Browse Topic: Military vehicles and equipment

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Target Positioning Method for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tracking Based on Beidou2026-99-2353To be published on 10/30/2026
In order to support successful tracking and monitoring tasks in different environments, drones need to quickly and accurately identify targets. This paper studies a drone combat target positioning method, with a focus on the BeiDou satellite navigation system and its performance under different environmental conditions. A complete system has been designed, including flight control system, environmental sensors, data transmission and processing system, aiming to achieve precise positioning and target tracking of unmanned aerial vehicles. This paper uses on-site testing to explain the coverage range and stability positioning accuracy of ranging signals in different environments. Experimental data shows that the BDS system has good positioning error performance for unmanned aerial vehicles, with an average error of 46.52 cm. BDS positioning time is usually short, with a maximum positioning time of 780ms and a minimum positioning time of 224ms. However, the BDS system still needs improvement in terms of dynamic environmental adaptability, multi-target tracking, anti-interference ability, and adaptability to harsh environmental conditions. Future work will focus on algorithm optimization, hardware technology improvement, and data security to enhance system performance.
Tao, Zhiping, Zhang, Chenghao, Hou, Bo, Song, Juan, Yuan, Peng, Liu, Xianyang
Behind-Helmet Blunt Trauma Deformation Geometry under Different Helmet Materials09-14-03-001610/26/2026
Modern combat helmets improve wearer survivability through preventing ballistic penetration via delamination or deformation of the shell material. However, this deformation may impinge upon the skull and present a risk of behind-helmet blunt trauma (BHBT). While legacy aramid helmets from the late 1970s–1980s inform current NIJ testing standards, the advent of lower areal density ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and modern suspensions may incur unknown changes that present an unknown effect on BHBT risk. This study investigates whether current standards relying on a peak acceleration threshold and residual clay deformation may not reflect changes in deformation geometry seen in newer shell materials and suspension designs. Thirty-eight helmets categorized into three groups, older aramid, newer aramid (with new suspension), and prototype UHMWPE (with old suspension), were mounted on Hybrid III ATD head-necks and impacted on the temporal surface with 9 mm NATO projectiles at velocities between 388 and 482 m/s. Flash x-ray imaging captured deformation geometry. Deformations were digitized to measure maximum depth, volume, and surface area recruited. Multiple linear regression identified the influence of shell material and suspension on geometry. Results indicated that shell material significantly affected deformation volume and area (p < 0.05). Notably, UHMWPE exhibited a qualitatively more “pointed” deformation profile compared to aramid, recruiting material differently as depth increased. In contrast, suspension type and helmet design did not significantly influence deformation geometry. These findings suggest that the BHBT geometry in UHMWPE helmets differs fundamentally from aramid helmets. As UHMWPE helmets encounter higher-energy threats, current acceleration threshold or depth-based standards may not fully capture the risk of skull fracture. To future-proof helmet validation, testing standards should evolve beyond current standards to include area recruitment and other geometric measures.
Pang, Derek Y., Salzar, Rober S., Boggess, Brian M., Bass, Cameron R.
Influence of Blast Directionality, Intensity, and Combat Helmet Use on Head Surface Pressure Responses09-14-03-001710/26/2026
The widespread use of explosive weapons in recent military conflicts has contributed to an increased incidence of traumatic brain injuries. Although current infantry helmets provide effective protection against fragmentation, ballistic impact, and blunt trauma, they are not designed to mitigate primary blast loading. Previous studies suggest that blast waves may infiltrate the space between the head and helmet, leading to localized increases in pressure on the head surface, a phenomenon referred to as the underwash effect. However, experimental validation of the underwash effect remains limited, particularly for blast scenarios representative of buried-charge detonations, despite their potential to increase underwash-related loading across large regions of the cranial surface. This study experimentally evaluated the effects of combat helmet use, blast orientation, and blast intensity on head surface loading to assess helmet protective performance across various blast scenarios. A human surrogate headform instrumented with four flush-mounted pressure sensors was exposed to blast overpressures of approximately 16 and 24 psi using a large advanced blast simulator. Tests were conducted at 0° and 45° head orientations (rotation about the transverse axis), both with and without a combat helmet, with three repetitions per combination of experimental conditions. In the 0° orientation, helmet use reduced loading at the forehead and anterior head but increased loading at the posterior region. In the 45° orientation, helmet use led to increased peak pressure and total impulse at all measured locations. Increasing the blast intensity resulted in similar trends for both orientations and helmet conditions but with greater peak pressures and total impulses at each measured location. These findings suggest that certain blast orientations exacerbate the underwash effect and amplify cranial loading beneath the helmet. This work advances understanding of orientation-dependent blast loading, highlights limitations in current helmet performance, and offers guidance to support the development of future protective technologies.
Nelson, Allison J., Burt, Ethan T., Hamilton, Joseph M., Espinoza, Kenny J., Magallanes, Joseph, VandeVord, Pamela J.
Research on Defect Detection Algorithm of Absorptive Coating Materials Based on Improved YOLOv112026-99-293510/19/2026
The present study proposes an absorptive coating defect detection method based on an improved YOLOv11 model, with a view to addressing the issues of low detection accuracy, false positives, and missed detections in existing absorptive coating defect detection algorithms when handling small-sized targets. Specifically, given the limited availability of relevant datasets, this study collected and constructed a dataset of visible light and infrared images of invisible coating materials containing typical defects, and processed the data using a variety of advanced data augmentation methods. Subsequently, the model was enhanced with a global attention mechanism (GAM) to improve feature extraction and detection accuracy for small objects. Regarding the loss function, this study adopted the Wise-IoU loss function, which adjusts the model’s attention to different samples. Finally, comparative and ablation experiments were conducted on the self-built dataset. The experimental findings demonstrate that the improved YOLOv11 model attained a precision of 93%, accompanied by a recall of 88%. This signifies an augmentation of 3% and 10%, respectively, in comparison to the conventional YOLOv11 model. This serves to substantiate the model’s exceptional performance in the task of detecting defects in absorptive coating materials.
