

Power Conditioning Research Facility 

This research facility provides a unique collection of power sources, 

energy storage devices, power loads, thermal management systems 

and electronics fabrication resources for the study of high-power, 

power-conditioning systems. Specialized systems for pulsed 

power and continuous power circuit development are available, and 

these capabilities are being expanded to address the needs of new 

technologies such as high-power, solid-state switches and electric 

traction drives. 

Millimeter-Wave Instrumentation Test Facility 

Basic research is conducted in propagation phenomena, remote 

sensing and target signatures. The facility is unparalleled in the 

breadth and depth of its instrumentation and analysis capability. 

Supporting tools include high-speed data acquisition, multiple 

band Radars analysis systems, visualization tools and model generation for performance evaluation. This facility includes outdoor 

experimental facilities. 

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Research 

Facility 

The facility provides DoD with a state-of-the-art capability for 

designing and fabricating micro-and-nanoscale electromechanical and opto-electromechanical, and electronic devices and sensors 

for a wide variety of applications. Battlefield applications include 

MEMS/NEMS and nanoelectronic devices for power, multifunction RF, communications, chemical and biological sensing, networked microsensors and guidance and control. Unique capabilities 

include the ability to conduct full-scale research on not just silicon 

device structures but also piezoelectric devices structures including 

Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT). 

Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) 

This system enables nondestructive analysis of semiconductor and 

biological materials and devices using magnetic resonance imaging at the micrometer to nanometer length scale. MRFM has a 

single-atom sensitivity, which enables imaging of single molecules. 

Applications will be to assist nanoelectronic device design and fabrication by studying such things as internal electric fields, material 

interfaces, and electron spin transport. This ability is unique. The 

MRFM technique has been demonstrated on GaAs and no one 

else in the world is applying MRFM to study semiconductors. 

Image Processing/Target Recognition and Signature 

Modeling Facility 

This facility has a unique configuration of computer facilities, imagery data and image-processing software with which to develop new 

target detection and recognition algorithms, principally for EO/IR 

sensors. The research in this laboratory is focused on initiating and 

developing new algorithmic approaches for Army EO/IR sensors 

for automatic and aided target recognition, which includes the 

detection and classification problems. Dedicated resources include 

RAID storage for extensive databases of imagery and associated 

ground targets. The lab also has several visible and IR imagers for 

use in collecting specialized imagery for algorithm development. 

Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Anechoic Chamber 

This facility is used for measuring directivity patterns and gain on 

antenna elements and aperture arrays. This facility is also used for 

radar cross section (RCS) signature measurements on targets of 

interest. A steel platform outside the tapered end allows for experiments using external equipment and includes a positioner mounted 

on a rail translator for insertion into the aperture. 

Electric Field Cage 

The Electric-Field “cage” is a unique ARL facility for generating 

DC and low frequency AC fields for sensor design, calibration, 

and evaluation. It is roughly analogous to an anechoic chamber 

for acoustic or radar measurements, or a Helmholtz coil system 

for quasi-static magnetic field measurements, in that it attenuates 

unwanted external fields and generates calibration-quality fields for 

testing in a laboratory environment. The E-field cage is essentially a 

large parallel-plate capacitor with “guard rings” to control fringing 

fields; however, the size of the cage and the spacing of the guard 

rings can be modified to accommodate the needs of individual tests. 

The cage can be run in a “single-ended” mode for testing groundbased or aircraft-based sensors, or in a “double-sided” mode for 

testing projectile-based and other free-space sensors. 

Electromagnetics Research Facility (EMRF) 

This unique Army research facility consists of a sand box simulating 

terrestrial environments in an enclosed RF transparent building. 

The dielectic constraints of the sand (sigma and mu) are adjusted 

by moisture content and control. Special soils may be substituted. 

Climate controlled laboratory space directly underneath the sandbox permits high-fidelity, high-frequency RF measurements. This 

facility is useful for wideband antenna design, scale model EMP 

measurements, ground-penetrating radar evaluations, etc. 

Magnetics Research Facility (MRF) 

The magnetic test facility has three Helmholtz coils that can generate magnetic fields in three perpendicular directions to balance the 

earth’s magnetic field. There is an additional set of Helmhotz coils 

that can generate larger fields, 140 Oe. A measurement stage with 

non-magnetic microprobes can be positioned in the center of the 

coils. A set of coaxial Mumetal magnetic cylinders can be used for 

low-field measurements. 

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Mobility/Portability Research Facility 

Army standard for measuring the effects of various equipment 

configurations and loads on Soldier mobility and physiological performance. This set of instrumented courses includes a cross-country 

course that simulates a movement-to-contact event and an obstacle 

course that simulates an assault event with obstacles that represent 

natural and urban battlefield features. 

Electrochemical Facility 

This unique Army research facility includes a dry room equipped 

for prototyping thermal and liquid reserve batteries. A second dry 

room, maintained at below 1 percent relative humidity, is used for 

prototyping high-energy and high-power, experimental batteries. 

Also included are inert atmosphere chambers, a spin/setback “air 

gun” for realistic laboratory testing of reserve munition batteries, 

chemical synthesis equipment and analytic equipment for fabricating and evaluating highly energetic anodes, cathodes and electrolyte 

materials and components for batteries, capacitors and fuel cells. 

Display Materials Research Facility 

This facility is for research and development of the materials, structures and devices which will be the basis for the displays and display 

systems which the Army will need for our soldiers to effectively 

display and assimilate data on the digital battlefield. Capabilities 

include luminescent research, device structures fabrication and 

deposition of thin-film electroluminescent materials and organic 

light-emitting devices. 

Ultra Wideband (UWB) Synthetic-Aperture Radar 

(SAR) Testbed 

A mobile UWB SAR testbed, featuring a 150-foot measurement 

system, is used to support vehicle-mounted, ground-penetrating 

radar developments, including mine detection systems. The UWB 

radar on a 150-foot boom lift allows for collection of two-dimensional apertures to support three-dimensional image formation for 

improved target detection and identification. 

Transonic Experimental Research Facility 

This unique experimental facility has the following capabilities:

evaluates aerodynamics and fluid dynamics of projectiles, smart 

munitions systems and sub-munitions dispense systems, determines 

input for artillery fire-control computers and firing tables, evaluates 

advanced conventional gun propulsion technologies; determines 

experimental direct fire accuracy, evaluates advanced munitions designs; and analyzes the structural dynamics of gun and ammunition 

systems from 60mm to 208mm. 

Cannon-Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher Facility 

This facility features an installation that measures the launch and 

flight performance of electromagnetic cannons up to 30-mm in diameter. Equipped with a two-mega Joule power supply and a range 

of 250 meters, it allows diagnostics of electrical, mechanical and 

aerodynamic qualities of electromagnetic gun systems. 

Large-Caliber Terminal Ballistics Facility 

The Large-Caliber Terminal Ballistics Facility, unique in the U.S., is 

capable of routinely conducting full-scale terminal ballistic experiments with both kinetic-energy projectiles and explosive warheads 

against both passive and reactive armors. It features an environmentally contained impact chamber that can handle high-explosive 

warheads and targets, depleted-uranium projectiles, warheads, and 

targets and full-scale combat systems or subsystems. 

Enclosed Small and Medium Caliber Firing 

Experimental Facility 

This facility provides the capability to conduct completely instrumented terminal ballistics experimental tests with small and 

medium-caliber tungsten alloy penetrators against advanced armor 

threats. 

Shaped-Charge Research and Shear-Forming Press 

Facility 

This is a fully instrumented outdoor facility that allows investigation of shaped-charge warheads. It features high-energy, X-ray 

radiography that provides detailed information on shaped-charge 

jet break-up and particulation during terminal effects experiments. 

The facility can also simulate rotating warheads in spin-stabilized 

projectiles. The Shear-Forming Press allows rapid fabrication of liners for shaped-charge and EFP warheads. 

EFP Terminal Effects Research Facility 

This facility is a fully instrumented experimentation complex used 

to investigate terminal ballistic effects of explosively formed penetrator warheads, or EFPs. It features high-energy x-ray instrumentation that provides detailed information on the acceleration and 

deformation of EFP liners to form penetrators. 

Aerodynamics Experimental Research Facility 

Provides aerodynamic testing and fluid dynamics of smart munitions systems and sub-munitions dispense systems; experimental 

direct fire accuracy and advanced munitions design; and structural 

dynamics of gun and ammunition systems from 2mm to 40mm. 

High-Rate Mechanical Characterization Facility 

The High-Rate Mechanical Characterization Facility is unique 

because it measures response to deformation of energetic materials under operational conditions. Uniaxial compression and tensile 

measurements are made to predict mechanical behavior in material 

and structural models, assess the mechanical response of new gun 

and rocket propellants, explosives and other munitions and evaluate 

the vulnerability response of these materials to impact threats. 

Vertical Impulse Measurement Facility (VIMF) 

The VIMF is a unique DoD facility for measuring accurately the 

combined debris and blast impulse produced in landmine detonations in a semi-infinite medium, including parameters such as 

soil type (sand, clay, loam, gravel, and mixed), moisture content, 

temperature, particle-size distribution, density and compaction 

(stiffness and modulus); depth of burial or mine; mine type; in both 

road and open-field conditions. Data are used to validate models 

and develop technologies for improved survivability of future lightweight tactical and combat vehicles. 

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Composites Processing Research Facilities 

Advanced low-cost, reliable processing techniques are essential to 

the future application of structural polymer matrix composites to 

Army ground vehicles, aircraft and other materiel. ARL’s stateof-the-art composites processing research facilities, such as the 

fully-automated, high-temperature (800 degrees Fahrenheit) and 

pressure (450-psi) autoclaves, provide the necessary research tools 

to address scientific and engineering problems in process optimization and automated process control. 

Materials Characterization Facility 

This facility enables ARL to conduct detailed measurements of the 

properties of ceramics, polymers, glasses and composites. It features 

instrumentation for analyzing the chemical properties of materials at a wide range of temperatures, optical and electron microscopy and electron probe instruments for microstructural analysis, 

x-ray residual stress analysis and electrical, magnetic and thermal 

property characterization and a combination of surface analysis 

equipment. 

Target Assembly Facility 

This facility provides the capability of integrating new armor 

concepts into actual armored vehicles. Featuring the capability of 

machining and cutting radioactive materials, it provides a means 

of fabricating and analyzing depleted-uranium armors and armors 

impacted by depleted-uranium projectiles. 

Armor Experimental Facility 

This facility is a fully-instrumented experimentation complex used 

to develop and evaluate armor technology to defeat Explosively 

Formed Penetrators (EFP’s) and Shaped Charges. It features 

high-energy X-ray instrumentation that provides detailed information on the acceleration and deformation of EFP liners to form 

penetrators. 

Munitions Survivability Facility 

This experimental complex is used to investigate the survivability 

of ammunition compartments vs. chemical-energy munitions and 

conduct other large-scale explosive experiments. It contains ballistic 

pendulum used to investigate the response of gun propellant to 

kinetic-energy and chemical-energy munitions and sympathetic 

detonation of gun propellant. 

Large and Small-Caliber Armor Research Facility 

This facility is an environmentally-contained outdoor complex that 

hosts complete diagnostics to analyze the performance of classified 

armor technologies against kinetic-energy penetrators, including 

depleted-uranium armors and munitions. 

Nanobiotechnology Facility 

This facility holds world-class characterization equipment. The 

focus is to produce nanobiotechnology for agent detection, defense, 

and neutralization; individual combatant protection; and novel 

survivability concepts. 

Dismounted Infantry Survivability and Lethality Testbed (DISALT) 

This system projects a simulated environment on a screen using 

an image-generated computer. A high-speed weapon tracking 

system provides real-time continuous weapon aim point data to the 

weapon computer subsystem while the simulated shooting scenario 

is running. Recoil is simulated using an electromechanical recoil 

subsystem and digitized sound data. 

Acoustic Anechoic Chamber 

A full acoustic anechoic chamber allows the study of transducers, 

sensors, speakers, signal processors and other microphone systems. 

Acoustic/infrasonic microphones, with a flat bandwidth down to a 

true zero hertz (DC), can be evaluated to determine their sensitivity in reference to calibrated, laboratory grade COTS transducers. 

Shooter Performance Research Facility 

Outdoor, computerized, state-of-the-art facility for examining Soldier-weapon performance. Targets can be presented at any distance, 

time interval, target exposure time and target sequence. 

Environment for Auditory Research (EAR) Facility 

As a current infrastructure upgrade project, this facility is intended 

as a localization, spatial orientation and distance estimation research center permitting state-of-the-art creation and simulation of 

various indoor and outdoor acoustic environments. 

Cognitive Assessment, Simulation and Engineering 

Laboratory (CASEL) 

As a current infrastructure upgrade project, this facility will lead 

directly to an increased understanding of individual and team 

performance and enhanced computer interfaces and tools that 

improve Soldiers’ cognitive readiness and knowledge management 

in stressful, militarily relevant conditions. Initiated in late FY05 as 

part of a three phase plan, final purchases of laboratory equipment 

are scheduled for FY07. 

Novel Energetic Research Facility (NERF) 

The NERF is an Energetic Materials Development Facility. The 

NERF contains a processing complex with energetics processing and manufacturing labs. Additionally, there is a formulation 

complex with energetics formulation and energetics properties labs. 

Examples of mission successes attributed to the NERF include new 

Army Insensitive Munitions (IM) Energetics.

Intelligent Optics Laboratory 

This laboratory is equipped to support sophisticated investigations 

in adaptive and nonlinear optics, advanced imaging and image 

processing and laser communications for ground-to-ground applications. A variety of state-of-the-art adaptive optics, wavefront 

diagnostics and image processing tools are used to support advanced techniques for simulation of atmospheric turbulence effects 

on imaging and laser communication system performance. 

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Experimental Facility 6 (EF6) 

This modern, centralized complex provides analysts, program managers, and decision makers with experimental data that addresses 

the SLV of air and ground combat systems. Experimental programs 

are conducted on U.S. and foreign weapon systems and can range 

from simple single component experimentation to extensive full-up 

system level test. Emphasis is placed on system design for vulnerability reduction and the development of SLV model improvements. 

Small Arms Experimental Facility 20 

The Peep Site, EF20, is an indoor, small-arms range rated to handle 

firings of threats. 

Electro-Optical (EO) Countermeasures Missile Flight 

Simulator 

This facility is a hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulator. The 

simulator consists of both analog and digital computer systems 

supplemented by special scene generation hardware and software 

capable of providing a complex EW environment consisting of 

decoy flares, EO-jammers, advanced countermeasures devices, and 

complex backgrounds. 

Electro-Optical Vulnerability Analysis Facility (EOVAF) 

The EOVAF possesses theoretical, laboratory, and field capabilities for performing optical cross section (OA), laser jamming and 

damage and optical performance characterizations of optical/electro-optical (O/EO) devices used by weapons systems. Laboratory 

analyses are performed in the visible, near-IR, mid-IR, and far-IR 

regions. The EOVAF includes instrumented laser range and mobile 

equipment for performing maximum optical detection range and 

laser-jamming susceptibility measurements. 

Information Operations Facility 

This facility is designed to support ARL Information Operations 

(IO) Vulnerability/Survivability Assessments of Information Technology (IT) components in US Army item level and weapon systems platforms. Laboratory investigations are conducted on systems 

to identify IO susceptibilities and/or vulnerabilities. The facility can 

also be configured to support several different network topologies 

and configurations with CISCO routers, switches and hubs. 

Air Defense Electronic Warfare Facility 

This facility provides a quick-reaction capability for the implementation of electronic warfare (EW) techniques to ensure that all 

elements of the EW threat required for the vulnerability assessment 

process are addressed. The facility provides a wide variety of R&D 

ECM devices that support all air defense EW vulnerability investigations and supports a wide variety of special-purpose equipment. 

Test Environmental Certification Complex (TECC) 

The TECC is a computer-controlled receiving and analysis facility associated with air defense systems. The TECC consists of a 

narrow beam steerable antenna system, multiple RF receivers, and 

hardware and software analysis systems. 

Field Mobile Management System (FMMS) 

The FMMS is a computer-controlled, special-purpose measurement 

system that supports EW vulnerability analyses by independently 

measuring, recording, and certifying EW environments. It can 

measure frequency, amplitude, pulse widths, and modulation parameters of various jamming waveforms. 

Electronic Warfare Signature Measurement Facility 

This facility contains specialized mobile spectral, radiometric and 

imaging measurement systems to characterize ultraviolet, visual and 

near IR, mid-IR, and far-IR static and dynamic targets and EW 

countermeasures in the backgrounds in which they operate. This 

facility provides measured EW environments for weapons field 

experiments. Results are used in EW simulations and signature 

modeling validation and EW analysis. 

Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) 

ARL hosts one of four DoD MSRCs for HPC. This MSRC facility 

features state-of-the-art scalable parallel architectures and large vector-parallel systems supporting both classified/unclassified missions 

throughout the DoD’s RDT&E community. The MSRC is critical 

for tech base research, enables optimized design/development/testing and minimizes life cycle acquisition costs. ARL is ranked in the 

top five percent of the world’s most powerful computing sites. 

ARL’s Scientific Visualization Laboratory Facility 

(including Multimedia Laboratory) 

This facility features state-of-the-art visualization computational 

hardware with high-speed HPC connectivity including three 

unique visualization technologies: the Immersadesk displays realtime stereographic views; the Phantom Haptic Input Device enables users to understand the shape/forces within their data through 

their sense of touch. The Vision Dome provides users a full field of 

view for the unique experience of traveling through data sets. 

Information Assurance (IA) Facility 

The Facility acts as a fusion point for bridging ARL’s research in 

tactical and operational IA areas, and the development/assessment 

of improvements to monitoring/analysis processes, including new 

monitoring tools/testbeds. The Facility is equipped with incident 

databases to capture the information and analysis databases to 

provide the forensics on the intrusion. In addition, the facility maintains an off-line disk/tape storage library. 

Visualization Augmentation Laboratory for User 

Experiments (VALUE) Facility 

The Facility is a software integration and demonstration laboratory 

that combines a unique blend of integration software technologies, 

visualization display modalities, infrastructure for collaboration 

among users and tools for conducting experiments. The facility 

hosts a network of hardware and software that provides the foundation to accept/integrate a wide variety of software technologies to 

evaluate new concepts in battlefield information processing. 

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Aerosol Laser Facility 

This Facility is used to develop methods for the detection/characterization of atmospheric aerosols, dust, haze and other battlefield 

obscurants. It combines the capability to generate, concentrate 

and dilute aerosols through the use of scientific instrumentation 

designed to enhance this process. By using Nephelometers and 

Aerosol Particle Sizing equipment, elastic scattering can be measured and the absorption rates determined. 

Acoustic/Electro-Optics Propagation Range Site 

(AEOPRS) - Blossom Point, MD 

The AEOPRS provides a pair of ranges to conduct experiments on 

the environmental effects on acoustic/EO propagation. The ranges 

can be instrumented to measure the atmospheric conditions/signals 

propagated through the complex environment: in particular, a littoral regime. The AEOPRS provides the ability to collect detailed 

meteorological/acoustic/EO data for the development of state-ofthe-art models and the evaluation of current acoustic/EO models. 

Mobile Acoustic Source (MOAS) 

MOAS is a system with environmental capabilities that exist in no 

other system in the world. It is a pneumatic loudspeaker system 

that allows scientists to verify acoustic models of atmospheric 

effects. The system is a true exponential horn. It generates sound 

sufficient for testing acoustic propagation of sources. 

Environmental Sensing and Optical Spectroscopy 

Research Facility 

This facility is used to devise optical methodologies for the detection of chemical/biological hazards and for laser spectroscopy 

research. Equipment capability spans the UV into the infrared to 

include a titanium sapphire laser with wavelength doubling and 

tripling capabilities and a unique optical parametic oscillator-based 

laser system which can simultaneously produce “laser” emissions. 

Optical spectroscopy done includes UV, visible and NIR absorption, enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, luminescence and fluorescence 

spectroscopy and photothermal interferometry. 

Explosive Detonation Simulator 

Acoustic impulses can be produced with a prescribed amplitude 

and shape that simulates the blast wave on the ground. Adjustable 

chamber properties control the acoustic impulse amplitude and 

wave shape. Other impulses can be simulated. This high amplitude 

impulse capability can reproduce the capacity of a series of high 

amplitude acoustic detectors requiring an acoustic impulse source 

in excess of the sound pressure levels produced by available speakers. 

Ballistic Pendulum Facility 

This facility is an outdoor experimental facility that is used to investigate the response of gun propellant to KE and CE munitions and 

sympathetic detonation of gun propellant. This facility features a 

unique combination of equipment, including cinematographic radiography that provides a capability of detonating up to 100 pounds 

of explosive for a single experiment. 

Ion Implantation Facility 

Novel ion surface treatments and coating techniques for Army 

material such as machine tools and parts subject to corrosive or 

high-wear environments are devised and proven out at this facility. 

This technology provides significant improvements in the quality 

of protective coating techniques, such as cadmium and chromium 

plating. This ion-implantation process has proven to be environmentally acceptable compared to cadmium, chromium and other 

heavy metal plating processes, which collectively account for 90 

percent of the hazardous wastes generated by all electroplating 

processes within DoD. 

Electro-Optical Data Acquisition and Tracking System 

(EDATS) 

The EDATS dynamically tracks and measures target signatures. 

It consists of an instrumentation van integrated with an automated tracking pedestal capable of controlling the operation of six 

electro-optical (EO) missile seekers in a captive track arrangement. 

The EDATS is equipped with IR through UV spectrometers, 

radiometers, and images to obtain signatures of targets, CM and 

backgrounds. Automatic target tracking is achieved with highly 

modified Chaparral AN/DAW-1B missile seeker or with digital 

and analog outputs from the control computer. 

Acoustic/Seismic Countermeasure Vehicle 

A modified stake-bed truck evaluates acoustic and seismic CM by 

functioning as an acoustic or seismic decoy and an acoustic jammer. 

An acoustic loudspeaker system, consisting of a 12-kilowatt power 

generator, subwoofer cabinets and power amplifiers can reproduce 

any signal within a frequency range of 40 to 200 Hz. A towed 

tank sprocket generates seismic energy simulating ground combat 

vehicles. A prerecorded target signature is radiated to simulate a 

moving ground vehicle target. To simulate an acoustic jammer, it 

radiates broadband noise to hide target vehicle acoustic signatures. 

Open-Loop Tracking Complex (OLTC) 

The OLTC explores electro-optical (EO) missile system responses 

to countermeasures environments using simulation scene techniques. The OLTC consists of an automated rate table with scene 

generation equipment that provides radiation from three broad 

band xenon arc lamps, target and decoy black bodies, and an HG/

DF chemical laser. Signal conditioning, signal recording, and data 

logging equipment augment data collection. Simulation studies to 

ascertain design weaknesses of an EO missile system design are 

conducted using an actual missile seeker or a breadboard electronic 

model of the seeker. 

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Mobile Atmospherics Effects Instrumentation 

A full suite of mobile instrumentation is used for the characterization of atmospheric effects and obscurants on EO systems. Information gained from the instrumentation is used in the analysis of 

optical performance characteristics and the vulnerability analysis of 

EO weapon systems operating in environments degraded by rain, 

snow, fog, dust, etc. and/or disseminated smoke obscurants. The capabilities that cover the visible, near-IR, far-IR and MMVV consist 

of sharing and imaging transmittance, particle size and distribution, 

Lidar, cloud growth and dynamics and unique meteorology. 

Profiler Testbed 

Profiler is the only mobile system in the world today that combines 

a real-time remote sounding capability with a near-real-time mesoscale model for analysis and forecasts over domains, all contained in 

a HMMWV shelter with trailer for the wind radar. Remote sensors include the wind radar, a passive microwave, a radiometer for 

temperature profiles (plus total water vapor and total liquid water) 

and a meteorological multiple satellite receiver. A local combined 

sounding can be produced as often as every five minutes. 

Directed Energy Anechoic Chamber 

This unique Army research facility consists of power anechoic 

chamber and one transverse electromagnetic cell for characterizing 

RF response of electronics to High Power Microwaves (HPM). Externally modulated high-power amplifiers and adapted radar sources 

provide CW and pulse modulated waveforms. Power levels vary and 

are supported in bands of common interest. 

Advanced Microanalysis Facility 

This facility provides the Army and DoD with a fully integrated 

capability for chemical and structural analysis of electronic materials 

and devices. Characterization measurements reach resolution on the 

atomic scale and elemental detection sensitivities to parts-per-billion levels. The facility contains surface and bulk characterization 

instrumentation. An additional function is failure analysis of failed 

critical military devices or systems. 

Light Gas Gun Facility 

This facility is used for sub-scale ballistic evaluations of the penetration mechanisms associated with various materials. It features 

1-MeV flash X-ray radiography, high-speed photography, and laser 

interferometry, which provide detailed information on target-penetrator interactions. Many of the experiments are conducted using 

the “reverse ballistics” approach where a target is launched into a 

penetrator. 

Partnership

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is partnering and collaborating with academia, industry and other government organizations 

through a variety of continuing and new innovative programs. Our 

intent is to maximize the use of our limited research dollars by 

leveraging the resource investments of our partners using a variety of approaches among which are contracts, grants, cooperative 

agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements 

(CRDAs), etc. Our interactions can be with individual organizations or with multiple organizations across the S&T community. 

Extramural Research

ARL has a strong linkage to the academic community through 

the Single Investigator Program, the Multidisciplinary University 

Research Initiative (MURI) Program, and University Affiliated 

Research Centers (UARCs). In FY06, ARL anticipates an extramural basic research program with over 900 Single Investigator and 

60 MURI grants and contracts to over 275 academic partners in 

almost all 50 states. This extramural research seeks to discover and 

exploit new scientific opportunities and technology breakthroughs 

in the physical sciences (physics, chemistry, life sciences), the engineering sciences (mechanical, electrical, materials, environmental) 

and mathematics and information sciences (mathematics, computing and informational sciences). ARL will continue to work closely 

with its three University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) 

partners addressing basic research in Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, and Electromagnetics/Hypervelocity Physics and its four 

Centers of Excellence (COEs) in Materials, Microelectronics, Flexible Displays, and Army High Performance Computing Research 

Center (AHPCRC). 

Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs)

ARL has five Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs) in the 

areas of Advanced Sensors, Advanced Decision Architectures, 

Communications and Networks, Power and Energy, and Robotics. 

The CTAs involve partnerships between industry (lead), academia, 

small business, HBCU/MIs, and ARL and leverage the large 

investments being made by the commercial sector in basic research 

areas of interest to the Army. 

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) 

ARL works with the small business community through the Small 

Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. The SBIR programs 

provides small business an opportunity to provide high-quality 

research of innovative concepts to solve Army/Department of Defense (DoD) related scientific or engineering problems, especially 

those concepts that also show high potential for commercial use. 

ARL will award over 100 contracts for Phase I, Phase II, or Phase 

II plus efforts in FY06. 

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Cooperative Research and Development Agreements 

(CRDA) 

ARL has over 40 active CRDAs with industry in FY06. CRDAs 

are formal agreements under which one or more Federal Laboratories and one or more non-Federal partners such as, business, industry, academia, state or local government, or foundations agree to 

work on a research or development project of mutual interest with 

a predetermined duration. All parties may contribute personnel, 

services, facilities, equipment, and other property to this joint effort. 

However, only the non-Federal entities are allowed to contribute 

funding.

Test Service Agreements (TSA)

ARL maintains world class facilities, recognized by our industry 

partners, where they are willing to pay ARL for their use. A Test 

Service Agreement (TSA) is a technology transfer mechanism 

that enables Federal Laboratories to perform work for hire. Title 

10 U.S. Code 2539b authorizes Federal Laboratory directors and 

commanders to make testing services available to private industry. 

ARL’s use of test service agreements have grown over the last few 

years from approximately 24 TSAs and $0.8 million in FY03 to 40 

TSAs and $4.2 million in FY05. In FY06, we anticipate continued 

growth of TSA support.

International Collaboration 

ARL is working with international partners through 23 bilateral 

arrangements such as Data/Information Exchange Annexes in materials, with the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea, ballistics 

with Germany, UK and France, and sensors with Sweden, Germany 

and UK, and Project Agreements, such as acoustics with Israel and 

EM gun with UK. ARL also works with international partners 

multi-laterally through membership in The Technical Cooperation 

Program (TTCP) Action Groups in sensors, weapons, materials, 

human resources and performance, etc. In addition, ARL works 

closely with the RDECOM managed U. S. Army International 

Technology Centers to identify emerging technologies from foreign 

S&T sources for application to Army materiel requirements.

Network and Information Systems (ITA) 

ARL is spearheading an innovative approach to international 

cooperative research and development through creation of an 

International Technology Alliance (ITA) with the United Kingdom 

Ministry of Defense (MOD). Under the ITA, the US and UK will 

establish a jointly funded and managed consortium of industry and 

university partners to conduct fundamental research in the area of 

Network and Information Sciences. The objective of the ITA is 

to exploit the synergistic combination of four important technical 

areas (Network Theory, Security Across a System of Systems, Sensor Information Processing and Delivery and Distributed Coalition 

Planning and Decision Making). This will support the full spectrum 

of missions required of today’s military forces including humanitarian support, peacekeeping and full combat operations in any kind of 

terrain, but especially in complex and urban terrain.

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Capabilities at a Glance

Ground Vehicle Research Facility 

Tactical Environmental Simulation Facility (TESF) 

Advanced Material Growth and Processing Facility 

Specialty Electronic Materials Devices Class 100 & Class 10 

Cleanroom Research Facility 

High-Temperature Power Electronics Facility 

Nonlinear Materials Characterization Facility 

Power Conditioning Research Facility 

Millimeter-Wave Instrumentation Test Facility 

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Research Facility 

Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) 

Image Processing/Target Recognition and Signature Modeling 

Facility 

Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Anechoic Chamber 

Signature Research Facility 

Electric Field Cage 

Electromagnetics Research Facility (EMRF) 

Magnetics Research Facility (MRF) 

Mobility/Portability Research Facility 

Electrochemical Facility 

Display Materials Research Facility 

Ultra Wideband (UWB) Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) 

Testbed 

Transonic Experimental Research Facility 

Cannon-Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher Facility 

Large-Caliber Terminal Ballistics Facility 

Enclosed Small and Medium-Caliber Firing Experimental 

Facility 

Shaped-Charge Research and Shear-Forming Press Facility 

EFP Terminal Effects Research Facility 

Aerodynamics Experimental Research Facility 

High-Rate Mechanical Characterization Facility 

High-G Gun Launch Simulation Facility 

Vertical Impulse Measurement Facility (VIMF) 

Composites Processing Research Facilities 

Materials Characterization Facility 

Target Assembly Facility 

Armor Experimental Facility 

Munitions Survivability Facility 

Large and Small-Caliber Armor Research Facility 

Nanobiotechnology Facility 

Dismounted Infantry Survivability and Lethality Testbed 

(DISALT) 

Acoustic Anechoic Chamber 

Shooter Performance Research Facility 

Environment for Auditory Research (EAR) facility 

Cognitive Assessment, Simulation, and Engineering Laboratory (CASEL) 

Novel Energetic Research Facility (NERF) 

Intelligent Optics Laboratory 

Experimental Facility 6 (EF6) 

Small Arms Experimental Facility 20 

Electro-Optical (EO) Countermeasures Missile Flight 

Simulator 

Electro-Optical Vulnerability Analysis Facility (EOVAF) 

Information Operations Facility 

Air Defense Electronic Warfare Facility 

Test Environmental Certification Complex (TECC) 

Field Mobile Management System (FMMS) 

Electronic Warfare Signature Measurement Facility 

Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC) 

ARL’s Scientific Visualization Laboratory Facility (including 

Multimedia Laboratory) 

Information Assurance (IA) Facility 

Visualization Augmentation Laboratory for User Experiments 

(VALUE) Facility 

Aerosol Laser Facility 

Acoustic/Electro-Optics Propagation Range Site (AEOPRS) 

- Blossom Point, MD 

Mobile Acoustic Source (MOAS) 

Environmental Sensing and Optical Spectroscopy Research 

Facility 

Explosive Detonation Simulator 

Ballistic Pendulum Facility 

Ion Implantation Facility 

Electro-Optical Data Acquisition and Tracking System 

(EDATS) 

Acoustic/Seismic Countermeasure Vehicle 

Open-Loop Tracking Complex (OLTC) 

Mobile Atmospherics Effects Instrumentation 

Profiler Testbed 

Directed Energy Anechoic Chamber 

Advanced Microanalysis Facility 

Light Gas Gun Facility 

Army Research Laboratory (ARL)
Communications-Electronics Research, 

Development and Engineering Center 

(CERDEC)
45

Communications-Electronics 

Research, Development and 

Engineering Center (CERDEC)

FT. Monmouth, NJ 07703-5209

Mission

To develop and integrate Command, Control, Communications, 

Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C4ISR) 

Technologies that enable Information Dominance and Decisive 

Lethality for the Networked Warfighter. 

History

The Communications-Electronics Research, Development and 

Engineering Center (CERDEC) originally was part of the Army 

Materiel Command’s (AMC) subordinate Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), headquartered and primarily located 

at Fort Monmouth, NJ. In 2002, the Research, Development and 

Engineering Command (RDECOM) was established under the 

direction of AMC Commander General Paul J. Kern and stood 

up on October 1, 2002. The mission of this new command was to 

develop and mature technologies that sustained America’s Army as 

the premier land force in the world. To accomplish that mission, 

operational control of the R&D activities of AMC’s Major Subordinate Commands were transferred to RDECOM. This included 

the CECOM RD&E Center (CECOM RDEC), which was 

renamed the CERDEC. Additionally, portions of the CECOM 

Logistics and Readiness Center (sustainment engineering) and the 

CECOM Software Engineering Center (software engineering) 

transferred to RDECOM / CERDEC. Today, the CERDEC is 

the Army’s information technologies and integrated systems R&D 

center. The Command and Control Directorate, Intelligence and 

Information Warfare Directorate, Night Vision and Electronic 

Sensors Directorate and Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate work together to develop and integrate command, control, 

communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies that enable information dominance 

and decisive lethality for the networked Warfighter.

Installation Overview

The majority of the CERDEC’s facilities are distributed across 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. CERDEC Headquarters and most of the 

CERDEC’s personnel are located in the Myer Center in the Camp 

Charles Wood area. Southwest of Fort Monmouth, the CERDEC 

Flight Activity utilizes a hanger at nearby Naval Air Engineering 

Station, Lakehurst, NJ. Additionally, test ranges and a total of five 

buildings are used at Fort Dix, NJ to conduct C4ISR on-the-move 

experimentation.

CERDEC’s Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) along with portions of the Command and Control 

Directorate and Product Realization Directorate reside on a portion 

of Fort Belvoir, VA. that includes 25 buildings. The NVESD also 

has a range facility at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. 

Contact Information

Office of Public Affairs

Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703

(732) 532-5225

http://www.monmouth.army.mil/CRDC/

Capabilities

CERDEC Headquarters (CERDEC HQ)

The CERDEC Government Integration Center (GIC) 

The CERDEC Government Integration Center (GIC) provides a 

centralized, fully equipped, flexible C4ISR engineering test bed to 

examine and evaluate the capabilities of emerging C4ISR technologies in a System of Systems environment. The GIC capabilities 

include a modeling and simulation environment, a full suite of 

Legacy ABCS Systems, worldwide connectivity, as well as personnel skilled in the various disciplines required to maintain the 

systems and infrastructure. Communications include connectivity to Fort Dix NJ, DREN, SDREN, SIPRNET, Boeing LabNet, 

CERDEC directorates, and Battle Labs as well as the capability to 

reach virtually anywhere in the world. The GIC is currently being 

used to support the integration and test of FCS C4ISR systems for 

the on-the-move demonstrations.

Command and Control Directorate (C2D)

The C2D develops, applies, integrates and demonstrates advanced 

command and control systems and related enabling technologies, 

including generation of advanced command and control systems 

and architectural concepts; integration of battle command intelligence and logistics databases; C4I modeling/simulation; prototype 

development; and development of battlefield visualization, decision 

aid, collaboration, navigation, power generation and environmental 

control technologies.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
46

C2D Power Source Research, Development, Test, and 

Evaluation Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory consists of uniquely integrated facilities used for 

the research, development and testing of all military portable power 

sources. The facilities are also used to validate and test new prototype sources from Army, DOD, other government agencies and 

commercial laboratories.

C2D Test and Evaluation Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

 This laboratory contains environmentally controlled systems and 

electrochemical test equipments for evaluating the electrochemical 

performance, safety and physical characteristics of power sources 

including batteries, chargers, solar panels, fuel cells and Stirling 

engines. The facility is networked with other DoD and government 

R&D activities, commercial vendors and academia and is unique in 

its design to test power sources over the full environmental operational range from desert to arctic conditions. The facility supports 

OEF/OIF by validating production battery requirements in desert 

environmental conditions.

C2D Power Source Research and Development 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory contains specialized electrochemical material and 

test equipments, including a custom one percent relative humidity 

dry room which houses the battery pilot line fabrication facility for 

building prototype military batteries to unique requirements. This 

laboratory develops high-energy, reliable, cost effective advanced 

battery and portable power solutions for the Soldier. The laboratory is used to test commercial technology and novel electrochemical 

systems and to evaluate their use for improvement of Army power 

solutions. The laboratory has the ability to test prototype power 

sources against simulated operational equipment duty cycles and to 

perform failure and postmortem analysis of prototype and production cells and batteries.

C2D Power Generation Laboratory – 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is primarily used to design, fabricate and develop 

JP-8 fuel burning power systems. It is geared to conduct power 

quality testing to MIL-STD-705 and performance, endurance and 

fuel consumption testing of power components and systems. It also 

provides for environmental testing of engines, generators, fuel cells 

and environmental control units weighing up to 5,000 pounds.

C2D Environmental Control Development/Test 

Laboratory – Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility is used to develop, test and evaluate environmental 

control systems and the Standardized Integrated Command Post 

air conditioner.

C2D Fuel Cell Technology Laboratory – 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory serves as a test and evaluation center for both 

low-power (0-500W) and mid-power (500W-5000W) fuel cell 

systems.

C2D Environmental Test Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility is used to simulate many of the harsh environments 

that military equipments must withstand. The facility is capable 

of performing MIL-STD 810 Environmental Testing in order to 

simulate the induced environments of vibration, shock, explosion, as 

well as climatic environments such as extreme temperature, humidity, combined environmental reliability testing, salt, fog, altitude, 

rain, wind and immersion as encountered in ground and airborne 

platforms. Cable flex, battery violent vent, and tension/compression testing also can be performed.

C2D Fabrication Facility - Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility houses specialty shops that provide Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) precision sheet metal work, welding operations, and conventional and CNC controlled machining operations, 

all in connection with the fabrication, assembly and installation 

of developmental and prototype assemblies for C4ISR systems 

integration programs.

C2D Systems Engineering Integration Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory provides an environment for the bench top integration of mission equipment suites. This laboratory integration 

allows for the configuration, testing and experimentation of the 

system components and interconnections while changes can be easily made prior to the integration of the mission equipment into the 

shelters or vehicles.

C2D Integration Facility - Fort. Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides quick reaction systems integration capabilities, 

from unique prototype and experimental systems to limited run 

integration of fully-released tactical C4ISR shelter systems. Available facilities include: fully configured integration bays including 

power hookups for burn in and operational test of shelter/vehicle 

systems; storage rooms and cages for secure stowage of specialized 

test equipment as well as equipment awaiting installation; crane 

equipment for installation of military shelters onto vehicles; and 

classroom space for training on newly installed equipment and 

complete C4ISR shelter/vehicle systems. The electrical integration 

section provides shop space and workbenches for the fabrication, 

assembly, integration, troubleshooting and testing of cable assemblies, electro-mechanical subassemblies and C4ISR systems. This 

area also includes a paint shop and a small carpentry shop that 

provides a woodworking capability in order to fabricate, among 

other things, shelter system work surfaces and custom shipping 

containers.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
47

C2D Inventory Control, Parts and Materiel Handling 

Facility – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides computer-based project inventory control in 

support of the C4ISR systems integration programs. This facility 

serves as the central area for shipping/receiving and controlling of 

purchased parts, in-house fabricated parts being staged for pending shipment to the subcontractor for chemical conversion and/or 

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating painting, returned parts from 

finishing operations and inventory control for all parts awaiting 

platform integration at the integration facility. Additionally, it provides a means for the shipment preparation for the final products to 

customers and/or end users.

C2D Virtual Prototyping Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory houses a PC-based, immersive 3-D technology for 

engineering design staff and customers to make better-informed 

C4ISR equipment layout decisions prior to the physical build. 

This virtual reality system provides an interactive environment that 

assists in the design review before fabrication and physical prototyping is started and allows customers to determine, generate and 

document system requirements for future and notional C4ISR 

systems. Virtual reality is also being considered for training, where 

the maintainer and system integrator can learn the system through 

the immersive 3-D models long before the physical prototype is 

available.

C2D Improved Data Modem (IDM) Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility consists of a laboratory to support PM Aviation Mission Equipment (AME) on all test issues related to the IDM such 

as: integration testing of current IDM hardware/software releases, 

rapid response testing on platform developer integration issues, 

design/fabrication of Ground Test Sets and Mini Test Sets for platform integrators and maintenance and support of test sets and the 

design/fabrication of special purpose cabling to support platform 

integrators and PM AME.

C2D High-Frequency (HF) Tracker Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory provides for software development, maintenance, 

testing and training of the HF Tracker program. The HF Tracker 

system is a beyond line of sight flight-following system that 

integrates airborne HF radios into the tactical internet while also 

providing an end-user command and control capability to nondigital units. The system is currently fielded to OIF and OEF units 

by PM Aviation Mission Equipment. The laboratory consists of 

an HF radio network, tactical computer systems, and a commercial 

software development environment. It is used by C2D software 

developers, ARL human factors personnel, Software Engineering 

Directorate trainers, Logistics Readiness Center testers and PM 

AME support contractors.

C2D Simulation and C2 information Systems 

Connectivity Experiments (SINCE) Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop decision-support technologies and prototype applications for commanders and staff. These 

technologies and prototypes range in maturity from Technology 

Readiness Level (TRL) two to five. They are integrated with more 

mature software to include COTS and GOTS for tests, operational 

experiments and evaluations to determine how well they perform 

on the battlefield and meet the commander’s information needs. 

The laboratory is also used for tests and demonstrations with industry and coalition partners. The laboratory is arranged like a tactical 

operations center with staff cells, a war room and dedicated external 

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Internet connection to Germany 

and ESG (German SINCE Contractor). It provides unique realtime automated interoperability and information exchange between 

C2 systems of multi-national brigade, battalion and echelons below.

C2D Battle Command Laboratory - 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop advanced decision aid software 

for collaborative, execution-centric and mobile command and 

control. The laboratory supports software planning, collaboration, execution and mission analysis services for Joint Command 

and Control ( JC2) that aid commanders and staff at brigade and 

echelons above. These services provide a seamless collaboration 

between higher echelon and lower units, tailor and manage the flow 

of information between horizontal and vertical infrastructures via 

net-centric managed connectors and increase the speed and quality 

of command decisions. They allow the commander to assign highlevel inputs like missions, tasks and decision criteria in order to produce detailed plans, monitor dependencies and allocate resources.

C2D Tactical Internet Model (TIM) Suite Laboratory 

- Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used for the development of C4I simulation 

software. This simulation software simulates and stimulates Army 

C3 systems during field exercises and tests. The primary customer 

is Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC) at Fort Hood, Texas. 

The software models the lower tactical internet including EPLRS 

and SINCGARS radio nets, and generates realistic message traffic 

for simulated platforms. 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
48

C2D Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) 

Laboratory - Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop, demonstrate, model, simulate and 

integrate new technologies and system concepts in the areas of positioning, navigation, frequency control and timing. The laboratory 

contains the two Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite Simulators (GSS), the CECOM Integrated GPS Navigation Model 

(CIGNM) and the Precision Navigation System (PNS). The GPS 

Satellite Simulators can emulate GPS satellites with trajectories 

that model various platforms and missions and can generate interfering sources such as jammers. CIGNM is a PC based navigation 

system simulation used to evaluate navigation system performance 

within numerous system configurations using different platforms 

and trajectories and operating in all types of environments such as 

jamming and terrain masking. The Precision Navigation System 

is a data acquisition and analysis tool used for evaluating advanced 

navigation components, systems and technology. It includes an 

accurate navigation reference, interfaces to accept data from a wide 

variety of systems under test and a comparison capability to evaluate 

the accuracy of the system under test. Also included in the laboratory are frequency control and timing measurement systems used to 

measure piezoelectric material properties and resonator and oscillator performance under various environmental conditions.

C2D C4ISR Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is an advanced visualization facility that combines 

high-resolution active-stereoscopic projection technology and 3-D 

computer graphics to create the illusion of immersion in a virtual 

environment. The facility is used to develop, analyze, and evaluate 

emerging C4ISR concepts for potential use in virtual, immersive 

environments.

C2D Rapid Operational Virtual Reality (ROVR) 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory houses a brigade or battalion deployable miniCAVE.

C2D Interactive Speech Technology (IST) Laboratory 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop interactive speech technology 

including speech recognition and synthesis. The facility is comprised of a reverberant chamber and an anechoic chamber utilized 

for the characterization of various audio transducer technologies. 

The facility boasts an extensive library of military vehicle acoustic 

environment recordings useful for equipment performance evaluations and intelligibility testing. The laboratory possesses the worlds 

only high noise robust, speaker dependent, natural speech recognizers, including other key technology concepts in advanced speech 

recognition technology.

C2D Machine Foreign Language Technology (MFLT) 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop, accelerate and integrate 

the full spectrum of language translation technologies prior 

to fielding.

C2D Command and Control of Robotics Entities 

Software Development Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory is used to develop advanced decision aid software 

for the collaborative, execution-centric command and control of robotic entities. This laboratory supports the development of tactical 

decision aid software services for the Future Combat System (FCS) 

Brigade Combat Team (BCT) with potential transition into current 

force command and control systems.

Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate 

(I2WD) – Fort Monmouth, NJ

The I2WD conducts research, development, engineering and 

integration functions to ensure information dominance by providing enemy situation awareness, targeting, and electronic combat 

technology to the warfighter. Areas addressed include intelligence, 

surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, ISR processing, electronic warfare, air/ground survivability (force protection), information operations, and ISR modeling and simulation (M&S).

I2WD Fabrication/Integration and Fielding Facility 

(FIFF) – Fort Monmouth, NJ

The FIFF is a 6,000 square-foot high bay area and a fully equipped 

facility for development and integration. The function of the fabrication/integration and fielding facility is to build proof-of-concept 

prototype systems for field testing and deployment. The goal of the 

FIFF is to provide cost-effective support of the I2WD community.

I2WD Anechoic Chamber – Fort Monmouth, NJ

The Anechoic Chamber facility is completely shielded, tested and 

certified to 110 dB of isolation. Outfitted with a state-of-the-art 

microwave measurement system, the facility is capable of performing tests quickly without sacrificing accuracy and sensitivity. The 

construction on a 20 foot by 18 foot door into the anechoic chamber has recently been completed. This allows vehicles to be moved 

into the chamber for system and EMI tests.

I2WD Seeker Effects Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

A Seeker Effects and an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Jam 

Lab, this facility offers electro-optic, infrared and laser infrastructure and facilities that afford: air and ground EO/IR threat exploitation and analysis; source to tracker/seeker effect analysis; jammer/source development and evaluation; countermeasure techniques 

development; digital IR missile modeling and simulation; closedloop IR missile fly-out countermeasure evaluation and analysis.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
49

CERDEC Flight Activity – Lakehurst NAES, NJ

The CERDEC Flight Activity provides the opportunity to conduct 

flight tests of C4ISR payloads for proof-of-concept and risk reduction. Specialized equipment is available to integrate payloads onto 

the air vehicles. The following platforms are available: UH-1H, 

UH-60A Blackhawk, C-12, C-23, and RC-12.

I2WD Quick Reaction Capability SIGINT Integration 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This laboratory provides the Army intelligence community an 

infrastructure for the development and deployment of hardware 

technologies and equipment in support of survey and contingency 

operations.

I2WD Survivability Integration Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

The CERDEC Survivability Integration Laboratory (SIL) provides a unique Army facility supporting Platform protection, Area 

protection and Combat Identification technologies. The SIL facility 

hosts experimental and developmental systems, fielded systems, 

and digital models, and allows users to evaluate Electronic Warfare (EW) system characteristics in a controlled environment, test 

and evaluate the interoperability of EW systems, and develop and 

explore advanced concepts. The SIL provides a user the capability to 

simulate tactical scenarios and use either high-fidelity survivability 

sensor models or actual systems.

I2WD TROJAN Integration Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides the capability to develop, prototype and 

integrate upgrades for the TROJAN family of intelligence dissemination systems. Upgrades can be tested via connectivity to other 

TROJAN systems throughout the world.

I2WD Distributed Common Ground Station – 

Army (DCGS-A) Software Integration Laboratory 

(SIL) – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This Government-managed integration activity facilitates software 

integration for DCGS-A Spiral four and five Initiatives. Provides 

the ability to evaluate technology solutions from Industry (and 

Government Programs), assist the Combat Developer in evaluating 

concepts and requirements, and assist in specification development 

and acquisition strategy for the DCGS-A Program. Promotes Innovation and showcases products and capabilities from Industry, 

Government, and Academia. The DCGS-A SIL provides Small 

Business Opportunities and a transition point for Army Science 

& Technology (6.3/TRL 5+) fusion initiatives. DCGS-A SIL 

is a federated virtual laboratory compliant with DIS/HLA and 

SMART protocols.

I2WD Digital Signals Processing & System Analysis 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility enables I2WD engineering personnel to perform 

SIGINT prototype system level integration and testing. Engineers 

use the lab to fully characterize and verify the RF performance of 

delivered systems. Integration of new components and subsystems, 

developed under R&D, is also performed to enhance / upgrade system capabilities. The lab is equipped with a suite of test equipment, 

analog and digital, to conduct a variety of tests. The lab includes 

distributed antenna feeds for ‘live’ signal testing and a comprehensive signal ‘library’ to perform simulated signal testing. The lab also 

hosts the proper suite of digital signal processing software and work 

stations to develop signal processing algorithms and processing 

software.

I2WD Fusion Technology Test Bed – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides a means for conducting Multi-INT Exploitation. Develop collaboration tools that span across echelons (e.g., 

division/brigade combat team) and Battlefield Operating Systems 

(e.g., Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) /All Source 

Analysis System (ASAS)). The Operators are provided with a set of 

tools that help with the spatial and temporal correlation. Includes 

SIGINT visualization of emitter tracks, automated critical node 

analysis, imagery intel (IMINT)/RADAR Moving Target Indicator (MTI) /visual MTI support of Common Operating Picture 

(COP) /Common Relative Picture (CRP), synchronized MASINT 

detection and analysis, Organic sensor /platform management and 

planning for Small Unit UAVs, robotic rensors, and robotic fire 

platforms, sensor support for pre-deployment, knowledge generation, acquisition of targets, sensing for force protection, and the 

surveillance ‘Gap’ between brigade combat team and division.

