DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office invites submissions of innovative basic or applied research concepts in the technical domain of novel micromechanical oscillators for applications toward precision positioning and navigation systems.
HORCREX aims to advance the development of high-performance inertial sensors by addressing the challenges of achieving both excellent sensitivity and resilience to shock and vibration in a single sensing proof-mass. The concept of mode-locking provides a possible pathway to achieve a spectrum of operational frequencies, including low-frequency modes which can then be used to demonstrate extended dynamic range (low noise and shock and vibration resilience).
DARPA is interested in exploring a variety of methods, including different methods for transducing multiple vibration modes of a sensing proof-mass and for managing frequency variation and relative phase fluctuations across the full dynamic range of operational conditions. HORCREX will thus improve sensor survivability and ensure sensor operation through extremes of dynamic range, such as pinpoint landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a turbulent weather system.
Up to USD$2M is available over two phases, each of 12 months duration.
Proposals are due 14 February 2025.
This Disruption Opportunity is issued under the Program Announcement for Disruptioneering DARPA-PA-24-04.
Documents
Disruption Opportunity – DARPA-PA-24-04-05
Program Announcement – Disruptioneering: DARPA-PA-24-04