Dou, Jiaxi, Xu, Yanlong, Wang, Yanling, Xu, Rui, Peng, Zhaoqin
SAE Truck & Off-Highway Engineering: October 202626TOFHP1010/15/2026
MAHLE axes range anxiety for commercial EVs New onboard range extender aims to accelerate the electrification of heavy-duty trucks thanks to less weight and reduced TCO. Ground defense goes driverless A new generation of military ground vehicles has arrived with robotic and fully autonomous capability thanks to recent advances in AI and other technologies. Cummins delivers on a lighter Class 8 driveline How the new RPL35+ was engineered to reduce weight without conceding on any other factors - and why the hollow spline sleeve at its core took three years to get right. Editorial Defense goes on advanced-tech offensive Self-driving vehicles demand new cybersecurity thinking Hydrogen ICE development takes big steps toward commercialization Cost savings, circular economy benefits core to steady growth for heavy-duty engine reman John Deere launches JD, an AI assistant to enhance farmers' efficiency and eventually assist operators in the cab Product Briefs SPOTLIGHTS: Connectors; Hydraulics and Flow Control Q&A Westport's dual fuel injector enables sparkless CNG ignition
Aerospace & Defense Technology: Oct 202626AERP1010/8/2026
Terabit Optical Communications in Space: Engineering High-Speed Networks for Data Centers in Orbit Mild Hybrids: A Current-Gen Bridge to Electrifying Military Ground Vehicles The Integrated and Flexible Approach to Large-Scale Metrology: How Integrating Laser Trackers and Modular Arms Creates a 'Unified Nervous System' The Defense Industry Continues to Meet CMMC Phase II Requirements Despite 60-Day Pause In Space, No One Can Hear You Stream AMD to Bring UCIe Connectivity to Select Versal Adaptive SoCs How Special Interface Gages Provide Microscopic Precision for Designing Ballistic Missiles The pristine precision needed to certify the nation's underwater nuclear deterrent is anchored on the talents of civilian scientists at a Navy laboratory in Southern California. Rapidly Testing Deployable Systems Sandia National Laboratories is evaluating portable security architectures that combine radar, drones, ground sensors, cameras and wireless communications networks into a single rapidly deployable system for remote and austere environments. Testing focuses on sensor integration, resilient communications and edge-based data processing to improve situational awareness while operating within real-world bandwidth constraints. Tailored Surface Vibrations to Improve Aerodynamic Performance in Passenger Jets University of Colorado Boulder researchers have demonstrated two new phononic flow-control concepts, super-resonance and scatterless interference, that use engineered subsurface vibrations to interact with boundary-layer airflow across a broader range of turbulence frequencies than previously possible. By delaying flow instabilities without altering a wing's external shape, the technology could reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency in passenger aircraft. New Type of Attack Can Slip Past the Defenses in Your Computer's Processor MIT researchers found a way to exploit a split-second gap in chip security - and used it to acquire a Linux system's password file. Army Tests Safer Electrical Connectors for Ground Vehicle Readiness U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center engineers are evaluating cadmium- and hexavalent chromium-free electrical connectors designed to reduce hazardous material exposure while maintaining corrosion protection, electrical performance, and long-term vehicle sustainment.
An Agentic AI Vision for Combat Vehicle Architecture Model2026-01-75279/22/2026
This position paper presents
Dattathreya, Macam
Leveraging Standards-Based MOSA for SWaP-Constrained Deployable Systems with VNX+2026-01-75369/22/2026
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Littlefield, Mark
Balancing Durability and Deployability: Enhanced Situational Awareness (ESA) for Non-Combat Tactical Vehicles2026-01-75409/22/2026
The persistent rate of accidents and fatalities involving legacy tactical military vehicles underscores a critical need for Enhanced Situational Awareness (ESA) technologies. However, the prohibitive cost and lengthy development cycles associated with full MIL-STD ruggedization often prevent these safety systems from reaching the in-service non-combat vehicles with limited driver visibility. This paper suggests a strategic shift in procurement policy: The adoption of relaxed ruggedization standards for vehicles operating in non-combat, administrative, and training roles. By deriving requirements from high-stress commercial sectors— such as heavy mining, steel production, and NASCAR racing—the military can utilize electronics designed for "extreme industrial" rather than "battlefield" environments. The principal objectives of this relaxation is cost reduction, lowering the barrier to entry and increasing the likelihood of ESA deployment across the legacy fleet. Furthermore, this approach aligns with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles by enabling the integration of non-proprietary commercial devices. Utilizing these accessible technologies on legacy platforms creates a real-world testbed to evaluate technological advances rapidly. These insights can then inform and accelerate the development of future MIL-STD systems for combat vehicles, effectively shortening the traditional development life cycle while prioritizing the immediate enhanced protection of service member lives.
Pilgrim, Robert A., Brown, Roy C.
Pitfalls in High Stakes Environmental Chamber Testing for Transparent Armor2026-01-75439/22/2026
Transparent armor, also known as ballistic glass, is a primary sustainment cost for tactical wheeled vehicle programs, accounting for 10’s of millions of dollars annually. The “Accelerated Life Test” is required in first article testing, and is an effective predictor of part life. However, the test takes 4-6 months and is expensive. Passing the test is a major hurdle, contributing to backlogs for critical Marine Corps and Army tactical vehicles. The test is also a very ‘high stakes’ test because it is only required once per design and is a primary factor in determining selection of the winning company bid. While the test requirements appear simple, multiple seemingly minor test errors have had dramatic effects on the test results. It is critical for both manufacturers and government program offices to understand how to properly run the test, analyze results, and report the results in a way that can be confidently accepted as a technically sound measure of part quality. This work highlights key pitfalls using a thermal model to show their potential effect. Recommendations are provided for correctly running and reporting the test.
Busch, Brendon S., Key, Christopher T., Magner, Matthew J., Brown, Kevin A., Merrill, Marriner H.
Leveraging Domestic Automotive Software Development Best Practices for MOSA and GCIA/Victory Implementation2026-01-75389/22/2026
ISO 26262ISO/SAE 21434ISTQB/ASPICEMOSAGCIAVICTORY
Priemer, Douglas, Sime, Karl
Human Digital Twin Architecture for Ground Vehicle Scenario Integration2026-01-75059/22/2026
Ground vehicle commanders operate in scenarios which bare high cognitive load. They must be reactive to time-critical events where attention is divided between a variety of sensors, crew members, the physical world, and digital displays, which can result in missed situational cues. This paper presents a Human Digital Twin (HDT) architecture which provides real-time, embodied AI assistance to commanders in a military ground vehicle simulation scenario. The system integrates a data pipeline for combining a MetaHuman avatar in Unreal Engine with multi-modal data ingestion and a large language model (LLM). In addition, a retrieval-augmented generation approach grounds the LLM with mission-specific context, and a Big Five personality framework for prompt design constructs a consistent agent persona throughout the scenario. The architecture is demonstrated with a prisoner of war camp scouting mission, in which the HDT selectively intervenes when needed to alert the commander to critical events when missed. A system latency evaluation is provided to demonstrate viability for real-time integration. Results show the potential of integrated HDT systems to improve situational awareness and decision support in high stakes ground vehicle operations.