I2WD High Fidelity Digital Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides an Information Operations Test Range 

(IOTR) allowing the Army to stay abreast of advances in computing and network technologies. The IOTR is designed to support 

research, development, design, testing, verification and validation, 

modeling, simulation and analysis capabilities in a distributed communications and networked environment. The IOTR is designed 

to operate at different classification levels, and has the capability to 

replicate real-world communications. By doing so, in depth analysis 

can be conducted on the interdependencies of communications 

protocols that make up current wired to wireless communications 

systems.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
50

I2WD High Fidelity (HI FI) Wireless Test Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides a state-of-the-art infrastructure to support 

research and development efforts requiring testing and analysis 

of wireless networks, protocols and the wireless RF environment. 

Additionally, the HI FI Wireless lab team provides support to a 

wide range of DOD customers with expert wireless analysis backed 

by genuine telecom and data communications network engineering 

experience in the HI FI Wireless Test Facility. The ultimate goal of 

this state-of-the-art facility is to provide the war fighter a facility 

that can effectively replicate and represent the RF environment of 

any potential area of operations through out the world. The HI FI 

wireless test facility will enable RDT&E of specific capabilities 

and associated tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for any 

Electronic Warfare (EW) capability involving tele/data communications to support Information Operations.

I2WD High Fidelity Wireless Test Facility II 

(HI FI II) – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides a small RF enclosure for initial engineering testing in the HI FI lab. This chamber supplements testing 

performed in the Anechoic Chamber 

I2WD IED Characterization and Exploitation 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides electronic forensics, RF, and operational 

characterization on radio controlled IEDs (RCIEDs). Technical 

data and information on the communications equipment as well as 

triggering mechanisms are documented. Another part of the lab’s 

mission is to influence the design of emerging countermeasure systems and the development of detection/neutralization techniques.

I2WD Counter-IED Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides the capability to perform RDT&E of Counter-IED systems and prototypes in a controlled, instrumented, 

synthetic and actual environment.

I2WD Laser & Counter-Infrared (IR) IED Laboratory 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides the capability to research, develop, test & 

evaluate new techniques for Tank survivability and IR Improvised 

Explosive Device protection.

I2WD Radar & Counter-RCIED/Electronic 

Countermeasures (ECM) Applications Laboratory 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility provides RDT&E of platform protection, area protection and Combat Identification Technologies. The Lab focuses on 

currently fielded systems, the testing and evaluating of emerging 

systems and test and analysis of benefits of future concepts and 

technologies on survivability. The Lab concentrates on Airborne 

survivability against Radar controlled missiles and Ground survivability against Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

I2WD Modeling & Simulation Computing Facility 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility makes available an operational, modeling and simulation environment that will provide the S&T and User Communities an ability to host their products for RDT&E, experimentation 

and demonstration.

I2WD Information Dominance Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility enhances I2WD’s ability to collaborate and leverage 

vast amounts of intelligence and information in a timely manner. I2WD’s IDF is part of the IDC Network (IDCNet), an 

encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunneling through the 

Joint World-Wide Intelligence Communication System ( JWICS), 

which allows for collaboration across the global IDC enterprise.

I2WD Modern Communications Shielded Enclosure 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility contains a radio frequency (RF) shielded enclosure for 

equipment and prototype testing. The RF screen room is required 

to prevent RF transmissions inside the Sensitive Compartmented 

Information Facility and to prevent unauthorized eavesdroppers 

from intercepting the transmissions. In addition this room is a 

dedicated facility for the processing, storage, and classified discussion of Special Projects Office program materials.

I2WD Radar Development Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility serves as an evaluation and software integration facility 

for radar development and baseline performance assessment. The 

lab contains analysis tools for radar performance, exploitation performance and tracker performance within a simulated environment 

and with real sensor data. The lab also provides state-of-the-art 

exploitation tools and interfaces, for live demonstration and utility 

assessments.

I2WD Special Projects Office (SPO) 

Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility contains equipment for RDT&E of specialized surveillance equipment for special customers.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
51

I2WD Sense-through-the-Wall (STTW) 

Facility – Fort Monmouth, NJ

This facility is used for conducting RDT&E of handheld and 

robotic Sense-through-the-Wall (STTW) systems in static and 

motion detection modes, against stationary and moving objects and 

people. The facility includes all types of wall types (brick, cement, 

cement block, adobe, drywall and wooden) and density. Engineering, checkout or beta tests of nascent STTW technology may 

include am enclosed structure, a freestanding structure or even no 

structure at all initially. The I2WD test facility supports the changing of variables such as type and thickness of structure and standoff distance, and is completely controlled and instrumented. The 

STTW test facility is the only one of its kind and is crucial in helping the community understand the physics of the STTW problem 

with respect to types and shapes of targets (UXO, CW/CE, people, 

etc) vs non-targets (filing cabinets, metal safes, animals, etc) and 

the components of the technology (power, pulse, distance, Doppler, 

UWB, SAR, etc).

Night Vision and Electronic Sensors 

Directorate (NVESD)

The NVESD conducts research and development to provide the 

Warfighter with advanced sensor technology that will acquire and 

target enemy forces; detect and neutralize mines, minefields and 

unexploded ordnances; deny enemy surveillance and acquisition 

through electro-optics, camouflage, concealment, and deception 

techniques; provide for night driving and pilotage; and, protect 

troops and fixed installations from enemy intrusion.

NVESD IR Detector Fabrication Clean Room Facility 

- Fort Belvoir, VA

Housing both an ISO Class 5 clean room and a ‘white’ room, this 

facility is used to fabricate both cooled and uncooled infrared 

detectors and is at the forefront of the 3rd Gen focal plane array 

development participating with the FPA industry through Cooperative Research & Development Agreements CRDAs to develop 

semi-conductor processing techniques for multi-color detector 

structures. Photolithographic and metalization capabilities allow 

detector array patterning, reticulation, and contact metalization of 

grown samples. The ‘white’ room provides packaging and discrete 

device testing facilities.

NVESD Advanced Sensor Evaluation Facility (ASEF) 

- Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility characterizes sensors in such a way as to directly 

measure the relevant parameter used in the model during model 

development. Perception testing to determine the effect of sensor 

artifacts on human perception and hence field performance and 

design quality is performed in a series of specifically designed 

experiments.

NVESD Countermine Chemical Sensor Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility supports the research of chemical sensor development. 

The major focus will be on the detection of tactically buried land 

mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Other applications for 

chemical sensing technologies will also be explored. Space has 

been allocated for the trace chemical analysis laboratory and a gas 

chromatograph has been acquired for the detection and analysis of 

the trace quantities of explosives and their environmental degradation products that are leaked from land mines into surrounding air, 

ground water and soil.

NVESD Aviation R&D Sensors T&E Facility - Davison 

Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, VA

This unique in-house facility has the capability to integrate system 

technology into various Army aircraft and to test sensor systems in 

an airborne environment. Aircraft used are two DH-6 Twin Otters, 

YEH60B Blackhawk and UH-1 Huey. The facility also contains 

infrastructure specializing in aviation support for integration, development, test, data collection and demos of airborne assets.

NVESD Distributed Sensors Integration Facility (DSIF) 

- Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility supports the integration and demonstration of small, 

low cost, targeting and ID sensors with day/night capability that 

are networked together with software tools. Sensor systems are 

integrated in the DSIF for deployment aboard unmanned platforms 

(e.g., unattended ground sensors (UGS), unmanned ground vehicles 

(UGV), and small-unmanned aerial vehicles (s-UAV)) to provide 

situation awareness for the ground commander to fill in the gaps 

from overhead ISR assets.

NVESD Fabrication and Integration Facility - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility provides a comprehensive in-house manufacturing 

capability for prototypes, surrogates and components ranging from 

small high precision components up to armor steel and vehiclebased systems. It is Pro/Engineer 3-D CAD/CAM based and 

includes CNC machines and Abrasive Water Jet and Selective 

Laser Sintering (SLS) capabilities. It specializes in small quantity, 

custom, surveillance/optical systems and is fully equipped to construct and install prototype and surrogate items for R&D test beds.

NVESD Indoor Firing/Photometric Range Facility, Fort 

Belvoir, VA 

This 100 meter indoor range is used to test Night Vision weapon 

sights and head-mounted sensors under various light levels using 

all types of standard and advanced military weapons. It contains 

a fully secured weapons storage vault in which the weapons are 

maintained. 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
52

NVESD Mine Lanes Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

One of the few indoor mine lane facilities in the world, it consists 

of six indoor dry lanes and a greenhouse portion with six moisture 

controlled lanes. The dry lanes are each eight feet wide by 100 feet 

long holding six different soil types, the greenhouse lanes are eight 

feet wide by 60 feet long. The lanes are separated by non-metallic 

barriers. An overhead trolley system is used for mounting various 

mine detection sensors, and is fully automated and equipped with 

three axis motion control.

NVESD Optics Laboratory - Fort Belvoir, VA

A cornerstone of Night Vision since the 1960’s, this lab provides 

impartial optical testing and analysis for a wide application of 

systems from the visible to the LWIR. Recent upgrades include a 

video based MTF test system for visible, NIR, and LWIR. Other 

capabilities include measuring veiling glare, stray light, afocal 

magnification, distortion, field of view, focal length, and spectral 

transmission of filters.

NVESD Field Test Range Facilities – 

Fort A.P. Hill, VA

Facilities include an Observation Range (Obs), a Laser Range, a 

Mine Range (71A), and an Airborne Minefield Detection Range. 

The Obs Range contains a heliport with two pads and a hangar, 

and a twelve bay observation building overlooking an 800x3500 

meter long line-of-sight range with full instrumentation. The 

Laser Range supports safe testing of non-eyesafe lasers with four 

bays, an isolation platform and an elevated platform, and targets 

that can be deployed for ground and air testing at six discrete 

ranges. 71A is used for evaluation of ground-based mine detection 

and neutralization technologies. This 20-acre site is also used to 

evaluate the effects of mine blasts and fragmentation on personnel 

and equipment. The Airborne Minefield Detection Range is used 

to test and evaluate a variety of airborne sensors in detecting mines 

and minefields.

NVESD IR Detector Semiconductor Microfactory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

A revolutionary approach to the rapid prototyping of semiconductor materials for future infrared sensors, this processing line uses 

vapor phase processes carried out in high vacuum cluster equipment that prevents contamination of the microchips as occurs in 

conventional manufacturing lines. The Microfactory features the 

ability to carry out all fabrication steps: epitaxial growth, metallization, etching and passivation while maintaining a wafer in the 

protective environment of a high vacuum system. New materials 

and processes developed are transitioned to industry to fabricate 

infrared focal plane arrays for DoD.

NVESD Virtual Prototyping and Simulation (VPS) 

Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

A state-of-the-art facility that is used primarily to support advanced warfighting and technology assessment simulations, virtual 

reality experimentation, training support and video teleconferencing. Its capabilities are integrated with the Distributed Sensor 

Integration Facility (DSIF) to explore concepts of optimum sensor 

mixes and placements. High-end Silicon Graphics computers are 

used to generate the Paint-the-Night synthetic sensor simulation. 

The VPS is also physically linked with the CERDEC Combat Lab, 

the Mounted Maneuver Battle Lab at Ft. Knox KY, Army Research Lab, and other DoD R&D centers via the DREN (Defense 

Research and Engineering Network).

NVESD Prototype Infrared (IR) Focal Plan Array and 

IR Camera Characterization Lab - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is used for performance parameter characterization 

of advanced prototype cooled and uncooled mid-wave IR (MWIR) 

and long-wave IR (LWIR) staring focal plane arrays (FPAs) and 

MWIR and LWIR staring FPA-based prototype camera sensors.

NVESD Laser Laboratories - Fort Belvoir, VA

Nine laboratories dedicated to the development of compact, lightweight, low cost solid state lasers and laser-radars (LADAR) for 

Army applications. The laboratories include many optical benches 

with instrumentation for the development of novel diode pumped 

solid state lasers, laser materials research, prototype development 

and evaluation, and laser diode characterization. A clean room is 

available for critical laser assembly tasks.

NVESD S&T Rooftop Testing Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

This is a unique laser and infrared camera rooftop testing facility. It 

allows lasers and sensors to see without being blocked by buildings 

or vegetation. Additionally, another unique feature is the platform 

on the far side of the facility where sensors can be set up to look 

down onto a grass and wooded area for collection data from targets 

such as land mines and vehicles.

NVESD Image Intensifier Test Facility - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory has served government and industry since the 

inception of the Night Vision Laboratory by establishing and 

maintaining the standards for testing critical performance parameters in direct view night vision-imaging systems. System and 

subcomponent test capabilities include brightness gain, signal-tonoise, equivalent brightness input, modulation transfer function, 

limiting resolution, uniformity, spectral sensitivity, halo, visual quality, reliability, bright source protection, microchannel plate electron 

gain, resolution vs. light level, phosphor efficiency, and veiling glare. 

Imaging sensor test capabilities extend from the visible band to two 

microns enabling the characterization of noise and system performance in video-based sensors such as silicon and InGaAs.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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NVESD Display and Image Fusion Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory provides National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable test and analysis of direct view displays, 

miniature displays, and near-to-eye displays that includes monocular/binocular head mounted displays as well as weapon sights, 

viewfinders, and night vision goggles. The lab facilities also provide 

thermal and humidity environmental life testing for all the aforementioned displays as well as other vision system components. The 

image fusion laboratory collects temporally and spatially correlated 

visible, near IR and long wave IR sensor imagery.

NVESD Near/Short-Wave Infared Sensor Performance 

Characterization Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is a low-light level device evaluation laboratory. The 

laboratory has been designed to assess passive solid state FPAs, 

CMOS devices, hybrid tube devices, test structures as well as 

complete camera systems that operate in the visible, near infrared 

(NIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) spectral regions. The lab is 

equipped with both broadband and narrowband evaluation systems 

including calibrated 2856K blackbody sources capable of producing light levels from 10-6 to 10-1 Footcandles (or ~ 10-12 to 10-7 

W/cm2). These light levels are ideal for replicating the spectral irradiance of the night sky from overcast to full moon conditions.

NVESD Automated Sensor and Processor Evaluation 

Center (AutoSPEC) Facity - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility provides state-of-the-art technical evaluation of thermal sensors, processors, aided and automatic target recognizers and 

tracker equipment, and, in addition supports the data collections 

used for algorithm evaluations of aided target recognition systems. 

The facility supports all aspects of signal and image processing 

activities from data collections through algorithm development to 

algorithm evaluations and maturation. This facility has multiple 

terabyte SyneRAID storage systems and multiple multiprocessor and high performance workstations and servers in a climate 

controlled area. The SyneRAIDs and servers hold the terabytes of 

sensor data, ground truth, image metric databases, and algorithm 

analysis databases. The lab contains workstations for researchers to 

perform experiments, analysis, and evaluations of signal and image 

processing algorithms. Software tools developed specifically for the 

algorithm evaluations are resident on these stations.

NVESD Countermine Radar and Electromagnetic 

Induction (EMI) Laboratory - Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory provides for state-of-the-art in-house research of 

radar and electromagnetic induction sensors and is equipped with 

the tools and testing platforms necessary to evaluate commercially 

available and research-grade antennas and coils as well as investigate 

innovative new detection techniques. EMI research focuses on optimizing coil configurations, transmitter waveforms, and algorithms 

for detection and discrimination of mines, unexploded ordnance 

(UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IED). Radar research 

focuses on optimization of ground penetrating radar antennas with 

respect to signal gain, system resolution, and antenna footprint size.

NVESD Countermine Acoustics Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory supports the development of sensor technologies 

specifically for acoustic mine detection applications. Acoustic mine 

detection systems exploit the structural resonances of landmines to 

discern the location of a buried mine from an off-target measurement. Current research projects in the acoustics laboratory include 

the development of an ultrasonic displacement sensor, an investigation of ultrasonic parametric arrays as an alternative acoustic 

source, and a study of wave propagation in soils with the objective 

of optimally exciting landmine structural resonances. The acoustics 

laboratory is also developing an acoustic confirmation sensor, which 

will be capable of scanning a one square-meter area for landmines 

in 20 seconds or less.

NVESD Human Test and Perception Laboratory - Fort 

Belvoir, VA

This laboratory’s purpose is to contribute to scientific knowledge 

about the human visual system, behavior, and performance as it 

relates to the perception of imagery from electro-optical sensors. 

The perception approach is experimental, utilizing real thermal 

imagery, military subjects, and state-of-the-art computer systems. 

All perception studies relate directly to the development of better 

thermal systems and the optimization of system performance in 

effort to reduce fratricide. The lab also consists of two of a very 

limited number of ISCAN eye-tracking systems. These systems are 

used to better understand human eye-movements, such as the effects of thermal clutter during search and identification of a thermal 

scene. These experiments are performed in effort to collect human 

performance data and ultimately to validate the system models. The 

models mathematically describe a sensor’s capability and predict 

sensor performance.

NVESD DoD Smart Gate (SG) Facility - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility is an autonomous entry gate test bed built by NVESD 

in support of the Product Manager for Force Protection Systems. 

The goal of the SG Project is to reduce the number of guards 

required to check vehicles and personnel IDs, improve the flow of 

vehicles through access checkpoints, and verify access authorization 

of vehicles and personnel. Other technologies currently under test 

include swing-arm gates, magnetic disturbance proximity sensors, 

inductive loop sensors, and photo-electric light curtains

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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NVESD Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory - 

Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, VA

The UAV laboratory serves as the primary support facility for the 

integration, maintenance, and support of UAV sensor experimentation. NVESD maintains a number of in-house UAV test-bed aircraft including Small UAVs such as the Army’s Raven and Pointer, 

and larger VTOL UAV, and fixed wing UAV prototypes. Each of 

the UAV aircraft is special purpose modified for the purposes of 

experimentation, flight-testing, and demonstration of various types 

of sensor payloads.

NVESD Networking Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility houses the NVESD NIPRNET server farm including file servers for NVESD imagery, project space, E-mail servers, 

Print Servers, and, backup servers. The file servers contain over six 

Terabytes of digital terrain imagery that was collected with various 

NVESD sensors and some digital terrains. UNIX application servers use the imagery for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) experiments. The project space servers allow the NVESD engineers to 

write and store their M&S and Automated Target Recognition 

(ATR) algorithms.

NVESD High Bay Integration/Night Vision Device 

Repair Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

An integration and repair facility specializing in small quantity, 

custom-built, surveillance systems. The facility is fully equipped to 

construct and install prototype and surrogate items for R&D test 

beds, perform light machining operations, and repair night vision 

devices.

NVESD Countermine Prototype Systems Laboratory 

- Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory evaluates tele-operated or remotely controlled 

vehicle-based mine/IED detection and neutralization technologies. Technologies are evaluated for their effectiveness as remotelycontrolled data collection systems for operation at countermine 

field sites prior to field data collections. The laboratory is used to 

integrate and test different components onto the different systems 

that are being developed.

NVESD Countermine Systems Laboratory (CMSL) - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory fills a need for standardizing and maintaining 

characterizations of sensors deployed in countermine detection 

systems, as well as the characterization of the sensor signal and data 

acquired during testing. The laboratory is equipped to advance the 

state of the art of Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) technology applied to landmine detection; airborne sensor and data processing technology applied to airborne mine, minefield, IED and 

obstacle detection; sensor data processing technologies applied to 

landmine detection; and specialized geospatial intelligence processing in support of selected countermine mission areas.

NVESD Electronics and Glass Laboratories - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

The Electronics Laboratory performs electronic transport measurements on HgCdTe and related infrared materials. These measurements include high-field (9T) Hall effect measurements, and 

photoconductive carrier lifetime measurements. This laboratory 

also evaluates the performance of infrared detectors. The Glass 

Laboratory has the unique facilities and expertise to produce sealed 

quartz annealing tubes for high temperature processing of HgCdTe 

and related semiconductor materials.

NVESD Humanitarian Demining Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory supports the DoD Humanitarian Demining 

Program and focuses on in-house prototype development from 

concept to fielding. Capabilities include design, fabrication, modeling, integration and testing of demining equipment. The laboratory 

specializes in electronic, hydraulic and system control; and has state 

of the art surface mount electronic printed circuit board capabilities 

that include board testing and software development.

NVESD Image Evaluation Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility is used to perform advanced laboratory research to develop new measurement methodologies and metrics associated with 

existing, new, and emerging EO/IR systems, such as third Gen, 

hyper-spectral, super resolution, passive/active millimeter wave/

Terahertz, and active imaging and to characterize EO/IR physics at 

the system and/or component level for the purposes of supporting 

sensor performance model research.

NVESD Imaging Technology Environmental Test 

Facility - Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility is used to perform operational evaluation of imaging systems and components under military specification thermal 

conditions to aid in the development of technologies and to ensure 

the capability of designed components and systems.

NVESD Laser Test Tunnel - Fort Belvoir, VA

This facility is a 55-meter long enclosed space in which lasers 

and remote sensing systems can be tested as well as performing 

alignment and measurement of laser rangefinders and laser radar 

(LADAR) equipment. The enclosed nature of the tunnel allows 

high power laser systems to be operated safely with a minimum of 

precautions.

NVESD Optical Improvement Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory measures night vision devices and cameras to determine their vulnerability to hostile detection, jamming and destruction. It also performs the research, design, fabrication, and testing 

of protection improvements to these devices and cameras. Testing 

involves the use of lasers of varying power levels (eye-safe and not 

eye-safe) of varying wavelengths. Testing also involves the use of 

numerous night vision devices and camera systems that cover the 

spectrum range from visible through the long wave infrared band.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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NVESD Processor Development Laboratory - Fort 

Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is utilized for all aspects of processor development 

from design to test and evaluation. Tradeoffs between various 

processor architectures, inter-processor communication protocols, 

and types of processing are done. A processor subsystem can be 

modeled to verify functionality and to ensure it meets requirements. 

Laboratory test-beds can be programmed with various types of algorithms and sensor types for target detection applications and can 

be utilized in processor evaluations and demonstrations.

NVESD Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Laboratory 

- Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory measures night vision devices and cameras paying particular attention to the system issues associated with the 

ROIC such as nonlinearity and nonuniformity. It also performs the 

research, design, fabrication, and testing advanced ROICs for these 

devices and cameras. Testing involves the use of light sources of 

varying wavelengths from the UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR and 

LWIR.

NVESD X-Ray Diffraction Analytical Laboratory - Fort 

Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is used to characterize the nature and quality of 

crystalline layers and substrates used for the fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, utilizing x-ray diffraction techniques. The 

laboratory provides rapid feedback measurements to crystal growers, 

allowing them to make an informative decision on how to improve 

future growth runs based on x-ray diffraction analysis. It also 

provides broad support by offering x-ray diffraction measurement 

and analysis. This analysis provides valuable insight into nearly 

every aspect of infrared focal plane array manufacturing, including 

substrate evaluation, crystal growth and device processing.

NVESD Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) Development 

Laboratory - Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory contains a state-of-the-art molecular beam epitaxy 

chamber designed for deposition of the highest quality HgCdTe. 

Equipment is used for the creation of state-of-the-art infrared photovoltaic diode structures on CdZnTe and Si substrates. Exploration of new materials and device structures are made possible by the 

equipment’s very high film quality and precise composition, doping, 

and thickness control.

NVESD System Engineering, Analysis, and Integration 

Laboratory (SEAIL) - Fort Belvoir, VA

This laboratory is an integrated systems laboratory complex dedicated to the development and improvement of ground-based NV/

EO and electronic systems providing the capability for the rapid 

characterization and analysis of applied technologies. The functions of the SEAIL facility include (1) integration of laser based 

technologies, visible imaging and CMOS CCD I2 imaging with 

Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) imaging technologies, near IR, 

Short Wave IR (SWIR), 1-2um solid state and 1.54um imaging; (2) 

motion stabilized uncooled FLIR stereo vision and non-stabilized 

absorption band illumination combined with stereo vision for UGV 

obstacle detection; (3) evaluation of militarized uncooled large and 

small format cameras; (4) rapid test, evaluation, and analysis of the 

system and system of systems capabilities while in the development 

stages and/or during system integration; (5) engineering capabilities 

of system design, rapid and experimental prototyping, integration 

and testing including the latest capabilities in CAD engineering 

workstation rapid prototyping; (6) algorithm analysis and advanced 

digital signal processing; (7) latest engineering capabilities in high 

density FPGA, PLD and surface mount technologies along with 

electronic circuit design, timing synthesis and printed circuit board 

design; (8) in-laboratory field test preparation, system configuration/ reconfiguration, repair, maintenance, and support; and (9) 

evaluation of cooled Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs), Detector 

Dewars, and Integrated Dewar/Cooler Assemblies (IDCAs); (10) 

quick turnaround testing and evaluation capability for Modular 

Eyewear Protection System (MEPS) hardware.

Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate 

(S&TCD)

The S&TCD acquires, develops and integrates secure seamless 

tactical communications for the digitized battlefield. Research, 

development, and engineering functions are conducted in all aspects 

of terrestrial, avionics, and space-dependent communications technology to include adaptive, reliable seamless battlefield communications with full electronic counter-countermeasures capability and 

information security (INFOSEC).

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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S&TCD Mobile Networking Lab 

The Mobile Networking Laboratory evaluates, demonstrates, and 

adapts existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and emerging 

WLAN technology (from in-house R&D programs) for military 

applications. The technologies studied are 802.11a,g, 802.16 and 

various implementations of these technologies within various products such as breadcrumb relays for dismounted applications, PDAs, 

and secure mobile network environments such as flying LANs and 

mobile command posts. The primary focus is to discover and provide support to all proposed mobile networking application areas, 

which include dismounted platforms Land Warrior and Future 

Force Warrior, sensor network platforms and Tactical Operation 

Centers. Various testing and analysis areas include Interoperability 

studies, Interference studies, security and encryption studies, robust 

communications and wireless PDA applications. 

