COLUMBIA, Md. (Sept. 9, 2010) –Awardees of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s (TEDCO) Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)Technology Insertion program (NAVTI) met today at the Rivers Edge Conference Center on the base of the Patuxent Naval Air Station to present emerging technologies created to address NAVAIR capability gaps and technology needs. Representatives from American Dynamics Flight Systems, Chesapeake Technology Incorporated and FastVDO discussed their projects, presented milestones and participated in question and answer sessions with key NAVAIR officials. Each company received $150,000 through the NAVTI program to collaborate with TEDCO, NAVAIR and The Patuxent Partnership to further develop their technologies and conduct research over a 12 month period. The funding was made possible by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
“Programs like TEDCO’s NAVTI are responsible for facilitating successful business and commercialization initiatives between private industry and Government entities,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Through this program, three Maryland-based companies are helping to contribute to the strength of the U.S. military.I applaud their research and development and TEDCO’s administration of this important program.”
The companies and technologies include:
- American Dynamics Flight Systems, located in Jessup, Md., is developing an aerodynamic rotating launcher with unmanned strike capability specifically sized for integration with current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)platforms. Current airborne weapons systems are not optimized for UAV’s, and in many cases, not optimal for current targets. This new technology will create a reduction in aerodynamic drag and weight, which will increase aircraft range, endurance and airspeed.
- Chesapeake Technology Incorporated(CTI), located in California, Md., is developing a Tactical Situational Awareness System (TSAS), that enables “tactors” to send tactile signals to a helicopter pilot wearing a vest or belt when he/she is in a potentially dangerous situation caused by a brown out during landing operations. This technology dramatically shortens helicopter deployment time during a sand storm, which is crucial during combat in desert environments.
- FastVDO, LLC, located in Columbia, Md., is developing an advanced, integrated and high-definition video transmission technology for advanced avionic applications such as UAV surveillance.This state of the art technology supports high-quality high-definition videos with low-latency capabilities and can be transmitted at low data rates of 10 megabits or less. Based on the latest video compression technology, this technology not only saves bandwidth costs, but also improves visual quality and transmission integrity.
“These technologies all demonstrate true promise and potential in terms of application for the U.S. Navy,”said John Wasilisin, acting president and executive director of TEDCO. “TEDCO is proud that we connected these companies with NAVAIR and look forward to their continued contributions to Maryland’s economic development.”
Bonnie Green, executive director of The Patuxent Partnership, noted:“The innovative technology development coming out of this program is important to the war fighter, and The Patuxent Partnership is pleased to partner with TEDCO and NAVAIR.”