McCarthy, Martin, Mohammed, Abdul Mannan, Gallagher, Reese, Neumann, Carsten, Bruder, Gerd, Reiners, Dirk, Cruz-Neira, Carolina, Paul, Victor
Perspectives on Augmented Cognition Implementation in Military Ground Vehicle Crew Stations2026-01-75159/22/2026
Military ground vehicles are transitioning from manually operated platforms to highly automated systems, which fundamentally alters the cognitive demands placed on crew members. Rather than reducing workload, automation frequently redistributes it, introducing challenges associated with supervisory monitoring, autonomy mode calibration, and situational awareness. Augmented cognition (AugCog) offers a closed-loop framework in which real-time physiological and behavioral measures of operator cognitive state can be used to dynamically adapt system interfaces and autonomy levels. This paper reviews six nonintrusive sensor modalities suitable for military ground vehicle crew stations: remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), facial thermography, eye tracking and pupillometry, dry-electrode electroencephalography (EEG), Facial Action Coding System (FACS) action unit (AU) analysis, and elastic electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors. A conceptual multimodal crew station integration framework is proposed, and future research directions are outlined.
Mikulski, Christopher, Riegner, Kayla
SOSA Enabled Automotive Technologies Disrupt the Battlefield2026-01-75359/22/2026
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Pilaud, William J.
Physics-Constrained Procedural Generation of Synthetic Environments for the Robust Validation of Autonomous Maneuver and Logistics2026-01-75499/22/2026
The validation of Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) and intelligent logistics planners is frequently compromised by the ”Sim-to-Real” gap, where simulation environments fail to replicate the physical friction of operational deployment. Ideally, valid test cases must enforce strict mobility constraints and impose realistic sustainment penalties; however, many current generation tools rely on idealized terrain interactions and infinite-resource assumptions. We present a real-time procedural framework designed to generate high-friction validation environments that stress-test the robustness of the System Under Test (SUT). The architecture integrates gradient-based terrain analysis with a stochastic contested logistics model. It ingests synthetic heightmaps to precompute mobility corridors, ensuring that every generated evaluation episode adheres to vehicle-specific traversability limits. Simultaneously, a logistics kernel enforces fuel consumption scaled by terrain gradients and models supply chain interdiction as a parameterized Bernoulli process. We validate this framework through a ”Digital Twin” methodology, demonstrating that terrain-aware generation eliminates invalid initialization states (0% mobility violations) while the logistics model induces operationally relevant failure modes in the SUT. This unclassified, open-architecture approach supports DoD Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) requirements by providing deterministic, reproducible edge cases for autonomous system evaluation.
Soykan, Bulent, Rabadi, Ghaith, Bochenek, Grace, Paul, Victor J.
PR-2930™-LVLC and Coraseal™ Ambient U1800: High Performance Adhesives for Military Application2026-01-75559/22/2026
This paper investigates two high-performance structural adhesives, PR-2930™-LVLC and CORASEAL™ Ambient U1800, classified as Group I under the MIL-PRF-32662 specification, emphasizing their potential role in structural and armor applications. The study highlights the adhesives’ unique properties, including PR-2930-LVLC’s superior adhesion and CORASEAL Ambient U1800’s remarkable combination of strength and flexibility. Rigorous testing, including hot-wet conditioning and elevated temperature assessments, demonstrates their durability under extreme conditions. The paper also details the adhesives’ performance in Mode I and II strength and toughness evaluations, revealing PR-2930-LVLC’s high strength and CORASEAL Ambient U1800’s superior toughness. These findings underscore the potential of these adhesives to enhance performance during high impact-rate events and to support lightweight vehicle design, addressing a significant gap in adhesive technology for military applications.
Hellerman, Edward, Toolis, Amy, Pollum, Marvin
Crew Optimization and Augmentation Technologies (COAT) Soldier Touch Point 5 (STP5) Field Experiment2026-01-75459/22/2026
Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) conducted a Soldier Touch Point (STP) in the field comparing the use of Vitreous User Interface (UI) on a Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD) to a Soldier Machine Interface (SMI) on Vehicle Mounted Displays (VMD). Soldiers drove a Stryker Vehicle equipped with 360-degree indirect vision through a series of mobility obstacles at Camp Grayling. No significant differences were found in Soldier performance between the UI conditions, however, a significant performed better maneuvering through obstacles on the right-hand side of the vehicle in comparison to the left. This is a continuation of simulation only work previously presented at GVSETs 2023.
Anderson, Rachel, Hoelscher, Andrew, Schultz, Jeffrey, Paul, Victor, Wood, Ryan, Reid, Alexander, Ratka, Steven, Roose, Kaitlyn, Grant, Lauren, Shrestha, Sumit
Analyzing Open-Source Data to Inform Military Vehicle Design2026-01-75599/22/2026
The modern battlefield is increasingly transparent, generating large volumes of open-source data on the use, damage, and loss of military vehicles. This paper presents a structured methodology to exploit such data for deriving operational requirements for future vehicles. It uses a mixed-method framework combining qualitative reporting with quantitatively verified loss data. Daily battlefield reports are analyzed with large language models to extract operational context, employment patterns, and tactical conditions. These insights are cross-referenced with loss data to assess how operational factors affect vehicle survivability, with the findings being used to prioritize requirements that improve vehicle performance. The approach is demonstrated through a case study of Leopard tanks in the Russia-Ukraine war, using Institute for the Study of War reports and Oryxspioenkop loss data. Results show how open-source intelligence can systematically inform survivability, mobility, and combat effectiveness in modern vehicle design.
Lynch, Benjamin, Mittal, Vikram
Modeling the Operational Performance Impacts of a Vehicle Integrated Power Kit (VIPK) on a Modern Medium Tactical Wheeled Vehicle2026-01-75679/22/2026
Michigan Technological University (MTU) was awarded a competitive prototype project to develop a Vehicle Integrated Power Kit (VIPK) for multiple variants of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 (FMTV A2). The VIPK provides high voltage power export, expeditionary power for silent watch capability in low load cases, and interoperability with tactical microgrids. To support VIPK development, MTU created a vehicle model to quantify the impacts of VIPK integration, accelerate design decisions, and predict vehicle performance. This model was calibrated using experimental data, and the calibrated model was then used to compare vehicle performance with and without VIPK installed. Power flow diagrams were utilized to understand the energy pathways during vehicle operations. This paper details how the VIPK system affects performance and analyzes its power flow under select operational conditions. Citation: B. Goodenough, H. Schmidt, J. Naber, P. Dice, D. Subert, K. Meyers, “Modeling the Operational Performance Impacts of a Vehicle Integrated Power Kit (VIPK) on a Modern Medium Tactical Wheeled Vehicle,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 11-13, 2026.
Goodenough, Bryant, Schmidt, Henry, Naber, Jeffrey D., Dice, Paul, Subert, Dave, Meyers, Kevin
Methods for Designing Rotating Components for Compliance to ISO 1940 Balance Requirements using Generic 3D CAD Software2026-01-75659/22/2026
The benefits of specifying balance requirements in terms of an ISO 1940 balance quality grade instead of traditional mass-distance based requirements are discussed along with methods to convert ISO 1940 balance quality grades into permissible imbalance limits at the bearing supports. Methods are developed to determine the expected imbalance values at bearing supports using mass property data from generic 3D CAD software packages without the need for Finite Element Analysis. Practical exercises are presented using these methods to assess a part’s compliance to ISO 1940 while still in the conceptual 3D CAD design stage. These practical exercises cover the selection of appropriate geometric tolerances to ensure part balance without the need for post fabrication balancing as well as the design of nonsymmetrical components for ISO 1940 balance compliance. Citation: J. Srodawa, “Methods for Designing Rotating Components for Compliance to ISO 1940 Balance Requirements Using Generic 3D CAD Software,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 11-13, 2026.