S&TCD Terrestrial Personal Communications 

Systems (PCS) Laboratory 

The PCS Laboratory supports the development of wireless communications systems and provides the warfighter at brigade and 

above a secure wireless communications capability. It is currently a 

threshold requirement under the WIN-T program. This Advanced 

Wireless Communications Integration Laboratory provides for 

evaluation and testing of emerging commercial cellular network 

technologies, primarily Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 

and 3G UMTS/WCDMA technologies. The lab also contains 

secure type one cellular phones and commercial non-secure phones. 

S&TCD Electromagnetic Interference/

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) and 

Antennas Laboratory 

The EMI/EMC Laboratory is a fully equipped laboratory to address 

all types on interference issues. The first chamber is ferrite lined on 

all inside surfaces to reduce RF reflections. Anechoic absorber cones 

compliment the structure on all walls to reduce higher frequency 

reflections. It provides over 110 dB of isolation, which is ideal for 

performing pre-certification RE102 MILSTD 461 testing and 

electromagnetic compatibility studies between systems. The second 

chamber is a fully lined anechoic chamber. It provides over 100 dB 

of isolation, is certified for MILSTD-461 testing, and is useful as 

an electromagnetic compatibility test environment. It is also supplied with a large variety of support and test equipment ranging 

from network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, EMI receiver, power 

supplies, impulse and signal generators, filters, attenuators, couplers, 

soldering station and more, making it a self-contained EMI/EMC 

test house. The laboratory’s data collection and post processing 

system software was designed and developed in-house allowing and 

tailored specifically for S&TCD’s unique needs. The EMI/EMC 

Laboratory is multi-faceted and designed to address issues such as 

RF interference and electromagnetic compatibility. The S&TCD 

mission is to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic interference and 

determine electromagnetic compatibility between new and legacy 

system equipment. This testing can be performed in-house with 

the added benefit of in-house expertise to address/reduce problems, 

such as high radiated emissions, therefore final testing is performed 

with a high level of confidence in a pass. This laboratory is integral 

to the frequency assignment and frequency allocation process. The 

EMI/EMC group is instrumental frequency approvals for several 

systems to operate in the same battle space as legacy systems by 

proving electromagnetic compatibility between systems. 

S&TCD Advanced Internet Protocol Version 6 

Research Laboratory 

The IPv6 Laboratory provides for the evaluation and testing of 

emerging commercial network technologies directly impacting the 

Army Enterprise Architecture (AEA) and supporting the Army 

transition to IPv6. Utilizing actualized data correlation resources 

the laboratory provides the capability to analyze and assess emerging network protocols and related standards, evaluate suitability for 

military applications, determine feasibility for accelerating insertion 

of emerging network technologies, and identifying interoperability 

issues with legacy, interim, and future Army network communication systems. The IPv6 Laboratory’s topology emulates realistic 

Army tactical scenarios and Joint strategic network communications in a unique multiple Internet Protocol (IP) Standards, 

IPv4 and IPv6, laboratory environment. The IPv6 Laboratory is 

equipped with wired and wireless assets for testing and measuring 

compliance and performance of IPv6 based products in a military 

environment. 

S&TCD Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) 

Integration and Cosite Laboratory (JICL) 

JICL conducts communication systems integration testing and 

analyses of emerging JTRS prototypes and integration technologies, to provide recommendations to Program Managers for the 

successful integration of JTRS into Army tactical ground and 

airborne platforms. Integration technologies include multiband 

multiplexers, interference cancellation and agile filtering devices, 

wideband power amplifiers and multiband high power antennas 

covering the 30-3000 MHz frequency band. 

S&TCD Antenna Test and Validation Laboratory 

CERDEC’s S&TCD Antenna Test and Validation Laboratory 

consists of two major antenna test facilities. The first facility is a 

large fully anechoic antenna test chamber, fully equipped with antenna measurement equipment, to include network analyzer, spectrum analyzers, VSWR meters, signal generators, two axis antenna 

positioner for full hemispherical antenna pattern measurements 

and other assorted equipment. The chamber is capable of accurate measurements. Data collection and post processing software 

fully automates the system and was written in-house specifically 

for this setup. The second facility is an open area antenna test site 

located at Lakehurst, NJ. The Lakehurst facility compliments our 

anechoic chamber, by extending the lower bounds of our frequency 

measurement capability to as low as we need to measure along with 

allowing measurements of antennas on platforms such as vehicles, 

and helicopters. At the Lakehurst facility we also have a portable 

two axis antenna positioner capable of holding vehicles such as an 

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to assist in testing antenna effects on a 

platform. The laboratory supports any and all antenna development to include ground based antennas, airborne/aviation antennas, 

and emerging standard and broadband body-borne antennas. It is 

equipped to perform antenna validation measurements and also has 

the ability to perform modeling and simulation of these antennas 

and incorporate them onto a wide variety of vehicles or platforms. 

This combination of capabilities assures proper antenna placement 

with minimal interference from both on-board radiated emissions 

and also minimizes coupling of signals from other antennas while 

providing the best antenna patterns and ultimately the highest 

achievable levels of communications for a particular platform or 

application. 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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S&TCD JTRS Army Center of Excellence Lab (JACEL) 

The JACEL facility is used for testing legacy, and advanced ground 

and aviation radio systems such as EPLRS, SINCGARS, HF, and 

VHF LOS for compliance with both current and future military 

standards. It has the capability, facilities, and equipment to perform 

various electrical, RF performance, and interoperability testing on 

radio systems to include: 1) Receiver sensitivity (both analog and 

digital) 2) Receiver/Transmitter residual Bit Error Rate (BER) 

3) Transmitter output power 4) Battery life at various duty cycles 

5) Voice, digital data performance, and combined voice and data 

performance under various RF environments (cosite, noise, jamming) 6) Legacy waveform interoperability testing of SINCGARS, 

EPLRS, HF and VHF LOS systems 7) RF propagation analysis 

for the selection of optimum network frequency. The JACEL also 

provides a complete end-to-end test environment to support the 

integration and testing of both current and future tactical packet 

data network communications systems within the Army’s upper and 

lower Tactical Internet (TI) architecture. Its purpose is to sponsor 

experimentation and technology demonstrations that will enhance 

the following TI based technologies: 1) Perform test and evaluation to integrate tactical host/communication systems into the 

current TI architecture 2) Validation testing of proposed hardware 

and software based additions and enhancements to the existing TI 

network architecture 3) Review, test, evaluate, and recommend new 

and improved terrestrial communications technologies, which lead 

to enabling the US Army’s transformation to the Future Combat 

System (FCS) Future Force. This includes Software Defined Radios and SCA architectures. The JACEL provides both test result 

data and recommendations to contractors and Program Managers to enhance current network architecture and communications 

software for the TI.

S&TCD Cryptographic Modernization Laboratory 

The Cryptographic Modernization Lab efforts are currently focused 

on a Secure Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) for 

the Warfighters in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. Testing for a 

Network Encryption Device (NES) replacement (currently on the 

DoD priority list) is also taking place, as is testing of other COMSEC devices such as the SecNet 11, KG-235, KG 240 and others 

occur within this lab. The lab is used for the following (classified up 

to Top Secret) mission essential requirements: SIPRNET Access; 

test and evaluation of COMSEC equipment; use of COMSEC 

keys; demonstrations of networks and equipment; RF isolated tests; 

and as a repository of Top Secret documentation and classified 

equipment; receipt and transmission of classified faxes; and classified meetings. 

S&TCD Infosphere Laboratory 

The Infosphere Lab has the ability to build up and tear down Army 

representative networks with state of the art equipment with ease 

and flexibility. It is currently used for C2 Protect COTS/GOTS 

software evaluations, the Tactical Wireless Network Assurance 

effort and engineering support on other projects such as TPKI. 

The equipment in use in this lab includes CISCO gear, numerous 

workstations configured with multiple operating systems including 

Windows, Solaris and Unix. The COTS/GOTS software evaluations work in direct support of the tactical warfighter. Other tools 

that are continually reviewed are network firewalls, intrusion detection systems and more recently intrusion prevention systems, which 

provide the ability to stop network attacks before they occur rather 

than after they have penetrated a network. 

S&TCD IPv6 and IP-Sec Laboratory 

The Gigabit Ethernet communications network has been established in the lab using testing. Investigations are conducted into the 

Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) portion of the Ipv6 standard. 

S&TCD Antenna Modeling and Simulation Laboratory 

The Antenna Modeling and Simulation Laboratory uses computer modeling and simulation to solve electromagnetics problems. 

This includes optimization of antenna placement on vehicles and 

fix-site installations, antenna and vehicle structure coupling, cosite 

interference mitigation, and antenna selection and design EMI/

EMC analysis. The Antenna Modeling and Simulation Laboratory supports any and all antenna development to include ground 

based antennas, airborne/aviation antennas, and emerging standard 

and broadband body-borne antennas. It is equipped to perform 

modeling and simulation of these antennas and incorporate them 

onto a wide variety of vehicles or platforms. This combination of 

capabilities assures proper antenna placement with minimal interference from both on-board radiated emissions and also minimizes 

coupling of signals from other antennas while providing the best 

antenna patterns and ultimately the highest achievable levels of 

communications for a particular platform or application. This 

modeling capability along with the adjacent Antenna Test Laboratory has greatly increased the efficiency during development, testing 

and validation of new antenna systems. The Antenna Modeling 

Laboratory currently utilizes the following tools to assist in antenna 

development and positioning on platforms: Numerical Electromagnetics Code (NEC), GNEC, Finite Difference Time Domain 

(XFDTD) codes, Co-Site Analysis Model (COSAM), Geometric 

Theory of Diffraction (XGTD), Joint E3 Evaluation Tool ( JEET), 

Genesys, MATLAB, PSPICE and an assortment of other CAD 

programs to support our work. 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
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S&TCD System Engineering, Architecture and 

Modeling & Simulation (SEAMS) Laboratory 

This laboratory performs a broad range of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) functions for radio communication systems, modeling 

of the OSI protocol stack, discrete event simulation and distributed simulation capabilities. It uses standard modeling tools 

such as OPNET, QualNet, and OneSAF Test bed (OTB) able 

to model/analyze terrain effects, routing, and mission/application 

layer overhead in given tactical scenarios. It performs simulationbased scalability analysis of Mobile Ad Hoc Network Protocols 

using Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) protocols. It hosts 

the Next Performance Model (NGPM), a high fidelity model of 

the Tactical Internet, as well as models written for the Small Unit 

Operations (SUO), and FCS-C programs. A Communications 

Effects Server (CES) is being built to simulate communications 

effects in a distributed man-in-the-loop war gaming simulation. It 

supports design, analysis and evolution of tactical communication 

systems through systems engineering analysis with architectural 

and modeling and simulation. Includes discrete event simulation 

and distributed simulation; it can perform communication effect 

analyses and other modeling/analysis capabilities. It uses standard 

modeling tools such as OPNET, QualNet, IBM’s Rational Rose, 

the OneSAF Test bed (OTB), ALCES and ComTest. These tools 

model and analyze terrain effects, routing, and mission/application 

layer overhead within a given tactical scenario. It hosts models 

for the Small Unit Operations (SUO), FCS-C and Warfighter 

Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) programs. A universal 

Communications Effects Server (CES) is being built to perform 

Independent Validation and Verification of the WIN-T radio, 

network device models and development of a network planner 

combined with communication effects. 

S&TCD Communications System Design Center 

(CSDC) 

The CSDC facility is used to perform applied research in communications technology with the objective of developing and integrating next-generation communication systems for the Army. The 

CSDC laboratory enables the rapid analysis, prototype integration 

and testing of Non-Developmental Items (NDI) and Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) as well as Government Off-the-Shelf 

(GOTS) products, and is used for evaluating and experimenting 

with fielded voice and data communications systems. The CSDC 

laboratory includes: 

1) WIN-T/BSN Testbed; 2) MSE support facility; 3) Development 

engineering facility; 4) Networks management facility; 5) NOC-V; 

Testbed 6) Battlefield video teleconference Lab; 7) Simulation base 

training development lab. 

S&TCD Network Operations (NETOPS) 

The NETOPS facility is used to perform applied research in 

communications technology with the objective of developing and 

integrating next-generation communication systems for the Army. 

The NETOPS Laboratory enables the rapid analysis, prototype 

integration and testing of Non-Developmental Items (NDI) and 

Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) as well as Government Offthe-Shelf (GOTS) products, and is used for evaluating and experimenting. The major functions of the NETOPS facility are: 1) Support architecture design, state-of-the-art technology insertion, joint 

and legacy integration testing, troubleshooting and field support, 

and a training/testbed for the Warfighter; 2) Software development 

and prototyping of network operations functions, Information 

Assurance, Network Management, and Information Dissemination Management; 3) Net-centric service development for the First 

Responder community of interest (COI) and the Tactical NetOps 

COI; 4) Acquisition, development, and integration of COTS and 

GOTS technology providing secure tactical communications to the 

Warfighter and the first responder. 

S&TCD Joint Satellite Communications (SATCOM) 

Engineering Center (JSEC) 

The Joint SATCOM Engineering Lab ( JSEL) complex is a unique, 

state-of-the-art facility with over $200M in strategic/tactical satellite communication assets that supports all DOD agencies/services 

and special users. It has four functional areas: the Strategic Systems Lab (SSL), DoD Teleport Test Bed (DTT), Control Systems 

Lab (CSL), and Tactical Systems Lab (TSL). The SSL has two 

Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) X-band earth 

terminals, X-band TACSAT terminal, a C-band, Ku-band, EHF 

and UHF terminals, a DSCS III satellite simulator (only one in 

existence) and C, Ku band simulators, Standardized Tactical Entry 

Point (STEP), modem and X-band certification equipment. It is 

the only facility authorized by DISA to do terminal/base band 

certification testing. SSL has new base-band equipment for DTT 

site-specific functions and will support operational teleport as 

performing anomaly resolution investigations. It will support 

ARSPACE as their Ka-band earth terminal certification test agent. 

A new Ka terminal will be installed along with a Ka Band WGS 

Satellite Simulator. The CSL is designed to do research, design, 

development, testing, evaluation, anomaly resolution and analysis of 

DSCS and WGS control systems and components. It emulates a 

complete DSCS Operations Control System (DOCS) facility, and 

has subsystems, hardware, software and test equipment found at 

DSCS Operations Centers. CSL interfaces with other Test Facilities, collocated strategic earth terminals, DSCS III satellite simulator, and the CECOM Software Engineering Center. The TSL has 

three major lab areas, UHF, SHF and EHF, used to support software verification, test/evaluation, and anomaly resolution of tactical 

SATCOM terminals. SEL test labs support new software testing 

for legacy systems, certify new satellite earth terminals for use over 

DSCS, and assist all DOD agencies/services/Army Space Command by trouble shooting problems that occur on fielded systems. 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
59

S&TCD Advanced Network Laboratory 

The Network Laboratory was developed to test functionality and 

performance of advanced networking protocols and platforms 

developed under the Multifunctional On-The-Move Secure Adaptive Integrated Communications (MOSAIC) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program. The laboratory provides the 

capability to test newly developed networking protocols as well as 

the functionality of command and control, video, and situational 

awareness applications, such as those from PM FBCB2, over a 

MOSAIC technology-driven network. The lab is connected to 

the Government Integration Center (GIC) fiber optic backbone 

enabling linkage to other laboratories at Fort Monmouth for 

integrating and testing other technologies with MOSAIC technology-enabled networks. The laboratory has upgraded its capability 

to allow testing of any radio system, protocols or applications. It 

also provides several software development environments for UNIX, 

Linux, and Windows, including java, C(++,#), and MATLAB. The 

laboratory has GPS, RF and fiber connections to strategic points 

on the roof for concurrent indoor and outdoor testing. As part of 

this upgrade, located within the Network Lab is the Wideband 

Radio Networking Testbed (WRNT). This testbed is a computer 

automated wideband radio mobile network RF connectivity emulator, which is used to test Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking (MANET) 

radios in a scripted repeatable tactical mobile network environment, 

thus eliminating the expense and complexity of actual field testing 

or to allow for baseline testing of networking radios and associated 

advanced protocols prior to conduct of live field experiments. 

S&TCD Subterranean Communications Networks 

Laboratory 

This lab will provide an environment for investigating propagation, 

channel characterization and the best methods for wireless communications with a broad spectrum of electromagnetic and radio 

frequency signals in subterranean/underground environments and 

confined areas. Wireless communication techniques will be studied 

for use in both rural (caves & mines) and urban settings (within 

multi-story buildings, subways, tunnels, basements, etc.). The technologies that are used to perform research in subterranean wireless 

communications networks include MIMO, ultrasound, magnetic 

induction, and RF techniques coupled with networking technologies within the 802.11 family and other emerging standards. The 

Subterranean Communications Networks Lab will be the focus 

of subterranean communications research within RDECOM, and 

will support interfaces to emerging Army platforms such as Future 

Combat System, Joint Tactical Radio System, Tactical/Urban Unattended Ground Sensors, Land Warrior and Future Force Warrior. 

S&TCD Dismounted Soldier and Unattended Sensors 

and Munitions Networked Communication Laboratory

The Dismounted Soldier, Unattended Sensor and Munition Laboratory supports the development, evaluation and troubleshooting of 

current, near-term and future technology that significantly enhance 

the capability and survivability of tactical Army communications. 

Technologies supporting dismounted Soldiers, unattended ground 

sensors/munitions, and unattended air vehicle communications 

systems include energy efficient networking protocols, state of the 

art signal in space waveforms, Multiple Input Multiple Output 

(MIMO) signal processing techniques, video/inter-network header 

compression software and radio miniaturization hardware. This 

lab is also used to ensure the technologies are suitable for field 

testing for formal acquisition programs such as the Joint Tactical 

Radio System ( JTRS) Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) and the 

Intelligent Munitions System. Lab check-out is an important first 

step in the evaluation process to ensure the technologies perform 

as designed. This lab facility has the instrumentation and facilities 

required to measure the technical performance achieved versus the 

requirements. The SRW is integrated with many battle command 

systems in the lab using the Soldier Level Integrated Communications Environment (SLICE) prototype radio hardware for end to 

end communication system evaluation. The radio networks are used 

to exercise all modes of the SRW including the maximum throughput mode as well as the secure and stealthy mode. The lab allows 

comparisons to be made using test instrumentation and data analysis tools to evaluate data throughput, data latency over multiple 

hops, network convergence, network formation, network adaptability, robustness, security, jam resistance, and energy efficiency for 

battery dependent systems.

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
60

Capabilities at a Glance

(located at Fort Monmouth, NJ unless otherwise noted) 

CERDEC Government Integration Center (GIC)

C2D Power Source Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Laboratory

C2D Test and Evaluation Laboratory

C2D Power Source Research and Development Laboratory

C2D Power Generation Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA

C2D Environmental Control Development/Test Laboratory 

- Ft. Belvoir, VA

C2D Fuel Cell Technology Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

C2D Environmental Test Facility

C2D Fabrication Facility

C2D Systems Engineering Integration Laboratory

C2D Integration Facility

C2D Inventory Control, Parts and Materiel Handling Facility

C2D Virtual Prototyping Laboratory

C2D Improved Data Modem (IDM) Laboratory

C2D High-Frequency (HF) Tracker Laboratory

C2D Simulation and C2 Information Systems Connectivity 

Experiments (SINCE) Laboratory

C2D Battle Command Laboratory

C2D Tactical Internet Model (TIM) Suite Laboratory

C2D Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Laboratory

C2D C4ISR Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) 

Laboratory

C2D Rapid Operational Virtual Reality (ROVR) Laboratory

C2D Interactive Speech Technology (IST) Laboratory

C2D Machine Foreign Language Technology (MFLT) 

Laboratory

C2D Command and Control of Robotic Entities Software Development Laboratory

I2WD Fabrication/Integration and Fielding Facility (FIFF) 

I2WD Anechoic Chamber 

I2WD Seeker Effects Laboratory 

I2WD CERDEC Flight Activity - Lakehurst NAES, NJ 

I2WD Quick Reaction Capability SIGINT Integration 

Laboratory 

I2WD Survivability Integration Laboratory 

I2WD TROJAN Integration Laboratory 

I2WD DCGS-A Software Integration Laboratory 

I2WD Digital Signals Processing & System Analysis 

Laboratory 

I2WD Fusion Technology Test Bed 

I2WD High Fidelity Digital Laboratory 

I2WD High Fidelity (HI FI) Wireless Test Facility 

I2WD High Fidelity Wireless Test Facility II (HI FI II) 

I2WD IED Characterization and Exploitation Laboratory 

I2WD Counter-IED Laboratory 

I2WD Laser & Counter-Infrared (IR) IED Laboratory 

I2WD Radar & Counter-RCIED/Electronic Countermeasures 

(ECM) Applications Laboratory 

I2WD Modeling & Simulation Computing Facility 

I2WD Information Dominance Facility 

I2WD Modern Communications Shielded Enclosure 

I2WD Radar Development Laboratory 

I2WD Special Projects Office (SPO) Laboratory 

I2WD Sense-through-the-Wall (STTW) Facility 

NVESD IR Detector Fabrication Clean Room Facility - Ft. 

Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Advanced Sensor Evaluation Facility (ASEF) - Ft. 

Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Countermine Chemical Sensor Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Aviation R&D Sensors T&E Facility - Davison Army 

Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Distributed Sensors Integration Facility (DSIF) - Ft. 

Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Fabrication and Integration Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Indoor Firing/Photometric Range Facility, Ft. Belvoir, 

VA 

NVESD Mine Lanes Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Optics Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Field Test Range Facilities - Ft. A.P. Hill, VA 

NVESD IR Detector Semiconductor Microfactory - Ft. Belvoir, 

VA 

NVESD Virtual Prototyping and Simulation (VPS) Facility - Ft. 

Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Prototype Infrared (IR) Focal Plan Array & IR Camera 

Characterization Lab - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Laser Laboratories - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD S&T Rooftop Testing Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Image Intensifier Test Facility, 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Display and Image Fusion Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Near/Short-Wave Infrared Sensor Performance Characterization Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
61

NVESD Automated Sensor and Processor Evaluation Center 

(AutoSPEC) Facity - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Countermine Radar and Electromagnetic Induction 

(EMI) Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Countermine Acoustics Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Human Test and Perception Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD DoD Smart Gate (SG) Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory – Davison 

Army Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Networking Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD High Bay Integration/Night Vision Device Repair Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Countermine Prototype Systems Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Countermine Systems Laboratory (CMSL) - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Electronics and Glass Laboratories - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Humanitarian Demining Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Image Evaluation Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Imaging Technology Environmental Test Facility - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Laser Test Tunnel - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Optical Improvement Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA

NVESD Processor Development Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA

NVESD X-Ray Diffraction Analytical Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) Development 

Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

NVESD System Engineering, Analysis, and Integration 

Laboratory (SEAIL) - Ft. Belvoir, VA 

S&TCD Mobile Networking Laboratory 

S&TCD Terrestrial Personal Communications 

Systems (PCS) Laboratory 

S&TCD Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic 

Compatibility (EMI/EMC) and Antennas 

Laboratory 

S&TCD Advanced Internet Protocol Version 6 

Research Laboratory 

S&TCD Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) 

Integration and Cosite Laboratory (JICL) 

S&TCD Antenna Test and Validation Laboratory 

S&TCD JTRS Army Center of Excellence Lab 

(JACEL) 

S&TCD Cryptographic Modernization Laboratory 

S&TCD Infosphere Laboratory 

S&TCD IPv6 and IP-Sec Laboratory 

S&TCD Antenna Modeling & Simulation Laboratory 

S&TCD System Engineering, Architecture and 

Modeling & Simulation (SEAMS) Laboratory 

S&TCD Communications System Design Center (CSDC) 

S&TCD Network Operations (NETOPS) 

S&TCD Joint Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Engineering Center (JSEC) 

S&TCD Advanced Network Laboratory 

S&TCD Subterranean Communications Networks 

Laboratory

S&TCD Dismounted Soldier and Unattended 

Sensors and Munitions Networked Communication 

Laboratory

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
62

PARTNERSHIPS

Cooperative Research and Development 

|Agreements (CRADAs)

BAE Systems

Upgrade of EW Systems

BAE Systems

Antenna modeling and simulation - Appendix B - Combat ID and 

situational understanding; Appendix C - Testing and evaluation 

support for the BAE C4ISR radio

Boeing

FCS C4ISR software Integration and Verification (IV) testing and 

experimentation

The Boeing Company Integrated Defense Systems 

(IDS)

Stimulation of the function of the Tactical Unattended Ground 

Sensors (T-UGS) and simulation of the functionality of sensors for 

the FCS program

Coherent Systems International Corp. 

RF and acoustic sensor integration

Cubic Defense

nvestigation of compact pulsed fiber laser technologies

DRS Infrared Technologies LP

Improved materials for high operating temperature HgCdTe infrared detectors

DRS Optronics Incorporated

Image Processing and Algorithms

Electro-Radiation, Inc. (A Honeywell International 

Company)

Cooperative GPS anti-jam technology

Emagin Corporation

Development, evaluation, and characterization of Active Matrix 

Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) 

EnerSys Energy Products, Inc.

Development and testing of lithium ion batteries

Ericsson, Inc.

Evaluation of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System 

(UMTS) technology

General Dynamics

C4ISR Development, Integration and Technology Transfer - Task 

4, SATCOM on-the-move collaboration; Task 6, Network and 

spectrum management systems support

General Dynamics Armament and Technical 

Products (was INTELLITEC)

Design, fabrication and test of small UAV chemical sensor system

General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.

Optimized camouflage

Global Protocols, Inc.

Advanced protocol testing for internet protocols over satellite 

(IPoS) and multilink networks

InCode Telecom Group

Wireless technology initiatives for military applications

Inmarsat LTD

Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) collaboration

Interstate Electronics Corp./L3 Comm.

Approaches for integration of navigation sensor data

ITT Corporation

Communication and network technology

ITT Industries Space Systems, LLC

Study to improve the fidelity of target tracking

JANUS Research Corporation

Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab experimentation support 

(integration of network planner, communication effects simulator, 

and network visualizer)

Kaiser Electronics (at Rockwell Collins)

Near eye displays testing technology and performance 

L3 Communications/Interstate Electronics Corp. 

Decentralized approaches for optimal integration of navigation 

sensor data battlespace 

Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Labs

Development of antenna modeling library for analysis of ad-hoc 

mobile wireless networks

Lucent Technologies Inc.

Nanotechnology for communications

Modine Manufacturing Co.

Carbon dioxide environmental control unit study

Modus Operandi

PC geo-location for maritime security

New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division 

of Purchase & Property, on Behalf of the Office 

of Information

Intrusion detection system for the State of NJ

New Jersey Network

Use of digital public television broadcast and datacast technology 

in support of the NJ First Responder and Emergency Management 

communities to enhance Homeland Security needs

New York City Fire Department

Testing of First Responder communications equipment for nuclear 

survivability

Nokia

Evaluation of personal communication services and advanced wireless communications networking protocols

Northrup Grumman

C4ISR technology integration, prototyping and transition - Task 1, 

C4ISR Homeland Defense/Homeland SecurityNetwork planning

OMNIVision Technologies, Inc.

Wavefront coding technique for uncooled Focal Plane Arrays 

(FPAs)

ONTAR Corporation

Electro-Optical performance models

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
63

Port Authority of NY and NJ

Technology development and concept definition for the Systems 

Engineering Assistance Program (SEAP)

Qualcomm

Cooperative Center of Excellence to conduct tests, demonstrations, 

experiments and exploratory interchange efforts

Raytheon

Investigation and evaluation of existing communications systems 

and research and development of new communications systems

Improvement of stability of Vanadium Oxides

Raytheon Infrared

Advanced development of HgCdTe Molecular Beam Epitaxy 

(MBE) growth and processing technology

Rex Systems Inc.

First responder communications and electronics improvement to 

weapons of mass destruction hazard marking set

Rockwell Science Center

Suitability of Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasmas for 

fabricating two-color HgCdTe device structures

Rutgers University

Investigation of advanced battery materials

Stevens Institute of Technology

Photonics and microwave devices and systems for C3

Systems Documentation, Inc.

C4ISR technology integration, prototyping, and transition

Telcordia Technologies, Inc.

Anechoic chamber

Thales-Raytheon Systems Company LLC

FIREFINDER Radar Miltope modifications

University of Pittsburgh

Study of human behavioral and physiological measures and sensor 

imagery

Vitronics

Rapid prototyping methods, tools and candidate applications

Contracts and Other Vehicles 

with Academia

Bucknell

Signals intelligence research

Drexel University

Communications technologies, perimeter and port security applications

Development of autonomous mine detection algorithms for ground 

penetrating radar and metal detection sensors

George Mason University 

Precision mine neutralization algorithms

Georgia Institute of Technology

Development of seismic accelerometer arrays

Investigation of technology to mitigate adverse effects of disruptions of networks

Johns Hopkins

Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR TCDL)

Lehigh University

Investigation of technology to mitigate adverse effects of disruptions of networks

New Jersey Inst Technology

Signals intelligence research

Northeastern University

Modeling of the interaction between ultrasonic waves reflecting off 

of soil surfaces

Ohio State University

Sensor-performance technology models

Penn State University

Investigation of metamaterials for antennas

Single wavelength and multi-spectral man-worn and vehicle based 

systems

Princeton University

Signals intelligence research

Rutgers University

Contextual reasoning

Stevens Institute of Technology

Nonlinear signal processing techniques

Signals processing technologies

University of Florida

Applications of ground penetrating radar, acoustic sensors and 

forward-looking infrared sensors and the fusion of those sensors for 

detection of tripwires, impromptu explosive devices and landmines

University of Illinois

Investigation of technology to mitigate adverse effects of disruptions of networks

University of Massachusetts

Data fusion technology

University of Mississippi

Landmine detection using multiple laser beam vibrometers

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
University of Missouri 

Development of features for discrimination of landmines from 

clutter

University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez

Sensor technology for mine detection

Villanova University

Investigation of wireless broadband technologies

Contracts and Other Vehicles with Federally 

Funded Research and Development Centers 

(FFRDCs)

MITRE

Consultative technical and engineering expertise for intelligence 

and information warfare data fusion and communications systems

Interagency Cooperative Efforts

DoD/OSD 

Advanced sensor electronics development for demining, cave and 

urban assault, automated improvised explosive device (IED) change 

detection and digital fusion

DoD/Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

(DARPA)

Advanced electronics and networking, laser designator and radar 

R&D

DoD/Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Analysis and mitigation of consequences of Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) events

DoD/Defense Information Systems Agency

Homeland Security/defense technical collaboration

Air Force/JTRS AMF

Technology Maturity Assessment (TMA) of JTRS AMF (Airborne, Maritime, Fixed) to develop independent radio architectures 

and technical specifications

Air Force/Research Laboratory

Multispectral Database (MsDB) development and support

Army/Armament Research and Development Center 

Precision Mine Neutralization Initiative

Army/Aviation Technical Test Center

Framework for expanded collaborative modeling and simulation 

activities

Army/Battle Command Battle Laboratory (Gordon)

Integrity of Battle Lab Federation experiments and the Battle 

Laboratories Collaborative Simulation Environment Infrastructure 

Connectivity

Army/Communications-Electronics Life Cycle Management Command

Logistics support and software architecture and engineering, 

networking and wireless technology

Army/Corps of Engineers

Security engineering and protective design efforts to protect critical 

infrastructure against terrorist acts

Army/Engineer Research and Development Center 

Innovative Countermine Initiative

Army/PEO-Soldier and NATICK Soldier Center

Multispectral Adaptive Networked Tactical Imaging System 

(MANTIS) technologies

Army/Redstone Technical Test Center

Multispectral Database (MsDB) development and support

Army/Small Computer Program (ASCP)

Oracle software support

Army/TRADOC Analysis Center-WSMR

Science and target acquisition modeling and simulation for use in 

combat and sensor development

Navy/JTRS AMF

Technology Maturity Assessment (TMA) of JTRS AMF (Airborne, Maritime, Fixed) to develop independent radio architectures 

and technical specifications

Navy/Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Homeland security/defense technical collaboration

Navy/Office of Naval Research

Countermine

Marines

M1A1 Firepower Enhancement Program, Eyesafe Laser Rangefinder, Upgrade of M1A1 Commanders Weapon Station

Dept of Justice

Advanced forward looking infrared technology

Dept of Homeland Security/Advanced Research 

Projects Agency

Airborne sensors evaluations/recommendations for Customs Air 

Marine Operations (AMO)

Dept. of Homeland Security/Region II, Emergency Preparedness Response Directorate

Continuity of operations at Fort Monmouth, NJ and support of coloacated Regional Operations Center

Dept. of Homeland Security/Transportation Security 

Laboratory

Homeland security/dense technical collaboration

Topographic Engineering Center

Spectral sensing technology

Missile Defense Agency

Advanced longwave focal plane array research

US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) - 

BUSTER Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System

64

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
International Cooperative Efforts

Australia

Aircraft survivability

Landmine detection technologies

Canada

Electro-optic sensor systems

Denmark

Near-term battlefield identification systems

France

Counterbarrier warfare

Fuel cells and batteries 

Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance systems

Lasers

Near-term battlefield identification systems

Tactical communications

Tactical Information Systems for Ground Forces

Germany

Automatic target recognition assessment

Battlefield C3 systems

C3 and information systems

Combat net radio

Countermine warfare technology

Energy conversion devices

Laser illumination

Optical fire control

Simulation and C2 information systems connectivity experiments 

(SINCE)

Tactical communications systems

Israel

Army engineering

Electronic warfare

Human and machine search target acquisition

Radar systems

Italy

Near-term battlefield identification systems

Japan

Countermine R&D and systems

Korea

C3 and intelligence systems

Netherlands

Countermine technology

Sweden

Communications, command and control technologies

Night vision and electronic warfare issues

Power sources

Digital modeling and simulation of intelligence, surveillance and 

reconnaissance (ISR), survivability and battlefield combat identification sensor systems and technologies

United Kingdom

Countermine capabilities for medium/future forces

Defensive Aides System (DAS)

Military imaging

Power sources

Universal modem (UM) production

65

Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC)
Edgewood Chemical 

Biological Center (ECBC)
67

Edgewood Chemical Biological 

Center (ECBC)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010

Mission

ECBC is the nation’s principal research, development and engineering center for non-medical chemical and biological defense. ECBC 

develops technology in the areas of detection, protection and decontamination and provides support over the entire lifecycle - from 

basic research through technology development, engineering design, 

equipment evaluation, product support, sustainment, field operations and disposal.

History

Since the first wide-scale use of chemical weapons in World War 

I, scientists at Edgewood Chemical Biological Center have been 

researching and developing defensive technologies to protect the 

Warfighter from a chemical or biological battlefield threat. Over 

the past 10 years, that long history in chemical and biological 

defense was also put to use protecting the homeland. Today, ECBC 

researchers and engineers partner with the brightest minds in industry to develop technology that not only protects the warfighter, 

but also helps our nation fight the war on terrorism at home.

Installation Overview

Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), the Army’s oldest active proving 

ground, was established on October 20, 1917 to provide the military 

a facility where design and testing of ordnance materiel could be 

carried out in close proximity to the nation’s industrial and shipping 

centers. The post officially opened on December 14, 1917.

APG occupies more than 72,500 acres in Harford County, Md. 

Its northernmost point is marked by the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. On the south it is bordered 

by the Gunpowder River. The installation comprises two principal 

areas separated by the Bush River. The northern area is known as 

the Aberdeen Area, and the southern sector, formerly Edgewood 

Arsenal (established in November, 1917 - as a chemical weapons 

research, development and testing facility), is the Edgewood Area. 

The two areas were administratively combined in 1971. APG 

property not attached to the main installation includes the Churchville Test Site in Harford County and Carroll Island and Graces 

Quarters in Baltimore County. 

Aberdeen Proving Ground is home to 66 tenants and a host 

of satellite activities. Among the major tenants are the Research, 

Development and Engineering Command, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, Army Research Laboratory, Developmental 

Test Command, Aberdeen Test Center, Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute of 

Chemical Defense.

As a center for Army materiel testing, laboratory research and 

military training, APG is a key element in the nation’s defense.

Contact Information

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

AMSRD-ECB-AP-B/Michel E3330

5183 Black Hawk RD

APG, MD 21010-5424

(410) 436-3610

http://www.ecbc.army.mil/index.htm

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
68

Major Equipment/Facilities 

Advanced Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) 

The ACL is the nation’s newest and most advanced chemical 

research facility. The laboratory has been specifically engineered for 

work with the world’s most super toxic materials and will enhance 

ECBC’s ability to counter the evolving threat of chemical warfare 

and the use of chemical agents by terrorists. It features lab space 

and administration and laboratory support areas. 

Standoff Detection Evaluation Technology Facility 

For the first time ever, precise performance measurement of standoff detection systems can be made. This facility’s vortex chamber 

utilizes a curtain of air to contain a material cloud. Also know as 

the Vortex Chamber, it is a BL-1 rated chamber shaped as a radially elongated cylinder with view ports. Wet or dry aerosols can be 

generated depending on need. The chamber can be operated in a 

closed or open-window configuration. 

Hazardous Material Testing Chambers 

The ECBC maintains two toxic and explosive material test facilities. Both facilities have chambers equipped with filter systems 

with an air change approximately every three minutes maintaining 

the chambers under negative pressure, uniquely designed for total 

containment in the testing of chemical (military and industrial) related equipment, and explosive/toxic munitions/materials. Chemical warfare agents and explosives may be tested simultaneously. An 

on-site surety lab is equipped with GC/MS, HPLC, Dynatherm, 

and wet-lab capabilities to perform agent analysis to RDTE drinking standards. 

Protection Factor Facility (PFF) 

The PFF is designed for use in evaluating the performance of new 

respirators and chemical protective clothing ensembles. Facility 

personnel are trained to set up protocols and perform fit factor 

testing with high tech equipment. In order to simulate exposure to 

chemical agents, volunteers don test items and enter a test chamber 

containing a polydispersed corn oil aerosol challenge. The air inside 

the protective equipment is sampled for challenge aerosol particles 

while the subject undergoes a series of exercises intended to evaluate worst-case operational conditions. 

Water Test Loop System 

The Water Test Loop System (WTLS) allows research relating 

to the contamination of water supply systems with chemical and 

biological warfare agents. The original design, modifications and 

construction of the WTLS was a collaborative effort between the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army 

Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL), and the U.S. Army 

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). The WTLS 

objective was to develop a simulated water destruction system and 

then conduct chemical and biological warfare agent experiments in 

that environment. 

Aerosol Countermeasures Chamber 

This is a large static chamber for disseminating biological (biosafety 

level 1) and chemical simulant aerosols. The purpose of disseminating these biological and chemical simulants is to determine 

the ability of a countermeasure to knock it down or kill a cloud of 

chemical aerosol or biological simulants in a specified time. The 

chamber is constructed of polycarbonate sheets that are connected 

together by aluminum framing, all of which is supported by steel 

framing. 

Static Challenge Test Chamber 

The chamber is used to conduct static vapor challenge tests of 

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protection equipment. Shelters, 

vehicles, protective clothing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are tested to determine the protection factor that 

they offer when exposed to the required standard simulant vapor 

dosage. The chamber operates under negative pressure and provides 

a controlled environment for simulant challenge testing. 

Man-In-Simulant Testing (MIST) Chamber 

The MIST is used to evaluate the performance of personal protection equipment. Participants don test ensembles, enter the static 

challenge chamber and perform representative mission tasks/exercises while being exposed to a controlled concentration of mustard agent simulant vapor. Passive Sampling Devices (PSD’s) are 

used to measure the concentration of simulant that enters into 

the ensemble throughout the test period. The PSD’s are analyzed 

using gas chromatography and a protection factor is determined 

by comparing the ratio of vapor dosages received at the skin with 

protection and without protection. 

Physical Evaluation and Metrology Laboratory 

The Physical Evaluation and Metrology Laboratory provides 

dimensional measurement, physical evaluation and investigative 

inspection services in support of product first article, acceptance, 

production and surveillance. The laboratory is equipped with a 

wide variety of test equipment including: an optical comparator to 

measure contours, surfaces, angles and radiuses; a Nikon Measuring 

Microscope capable of measuring in the x, y and z direction; a Profilometer to gauge the quality of a surface; and a Rockwell Hardness Tester and Micro Hardness Tester to evaluate the hardness of 

various metals and plastics. 

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
69

Gas and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter 

Testing Laboratory 

This laboratory performs a wide range of gas and HEPA filter testing supporting DoD, DoE and commercial applications. Testing 

conducted includes filter production, acceptance, stockpile and 

surveillance. Gas filters are destructively evaluated for nerve agent 

and mustard life using a dimethylmethylphosphoneate simulant 

challenge. HEPA filters are nondestructively evaluated for aerosol 

efficiency using Durasyn 164 aerosol challenge. Test personnel are 

equipped with fixed-site and mobile test equipment to perform 

both in-house and off-site filter testing. 

Mask and Mask Filter Testing Laboratory 

The Mask and Mask Filter Testing Laboratory conducts visual 

inspection and performance testing of masks and mask filters. The 

laboratory has the capability to conduct filter and mask aerosol 

particulate penetration tests and to measure filter airflow resistance. Mask test capabilities consist of inhalation and exhalation 

resistance, microphone electrical continuity, drink train leakage and 

drink-tube-resistance challenges. The facility supports the evaluation of the aging effects of adverse environmental conditions to 

include temperature cycles, high ozone concentrations and simulated sun exposure. 

Aerosol Science Facilities 

Our aerosol science lab has an array of experimental capabilities and 

personnel expertise to perform basic and applied aerosol research. 

Test facilities include several large aerosol test chambers and aerosol 

wind tunnels to produce a wide range of very controlled aerosol 

environments. The facilities and labs are supplied with sophisticated 

aerosol characterizing equipment and instrumentation, data logging 

capabilities, chemical and biological hoods and sample preparation 

areas. These facilities are applied to a spectrum of aerosol science 

from basic aerosol experimentation to performance characterization 

of prototype and commercial aerosol collection/detection systems. 

Capabilities at a Glance

Advanced Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) 

Standoff Detection Evaluation Technology Facility 

Hazardous Material Testing Chambers 

Protection Factor Facility (PFF) 

Water Test Loop System 

Aerosol Countermeasures Chamber 

Static Challenge Test Chamber 

Man-In-Simulant Testing (MIST) Chamber 

Physical Evaluation and Metrology Laboratory 

Gas and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter Testing 

Laboratory 

Mask and Mask Filter Testing Laboratory 

Aerosol Science Facilities 

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
70

Partnerships

AAI Corporation

AC Birox,LLC(formerly CBTEK)

Advanced Analytical Technologies, Inc

ADVNT Biotechnologies, Inc

Air Cleaning Technologies, Inc

Air Techs Intl

Alion S&T Corporation

American Technology Corporation

Anachemia Canada Inc

ANP Technologies, Inc

APG Garrison

Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

ATK D-tect Systems

Auburn University

AVOX Systems Inc

Battelle Mem Inst/Aberdeen Ops

BioFactura, Inc

Bruker Optics, Inc

Camfil Farr

CBIAC

CDC/NIOSH/NIST

CH2M Hill

Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)

COE/ERDC

Connectec Company, Inc

CryoStorage Services & Technologies

DHS-HSARPA

Direct Dimensions

DTRA

EAI Corporation

Eastern Canvas Products, Inc

ECBC-APG-Kirk

EPA

ERDC-CERL/HACH HST

FBI

Federal Reserve Board

Fibertek, Inc

Flanders/CSC Corporation

Flexfab LLC

GE Infrastructure Security

Genencor International, Inc

General Dynamics Amphibious Systems

General Dynamics Armt & Tech Products

General Dynamics Land Systems

Gentex Corp

GEOMET Technologies, LLC

GermFree-Purified

Hach Ultra Analytics

Herbert Cooper Company, Inc

Honeywell Kansas City Plant

Hunter Manufacturing Company

ILC Dover, Inc

Integrated Nano-Technologies, LLC

IQuum, Inc

ITT Industries Adv Engr & Sci Div

JHU/Bloomberg School of Health

John Romanowski and Associates, Inc

Johns Hopkins Univ Applied Physics Lab

Key Technologies

Lentigen Corporation

Menon Associates, Inc

Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC

MesoSystems

Microsensor Systems, Inc

Mine Safety Appliances Co

New Horizons Diagnostics

NIST/OLES

Norcross Safety Products

North Safety Products

North Safety Products

OptiMetrics, Inc

Orbital Sci Corp/Hamilton Sundstrand

Pappas Assoc Intl, Inc.(formerly VDSC)

Parsons Infrastructure & Tech Group, Inc

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

PHA Environmental Restoration, Inc

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
71

Production Products Mfg. & Sales, Inc

Protonex Technology Corporation

Purified microEnvironments, Inc

QuickSilver Analytics, Inc

RAMSAFE Technologies, LLC

Rsch Triangle Institute Intl

RSE Incorporated

Rubicon Laboratory, Inc

SAIC

SAIC (formerly GEO-CENTERS, INC.)

Saint Louis University

Sceptor Industries Inc

Smiths Detection - Edgewood, Inc

Southwest Research Institute

STE, Inc. (formerly STERIS Corp)

Stedfast, Inc

SURVIVAIR

TriMech Solutions

TSI Incorporated

U.S. Army 22nd CM BN (TE)

U.S. Postal Service

Univ of MD, Baltimore (UMB)

USAMRIID-Special Immunization Program

USDA APHIS & FSIS

ZUMRO, Inc

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)
72

Natick Soldier Research, Development 

and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
73

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center 

(NSRDEC)

Natick, MA 01760

Mission

To maximize the Warrior’s survivability, sustainability, mobility, 

combat effectiveness and quality of life through basic and applied 

research, technology development and demonstration and engineering of rations, food service equipment, combat clothing and 

individual equipment, shelters, airdrop systems and organizational 

equipment. Provide the necessary RD&E to integrate the technologies for combat-essential elements of command and control, survivability, lethality, sustainability and mobility into the Soldier system. 

Perform a similar function to integrate technologies for Soldier support systems and for Warrior systems and Warrior support systems 

for other services and agencies. 

History

The Natick Soldier RDEC is the lead U.S. Military laboratory 

to maximize the individual Warrior’s Survivability, Sustainability, 

Mobility, Combat Effectiveness and Quality of Life by treating the 

Warrior as a System. NSC has served in this role for the United 

States since 1952. NSRDEC was established after World War II as 

a result of the harsh lessons learned by our forces. We are ensuring 

America’s Warfighters will be the best protected and equipped Warrior on any modern-day battlefield.

Installation Overview

Located just 17 miles west of Boston, the Natick Soldier RDEC 

has unique access to many world-renowned universities and 

research hospitals. Also, the region is home to many technologybased, private-sector companies focused on biotechnology, information technology, nanotechnology, etc., providing additional 

opportunities for the NSRDEC research and development teams 

to network and share technology. By embracing these partnering 

opportunities both within the NSC, Soldier Systems Center (SSC) 

community and with nearby academic, industry, and governmental 

agencies, the NSRDEC team has consistently delivered state-ofthe-art products to our Warfighters for the past 50 years.

Contact Information

Public Affairs Office

Natick, MA 01760-5012

(508) 233-4300

http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/index.htm

Major Equipment/Facilities 

Advanced Food Processing Laboratory 

This lab includes equipment for the production and testing of 

food/food components to facilitate state-of-the-art ration development. Production equipment, all pilot-plant-scale, includes: meat 

processing chamber, starch research and baking area, steam retorts, 

continuous processor/sealer system for packaging tube foods, Rheon 

encruster, pressurized microwave oven, freeze dryer, microwave-assisted freeze dryer, extruder for bar production, impingement oven, 

dough sheeter, All-Fill piston filler and food-yield quantifier. Also, 

High Pressure Processing Unit, Pulsed Electric Field Unit, Analytical Microbiology lab, Microwave Digestive System, and Ohmic 

Heating Unit. 

Doriot Climatic Chambers 

The Doriot Climatic Chambers is a one-of-a-kind, human-rated 

research facility that is used to assess the limitations of human 

performance under various conditions, to conduct research on the 

physiological impact of new equipment on soldiers, to evaluate 

the effectiveness of soldier equipment in development and to test 

other equipment used by soldiers in various environmental conditions. The facility is primarily used by the Natick Soldier RDEC, 

US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Product 

Manager-Force Sustainment Systems and Product Manager-Clothing and Individual Equipment. 

Flexible Packaging Laboratory 

Specialized equipment can be used as follows: mimic the shock and 

vibration a package endures during shipping and handling; fabricate 

and fill packages on-line to simulate commercial production runs; 

and test how well packaging materials or packages perform in environmental extremes such as desert, arctic or jungle conditions, using 

the packaging environmental chambers. Equipment consists of: 

metal tray can sealer/polymeric sealer, vacuum/gas flush heat sealer, 

pouch maker, vibration table, environmental chambers, drop tester, 

horizontal form-fill-seal machine, compression tester, and two twin 

screw extruders for plastic compounding and film processing. 

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
74

Food Analysis Laboratory 

This lab includes equipment for the chemical, physical, structural and textural characterization of food/food components and 

chemical heating technologies to facilitate state-of-the-art ration 

development. The Analytical Equipment includes: Laser Scanning 

Confocal Microscope, Thermal Analysis Equipment (DSC, DMA), 

Time Domain NMR, Fluorimeter, Moisture Analyzer, Colorimeter, Solution Calorimeter, Chromatography (HPLC), Rapid Scanning UV/VIS and PDA Spectrophotometers, LC/GC/MALDITOF Mass Spectrometers, Glucometer, Texture Analyzer, Image 

Analyzer, Rheoviscometer, Protein Analyzer, Supercritical Fluid Fat 

Extractor, osmometer, headspace detector, pH and Aw meters. 

Packaging Materials Testing Laboratory 

The test equipment measures: the force needed to break a material 

or a package seal or the rate that moisture and/or oxygen passes 

through a package or material. Specialized equipment consists of: 

Instron tensile strength/seal strength tester, Mocon water vapor 

transmission tester, Mocon oxygen transmission tester, headspace 

gas analyzer and pouch/tray burst testers. 

Coextruder 

The coextruder is used for incorporation of nano-clays into commercial polymers used in commercial packaging polymers (e.g., 

polyethylene, polypropylene) in support of Nanotechnology efforts. 

The lab scale unit is used for studying various production parameters (e.g., screw speed and processing temperature). 

Burner Test Facility 

The facility is used to test and evaluate diesel-fired combustion 

systems including burners, military kitchen appliances, camping 

stoves, pocket stoves, water heaters, shelter heaters and heat-driven 

generators and cogenerators. Combustion efficiency, heat transfer 

and energy balance are determined to reconcile total energy in, to 

total energy out. Assessments of safety, health, ergonomics, maintenance and reliability are also made. Specialized test equipment 

includes thermal imagers, combustion gas analyzers, electric power 

consumption, ultrasonic flow meter and mass spectrometer. 

Food Safety Testing Laboratory 

The Food Safety Testing Laboratory was established in FY03 and 

became fully functional in FY04. Research and Development will 

include developing screening assays, testing/modifying biosensor 

equipment and optimizing food safety testing protocols for the 

military and for civilian sector applications. The laboratory is a 

Biosafety Level 2 Plus (BSL 2+) laboratory and has several built-in 

safety features which will allow our research personnel to work 

safely with the pathogens. Analytical tests to validate the methods 

and instruments that the Army has selected for detection of pathogens and biological agents in foods will also be conducted. These 

pathogens and agents have been designated by the Department of 

Defense and the Center for Disease Control as likely candidates 

to be used as biological weapons. No live agent testing will be 

conducted in this laboratory. Diagnostic testing of equipment with 

various foods and optimizing the protocols for these tests will be 

conducted in the BSL II plus lab. 