Srodawa, John
Development of a UAV Platform for Remote Inspection and Visualization2026-01-75119/22/2026
This paper details the development of an intelligence and inspection platform consisting of an attritable sub-250g UAV, a ground control station, and a visualization interface for users. The UAV architecture combines onboard obstacle detection and avoidance along with simultaneous localization and mapping to have full autonomous navigation inside of complicated GPS-denied environments. The ROS 2-to-Unreal Engine data pipeline allows for sensor fusion, data cleansing, and initial analysis as well as creation of a high-fidelity real-time 3D digital twin. The visualization interface allows users to easily identify critical features and turn data into intelligence to support decision making by soldiers and first responders.
Lee, Yeen K., Bainard, Sean, Shaughnessy, Michael, Bolger, Matt, Koepp, R. Tucker, Salehzadeh, Roya, Mallory, Stephen, Mynderse, James A., Guillen, Pedro, Hernandez, Margarita
Motion Approach for Turret System Physical Simulation2026-01-75539/22/2026
Physical simulation permits government and contractor engineers to characterize, validate and test a complex weapon system’s many components and subsystems. This is particularly important when new sub-systems and components are in the prototype development stage and integrated into a full weapon system for the first time. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology in creating a motion environment to adequately test a functional turret system in a lab environment using the GVSC’s Crew Station Turret Motion Base Simulator. The simulator is a high-capacity, 6-degrees-of-freedom test device that utilizes computer-controlled hydraulic actuators and a platform to reproduce dynamic conditions encountered by a combat vehicle turret system traversing off-road terrain. The paper presents an iterative technique using the simulator’s measured frequency response functions to achieve a targeted response. Platform error and repeatability are presented which is key for “baseline vs. modified” studies.
Paul, Victor, Hoelscher, Andrew, Tiguert, Ahmed, Zywiol, Harry
Intelligent Optimization Simulation Framework for Test and Evaluation of Autonomous Systems2026-01-75519/22/2026
This paper describes ongoing research and development of an efficient optimization/search–based modeling and simulation framework for rapidly identifying low-performance scenarios in advanced autonomous systems. Ensuring predictable, safe behavior across complex, integrated systems remains a core operational test-and-evaluation challenge. Our goal is to balance rigorous validation with timely deployment. We are developing TEAAS (Test & Evaluation of Advanced Autonomous Systems), a scalable, faster-than-real-time framework designed to uncover critical failure scenarios efficiently. Key features include GPU-accelerated parallel simulation and learning, computational intelligence–based search of optimal parameters, uncertainty quantification for reproducibility, and real-time physics-accurate sensor models. We conducted simulation experiments to evaluate and demonstrate the framework performance for two black-box ground-vehicle autonomous systems. Key results were that adequate uncertainty quantification can be achieved with as few as 10 repeated runs per simulation scenario, sensor realism has a significant effect on failure rate, distinct differences between the two autonomies failure modes were identified, and our efficient optimization/search methods identify critical performance regions in a small fraction of the number of simulations required by a naïve Monte Carlo search.
Snarski, S., Menozzi, A., Persons, B., Lazar, D., Khan, N.
Electrical and Power Quality Performance Evaluation of a SiC Based 500kW High Temperature and High Power-Density Inverter2026-01-75689/22/2026
In pursuit of future high-power capabilities for U.S. military ground vehicles, the transition towards vehicle electrification has been heavily adopted. High power-density and high temperature inverters play a key role in progressing vehicle electrification adoption across the U.S. military. This paper presents experimental results to evaluate the power quality performance of the developed high power-density and high temperature inverter, Enercycle™ DC-1000 Inverter based on silicon carbide (SiC). The DC-1000 inverter is a bi-directional inverter with a power density of 11.4 kW/L, which is capable of operating at 600 Vdc and delivering 500kW continuous output power and transient output power up to 640 kW, enable ground vehicle electrification. The experimental results to evaluate the power quality aspects such as distortion factor, ac voltage ripple, and voltage transient due to step load are presented in this paper. Moreover, challenges and next steps for further improvement of design have been discussed. Citation: A. Sadigh, Iris Shiroma “Electrical and Power Quality Performance Evaluation of a SiC Based 500kW High Temperature and High Power-Density Inverter,” In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 11-13, 2026.
Sadigh, Arash, Shiroma, Iris
Design and Analysis on a Traction-type Power-assisted Follow-up Vehicle for Emergency Rescue2026-99-15479/11/2026
To address problems in China’s emergency rescue scenarios—such as limited functionality, insufficient mobility, poor adaptability to complex terrain, the labor-intensive nature of manual carrying, and the lack of flexibility of fully automatic carts—a traction-type emergency rescue power-assisted follow-up vehicle was designed and developed. With the core design goals of “lightweight, high mobility, and human-machine collaboration”, this power-assisted follow-up vehicle has multiple advantages. At the structural level, it supports rapid folding and unfolding, enabling convenient operation and adaptation to transportation needs in various emergency rescue scenarios. In terms of material selection, it balances strength and lightweight properties, and its key components possess anti-cutting and flame-retardant capabilities, allowing adaptation to the harsh environment of emergency rescue. The power system adopts modular replaceable batteries and is equipped with a high-performance control unit, motor, and shock-absorbing suspension design. This enables normal operation in a variety of complex terrains. The control system is centered on human-machine collaboration. It features simple operation and automatic adjustment of operating status, effectively reducing the operational burden and physical exertion of rescuers. Meanwhile, it supports the master-slave expansion function, allowing flexible switching from a two-wheel structure to a four-wheel structure to meet diverse rescue needs such as material transportation and casualty transfer. This power-assisted follow-up vehicle can effectively solve the material transportation problem in the “last few kilometers” of emergency rescue.
Xu, Jiang, Hou, Yumeng, Yang, Han
Numerical Simulation Study on the Influence of Explosive Shape on the Dynamic Response of Tracked Vehicles2026-99-11039/11/2026
This study utilizes finite element analysis and a multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation to systematically investigate the dynamic responses of tracked armored vehicles under underbody blast loading from cylindrical, spherical, and cubic charges. Numerical results indicate that, given equivalent charge masses and detonation distances, the shape of the explosive geometry significantly affects shock wave propagation characteristics and the subsequent structural response behavior. Compared to the other two charge configurations, the cylindrical charge exhibits superior shock propagation velocity and a more rapid dynamic response time in the vertical direction. Consequently, the cylindrical charge induces a maximum elastic displacement of 114.9 mm in the underbody structure—surpassing the cubic and spherical charges by factors of 1.16 and 1.18, respectively—while significantly intensifying near-field overpressure.