Refrigeration Calorimeter Test Chamber 

This chamber is used for the test and evaluation of refrigeration 

equipment. It has super insulated walls, fans for air circulation, an 

array of thermostatically controlled heaters to provide a controlled 

interior ambient temperature and a fire suppression system. Stateof-the-art data acquisition capability includes temperature data 

and an energy analyzer. Work has included performance testing of 

various refrigeration systems and long-term testing of shipboard ice 

making equipment for the Navy. 

Navy Test Laboratory 

This facility is used for testing and evaluation of Navy galley food 

service equipment. 

Future Force Warrior (FFW) Systems Integration 

Laboratory (SIL) 

The Future Force Warrior (FFW) Systems Integration Laboratory 

provides a dedicated lab environment for the rapid design, development and evaluation of advanced Soldier equipment prototypes 

and components. Current equipment can be modified, and new 

equipment designed and rapidly prototyped to evaluate form, fit 

and function of innovative and proposed Soldier system concepts. 

Testing and analysis tools are employed to assess aspects of system/

component performance prior to more rigorous assessments in field 

environments. 

The Textile Performance Testing Facility 

The Textile Performance Testing Facility has been renovated to 

comply with standard requirements of Quality Management 

Systems ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999. The facility consists 

of a Shade Evaluation Facility and a Textile Testing Lab. Textile-based materials are tested to provide technical support to the 

multiple customers. Digital color acceptability criteria is established 

for procuring military items and quality prototypes. 

Fiber Production and Research Facilities 

Fiber Plant capabilities include an experimental size and pilot production monofilament fiber spinning unit. The Fiber Research Facility has separate state-of-the-art research and production multicomponent fiber spinning capabilities. The Bureau of Engraving 

and Printing (BEP) has authorized and funded an optics and 

synthesis laboratory. The facility will be located at NSC for use in 

investigating new products to be used by BEP and the Soldier. The 

synthesis laboratory is functional and the optical facility is in the 

planning stages. The facility has recertified with the International 

Organization for Standardization Certification (ISO 9001:2000) 

from National Quality Assurance for the design and manufacture 

of synthetic fibers and materials. 

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
75

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) & Rapid Prototyping 

Facility 

The Rapid Prototype System will produce precise, solid 3-D objects 

of unlimited geometric complexities directly from Computer-Aided 

Design Data. Prototypes can be built from several materials to 

include laminated paper, nylon, glass filled nylon and an elastomer. 

Larger parts can be produced in sections and then fastened together. 

Functional prototypes of unlimited geometric complexity can be 

produced with tolerances of +0.002 inches and with the structural 

integrity adequate to evaluate function in many cases. This facility 

has supported various customers to include Army, SOF, industry 

and academia.

Clothing and Equipment Design and Prototype Facility 

The Clothing and Equipment Design and Prototype Facility has 

the capability to design and fabricate end-item clothing prototypes 

such as ballistic and chemical protection, combat and dress clothing. These prototypes allow for initial fit/wear tests and assist in 

the preparation of technical data packages for large-scale procurement. The Computer Aided Design (CAD) apparel design system 

allows for pattern input, lifetime storage, graded sizing, updates and 

modifications. These patterns can be sent electronically directly to 

the contractor or printed on plotter paper, oak tag or on compact 

disk (CD). 

Helium-powered Ballistic Test Apparatus 

The Helium-powered Ballistic Test Apparatus is a research device 

for the initial assessment of new materials and is used for fragmentation testing of yarns, fabric or laminate samples primarily. The 

device shoots a .22 caliber fragment simulating projectile at low to 

moderate velocity. It provides researchers and manufacturers information to gauge the potential ballistic performance of these items 

early in the production or pre-production phase. 

Clothing and Individual Equipment Fightability Course 

This course is a tool used for the evaluation of combat equipment. 

It is an obstacle course designed to measure the effects of equipment on a Soldier’s mobility, agility and speed in a combat environment. The course includes nine outdoor obstacles and a two-story 

building with stairs, doorways, windows and halls for evaluation of 

Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT). Each obstacle 

is equipped with electronic timing devices for measuring Soldier 

performance. 

Roller Test Facility 

The Roller Test Facility simulates a C-17, C-130J and C130H 

aircraft roller bed. It has 160 instrumented rollers that are able to 

measure point loading of cargo within an airdrop aircraft. It has an 

overhead lift capability which consists of two gantry cranes, each 

gantry having two instrumented lifting hooks. Each hook has a 7.5 

ton capability. In addition, the Roller Test Facility is also equipped 

to simulate up to 80,000 pounds of parachute-extraction force. 

45-Foot High Drop Tower 

The tower is available for the lifting and releasing of instrumented 

airdrop loads up to 100,000 pounds. The Drop Tower is used to 

simulate the impact shocks that are exerted on parachute loads 

when they impact the ground. 

550,000-Pound Capacity Servo-Hydraulic Type 

Tensile/Compression Machine 

The tensile compression machine applies controlled tensile/compressive loading to objects while measuring force and linear 

displacement. This machine provides uniform forces/displacement 

throughout its 20-inch stroke and provides the capability to apply 

load or displacement in monotonic or cyclic-control commands. 

112,000-Pound Capacity Screw Type Tensile/

Compression Machine 

This tensile compression machine applies controlled tensile/compressive loads to objects while measuring the force and displacement. This machine provides uniform displacement throughout its 

nine-foot stroke. 

Microclimate Conditioning Laboratory 

The Microclimate Conditioning Laboratory at NSRDEC is used 

for test and evaluation (T&E) as well as developmental programs. 

The T&E capabilities focus on the characterization of the thermal 

and fluid flow performance of microclimate cooling and heating systems and garments, as well as determining system power 

requirements. The lab is also used to conduct collaborative work 

with industrial and academic partners to develop enhanced and new 

microclimate conditioning systems and components. 

Mechanical Prototype Fabrication Facility 

The facility employs highly qualified Model Makers (metal, wood, 

plastics), Instrument Makers, Machinists, Plastic Mold Makers, 

Sheet Metal Mechanics, Welders and Electricians to fabricate and 

aid in the design and construction of full or scale-model prototype 

projects and displays. Prototypes can be produced individually 

or in small lots. Computerized equipment assures precision and 

repeatability. Travel to test sites as needed to assist with setup and 

operation of prototypes. 

The Biomechanics Laboratory 

The Biomechanics Laboratory is unique in DoD. The joint 

NSRDEC/USARIEM research program in biomechanics studies forces in and on the human body, and the effects produced by 

those forces. It consists of a 7,500 square-foot dedicated laboratory 

outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment for three-dimensional 

analysis of human movement, measurement of external forces on 

the body, monitoring of muscle activity and real-time mapping of 

pressure patterns associated with wear of clothing and equipment. 

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
76

Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Laboratory 

A Cyberware laser-based optical digitizing system records the 3-D 

surface coordinates of the head and face of U.S. Army Soldiers, and 

a Cyberware 3-D anthropometric scanning system collects whole 

body data on approximately 95 percent of a subject’s body. The ability to obtain accurate 3-D data describing human shape differs, and 

to apply these data in the areas of computerized design and evaluation will provide faster and more cost effective tools for developing 

military/non-military clothing and equipment systems. 

Parachute Prototype Facility 

This facility has the capability to fabricate prototype parachutes, 

harnesses and accessories; make modifications (such as upgrading 

or repairing existing fielded equipment); and provide quick-response production capabilities. The team provides technical support 

as required for airdrop items, Quality Deficiency Reports (QDRs) 

and Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs). Their work is not 

limited to only airdrop; however, it is their main focus. 

Tentage Prototype Shop 

The tentage Prototype Shop focuses on the design and prototyping 

of fabric structures interface kits and accessories using heat sealing, 

ultrasonic welding, radio frequency welding, sewing, etc. 

The Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) 

Center 

The MS&A Center contains the necessary computer hardware 

and software for inserting fully outfitted dismounted warriors into 

distributed interactive simulations with other Research, Development and Engineering Centers. Additionally, computer software 

such as IUSS, JCATS, ModSAF and Janus are used for constructive analysis or main-in-the-loop virtual simulations and rendered 

in 3-D by the MetaVR visualization system. 

Laser, Thermal and Ballistic Test Facility 

The facilities capabilities include: (1) evaluation of laser eye-protection systems at numerous wavelengths, output powers and pulse 

widths; (2) ballistic, haze and weatherometer testing of laser and 

ballistic eye protection systems; and (3) complete thermal data 

acquisition and analysis system. A picosecond laser, a continuum 

pulsed Nd: YAG laser (which fires 10 ns pulses), two continuum 

pulsed ruby lasers (each fires 40 ns pulses), an Alexandrite tunable 

laser (fires 50 ns pulses), and numerous continuous-wave lasers) can 

produce all wavelengths necessary to test the performance of eyewear, evaluate the physical and optical properties of development 

materials and verify end-item compliance with American National 

Standards Institute (ANSI). In addition, there is a Raman Stokes 

Cell for frequency down conversion of pulses laser sources and a 

Raman Anti-stokes Cell for up conversion of pulses laser sources. 

Sensory and Consumer Testing Laboratory 

This laboratory conducts a wide range of studies to characterize the 

sensory properties of and consumer responses to foods, beverages, 

fabrics, clothing items and other consumer products. Additional 

in-house facilities include sensory panel and focus group rooms, 

and two environmentally controlled fabric-conditioning rooms. 

Trained flavor, texture and hand-feel panels are available for descriptive sensory testing. Existing human use protocols enable testing for a wide range of FDA-approved and experimental products 

with a large, volunteer, consumer panel. 

Polymer Processing 

The PRISM 16 mm twin screw compounding system, with screw 

speeds up to 500 rpm and heated temperature zones up to 400C, 

can be used to blend different polymers and nanoparticles in 10-15 

g quantities. The DACA monofilament fiber spinning system 

can be used to take compounded polymer formulations and melt 

spin them into fibers. It also has the capability to wet spin fibers. 

The DACA mini injection molder makes test specimens that are 

designed for mechanical, compression and dynamic mechanical 

analyses. In addition, there is a Collin co-extrusion laboratory 

bench system to produce three or five layer multi-layer cast films. 

Microscopy Laboratory 

This laboratory has the capability to analyze fiber and fabric blends 

to aid in both research and development. The laboratory includes 

an Atomic Force Microscope, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope, Environmental Scanning 

Electron Microscope (ESEM) and our newest acquisition: a 

FasTEM Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). With these 

microscopes, we can look carefully at the surface and the internal 

structure of materials. 

Chemical and Material Analysis 

The Chemical and Material Analysis capabilities include a Fourier 

Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) with microscope and 

gas chromatograph; Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer 

(GC-MS); GC systems with selective detectors; Multi-pump Liquid Chromatography (LC); Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA) mass 

spectrometer with flows down to one ml per; Thermo-mechanical analyzer; Differential scanning calorimeters; High-resolution 

thermo-gravimetric analyzer; Dynamic mechanical analyzer; and a 

Dielectric analyzer. 

Biotechnology Laboratory 

The Biotechnology Laboratory facility has various instruments for 

the synthesis and analysis of genetic material and peptides/proteins: 

The Class II fermentation facility; a Polymerase Chain Reaction 

(PCR) capability; a DNA sequencing gel system; peptide synthesizer; Advance Chemtech STORM system; Perkin Elmer Fluorimeter; Water Alliance High Performance Liquid Chromatograph 

(HPLC); and a Pharmacia BIAcore Processing Unit. 

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
77

Camouflage Evaluation Facility/Digital Inkjet Printing 

Facility 

This facility provides the ability to evaluate current and experimental camouflage patterns year-round. Four environmental settings 

are represented: desert, woodland, urban and arctic. The facility has 

special lighting that can be adjusted to simulate different levels of 

moonlit/moonless skies. Digital inkjet printing provides cuttingedge camouflage design and printing technology. 

Special Purpose Shock Tube for Blast Assessment 

The Special Purpose Shock Tube for Blast Assessment is a specially designed shock tube for testing fabric samples in a controlled 

environment. The device is being used to determine the appropriate 

types of sensors to be used for measuring the effects of shock waves 

on fabrics. This information will be used to help build an anthropometric device to be used for designing and testing blast-protective 

equipment. 

Footwear Performance Laboratory 

The Footwear Performance Laboratory provides the biomechanical 

and physical analyses capability for both military and commercial 

footwear. The laboratory contains equipment that is integral to the 

U.S. Army, Special Operations Command, USMC and U.S. Navy 

footwear programs and is used to perform research and development work as well as quality control and footwear performance 

evaluations. It has also been used for fee-for-service testing for 

private industry and engineering support for the Defense Supply 

Center Philadelphia. 

Capabilities at a Glance

Advanced Food Processing Laboratory 

Doriot Climatic Chambers 

Flexible Packaging Laboratory 

Food Analysis Laboratory 

Packaging Materials Testing Laboratory 

Coextruder 

Burner Test Facility 

Food Safety Testing Laboratory 

Refrigeration Calorimeter Test Chamber 

Navy Test Laboratory 

Future Force Warrior (FFW) Systems Integration Laboratory 

(SIL) 

The Textile Performance Testing Facility 

Fiber Production and Research Facilities 

Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Rapid Prototyping Facility 

Clothing and Equipment Design and Prototype Facility 

Helium-powered Ballistic Test Apparatus 

Clothing and Individual Equipment Fightability Course 

Roller Test Facility 

45-Foot High Drop Tower 

550,000-Pound Capacity Servo-Hydraulic Type Tensile/Compression Machine 

112,000-Pound Capacity Screw Type Tensile/Compression 

Machine 

Microclimate Conditioning Laboratory 

Mechanical Prototype Fabrication Facility 

The Biomechanics Laboratory 

Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Laboratory 

Parachute Prototype Facility 

Tentage Prototype Shop 

The Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) Center 

Laser, Thermal and Ballistic Test Facility 

Sensory and Consumer Testing Laboratory 

Polymer Processing 

Microscopy Laboratory 

Chemical and Material Analysis 

Biotechnology Laboratory 

Camouflage Evaluation Facility/Digital Inkjet Printing Facility 

Special Purpose Shock Tube for Blast Assessment 

Footwear Performance Laboratory 

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Partnerships:

Abbotsford Produce Egg Products (APEP)

AFMC/Naval Air Warfare Center/Defense Logistics Agency

Agriculture (Region One) Northern Region Army TMDE 

Activity

Agriculture Research Service (ARS)

Air Mobility Warfare Center

Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)

Army Engineering Laboratory

Army Personnel Agency (PERSCOM)

Atair Aerospace, Inc.

Battelle Memorial Institute

Best Harvest

Boeing

Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire

Campbell Soup Co.

CarbBoom

Carleton Tech.

Centec Mobile Systems (Alkan)

Clarkson University

Clemson University

Combat Development Directorate (CDD), U.S. Army Special 

Operations Command (USASOC)

Combat Service Support (CSS) Battle Lab (BL), 

Fort Lee, VA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public 

Safety

Compact Membrane Systems, Inc.

Corning

CTC, Inc.

D’Andrea Bros.

Danalco

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Defense Personnel Supply Center (DPSC)

Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia

Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab, Fort Benning, GA

Dutch Space

Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC)

Extreme Endeavors

Food Technology Services, Inc.

Foster Miller, Inc.

Fort Devens, MA

Genencor

Gentex

GenuOne

Global Secure Safety, Inc.

ILC Dover

Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) 

Institute for Simulation & Training (IST) Aerospace

Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) at 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Integrated Materiel Management Center (IMMC)/ 

Airdrop Delivery (ADD)

International Mountain Guides, Inc.

Johns Hopkins University

Joint Forces Command/Joint Warfighter Center

Joint Programs Management Office-Individual 

Protection (JPMO-IP)

Joint Readiness Training Center

Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)

Kaman Aerospace

Kraft

L.J. Engineering, Inc.

Lightyear Technologies

Malden Mills

Meso Scale

Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC)

Mist Mobility Integrated Systems Technologies, Inc. (MMIST)

Mitsubishi/CAREX

Mountain Warfare School

National Institute of Standards & Technologies (NIST)

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Forecast System Lab (FSL)

National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC)-ERPT

NAV PM NSW

Naval Post Graduate School

Naval Weapons Station/Naval Packaging, Handling, Storage 

and Transportation (PHST) Center

Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility (NCTRF)

Oceaneering

Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES)

Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Pacific International Center for High Tech Research

Pactech

78

Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Para-Flite

Paulson 

Pioneer

PPG Industries

Proctor & Gamble

Product Manager (PM)-Abrams Tank System

Product Manager-Clothing & Individual Equipment (PM-CIE)

Product Manager-Force Sustainment Systems 

(PM-FSS)

Product Manager-Soldier Equipment (PM-SEQ)

Rhode Island Air National Guard (RIANG)

Rocky Resource Laboratory

SealTek

SJR Foods

Skyboard

SOPAKCO, Inc.

Stara

Sterling Foods, Inc.

STI, Massachusetts

Sweet Productions

Protective Group

Theater High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

University of Massachusetts

TOI (PPG)

Topographic Engineering Center

Tracer Detection Technology Group

Triton

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

U.S. Army Communications & Electronics Command (CECOM)

U.S. Army Institute for Environmental Medicine (ARIEM)/Army 

National Guard 

U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN)

U.S. Army Quartermaster School

U.S. Army Research Laboratory

U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command (TACOM)

U.S. Military Academy

U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

Unifi Manufacturing

University of New Hampshire (UNH)

University of South Australia

University of South Florida

Vertigo

W.L. Gore

Walter Reed/Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)

XVII Airborne Corps & Fort Bragg

Xymid

Yuma Proving Ground/Naval Post Graduate School

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Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Simulation And Training 

Technology Center (STTC)
Simulation and Training 

Technology Center (STTC)

Orlando, Fla., 32826-3276

Mission

The mission of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Simulation Training and Technology Center is 

to enhance Warfighter readiness through research and development 

of applied simulation technologies for learning, training, testing 

and mission rehearsal.

To achieve this mission, the STTC established six strategic goals. 

1. Focus on key competencies:

Real-Time Human-in-the-Loop Simulation 

Technologies

This area includes technologies that support training and mission 

rehearsal. It includes human, agent, and team interfaces, sensory 

stimulation, and tracking technologies for systems of systems approach to linked, distributed, or embedded systems.

Behavioral Representation

Artificial intelligence technologies are widespread among the 

STTC’s missions (embedded training, medical training, agent 

simulations, advanced learning environments, etc.) and include 

computer-generated forces, intelligent tutoring systems, 

composable behavior technologies, and simulation management 

technologies.

Shared Simulation Environments

This area includes test and training environments for missions 

like urban operations, advanced learning, embedded training, and 

distributed development. It includes technologies for the rapid 

construction of urban environments and multielevation structures. 

It includes cross-domain technologies likes augmented reality and 

architectures and standards for distributed simulation environments.

Partnering

STTC’s distinctive competence lies within our focus on partnering 

as a means of optimizing value. Whether it is contracting expertise or leveraging the infrastructure of the Navy, Army, Air Force 

or Department of Justice, STTC continually works to improve its 

relationship with partners located in the Central Florida area. This 

provides greater value to AMC RDECs, DARPA, and other users. 

2. Support Training Transformation (T2):

STTC provides simulation technologies for a capabilities-based 

training environment for the Department of Defense in support 

of national security requirements. This includes Joint Knowledge 

Development and Distribution Capability, Joint National Training 

Capability and Joint Assessment and Enabling Capability. 

3. Provide and maintain a state-of-the-art facility: 

The STTC has a vision to provide the Department of Defense and 

Department of Homeland Security with state-of-the-art applied 

research and development of simulation technologies for knowledge and understanding human, agent, and teams in a system of 

systems environment. To be a national leader, the Center is constantly improving by drawing on the talent, facilities, and experience of its partners. 

4. Promote the learning and growth of the 

Simulationist to enhance the STTC’s ability to support the Department of Defense and Department of 

Homeland Security. 

 5. Optimize the financial resources provided by the 

Army and our Partners.

 6. Develop and maintain processes to support the 

most efficient and effective use of resources to 

provide the Warfighter with the solutions necessary 

to do their mission. 

81

Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC)
History

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command 

Simulation and Training Technology Center was officially reorganized in October 2003. As part of the reorganization, the STTC 

separated from the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation 

Command with 40 civilians forming the STTC while the remaining 480 civilians including 180 engineers formed the new Program 

Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation. 

Today, the STTC reports directly to RDECOM Headquarters 

managing 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 funding lines and is one of the smallest 

organizations in RDECOM that manages Advanced Technology 

Objectives for the U.S. Army.

On Nov. 7, 2004, The RDECOM-STTC located in Orlando, Fla., 

was named after Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith. Sgt. 1st Class Paul 

Ray Smith was chosen because he was a Floridian and Combat 

Engineer Sapper with the 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry 

Division, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country by heroic 

actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For these actions, Sgt. 1st 

Class Smith was awarded the first Medal of Honor since Operation 

Iraqi Freedom began. On May 13, 2005, the Sgt. 1st Class Paul 

Ray Smith STTC was rededicated to him in honor of the award.

Today, the Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith STTC is a model for collaboration by housing employees directly assigned to the STTC, but 

also from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, U.S. Army Research 

Institute, U.S. Army Program Executive Office Simulation Training 

and Instrumentation, University of Central Florida/Institute for 

Simulation and Training, and the Central Florida industrial base. 

Contact Information

Simulation and Training Technology Center

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

ATTN: Director, AMSRD-STTC

12423 Research Parkway

Orlando, FL 32826-3276

http://www.rdecom.army.mil/STTC/index.html

Installation Overview

The US Army Simulation and Technology Training Center is the 

home to more than 80 personnel from several organizations including: US Army Research Laboratory, US Army Research Institute, 

US Naval Air Warfare Center Training System Division, US Army 

Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, University of Central Florida (UCF) / Institute for Simulation and Training (IST) employees, UCF students, and industry. It 

is a highly successful and expanding partnership with lab and office 

space, 19 testbeds, a simulation theater, simulation equipment, tools 

and network infrastructure. 

The facility contains cable for data, voice and multimedia 

applications. Additionally, the facility has a significant number 

of network data and voice ports throughout the facility; Wide 

Area Network (WAN) access to Defense Research & Engineering Network (DREN), National Guard Network and Internet II; 

Distributed Simulation Testbed to support interoperability and 

management of STTC hardware and network assets, software assets 

(prototypes and models) and databases (terrain, environmental and 

exercise); and a simulation theater for large groups (30+) for an 

immersive audio and video experience.

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Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC)
Capabilities

Asymmetric Warfare-Virtual Training Technology (AW-VTT)

This program uses computer-based Internet simulation training or 

through a secure wide area network such as the Defense, Research 

and Engineering Network. The AW-VTT provides Soldiers with 

virtual experiences to improve competencies in operations against 

threats in simulated urban, jungle or desert environments. This program provides Soldiers the ability to train interactively with other 

Soldiers at home stations, in transit or in their area of responsibility. The degree of realism and the variety of realistic operational 

environments and threats can be tailored to represent characteristics unique to different cultures or religions. These capabilities 

have been used to prepare Soldiers for cultural experiences before 

deployment. 

Combat Trauma Patient Simulator (CTPS)

This program prepares medics for upcoming deployments by treating simulated combat casualties in realistic conditions that incorporate the look, sound and smell of war. CTPS patients (dummies) 

breathe, generate pulse beats, bleed, secrete fluids and can “die” if 

given incorrect or insufficient care, thus providing realistic training 

to prepare medics to treat casualties in real-life scenarios including combat trauma, mass casualty situations and stabilization and 

Soldier and civilian evacuation. The CTPS consists of networked 

patient simulators that allow medics to train individually or as 

teams. The CTPS electronically stores the patient profile and tracks 

all treatment at each level of care, starting at the point of injury and 

throughout the casualty care cycle.

Distributed Advanced Graphics Generator and 

Embedded Rehearsal System (DAGGERS)

This system is a proof of concept for a dismounted embedded 

training system. The portable, 3-D simulation enables Soldiers to 

conduct realistic training and mission rehearsal. The augmented reality capabilities also have potential applications for first responder 

training in homeland defense, special weapons teams, law enforcement and civilian medical training.

Self-directed Learning Internet Module (SLIM)

Developed with the close cooperation of the U.S. Army’s Office of 

the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G-2. In SLIM training 

modules, trainees navigate urban terrain. Players work from a menu 

of actions that records their observations, allows them to check 

maps, takes Global Positioning System readings and even takes 

digital photographs. Scenarios are time-limited. Trainees prepare a 

report and are provided with a scored result following the simulated 

patrol. SLIM requires users to emphasize cognitive judgment and 

observational acuity to heighten awareness of elements in their surroundings while prioritizing, reporting and honing memory skills. 

Virtual Integrated Military Operations in Urban 

Terrain Training System (V-IMTS)

This program allows Soldiers to conduct virtual training in an 

immersive environment using a virtual database and the OneSAF 

as planning and rehearsal tools in preparation for live training 

exercises. The simulation is designed to improve Soldier tactics, 

dismounted infantry training and tactical decision making of all 

squad members.

Global Partnerships

In addition to its in-house research and development program, 

STTC takes a global approach to leverage and support allied 

technology programs, commercial technology, other government 

agency programs, industry R&D and academic research to better 

support Soldier training capabilities. STTC is working closely with 

the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, 

the Air Force Research Lab, Defense R&D Canada and the United 

Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense on a program to support coalition 

mission training through Internet-based simulation. These initiatives and partnerships will ensure that RDECOM STTC continues 

to provide Soldiers and leaders the most advanced simulations and 

training technologies that industry has to offer. 

83

Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC)
Tank Automotive Research, Development 

and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

Tank Automotive Research, 

Development and Engineering 

Center (TARDEC)

Warren, MI 48397-5000

Mission

To research, develop, engineer, leverage and provide advanced 

systems integration of technology into ground systems and support 

equipment throughout the life cycle. 

History

In the early 1940s, the Army’s 1.3 million-square-foot Detroit 

Arsenal was built in just seven months. The facility had a single 

purpose: to build quality tanks. The Army chose the site for the 

arsenal because of the area’s wealth of automotive technology and 

manufacturing capability.

In 1946, the Tank Automotive Components Laboratory, now 

known as the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), was formed at the recommendation 

of a committee led by Chrysler Corporation’s President K.T. Keller. 

This committee comprised of leading engineers from Chrysler, 

Continental Aviation & Engineering, Ethyl, Ford, General Motors, 

Hudson Motor Car, International Harvester, Packard, Studebaker 

and Timken Detroit Axle determined that Detroit would be an 

ideal location for a military automotive laboratory. The newly created Components Laboratory spawned many successful collaborative working relationships.

As part of the TARDEC organization, the National Automotive Center (NAC) is responsible for advancing this emphasis on 

collaboration. This is accomplished by working with private industry 

to leverage commercial automotive technologies for military use.

The establishment of the NAC in southeast Michigan places 

it among 96 major automotive research and development centers 

including Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hundai, Mazda, 

Nissan, Saturn, Toyota and Volkswagen. In addition to these 

organizations, over 85 percent of the Nation’s automotive supplier 

technical centers are located in Michigan.

With more than 60 percent of U.S. automotive engineers living 

and working in Michigan, TARDEC and its NAC reside in the 

heart of a concentrated source of automotive intellectual property 

unmatched anywhere in the country.

Installation Overview

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and 

Engineering Center (TARDEC) is the nation’s laboratory for 

advanced military automotive technology. Headquartered at the 

Detroit Arsenal, Warren, MI, TARDEC is located in the heart of 

the world’s automotive capitol. TARDEC’s associates develop and 

maintain vehicles for all U.S. Armed Forces, many federal agencies 

and more than 60 foreign countries.

TARDEC’s programs advance the state-of-the-art in power 

and energy, advanced collaborative environments, robotics, active 

protection systems, advanced armors, electric drive and embedded 

simulation to provide the Army with the materiel solutions it demands. We lead several Army Future Force science and technology 

efforts – collaborating with the Army’s combat developers – to ensure we field robust equipment that meets aggressive cost, schedule 

and performance standards.

Making sure warfighters receive optimized equipment quickly 

at reduced taxpayer cost, TARDEC is at the forefront of technology 

transfer, building solid relationships with industry and academia 

to develop dual-use technologies. With a legacy of support since 

World War II, TARDEC is uniquely positioned to ensure that the 

Army remains a strategically dominant force across the operational 

spectrum.

Our associates are committed to increasing the Army’s agility, 

versatility, responsiveness, deployability, lethality, sustainability and 

survivability—delivering Superior Technology for a Superior Army.

Contact Information

Director

U.S. Tank Automative Research, Development and 

Engineering Center

Attn: AMSRD-TAR

Building 200

Warren, MI 48397-5000

http://www.tacom.army.mil/tardec/

Major Equipment/Facilities 

Environmental Heat Management Chamber and 

Laboratory 

The Environmental Heat Management Chamber and Laboratory is 

a unique vehicle-level thermal management evaluation facility that 

accommodates both tracked and wheeled platforms. Environmental 

conditions are controlled through proper simulation of air flow rate 

and temperature, solar radiation, and particular steady-state vehicle 

operating condition. 

85
Steady-State Vehicle Evaluation Test Cell and 

Laboratory 

Dynamometers are employed to test and evaluate engines, transmissions, drivelines, or total propulsion system at the vehicle or component-level assembly. The facility will accommodate a broad range 

of vehicle platforms from light-duty High Mobility Multi-Purpose 

Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) to main battle tank applications. 

Flexible Steady-State/Transient Vehicle Evaluation 

Test Cell and Laboratory 

This recently upgraded facility includes a double dynamometer 

arrangement that can simulate steering maneuvers, steady-state 

operation and transient operation at the vehicle level for up to a 40-

ton platform or 800 BHP. 

Propulsion System Component Test Cells and 

Laboratories 

Six test cells are equipped to accommodate a variety of engine and 

transmission sizes. Capability includes evaluating engines from 

100 BHP to 1400 BHP and transmissions from light-duty to main 

battle tank applications. These test cells also have capability for 

high temperature operation up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Flow/Coolant System Component Evaluation 

Laboratory 

This facility can accommodate the evaluation of radiators, fans, 

air filters, coolant systems and air filtration systems. It includes a 

flow bench that can simulate a variety of real world conditions for 

evaluating coolant and air filtration system and component-level 

performance. Such measurements include precise heat rejection, 

restriction, filtration and efficiency parameters. 

Single-cylinder Engine Research Test Cell and 

Laboratory 

A state-of-the-art, high-output, single-cylinder diesel engine has 

been modified with a flexible prototype injection system and an 

associated flexible engine controller. Measurements include lowspeed and high-speed parameters that evaluate both overall engine 

performance and in-cylinder combustion behavior. Facility also 

includes limited emission measurement capability. 

Electric Components Evaluation Laboratory 

This in-house facility includes dynamometer test capabilities to 

evaluate motors, generators and their power conditioning controllers up to 100 kilowatts. The capability to bench test equipment to 

evaluate electrical power converters and power devices (inverters, 

rectifiers, dc-dc converters) is available as well. The test cell also 

includes an ABC 150 and an environmental chamber to characterize new and advanced batteries. 

Power and Energy System Integration Laboratory 

(P&E SIL) 

The Power and Energy Program develops enabling technologies for 

combat hybrid electric vehicles. Measurements in the Power and 

Energy System Integration Laboratory (SIL) provide for the rapid 

and cost-effective validation and transition of advanced electrical technology to a vehicle, and a cost-effective means to develop 

and evaluate the effectiveness of combat vehicle architectures. This 

supports Future Combat Systems (FCS), Electrothermal Chemical 

Gun and Electromagnetic Armor activities. 

Engine Generator Test Laboratory

The Engine Generator Test Laboratory is a test cell equipped to 

accommodate Future Combat Systems (FCS) Manned Ground 

Vehicle (MGV) size engine/generator testing. Testing capabilities include power pack characterization, mapping of power pack 

power and efficiency, verification of heat rejections and thermal 

time constants, verification of power pack response time with resistive load and acquisition of acoustic data and exhaust component 

performance data.

Duty Cycle Experimentation and Development

Process for development of standard mission duty cycles through 

simulation using the TARDEC Ride Motion Simulator (RMS)) 

in conjunction with the P&E SIL (see above) and TRADOC 

developed scenarios. Crew stations mounted on the RMS provide a 

driver and gunner to the simulated vehicle. The power consumption 

associated with mobility, lethality, survivability, turret/gun activity and battle command is recorded to represent a vehicle platform 

duty cycle.

Mission Voltage Component Integration Laboratory

This in-house laboratory provides ability to test and evaluate 14Vdc 

to 42Vdc electrical power generation, energy storage, power distribution and power management components.

Track Pad Blowout Test 

Tests heat build up as it relates to hysteresis of elastomers. 

This test is a direct indicator as to how well a track pad compound 

will perform in the field. Machine capacity 5,800 pounds in compressive and tensional loading, runs at 1,800 Cycles per minute. The 

test bed is six square feet. The manufacturer is Baldwin. 

Torsion Bar Test 

Test platform for testing cycle times of torsion bars. The rotatory 

actuator is capable of testing Abrams torsion bars. Can provide 180 

degrees of rotation. This is a hydraulically actuated system. Rotational torque can be varied to needs of specific test items. 

Six Degrees of Freedom Machine 

Provides a rotational motion, twist and tensional loading to simulate 

instantaneous dynamic loads statically in the laboratory. Machine is 

used to validate designs before going into vehicle test stage. 

Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

86
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

Track Pin Deflection Machine 

Test deflection of metal bars until fatigue failure. This machine can 

apply a dynamic and static load from 0 to 5,800 pounds. Machine 

runs at 1,800 cycles per minute. The number of cycles until failure 

is counted then compared to a standard to determine a pass/fail. Is 

used for track system/component qualification. Test bed is 6 square 

feet. Manufacturer is Baldwin. 

Track Bushing Research 

Endurance Simulation Machines to conduct experiments on new 

bushing designs, compounds, thermal management, and pin-bushing-shoe interaction to increase track bushing life. The bushing 

laboratory consists of three T130 simulation machines, two modular 

bushing machines, and a complete hydraulic bushing machine. The 

T130 bushing machines allow new compounds and formulations 

to be evaluated along with conducting qualification tests under 

MIL-PRF-11891. The hydraulic bushing machine allows complete 

pitches of T158/T157/T154/T107 to be tested. 

Band Track Joint Test Machine 

The Band Track Joint Test Machine ( JTM) is a unique piece of 

hardware designed to test segmented band track joints as well as 

small sections of segmented band track. The JTM can simulate the 

wrap around angles of the track moving through the drive sprocket 

and idler as well as a back bend scenario, reproducing the track 

running over a large object on the ground, i.e. a rock. The JTM also 

has the capability to put the test specimens through a slurry bath to 

simulate harsh environments. 

Track Wear Research 

Center Guide Wear Simulation Machine conducts experiments on 

Novel Lightweight Wear Resistant Materials. The center guide wear 

laboratory consists of a variable controlled center guide wear instrument. Center guide loads for all tracked vehicles up to the M1 can 

be applied to the wear specimens at speeds from 5-40 mph. 

Road wheel Vertical Displacement Measurement Test 

Machine 

This machine measures the vertical displacement of a road wheel as 

it moves over a tensioned track section. This information is used to 

develop a road wheel acceleration curve. Combining this acceleration curve with the transfer function from previous testing allows 

prediction and evaluation of the vibration response of future track 

designs prior to conducting vibration testing on a vehicle. 

Universal Testing Machine, Riehle Model LS-300 

Electrical mechanical tension/compressive machine. Max loading 

300,000 pounds. Clearance - Vertical 49 inches, Horizontal 48x42 

inches. Tests ultimate strength of components and validates finite 

element analysis. 

Intelligent Systems Integration Lab 

Two advanced technology crew stations are implemented in a SIL 

facilitating Soldier-machine interface, embedded simulation, and 

intelligent agent and behavioral software technology development 

and integration, as well as operator training. Identical, ruggedized 

crew stations are also mounted in a tracked vehicle chassis allowing 

field experimentation and demonstration. 

Robotics System Integration Lab and Vehicle Bay 

This facility allows unmanned system component technologies to 

be developed and matured in a laboratory setting. They can then 

be integrated into a variety of testbed chassis in the vehicle bay for 

functional testing or in preparation for field experiments. 

TARDEC Robotics Mobility Lab (TRML)

Includes: (1) Indoor mobility testing high bay area used for a variety 

of exercises and experiments with small mobile robots. (2) A Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) for reconfiguring and troubleshooting various robotic systems and sensor payloads, adjacent to 

the high bay area. (3) Modeling & Simulation Laboratory which 

includes various workstations along with a direct fiber optic link to 

a multiple processor SGI Supercomputer as well as multiple ports to 

the DREN network. Also included is a wireless network for direct 

porting of packet data to mobile robots in real time. (4) Behavioral 

Robotics research and test area with associated hardware/software 

to design and analyze advanced behavioral control schemes.

Intelligent Mobility/Robotics Laboratory 

Facility consists of four major laboratories: (1) Indoor mobility testing bay; (2) Systems Integration Laboratory; (3) Modeling/Simulation Laboratory which consists of various high-end workstations 

along with a direct fiber link to a multiple processor SGI Supercomputer. This lab is directly supporting Omni-Directional Inspection System acquisition using RAVENS concept; (4) Behavioral/

Evolutional Robotics Laboratory with associated hardware/software 

to design and analyze advanced behavioral control schemes. 

M1A2 System Integration Laboratory 

Current facility houses the M1A2 System Integration Lab that 

is an operational hot bench of the M1A2 electronics architecture. 

It provides the capability to develop, maintain, test and assess all 

embedded software in the M1A2 tank. 

87
Water Quality and Water Test Cell Laboratories 

Used for the testing of various water filter elements, water filter 

systems and providing chemical analytical support to water purification engineer functions. 

Fuel Equipment Test Laboratory 

Used for testing and evaluating fuel pumps, fuel filter elements, fuel 

filter separators, fuel nozzles and engine fuel filter elements. 

Grease and Fluid Laboratory 

Performs development, evaluation and environmental compliance 

assessments of hydraulic fluids, semisolid lubricants, solid lubricants, 

antifreeze and solvents to enable introduction of new technologies 

and development of new performance standards. 

Fuels and Powertrain Lubricants Laboratory 

Performs development, evaluation, qualification and environmental 

compliance assessments of fuels, alternative fuels and powertrain 

lubricants (i.e., engine oils, gear lubricants and transmission fluids) 

to enable introduction of new technologies and development of new 

performance standards. 

Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility and 

Laboratory 

This Government-owned, contractor-operated facility at the 

Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) in Texas, is a one-of-a-kind 

resource where integrated fuels-lubricants-engine systems research 

and development programs involving combustion, performance 

characterization, engine cleanliness, vulnerability assessments and 

tribology can be performed. 

Test Sites 

Active Protection configured test site at New Mexico Tech, 

Energetic Materials Research Technical Center. 

Signature Management Virtual Design and Fabrication 

Laboratories 

In-house virtual design and computer modeling capabilities for 

thermal, radar, acoustic and visual signature prediction and analysis. Computer analysis, laboratory and fabrication facilities of over 

13,000 square feet dedicated to classified signature management 

programs and activities. This includes secure computer networks, 

data analysis and fabrication equipment, welders and laboratory test 

equipment. 

Signature Management Field Testing Equipment 

Thermal test trailer with calibrated imagers and 64 foot telescoping 

tower capability. Acoustic test trailer and towers for full hemisphere 

acoustic data collection. Two observer test trailers with automated 

computer scoring system. Visual test equipment including highresolution cameras, spectral photometers and other equipment. 

Multiple operation, support, maintenance and storage trailers with 

power generators and other required field testing assets. 

Visual Perception Laboratory (VPL) 

This laboratory and its personnel provide support services for 

the development and testing of remote sensing systems and sensor fusion systems for a wide-variety of applications. The visual 

perception laboratory has three high-resolution BARCO graphics projectors and a 180-degree wrap-around screen for calibrated 

photosimulation of vehicles and other test targets. Digital imagery 

from the field is displayed. A state-of-the art 

3-D display is used for signature evaluation, 3-D X-ray imaging 

of packages, sensor fusion for vehicle-based situational awareness 

vision systems and IED/mine detection. 

Laser Protection Materials Development Laboratory

This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art Q-switched pulsed 

lasers, detectors, cameras for energy and beam-shape monitoring, 

and a fast oscilloscope all integrated in computer-controlled test 

apparatus providing the capability to test and analyze materials for 

protection from laser weapons. The wavelength bandwidth investigated in this laboratory is 400-930 nm (no mid or far infrared 

capability). 

Frequency Doubler and Tripler 

Laser Protection Materials Development Laboratory: Single Mode 

Nd:YAG Laser With This laser is both spatially and modally single 

mode with an output energy per pulse of 250 millijoules at 1064 

nanometer wavelength. The extremely good quality of the output 

beam at such high energies makes this laser uniquely qualified for 

scientific study of laser-material interactions. 

Design and Digital Mock-up Laboratory 

Provides timely, cost-effective design, engineering and digital mockup support using today’s state-of-the art Modeling and Simulation tools that are integrated together to create a 3-D, interactive, 

realistic, real-time computer-generated environment that provides 

direct input to user’s senses via visualization tools including headmounted and head-coupled displays and the Cave Automatic 

Virtual Environment (CAVE). The computer aided modeling and 

simulation capability provides an excellent display of the design in 

dynamic mode for tolerance, allowance and assembly analysis. 

Electronics and Prototyping Laboratory 

Lab is used to build circuit boards, prototype Fused Deposition 

Models, and fabricate with the LASER cutter. Special Ventilation is 

needed to meet OSHA air quality requirements. Layout allows us 

to rapidly fabricate and field circuit boards and CAD drawings into 

physical models. 

88

Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

Physical Prototyping Laboratory 

Provides timely, cost-effective translation of virtual designs into 

hardware using state-of-the art tools to simulate and optimize 

manufacturing processes, and machining, metal working, welding 

and assembly capabilities to produce sub- and full- system level 

functional prototypes. This is a 50-foot high bay area with 16 foot 

reinforced concrete floors and recessed machine foundations. It 

houses one 50 and four 10 ton cranes directly integrated into the 

building along with a complete coatings facility. This provides 

the capability to develop and prototype advanced ground combat 

vehicle systems up through 70 tons. This also allows the engineer 

and scientists along with the PMs to have access to multi systems 

thus simultaneously improving the vehicle systems resulting in a 

synergistic enhancement of mission capabilities. 

U.S. Army TARDEC Laboratory University 

Partnerships 

In addition to the TARDEC Laboratory, these facilities - The 

University of Michigan, Clemson University, Oakland University, 

University of Alaska-Fairbanks, University of Iowa, University of 

Tennessee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Wayne State 

University - are the eight major university-based laboratories 

conducting research in Intelligent Vehicle Dynamics and Control, 

Human Centered Modeling and Simulation, High Performance 

Structures and Materials, Advanced and Hybrid Powertrains, and 

Integrated System Design and Simulation. Automotive Research 

Center (ARC) activities support vehicle design objectives of versatility, high mobility, modularity and low cost. Increased emphasis is 

for research involving high mileage, low-polluting vehicles, particularly those employing hybrid powertrains. High technology needs 

for large trucks and off-road vehicles are emphasized. 

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)/

Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

The CAVE is a multi-person, 10x10, high-resolution 

3-D-video/audio environment. The system uses four rear projected 

screenwalls, a front projected floor, Christie Mirage 4000 projectors, 

Mylar mirrors, infrared emitters, Liquid Crystal Display stereoscopic shutter glasses, Innersense position sensing system, and a 

SGI Onyx2 computer which creates 1280X1024 resolution stereo 

images. TARDEC also has a CAVE at Altair in a collaborative lab 

space, a CAVE at Fort Knox, and a portable RAVE (Reconfigurable 

CAVE) that can be taken to other facilities. 

Powerwall/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) 

Laboratory 

The PowerWall facility is located in the National Automotive 

Center (NAC). It is a seven x 15-foot rear-projected glass screen, 

with state-of-the-art Barco DLP projectors, surround sound audio, 

and video teleconferencing integrated with other NAC/TARDEC 

locations. It displays life-size flat and stereoscopic images. It is 

powered by TARDEC’s High Performance Computing systems as 

well as other computational platforms and audio/video resources. A 

prominent PowerWall feature is its ability to simultaneously display 

multiple images from multiple sources/locations. 

Ride Motion Simulator (RMS)/Ground Vehicle 

Simulation Laboratory 

The ride motion simulator is a six degrees of freedom motion 

simulator designed for crew station and soldier-in-the-loop experimentation. It is capable of reproducing the ride of automotive, 

combat, tactical and nearly any ground vehicle with high precision. 

It has integrated motion, audio, and visual systems for high fidelity 

simulations. 

Crew Station/Turret Motion Base Simulator (CS/

TMBS)/Ground Vehicle Simulation Laboratory 

The CrewStation/Turret Motion Base Simulator (CS/TMBS) is 

a high-capacity six degrees of freedom test device. This system is 

capable of reproducing dynamic conditions encountered by combat 

vehicle crew station and turret systems traversing secondary roads 

and cross country terrain. The system offers remarkable repeatability and control over variables difficult to manage in the field. 

Ground Vehicle Simulation Lab (GVSL) Synthetic 

Environment 

The synthetic environment provides for the immersion of the 

soldier and his vehicle into the virtual environment. Subsystems 

include full six degrees of freedom motion, visuals, and audio. A 

number of multi-body vehicle dynamics models, terrain and visual 

databases comprise the capability. Real-time software allows rapid 

communications and dataflow to all the subsystems. 

Pintle Motion Base Simulator (PMBS)/Ground Vehicle 

Simulation Laboratory 

The Pintle Motion Base Simulator (PMBS) is a hydraulically 

powered physical motion-base simulator. It is designed to test light 

to medium weight lunette trailers. It can impart motion to the 

lunette of a trailer (hitch) in three directions (vertical, lateral, and 

longitudinal). In addition to this, it also has the ability to move 

each wheel of a trailer in the vertical direction. It was designed to 

test trailers with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 9,000 kg 

(20,000 pounds). 

Reconfigurable N-Post Simulator/Ground Vehicle 

Simulation Laboratory 

The re-configurable motion base simulators feature vertical tire and 

track-coupled fixtures that are generally used for chassis and body/

payload fatigue studies. These fixtures are easy to set up and can 

accommodate vehicle GVW’s up to 20 tons. Computer and servocontrolled hydraulic actuators provide the forcing function into the 

test specimen. The actuator duty cycle can originate from proving 

ground, computer-based, or swept sine sources. 

89
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

Vehicle Inertia Properties Evaluation Rig (VIPER)/

Ground Vehicle Simulation Laboratory 

The VIPER is used to accurately measure system and subsystem 

inertial characteristics of trucks, trailers, and turrets. Most vehicles 

can be evaluated without modification or disassembly. The VIPER 

consists of four in-ground scales, a configurable platform and the 

software necessary to post-process the results. 

Computer Based Applications/Ground Vehicle 

Simulation Laboratory 

The GVSL Software suite of tools includes the Dynamic Analysis 

and Design System (DADS), Abaqus, Maya, MSC Fatigue, and Patran commercial products as well as a variety of in-house developed 

tools. Typical system performance measures quantified are ride 

quality, handling, component structure and fatigue life analysis. 

TARDEC High Performance Computing (HPC) Center 

HPC systems include: 24-processor Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI) 

Onyx 3900, 32-processor SGI Onyx 350, 12-processor SGI Onyx 

4, and eight processor SGI Altix 3300 augmented with substantial 

storage (on-line and off-line) and HPC-specific high speed, high 

bandwidth fiberoptic networking for HPC-based computation and 

visualization throughout TARDEC’s Warren campus. The TARDEC HPC Center was established and designated as a DoD HPC 

Distributed Center from 1996 - 2002 and is still prominent, with 

national positive visibility and regard, in the Army and DoD HPC 

communities 

Reconfigurable Automatic Virtual Environment 

(RAVE)/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) 

Laboratory 

The RAVE is a transportable multi-person, 8x10 foot, high-resolution 3-D-video/audio environment. The system has three rear-projected screens, a front-projected floor, Christie Digital Mirage 2000 

DLP projectors, infrared emitters, Liquid Crystal Display stereoscopic shutter glasses, and an electro-magnetic tracking system. The 

RAVE can be setup in various configurations, including a traditional CAVE setup and a ‘COVE’ setup with one wall opened to allow 

more people to view the images being displayed. 

Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACE) Laboratory/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

The ACE Laboratory contains a ‘five-walled’ CAVE system with 

a pneumatic rear wall that closes behind the user to allow further 

immersion in a vehicle system within the virtual world. The system 

has four rear-projected screens, a front-projected floor, Christie 

Digital Mirage 4000 DLP projectors, infrared emitters, Liquid 

Crystal Display stereoscopic shutter glasses, and a wireless inertial/

ultrasonic tracking system. The laboratory also contains an interactive conference room with a touch screen display, and a computer 

station area for the use and display of ACE tools. 

Advanced Concepts Laboratory 

This interactive collaboration facility is equipped for design and 

analysis of 3-D solid model vehicle concepts, up to and including Secret, Special Access Programs (SAP), and Top Secret level 

designs. Animation and stereo imaging tools are available, providing the capability for interactive concept design reviews in the 

Visualization Center. In addition, the laboratory’s Collaboration 

Center and Control Room are networked for Web-based or DTV 

collaborative efforts with over 30 LAN-ready laptops available for 

interactive group participation. With audio and video interconnectivity between all three areas, the Visualization Center and Control 

Room can supplement the 30 person capacity of the Collaboration 

Center, with an additional capacity of 10 seats each. This additional 

capacity can be used for overflow or breakout sessions. 

Fuels and Lubricants Vehicle Filter Test Equipment 

This test equipment is capable of evaluating vehicles’ fuel and lubricant filters using the latest ISO test procedures. The equipment 

allows evaluation of expected life, efficiency and other parameters 

needed to establish filter performance for vehicles. 

Petroleum and Water Business Area (PWBA) Water 

Treatment Test Facility (Selfridge Air National Guard 

Base Bldg 350) 

PWBA Water Treatment Test Facility (SANG B350) located on 

Lake St. Clair has the capability of operating pilot-scale to fullscale sized water treatment systems and components. The facility 

houses several 600 Gallons Per Hour (GPH) Reverse Osmosis 

Water Purification Units (ROWPUs) and 3,000 GPH ROWPUs. 

These units can be used as test beds for evaluating the performance 

of commercially available and experimental components for their 

usefulness on military water treatment equipment. The facility can 

also be used to train water treatment system operators to use military and commercial water treament systems. 

Dynamic Structural Load Simulator Laboratory 

(DSLSL) 

This facility is equipped with an overhead gantry, ten hydraulic load 

actuators on five moveable transoms, tool crib, parts crib, fabrication area and office space. The hydraulic actuators can be used to 

conduct full-scale structural testing of components or complete 

structures. The hydraulic actuators are computer driven by design 

test loads or actual vehicle crossing profiles. The hydraulic actuators 

can be configured to accommodate any size of military bridge. The 

facility can also be used to conduct other analysis and equipment 

evaluation to meet the needs for fielded equipment sustainment 

and the needs of the future Army. Successful static testing has been 

conducted on the Wolverine supporting the full material release. 