Tang, Jing, Fu, Tiaoqi, Liu, Yong, Feng, Yu, Sun, Xiaowang
Dynamic Modeling and Robust Active Control of Graphene-Piezoelectric Composite Missile Wings with Elastic Boundary Constraints2026-99-12819/4/2026
To improve the stability and vibration suppression capability of missile wings under complex aerodynamic conditions, this study develops a dynamic model and explores the active control strategy for a graphene-reinforced piezoelectric composite missile wing subjected to elastic boundary constraints. An electromechanically coupled dynamic model with elastic boundary conditions is constructed by employing CLPT, the geometric nonlinearity following the von Karman assumptions, and piezoelectric coupling theory. The system is discretized and solved numerically using characteristic orthogonal polynomials and the Galerkin method. The influences of graphene distribution configurations, material properties, and boundary flexibility on the linear natural frequencies and nonlinear hardening characteristics are investigated. Results show that the X-type graphene distribution significantly enhances the equivalent stiffness and reduces nonlinearity. Boundary flexibility markedly modulates the vibration characteristics; in particular, increased structural flexibility strengthens geometric nonlinearity, leading to noticeable changes in frequency characteristics and hardening degree. A robust state-feedback controller together with a full-order observer is developed using the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) framework, and their performance is verified under different parameter disturbances and uncertainties. The control strategy effectively suppresses vibrations while maintaining good robustness, with the best performance achieved under X-type graphene reinforcement combined with thin piezoelectric layers. This study reveals the coupling mechanisms among material distribution, boundary flexibility, and robust control, providing a theoretical basis for the structural optimization and active control design of smart missile wings.
Qin, Shilong, Chen, Jie
W60(FeCrNi2.5) Alloy with High Strength and High Adiabatic Shear Band Sensitivity2026-99-12439/4/2026
To meet the high-performance requirement of tungsten heavy alloys in kinetic energy penetrators under extreme dynamic loading conditions, high strength and high adiabatic shear band (ASB) sensitivity are essential. The formation and evolution of ASB during the penetration process directly dominate penetration capability of tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs). However, traditional WHA (93W) exhibits relatively low strength and adiabatic shear band insensitivity, which limits its applications in advanced kinetic energy penetrators. This study prepared W60(FeCrNi2.5) alloy by means of spark plasma sintering with 1~3 μm powders. The sintered alloy exhibits outstanding mechanical properties at quasi-static (0.001 s-1) and dynamic (4000 s-1) strain rates. Its yield strengths reach 1.5 GPa and 2.7 GPa respectively, manifesting a notable strain rate strengthening behavior. Dynamic compression tests indicate that the alloy generates ASB with a width of ~8 μm. Within the ASB, the body-centered cubic (BCC) phase is elongated to nanofibers under shear stress, and fine W particles are generated as a result of grain debonding in nanofibers. Meanwhile, the grains of the face-centered cubic (FCC) phase are disintegrated into subgrains due to dislocation pile-ups at subgrain boundaries, and new equiaxed grains are formed through subgrain boundaries rotation. The calculated adiabatic temperature elevation inside the ASB of this alloy reaches a maximum of 1315 K under 4000 s-1. Notably, its ASB sensitivity coefficient reaches 20.8, while that of the 93W alloy is 1.02. Thus, it achieves a favorable combination of high strength and high adiabatic shear band sensitivity, which offers meaningful references for advanced kinetic energy penetrator materials.
Lin, Jingchen, He, Jianye, Wang, Qiang, Wu, Shanghao, Zhang, Linbing, Ruestes, Carlos J., Li, Zezhou, Zhang, Zhaohui, Zhang, Fan, Wang, Lin, Cheng, Xingwang
The Interconnected Battlefield: Optimizing Systems Beyond Standard D3899926AERP09_019/1/2026
Modern defense platforms are no longer isolated systems. They are high-bandwidth nodes in a joint network spanning air, land, sea, space and cyber domains, and the connectors holding it all together are being pushed to their limits. The increasing prevalence of high-speed Ethernet in defense is pushing the boundaries of the tried and true circular D38999 connector. Military jets are becoming increasingly interconnected with edge computing devices, sensors, communication equipment and cameras via high-speed Ethernet. This is being replicated in other military assets, such as armored ground vehicles, artillery and command centers, as we move closer to the envisioned interconnected battlefield. The industry standard D38999, which has been around for decades, is starting to show its limitations when it comes to high-speed data signals.
A New Research Facility for Robotics and Alloy Discovery in Texas26AERP09_099/1/2026
Researchers have received a $24.9 million grant to develop an NSF Materials Innovation Platform where universities, national laboratories and industry members can run alloy-discovery campaigns using robotic systems and artificial intelligence. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas A six-year, $24.9 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) will establish the Autonomous Robotic Metallurgist Materials Innovation Platform (ARM-MIP) at Texas A&M University - a national user facility where robots and artificial intelligence take on the repetitive labor of alloy discovery, freeing scientists to focus on discovery itself. ARM-MIP will be sited at The Texas A&M University System RELLIS Campus in Bryan, a dedicated research campus that also hosts the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command's central testing hub at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex. The platform is designed to reach more than 200 users a year and 50 alloys per month in its first year, scaling to more than 200 alloys per month by year six.
Simulation of Gas Diffusion in Nanoscale Microchannels at the Parallel Seam-Weld Interface2026-99-04198/28/2026
Driven by the stringent service conditions of aviation, aerospace, and military equipment, parallel seam welding, as an advanced resistance-welding packaging process, has been widely applied in ceramic-metal packages that require high hermeticity, owing to its excellent sealing performance and reliability. In this study, targeting the hermeticity failures that appear in parallel seam-welded ceramic packages after temperature cycling, molecular dynamics simulation is used to systematically investigate helium diffusion in nanoscale interfacial microchannels and its effect on hermeticity. On the LAMMPS platform, a three-region model is constructed that includes a helium-charging region, a wall-channel region composed of Fe, Ni, and Au, and a vacuum leak region. The Lennard-Jones potential is used to describe interatomic interactions, and a thermal-cycling environment conforming to MIL-STD-883, with a temperature range from -50°C to +125°C, is simulated to represent actual service conditions. The simulation results show that when the channel diameter is less than or equal to 1.2 nanometers, the number of leaked helium atoms remains constant at approximately 22 and is not affected by temperature; when the diameter is greater than or equal to 1.6 nanometers, the leakage exhibits significant temperature dependence. For example, in a 2.6-nanometer channel, 212 atoms leak at 423 K and 176 atoms at 223 K. Both leakage flux and leak rate increase markedly with channel size. OVITO analysis confirms that helium diffusion exhibits molecular-flow characteristics; at very small apertures, atomic escape efficiency is limited by the frequency of collisions with the wall. These findings provide insight for improving hermetic packaging and reliability of critical electronics used in aviation, aerospace, and military equipment.
Li, Xiangyang, Gong, Yubing, Zheng, Xianling
Engineering Actuators for Extreme Environments26AERP08_088/1/2026
A holistic approach to protective design can greatly reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of harsh environmental conditions on electric actuators. Tolomatic, Inc., Hamel, MN With their performance and efficiency advantages over hydraulics, electric actuators are increasingly used in unforgiving operating environments that demand hardened components. Yet, not every actuator is up the task of thriving or even surviving under the harshest conditions. Most off-the-shelf actuators are simply not engineered to withstand the corrosive agents, temperature extremes, ingress of foreign material, high shock loads and electromagnetic interference (EMI) that characterize many harsh environments. If you're designing a system that will need to perform in these conditions, here's an overview of what to look for in an actuator.
Introducing the Modern Virtual Test Environment: Reducing Friction in RDT&E26AERP08_038/1/2026
Federal research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) teams are operating in a data environment that looks nothing like it did a decade ago. Modern systems generate enormous volumes of information across sensor feeds, high-resolution video, telemetry, analytics outputs, and generative AI. Yet as data grows, the speed of insight often slows. There's a growing gap between the volume of data collected and its effective use in legacy testing environments. At the heart of the issue is coordination. Surveillance and sensing, planning, live experimentation, and post-test analysis are frequently managed in separate systems, teams, and locations, making it difficult to securely integrate and analyze data at speed.
This New Quantum Sensor Measures 3D Direction of RF Electromagnetic Fields26AERP08_068/1/2026
Army scientists recently achieved a major milestone in quantum sensing technology that could transform how electromagnetic signals are detected on the battlefield. For the first time, scientists at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory demonstrated a quantum sensor that can measure the full 3D direction of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. This breakthrough could provide the Army with tools to improve situational awareness, enhance secure communications and enable faster, more informed decision-making on the battlefield.
The Cylindrical Component Impacts the Honeycomb Structure2026-99-01017/31/2026
High-performance composite materials are widely used in the main structural components of satellites. Various cylindrical components will hit the satellite at the time. The cartridge is fixed and unchanging. Honeycomb structure and ceramic honeycomb structure are the same, the cylindrical component is lighter and can attack satellites at a greater speed under the same conditions as the propellant. In terms of mass quality, the speed can reach over 1.6 times, and ceramic honeycomb structure can have minimal kinetic energy loss and can face enemies in combat with thicker steel plates, allowing for continuous destruction. Cylindrical component remaining kinetic energy (∆E) is 3.2968e3 J, but ceramic cylindrical component ∆E is 2.082e3 J, and ceramic cylindrical component have more advantages, and there are fewer arbitrary steel balls flying.
Xu, Jian, Yang, Zhen, Chang, Xuefang, Li, Qiang, Zhang, Kun, Qu, Dandan
Influencing Factors Indicator System of Crew Performance in Multi-Vehicle Cooperation Based on DEMATEL-TAISM Method2026-99-08527/30/2026
As multi-vehicle cooperation becomes an increasingly important operational mode for armored vehicles, the performance of cooperative crews plays a crucial role in accomplishing coordinated missions and enhancing the functionality of the human–machine system. In this study, the influencing factors of crew performance in multi-vehicle cooperation of armored vehicles were initially extracted through a literature review. The Delphi method was then employed to collect expert opinions and perform a preliminary simplification of the indicator system, followed by an optimization of the system using exploratory factor analysis. The final indicator system consisted of 11 indicators, and the DEMATEL–TAISM method was further employed to analyze the interaction relationships among the identified key influencing factors. In terms of the interrelationships among influencing factors, the fundamental determinants of armored vehicle crew performance include individual capability and experience, operational characteristics, shared screen and auditory design, display–control interface and cabin layout, and intelligent and automated design. The findings suggest that improving crew capability and experience through training, optimizing the interface, cabin, and auditory design, and promoting intelligent and automated system design can significantly enhance armored vehicle crew performance.
Wang, Rulan, Chen, Xingjiang, Zhou, Yue, Xie, Fang, Wanyan, Xiaoru, Liu, Shuang
Research on a Rocket Projectile Impact Point Prediction Model Based on Improved Proportional Navigation Guidance Law2026-99-16027/24/2026
Rocket projectiles are a type of ammunition that get their power from rocket engines. Long-range guided rockets, in particular, hold great significance as they seem to mark the way forward in modern warfare. These guided projectiles take full advantage of the considerable range that long-range rockets offer and, at the same time, manage to achieve improved accuracy. This paper delves into a model that is used for predicting the impact point of rocket projectiles, with the application of the proportional navigation guidance law. It also undertakes an analysis of both the strengths and the weaknesses of this model. Through the formulation of equations related to the dynamics of the center of mass and some other supplementary equations, a rather comprehensive trajectory equation was worked out. When this trajectory was simulated, it brought about the creation of a firing table, which is of help in predicting the initial trajectory inclination angle.
Tao, Wenwen, Wang, Ru, Zhang, Liang, Pi, Runge
Optimization Design and Performance Verification Method of Antiaircraft Gun Fuze2026-99-16307/24/2026
In order to ensure that the high-caliber artillery ammunition fuses can successfully complete their combat tasks with high quality, it is necessary to optimize the design of their structure and conduct simulation verification of their performance. Through optimization design, this paper determined that the distance between the antenna plate and the wind cap of the proximity detonation module of the high-caliber artillery ammunition fuse is 6.2mm, and the thickness of the wind cap top is 12.9mm; it also determined that in the coaxial line feeding mode, a circular patch is used as the antenna shape, with the lowest return loss (reaching -38.5244 dB), which is conducive to the emission of electromagnetic wave energy; by introducing the methods and processes of intensity simulation analysis and aerodynamic thermal simulation analysis, as well as the methods of performance verification, this paper provides reference and guidance for the simulation analysis of similar systems.
Liu, Liwen, Sun, Zhangyi, Ning, Quanli, Cai, Canwei
Parameter Identification of Projectiles Based on an Improved Butterfly Algorithm Optimizing a Mixed Kernel Extreme Learning Machine2026-99-16167/24/2026
Accurate projectile dynamic modelling requires identifying aerodynamic parameters. The traditional methods for identifying aerodynamic parameters of missiles suffer from significant modeling errors. Therefore, this study proposes an improved butterfly-shaped optimization hybrid extreme learning machine algorithm. It combines the butterfly algorithm with a hybrid extreme learning machine, Cauchy mutation, and adaptive weight. The search ability of the Butterfly algorithm is enhanced by introducing the Cauchy distribution function and adaptive weighting factors. In addition, to balance the weights of searches and to optimize the regularization coefficients and kernel function parameters, the dynamic switching probability p is introduced. The identification accuracy of four different algorithms was compared under noise-free conditions. The feasibility of the improved butterfly-optimized hybrid extreme learning machine was verified. When there is noise, the strength of the algorithm is confirmed by comparing the effect of different noise levels on how well it can identify things. The simulation results show that the improved butterfly optimization hybrid extreme learning machine algorithm has higher accuracy and better robustness in identifying projectile aerodynamic parameters. The simulation results show that the improved butterfly optimization hybrid extreme learning machine algorithm has higher accuracy and better robustness in identifying projectile aerodynamic parameters.