Technology evaluation of the Composite Army Bridge has been 

conducted in the facility. 

90
Light-Weight Materials Test, Analysis, and Prototype 

Fabrication Center 

Provides concurrent fabrication, assessment and evaluation of 

advanced materials and fabrication processes. It includes mechanical 

testing, metallurgical testing, nondestructive analysis of production 

and advanced materials/components at various temperatures, and 

prototype fabrication of advanced materials/components. Center 

had environmentally controlled, unique fixturing, high load capacity, 

unique Instron load frame, in a sensitive environment for special 

projects. There is a Composite Lay Up Area / Non Destructive 

Inspection Area / Instron and Dynatup Control Room / Metallurgical Laboratory. 

Mobil Parts Hospital 

This facility develops mobile military replacement parts prototyping 

and fabrication technology for field replacements. This provides a 

means of maintaining system capability and operational readiness 

while waiting for the logistics tail to catch up. Mobile parts manufacturing includes reverse engineering and efficient parts fabrication, 

machining and evaluation for immediate field repair. 

Countermine Testing Complex Facility 

The Countermine Testing Complex is a dedicated area at Aberdeen 

Proving Grounds. This one-of-a-kind facility gives us a drivethrough capability to establish a mechanical countermine system’s 

capability to reliably clear a minefield seeded with pressure fuzed, 

tilt-rod actuated, and exotic (seismic, magnetic influence, acoustic) 

mines. The facility includes mine lanes, a magnetic countermine test 

area, a static blast test area, shop and equipment storage facilities, 

and fully functional office space to support testing. Currently, there 

are plans to add Route Clearance and IED detection/neutralization 

testing capability in the near future. 

Surrogate Instrumented Mine Capability 

Surrogate Instrumented Mine (SIM) system is a system of unique 

CM instruments and software developed to evaluate mine neutralization effectiveness and strong potential to utilize for conducting 

antitank mine vehicular overpass analysis in a dynamic environment. Previously, this type of testing required Explosive Ordinance 

Disposal (EOD) personnel to place small explosive charges for 

detonation by vehicle overpass. This type of testing is expensive and 

tests need to be scheduled months in advance. The SIM uses sensors instead of explosives to give mine pressure plate readings rather 

than detonated/not detonated type data. It can generally be used in 

any open area in a variety of soil conditions. 

Battery Technology Evaluation Laboratory 

Construction started on in-house testing lab facility for evaluation 

of advanced batteries (Li-Ion, NiMH, NiZn) and hybrid DCDC converter/battery systems. Lab equipment procured are two 

programmable battery cycling systems, an environmental chamber 

for battery testing, a fume hood and an electrochemical Impedance 

spectrometer for “equivalent circuit” battery characterization. 

Pervasive Computing (PvC) Laboratory 

The PvC Laboratory is located in the National Automotive Center 

(NAC) High Performance Computing Center. PvC involves connecting and sharing information between many distributed, but 

interconnected, devices. These devices can be vehicles, appliances, 

servers, and sensors. Effort is to explore, expand, and transition 

commercial PvC technology into the military. The PvC Laboratory 

designs and develops new applications, integrates/adapts existing 

applications, and consults with other organizations to implement 

PvC best practices. 

Embedded Simulation (ES) Laboratory 

This lab supports local and long-haul distributed simulation in both 

a classified and non-classified environment. There is a Distributed 

Virtual Lab (DVL) connection to the other RDECs that make up 

the MATREX federation. 

TARDEC Distributed Virtual Lab (DVL)

This lab supports local and long-haul distributed simulation in both 

a classified and non-classified environment. The DVL connects to 

the other RDECs making up the MATREX federation. 

Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

91
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

Capabilities at a Glance

Environmental Heat Management Chamber and Laboratory 

Steady-State Vehicle Evaluation Test Cell and Laboratory 

Flexible Steady-State/Transient Vehicle Evaluation Test Cell 

and Laboratory 

Propulsion System Component Test Cells and Laboratories 

Air Flow/Coolant System Component Evaluation Laboratory 

Single-cylinder Engine Research Test Cell and Laboratory 

Electric Components Evaluation Laboratory 

Power and Energy System Integration Laboratory (P&E SIL) 

Engine Generator Test Laboratory

Duty Cycle Experimentation and Development 

Mission Voltage Component Integration Laboratory 

Track Pad Blowout Test 

Torsion Bar Test 

Track Pin Deflection Machine 

Track Bushing Research 

Band Track Joint Test Machine

Track Wear Research 

Road wheel Vertical Displacement Measurement Test Machine 

Universal Testing Machine, Riehle Model LS-300 

Intelligent Systems Integration Lab 

Robotics System Integration Lab and Vehicle Bay 

TARDEC Robotics Mobility Laboratory

M1A2 System Integration Laboratory 

Water Quality and Water Test Cell Laboratories 

Fuel Equipment Test Laboratory 

Grease and Fluid Laboratory 

Fuels and Powertrain Lubricants Laboratory 

Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility and Laboratory 

Test Sites 

Signature Management Virtual Design and Fabrication 

Laboratories 

Signature Management Field Testing Equipment 

Visual Perception Laboratory (VPL) 

Laser Protection Materials Development Laboratory

Design and Digital Mock-up Laboratory 

Electronics and Prototyping Laboratory 

Physical Prototyping Laboratory 

U.S. Army TARDEC Laboratory University Partnerships 

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)/Immersive Virtual 

Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

Powerwall/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

Ride Motion Simulator (RMS)/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory 

Crew Station/Turret Motion Base Simulator (CS/TMBS)/Ground 

Vehicle Simulation Laboratory 

Ground Vehicle Simulation Lab (GVSL) Synthetic Environment 

Pintle Motion Base Simulator (PMBS)/Ground Vehicle Simulation Laboratory 

Reconfigurable N-Post Simulator/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory 

Vehicle Inertia Properties Evaluation Rig (VIPER)/Ground 

Vehicle Simulation Laboratory 

Computer-Based Applications/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory 

TARDEC High Performance Computing (HPC) Center 

Reconfigurable Automatic Virtual Environment (RAVE)/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACE) Laboratory/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory 

Advanced Concepts Laboratory 

Fuels and Lubricants Vehicle Filter Test Equipment 

Petroleum and Water Business Area (PWBA) Water Treatment 

Test Facility (Selfridge Air National Guard Base Bldg 350) 

Dynamic Structural Load Simulator Laboratory (DSLSL) 

Light Weight Materials Test, Analysis, and Prototype Fabrication Center 

Mobil Parts Hospital 

Countermine Testing Complex Facility 

Surrogate Instrumented Mine Capability 

Battery Technology Evaluation Laboratory 

Pervasive Computing (PvC) Laboratory 

TARDEC Distributed Virtual Laboratory

92
Partnerships

The University of Michigan

Clemson University

Oakland University

University of Alaska-Fairbanks

University of Iowa

University of Tennessee

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Wayne State Universit

Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)

93
Capabilities Index

Index

Numbers

112,000-Pound Capacity Screw Type Tensile/Compression 

Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

45-Foot High Drop Tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

550,000-Pound Capacity Servo-Hydraulic Type Tensile/ 

Compression Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

A

AATD’s Aviation Flight Support Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Countermeasure Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Experimental Fabrication Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Instrumentation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Structural Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

AATD’s Vehicle Antenna Measurement Facility (VAMF). . . . . . . . . 8

Acoustic/Electro-Optics Propagation Range Site (AEOPRS) - 

Blossom Point, MD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Acoustic/Seismic Countermeasure Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Acoustic Anechoic Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Acoustic Technology Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Advanced Chemistry Laboratory (ACL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACE) Laboratory/ 

Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . 90

Advanced Concepts Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Advanced Food Processing Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Advanced Material Growth and Processing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Advanced Microanalysis Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation (APEX) 

Laboratories I & II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Advanced Prototyping Engineering & Experimentation (APEX) 

Laboratory III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Advanced Simulation Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AED-A’s Flight Control Technology Laboratory.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Aerial Targets Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Aero-Optic Evaluation Center (AOEC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Aerodynamics Experimental Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Aerosol Countermeasures Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Aerosol Laser Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Aerosol Science Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Air Defense Electronic Warfare Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Air Defense Radar Operations Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Air Flow/Coolant System Component Evaluation Laboratory. . . . 86

Ammunition Surveillance/Inspection Testing Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Anechoic RF Test Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Applied Imagery Lab (AIL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Arena Fragmentation Evaluation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ARL’s Scientific Visualization Laboratory Facility (including 

Multimedia Laboratory). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Armament Software Engineering Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Armament Technology Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Armor Experimental Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Army Air and Missile Defense Network Design Facility 

(AAMDNDF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Army Propellant Surveillance Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Automated Infrared Sensor Test Facility (AISTF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Automated Laser Seeker Performance Evaluation System 

(ALSPES). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/TPS) 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automatic Test Equipment/Test Program Set (ATE/TPS) 

Sustainment Support Center (SSC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automatic Test Equipment Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Automatic Tracking Evaluation and Development System 

(ATEDS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

B

Ballistic Pendulum Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Ballistic Rail Gun Soft Recovery Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ballistic Test Facility (AATD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Band Track Joint Test Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Battery Technology Evaluation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Biomechanics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Biotechnology Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Breech and Tube Fatigue Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Burner Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

C

C2D Battle Command Laboratory - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . 47

C2D C4ISR Automated Virtual Environment (CAVE) 

Laboratory - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C2D Command and Control of Robotics Entities Software 

Development Laboratory - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C2D Environmental Control Development/Test Laboratory – 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Environmental Test Facility – Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . 46

C2D Fabrication Facility - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Fuel Cell Technology Laboratory – Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . 46

C2D High-Frequency (HF) Tracker Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

C2D Improved Data Modem (IDM) Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

C2D Integration Facility - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Interactive Speech Technology (IST) Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C2D Inventory Control, Parts and Materiel Handling Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

C2D Machine Foreign Language Technology (MFLT) Laboratory 

- Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C2D Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

C2D Power Generation Laboratory – Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Power Source Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation 

Laboratory – Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Power Source Research and Development Laboratory – 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Rapid Operational Virtual Reality (ROVR) Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

94
C2D Simulation and C2 information Systems Connectivity 

Experiments (SINCE) Laboratory - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . 47

C2D Systems Engineering Integration Laboratory - 

Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

C2D Tactical Internet Model (TIM) Suite Laboratory - Ft. 

Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

C2D Test and Evaluation Laboratory – Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . 46

C2D Virtual Prototyping Laboratory - Ft. Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . 47

Camouflage Evaluation Facility/Digital Inkjet Printing Facility. . . 77

Cannon-Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)/Immersive Virtual 

Environment (IVE) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

CERDEC Flight Activity – Lakehurst NAES, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

CERDEC Government Integration Center (GIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

CERDEC Headquarters (CERDEC HQ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Chemical and Material Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Clothing and Equipment Design and Prototype Facility. . . . . . . . 75

Clothing and Individual Equipment Fightability Course. . . . . . . . 75

Coextruder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Cognitive Assessment, Simulation, and Engineering Laboratory 

(CASEL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Collaborative Technology Alliances (CTAs). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Combat Trauma Patient Simulator (CTPS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Combat Vehicle Diagnostics / Prognostics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . 27

Command and Control Directorate (C2D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Compact Antenna Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Composites Manufacturing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Composites Processing Research Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Rapid Prototyping Facility. . . 75

Computer Based Applications/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Computer Based Image and Signal Processing Analysis Facility. . . 21

Control Actuation System (CAS) Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRDA). . . . 42

Countermine Testing Complex Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Crew Station/Turret Motion Base Simulator (CS/TMBS)/Ground 

Vehicle Simulation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

D

Davidson Advanced Warhead Development Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Depleted Uranium Fabrication/ Characterization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Design and Digital Mock-up Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Diagnostic/Prognostic Laboratory (DPL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Directed Energy Anechoic Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Dismounted Infantry Survivability and Lethality Testbed 

(DISALT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Display Materials Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Distributed Advanced Graphics Generator and Embedded 

Rehearsal System (DAGGERS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Distributive Simulation Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

DoD Center for X-Ray Diffraction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Doriot Climatic Chambers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Drop Tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ducted Rocket Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Duty Cycle Experimentation and Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Dynamic Structural Load Simulator Laboratory (DSLSL). . . . . . . 90

E

EFP Terminal Effects Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Electric Components Evaluation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Electric Field Cage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Electro-Optical Data Acquisition and Tracking System (EDATS). . 40

Electro-Optical Vulnerability Analysis Facility (EOVAF). . . . . . . . 39

Electrochemical Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Electromagnetics Research Facility (EMRF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Electronics and Prototyping Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Electronics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Electronic Warfare Signature Measurement Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Embedded Processor Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Embedded Simulation (ES) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Enclosed Small and Medium Caliber Firing Experimental Facility. 37

Energetic & Engineering Materials Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Energetic Material Demonstration Module Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Energetic Material Reclamation / Processing R&D Facility. . . . . . 22

Energetic Materials Analysis Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Energetics Experimentation R&D Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Energetics Laboratory Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Energetics Rheology Laboratory (ERL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Engine Generator Test Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Environmental Experimental Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Environmental Heat Management Chamber and Laboratory. . . . . 85

Environmental Sensing and Optical Spectroscopy Research 

Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Environment for Auditory Research (EAR) facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Experimental Explosive Pressing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Experimental Facility 6 (EF6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Experimental Weapon / Armament Prototyping Facility. . . . . . . . . 23

Explosive Detonation Simulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Explosive Development Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

F

Fiber Production and Research Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Field Mobile Management System (FMMS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Fire Control Integration Laboratory (FCIL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Flexible Packaging Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Flexible Steady-State/Transient Vehicle Evaluation Test Cell 

and Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Food Analysis Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Food Safety Testing Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Footwear Performance Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Frequency Doubler and Tripler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Fuel Equipment Test Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Fuels and Lubricants Vehicle Filter Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Fuels and Powertrain Lubricants Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Full Scale Investment Casting Foundry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Future Force Warrior (FFW) Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) 74

Capabilities Index

95
Capabilities Index

G

Gas and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter Testing 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Gel Propellant Rheology Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

GPS Satellite Simulation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Grease and Fluid Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Ground Based Hyper Spectral Imaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ground Vehicle Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Ground Vehicle Simulation Lab (GVSL) Synthetic Environment. . 89

Gun Dynamics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

H

Hazardous Material Testing Chambers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Helium-powered Ballistic Test Apparatus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

High-Energy Propellant Formulation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

High-Rate Mechanical Characterization Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

High-Speed Wind Stream Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

High-Temperature Power Electronics Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Hot Air Decontamination Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

I

I2WD Anechoic Chamber – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

I2WD Counter-IED Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Digital Signals Processing & System Analysis Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

I2WD Distributed Common Ground Station – Army (DCGS-A) 

Software Integration Laboratory (SIL) – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . 49

I2WD Fabrication/Integration and Fielding Facility (FIFF) – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

I2WD Fusion Technology Test Bed – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . 49

I2WD High Fidelity (HI FI) Wireless Test Facility – Fort 

Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD High Fidelity Digital Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . 49

I2WD High Fidelity Wireless Test Facility II (HI FI II) – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD IED Characterization and Exploitation Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Information Dominance Facility – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . 50

I2WD Laser & Counter-Infrared (IR) IED Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Modeling & Simulation Computing Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Modern Communications Shielded Enclosure – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Quick Reaction Capability SIGINT Integration Laboratory 

– Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

I2WD Radar & Counter-RCIED/Electronic Countermeasures 

(ECM) Applications Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . 50

I2WD Radar Development Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . 50

I2WD Seeker Effects Laboratory – Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . 48

I2WD Sense-through-the-Wall (STTW) Facility – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

I2WD Special Projects Office (SPO) Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

I2WD Survivability Integration Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

I2WD TROJAN Integration Laboratory – 

Fort Monmouth, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Image Processing/Target Recognition and Signature 

Modeling Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Information Assurance (IA) Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Information Operations Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Instrumentation and Measurement System Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD). . . . . . . 48

Intelligent Mobility/Robotics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Intelligent Optics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Intelligent Sensor-Based Robotics Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Intelligent Systems Integration Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

International Collaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Ion Implantation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

J

Javelin Simulation Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Joint Technology Center/System Integration Laboratory 

(JTC/SIL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

K

Kiowa Warrior (OH-58D) Scout Helicopter Cockpit Procedures 

Trainer with Image Generator (CPTIG) Software Support 

Environment (SSE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

L

Large-Caliber Terminal Ballistics Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Large and Small-Caliber Armor Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Large Caliber Ballistic R&D Evaluation Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Large Energy National Shock (LENS) Tunnels I & II. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Larry O. Daniel Prototype Integration Facility (PIF). . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Laser, Thermal and Ballistic Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Laser Countermeasures Laboratory (LCML). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Laser Guidance Analysis Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Laser Protection Materials Development Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . 88

Laser Survivability Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Life Cycle Software Engineering (LCSE) Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Light-Weight Materials Test, Analysis, and Prototype 

Fabrication Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Light Gas Gun Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Longbow/Hellfire and Stinger Systems Integration Facility. . . . . . . 10

Lubricants Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

96
M

M1A2 System Integration Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Magnetics Research Facility (MRF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Major Shared Resource Center (MSRC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Man-In-Simulant Testing (MIST) Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Mask and Mask Filter Testing Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Materials Characterization Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Materials Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Materiel and Logistics Analyses Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Mechanical Prototype Fabrication Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

MEMS and Nano-Technology Clean Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Microclimate Conditioning Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Research Facility. . . . . 36

Microfabrication Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Microscopy Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Anechoic Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Millimeter-Wave Instrumentation Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Mission Voltage Component Integration Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . 86

Mobile Acoustic Source (MOAS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Mobile Atmospherics Effects Instrumentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Mobility/Portability Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Mobil Parts Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Model Analysis and Visualization Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Modeling, Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) Center. . . . . . . . . . . 76

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Molten Salt Deposition Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Munitions Survivability Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

N

Nanobiotechnology Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Nanotechnology and Characterization Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Nanotechnology Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

NASA Vertical Motion Simulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Navy Test Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Network and Information Systems (ITA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD). . . . . . 51

Nitramine Drying and Fine Grinding Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Nondestructive Evaluation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Nonlinear Materials Characterization Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Novel Energetic Research Facility (NERF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

NVESD Advanced Sensor Evaluation Facility (ASEF) - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD Automated Sensor and Processor Evaluation Center 

(AutoSPEC) Facity - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NVESD Aviation R&D Sensors T&E Facility - Davison Army 

Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD Countermine Acoustics Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . 53

NVESD Countermine Chemical Sensor Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD Countermine Prototype Systems Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Countermine Radar and Electromagnetic Induction 

(EMI) Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NVESD Countermine Systems Laboratory (CMSL) - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Display and Image Fusion Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NVESD Distributed Sensors Integration Facility (DSIF) - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD DoD Smart Gate (SG) Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . 53

NVESD Electronics and Glass Laboratories - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . 54

NVESD Fabrication and Integration Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . 51

NVESD Field Test Range Facilities – Ft. A.P. Hill, VA. . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD High Bay Integration/Night Vision Device Repair 

Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Humanitarian Demining Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . 54

NVESD Human Test and Perception Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. 53

NVESD Image Evaluation Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Image Intensifier Test Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Imaging Technology Environmental Test Facility - Ft. 

Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Indoor Firing/Photometric Range Facility, 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD IR Detector Fabrication Clean Room Facility - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

NVESD IR Detector Semiconductor Microfactory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Laser Laboratories - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Laser Test Tunnel - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Mine Lanes Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) Development 

Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

NVESD Near/Short-Wave Infrared Sensor Performance 

Characterization Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NVESD Networking Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Optical Improvement Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . 54

NVESD Optics Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Processor Development Laboratory - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . 55

NVESD Prototype Infrared (IR) Focal Plan Array and IR Camera 

Characterization Lab - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Laboratory - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

NVESD S&T Rooftop Testing Facility - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . 52

NVESD System Engineering, Analysis, and Integration Laboratory 

(SEAIL) - Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

NVESD Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Laboratory - 

Davison Army Airfield, Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NVESD Virtual Prototyping and Simulation (VPS) Facility - 

Ft. Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

NVESD X-Ray Diffraction Analytical Laboratory - 

Fort Belvoir, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

O

Open-Loop Tracking Complex (OLTC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Capabilities Index

97
Capabilities Index

P

Packaging Materials Testing Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Parachute Prototype Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Pervasive Computing (PvC) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Petroleum and Water Business Area (PWBA) Water Treatment 

Test Facility (Selfridge Air National Guard Base Bldg 350). . . . 90

Physical Evaluation and Metrology Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Physical Prototyping Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Pilot Plant for Explosive Formulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Pilot Plant for High Explosive Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Pintle Motion Base Simulator (PMBS)/Ground Vehicle 

Simulation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Pit Fragmentation Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Platform Integration Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Polymer Processing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Powder Gymnasticator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Powder Metallurgy Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Power and Energy System Integration Laboratory (P&E SIL). . . . 86

Power Conditioning Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Powerwall/Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory. . . . 89

Precision Armaments Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Precision Optics Boresight Alignment & Assembly Facility. . . . . . 30

Product Evaluation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Profiler Testbed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Projectile Demilitarization Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Propellant Aging and Mechanical Properties Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Propulsion System Component Test Cells and Laboratories. . . . . . 86

Protection Factor Facility (PFF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Pyrotechnic Pilot Manufacturing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

R

RADAR Anechoic Chamber/RCS Measurements Laboratory. . . . . 25

RADAR Engineering Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Radiological Analysis and Development Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Rapid Prototyping Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reconfigurable Automatic Virtual Environment (RAVE)/ 

Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . 90

Reconfigurable N-Post Simulator/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Redstone Aviation Propulsion Test and Research (RAPTR) Facility. 7

Refrigeration Calorimeter Test Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Reliability Physics / Failure Analysis Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Remote Machining and Evaluation of Explosively Filled Munitions. . . 

29

Ride Motion Simulator (RMS)/Ground Vehicle Simulation 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Riehle Model LS-300. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Road wheel Vertical Displacement Measurement Test Machine. . . 87

Robotics System Integration Lab and Vehicle Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Rocketball Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Roller Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Rotary Forge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Rotorcraft Advanced System Concepts Airborne Lab (RASCAL) 

JUH-60A (AFDD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Russell Measurement Facility (RMF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

S

S&TCD Advanced Internet Protocol Version 6 Research 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

S&TCD Advanced Network Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

S&TCD Antenna Modeling and Simulation Laboratory. . . . . . . . 57

S&TCD Antenna Test and Validation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

S&TCD Communications System Design Center (CSDC). . . . . . 58

S&TCD Cryptographic Modernization Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . 57

S&TCD Dismounted Soldier and Unattended Sensors and 

Munitions Networked Communication Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . 59

S&TCD Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic 

Compatibility (EMI/EMC) and Antennas Laboratory. . . . . . . . 56

S&TCD Infosphere Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

S&TCD IPv6 and IP-Sec Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

S&TCD Joint Satellite Communications (SATCOM) 

Engineering Center (JSEC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

S&TCD Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Integration and 

Cosite Laboratory (JICL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

S&TCD JTRS Army Center of Excellence Lab (JACEL). . . . . . . . 57

S&TCD Mobile Networking Lab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

S&TCD Network Operations (NETOPS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

S&TCD Subterranean Communications Networks Laboratory. . . 59

S&TCD System Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

S&TCD Terrestrial Personal Communications Systems (PCS) 

Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Self-directed Learning Internet Module (SLIM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Sensor Signal Processing System (SSPS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sensory and Consumer Testing Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Shaped-Charge Research and Shear-Forming Press Facility. . . . . . . 37

Shooter Performance Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Signature Characterization Facility (SCF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Signature Management Field Testing Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Signature Management Virtual Design and Fabrication 

Laboratories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Simulation and Analysis (MS&A) Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Single-cylinder Engine Research Test Cell and Laboratory. . . . . . . 86

Six Degrees of Freedom Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Small Arms Experimental Facility 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Small Arms Simulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (SUAVL). . . . . . . . . . . 6

Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD). . . . 55

Special Purpose Shock Tube for Blast Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Specialty Electronic Materials Devices Class 100 & Class 10 

Cleanroom Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Standoff Detection Evaluation Technology Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Static Challenge Test Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Steady-State Vehicle Evaluation Test Cell and Laboratory. . . . . . . . 86

Surrogate Instrumented Mine Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

98
99

T

Tactical Environmental Simulation Facility (TESF). . . . . . . . . . . . 35

TARDEC Distributed Virtual Lab (DVL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

TARDEC High Performance Computing (HPC) Center. . . . . . . . 90

TARDEC Robotics Mobility Lab (TRML). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Target Assembly Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Telemetry Engineering Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Tentage Prototype Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Test Environmental Certification Complex (TECC). . . . . . . . . . . 39

Test Program Set (TPS) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Test Service Agreements (TSA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Test Sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Textile Performance Testing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Thin Film Deposition Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Thin Film Optical Coating Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Torsion Bar Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Track Bushing Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Track Pad Blowout Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Track Pin Deflection Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Track Wear Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Transonic Experimental Research Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Twin Screw Mixer/Fine Grind Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Two-Room Blast Characterization Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

U

U.S. Army TARDEC Laboratory University Partnerships. . . . . . . . 89

UH-60 System Integration Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Ultra Wideband (UWB) Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) Testbed. 37

Universal Testing Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

US Army AMCOM AMRDEC Life Cycle Software Engineering 

Center Complex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

V

Vehicle Inertia Properties Evaluation Rig (VIPER)/Ground 

Vehicle Simulation Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Vertical Impulse Measurement Facility (VIMF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Vessel Plating Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Virtual Integrated Military Operations in Urban Terrain 

Training System (V-IMTS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Virtual Prototyping / Virtual Reality Simulation Laboratory. . . . . 28

Virtual Targets Center (VTC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Visualization Augmentation Laboratory for User Experiments 

(VALUE) Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Visual Perception Laboratory (VPL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

W

Warhead Design Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Water Quality and Water Test Cell Laboratories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Water Test Loop System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Weapon System Interoperability Test Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Welding and Production Metallurgy Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Wind Tunnel Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Wireless Diagnostics Laboratory (WDL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

X

X-ray Imaging Technology Development Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . 25

Capabilities Index