Wang, Qianqian, Wang, Kangjian, Jiao, Wenjie, Yi, Wenjun, Chen, Jintong
Study on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Canard Configuration Missile Influenced by Aileron2026-99-16107/24/2026
The canard configuration has been widely adopted in short-range missiles. However, its main drawbacks include difficulties in roll control and a limited angle-of-attack (AoA) range. Compared to conventional canard missiles, the addition of a pair of control surfaces (referred to as “aileron”) behind the canard control surfaces achieves decoupling between the roll channel and pitch-yaw channel. To investigate the influence of ailerons on the aerodynamic characteristics of canard configuration missiles, numerical simulations were conducted for two typical flow conditions: subsonic (Mach 0.5) and supersonic (Mach2.0). The results show that the introduction of ailerons increases the normal force of missiles, causes the center of pressure to shift forward, and reduces the static stability of missiles, thus enhancing their maneuverability. When the ailerons control the roll channel, the effectiveness of the rolling moment remains consistent over the entire AoA range without adverse effects. However, when the canards control the pitch channel, the interference caused by the deflection of the canards on the ailerons leads to increased lift and generates additional nose-up pitching moments, which reduces the pitching moment effectiveness of the missile.
Zhang, Zilun, Xu, Jiasheng, Mei, Zhiwei
Trajectory Optimization for Micro Air Vehicle with Multiple Constraints2026-99-16327/24/2026
This study aims to solve the trajectory optimization problem of multi degree of freedom micro air vehicle (MAV) with the aim of improving its flight performance through technological innovation. A multi degree of freedom trajectory optimization (MDFTO) method with sideslip angle and angle of attack as the core control variables was proposed for multiple complex constraints in combat environment, such as terminal accuracy and overload limitation. This method can more accurately characterize and adapt the strong nonlinear, dynamic coupling and time varying characteristics of the MAV in high-speed maneuvering flight. In order to solve this MDFTO problem with multiple constraints and strong nonlinear characteristics efficiently, the hp adaptive pseudospectral method is used in this study, and is verified by simulations based on the GPOPS-II optimization platform. The algorithm has the advantages of highly accurate discrete state and control variables, efficient processing of path and terminal constraints, and adaptive adjustment of the distribution point density. GPOPS-II is able to efficiently adapt to the MDFTO method. The simulation results show that the GPOPS-II can accurately capture the MAV’s dynamic response. Its adaptive node adjustment mechanism effectively balances computational efficiency with solution accuracy, especially during flight phases where state changes drastically, ensuring the reliability of results. The MDFTO method successfully achieves the optimal solution, and the generated trajectory strictly follows the laws of vehicle dynamics and kinematics. This method provides an effective and engineering feasible technical approach for the trajectory optimization of the MAV under complex constraints, and has important theoretical and practical value for improving its strike accuracy, maneuverability and comprehensive combat effectiveness.
An, Zhichao, Ming, Chao, Wen, Guangbao
Integrated Guidance and Control Design Based on Sliding Mode Control Theory2026-99-16337/24/2026
In order to meet the demand for missile miniaturization and simplify the system complexity, this paper designs a guidance control integration method according to sliding mode control based on the longitudinal plane motion model, which is combined with the theory of sliding mode control. The design realizes tracing of attack angle to line-of-sight angle through sliding mode control of the outer loop, and the tracking of the control volume rudder deflection angle to the virtual control volume angle of attack through the sliding mode control of the inner loop. The stability of the guidance law is also verified by the Lyapunov function. The simulation results show that the guidance law can hit the target successfully, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the design method.
Bai, Jiajun, Ming, Chao, An, Zhichao, Niu, Zhaoqi, Wen, Guangbao
Study on Resistance and Surface Pressure Characteristics of UUVs Navigating in the Pycnocline2026-99-18077/17/2026
As a critical component of unmanned naval warfare, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) have garnered significant attention from major military powers. When navigating through pycnoclines—a widespread vertical density stratification in marine environments—UUVs generate volume effect internal waves that influence hydrodynamic resistance. Therefore, investigating the hydrodynamic characteristics of UUVs in pycnoclines is essential. Despite substantial research progress, most studies focus on internal wave patterns and their impacts on submerged vehicles, with limited exploration of UUV resistance and surface pressure distribution. This work establishes a numerical method according to the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, employing the Realizable k-ε turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to capture fluid density interfaces, thereby analyzing the hydrodynamic characteristics of UUVs in pycnoclines. Furthermore, a numerical method was constructed, and the convergence regarding the grid and time-steps were verified. Additionally, numerical experiments under varying navigation speeds and depths are conducted to investigate the total resistance, frictional resistance, wave-making resistance coefficients, and spatial variation of surface pressure. Based on the results, the total resistance of a UUV is positively correlated with its navigation speed. When navigating in the upper seawater layers, the total resistance also exhibits a positive correlation with navigation depth. However, when operating in the lower seawater layers, the total resistance initially increases and then decreases with increasing depth, reaching its peak level at a navigation depth of 13 m. Both increasing navigation speed and approaching the density interface can enhance the sensitivity of total resistance to navigation depth. The alteration in total resistance stems primarily from changes in wave-making resistance while showing a weaker correlation with frictional resistance. The UUV’s speed positively correlates with pressure at locations with abrupt curvature changes on its surface, but it has a negligible influence on pressure distribution in smooth surface regions. Besides, navigation depth positively correlates with surface pressure magnitude yet exerts a limited impact on pressure distribution patterns. The findings contribute to a more complete picture of the hydrodynamic properties of UUVs navigating through pycnoclines, offering valuable references for optimizing UUV design and operational strategies.
Zhang, Yin, Xue, Leilei, Guo, Liqiang, Fu, Xiao, Zhang, Xiaofang, Liu, Zhihao, Han, Guoxin
Guidance Law Design and Simulation Verification for Multi-Missile Cooperative Attack of UAVs2026-99-18137/17/2026
With the increasing demand for multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cooperative operations, the design of guidance laws with time and angle synchronization constraints has become a critical technology to enhance strike precision. This paper focuses on a UAV-launched multi-missile cooperative attack scenario, proposing a composite guidance law that integrates the advantages of existing optimal time/angle control guidance laws. By introducing a time error feedback term and an angle constraint term, combined with an adaptive disturbance observer to compensate for aerodynamic errors and target maneuvers, the proposed guidance law ensures a terminal miss distance of less than 0.5 m while achieving a time error ≤0.6 s and an incidence angle deviation ≤2° among multiple missiles. Simulation and test results both demonstrate that the four-missile cooperative attack achieves time dispersion within 1s, satisfying engineering practicality and anti-interference requirements.
Xie, Lijun, Wang, Deshuang, Yang, Xiaodong, Zhang, Tingting, Li, Yang
UAV Combat Simulation Method Based on AFSIM and DoDAF2026-99-18467/17/2026
This paper proposes a UAV combat simulation method integrating AFSIM and DoDAF to address the complexity of UAV combat systems. DoDAF establishes a multi-view architecture mode to clarify logical relationships between UAVs and weapon systems, laying a structured foundation. AFSIM implements dynamic simulation of combat processes by mapping DoDAF’s static architecture to its dynamic elements, simulating UAV maneuver, situation awareness, and strikes. A UAV search-and-strike mission scenario test shows the method accurately simulates collaborative behavior in target searching, tracking, and engaging. This method features a high degree of standardization and normalization, providing a foundation for the evaluation of UAV combat effectiveness and strategy optimization.
Sun, Zhenlei, Yang, Longquan
Research on UAV Anti-UAV Strategies Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning2026-99-18157/17/2026
This paper constructs a reinforcement learning framework based on the PPO algorithm for drone air combat to solve 1v1 pursuit-evasion in 2D beyond-visual-range air combat. Firstly, the mission scenario is modeled, defining key roles of ATA and AA. Then, state transition models of pursuer and evader are built based on flight kinematics. To handle reward sparsity in policy network training, a dense reward function combining distance and angle rewards is designed to guide the agent in learning tail-chasing and interception strategies. Using the Actor-Critic architecture, deep neural networks implement the decision-making and evaluation modules. The PPO algorithm trains the pursuing drone in a simulation. Results show that after ~5 million steps, the agent learns a stable strategy, completing tasks promptly and generalizing well in unseen scenarios. This research offers ideas for drone combat and guidance, and supports autonomous decision-making in complex air battles.
Yu, Kangjie, Gong, Zheng, Hu, Runchang, Liu, Huixiang
Missile Pose Measurement Based on ArUco Markers2026-99-05767/10/2026
This paper presents a monocular vision-based system for high-precision missile pose measurement using ArUco markers and Perspective-n-Point (PnP) algorithms. By deploying 6 × 6 ArUco markers on a cylindrical missile mock-up, the system establishes 3D-2D correspondences between structured-light-scanned models and camera images to solve the PnP problem. The proposed approach integrates optimized ArUco marker recognition — leveraging adaptive thresholding, contour simplification, and grid-based validation — with the Efficient PnP (EPnP) algorithm to achieve real-time pose estimation. Experimental validation demonstrates angular accuracy of ± 0.3° in roll/pitch/yaw and positional accuracy of ± 2 mm within a 2 m range under controlled conditions. The system exhibits robustness against partial occlusions and motion blur, with degraded performance (± 1.2°, ± 5 mm) in extreme scenarios. Key innovations include a streamlined marker detection pipeline and adaptive pose refinement using Levenberg-Marquardt optimization. This work provides a cost-effective, non-contact solution for flight tests, with potential applications in weapon separation testing.
Wang, Ruiyang, Zhang, Chaofan
Aircraft Engine–Specific Thrust and Visibility from 2D and Circular Nozzle Exits2026-01-60037/7/2026
In modern warfare, military control of the airspace determines aircraft survivability against the most widespread missile threats. The aero-engine exhaust system is an important source of infrared (IR) signatures from the rear aspect, particularly in the 2–3 μm and 3–5 μm IR bands. Two-dimensional (2D; non-axisymmetric) nozzle exits with high aspect ratio (AR > 5) are widely used in stealth aircraft engines due to their low IR signature, ease in thrust vectoring, and high maneuverability and agility. This analytical study compares the specific thrust (for choked and unchoked flow regimes) and the visible planar areas of a 2D nozzle exit with different ARs with those of a circular nozzle, as seen from the direct rear view. The nozzle’s isentropic efficiency (ηis,noz) is obtained in terms of the total pressure ratio, and the effect of AR on ηis,noz is examined for 1 ≤ AR ≤ 15. It is found that ηis,noz decreases with increasing AR, but this decrease is more rapid in unchoked flow than in choked flow. For the same value of nozzle exit cross-sectional area, the corresponding visible planar areas of aero-engine hot parts are compared for a 2D nozzle exit with different AR with that of the baseline case (circular nozzle), from bore-sight. This study shows that the optical blocking of aero-engine hot parts by a round-to-rectangular nozzle of AR ≤ 4 is almost the same as that of a circular nozzle, from bore-sight.
Baranwal, Nidhi
702A-6 Advanced Flight Management Computer SystemARINC702A-6 (Current)6/15/2026
The Advanced FMCS provides expanded functions beyond that defined in ARINC 702 to support the anticipated requirements for operation in the CNS/ATM operating environment. GNSS and RNP based navigation, air-to-ground data link for communications and surveillance, and the associated crew interface control/display definitions are included. The NextGen/SESAR concepts and their relative effects on the FMS are addressed in this document. The functional requirements also apply to a Flight Management Function (FMF) in an Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture with software partitions.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Surface Protection Strategies for Dome Shaped Structures against Cavitation Erosion2026-26-07446/1/2026
Submarine-launched missiles with domed nose cones are highly vulnerable to cavitation erosion as they travel at high speed through an underwater launch tube and then into the air from the sea surface. The collapse of vapour cavities crystallizes intense damage on the vehicle surfaces so that the vehicle structure and aerodynamic performance are threatened. In this work, we show the full 3D numerical and analytical analysis of surface protection concepts for the reduction of cavitation damage on such an axisymmetric dome-shaped body. A computational methodology was developed by importing a complex computer-aided design (CAD) model of a dome and the connecting tubular structure into a high-fidelity simulation environment. The geometry was simplified by omitting non-essential details to facilitate the generation of quality mesh for CFD analysis. Simulations have been carried out to analyze the flow field and pressure distribution under two critical stages, at two angles of attack of 0° and 12° and different launch depths. This investigation focuses on a passive mitigation technique that bonds an optimised rubber padding to the dome's exterior surface. The impact forces from collapsing cavitation bubbles are thought to be absorbed and dissipated by the rubber due to its viscoelastic nature, leading to a reduction of the impulsive stress on the substrate. The results show that the controlled introduction of such a compliant material dramatically changes the surface response to cavitation implosions. The suggested rubber padding is demonstrated to be an efficient and practicable means of protecting the surface; thus, the risk of cavitation erosion is diminished considerably, and the service life and reliability of the underwater projectile vehicle can be improved.
Velayudhan, Gautham, P S, Premkumar, S, Suhail Ahmed, P, Krishnakumar, Vasantharaj, C
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