ARLINGTON, Va.—From its popular Electromagnetic Railgun to high-tech eyewear, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) will display and demonstrate breakthrough technologies at Fleet Week New York City 2011, May 26-31.
“Fleet Week New York City is a terrific occasion for us to inform a broad audience in a great city about the Navy’s cutting-edge science and technology programs. We want to share with the American public the technology we’re developing to position our future Sailors and Marines for success,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr. “With Memorial Day weekend as the backdrop, it’s also an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
ONR technologies will be on view at Piers 86 and 88 and aboard USS Iwo Jima. Exhibiting hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27, 28, 30 and 31. On May 29, only Pier 86 will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
With more than 2.3 million views of the Railgun’s record-setting Mach 7 test shot on YouTube, ONR will display its next-generation weapon that uses electricity rather than chemical propellants to launch projectiles.
ONR will also feature the following programs:
- Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear (FTPE)—Aimed at the Special Forces community, the FTPE’s lenses change color automatically as wearers move in and out of varying environments, or lens colors can be altered manually by pushing a small button
- Free Electron Laser —Billed as the future of U.S. Navy ship protection, the megawatt laser weapon will be able to engage multiple targets and provide counter-surveillance at sea and high-resolution imagery
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle —A vehicle that uses hydrogen-powered fuel cell propulsion instead of a standard internal combustion engine, offering a potentially sustainable energy source with zero air emissions
- Remote Environmental Monitoring Unit(s) (REMUS)—A low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle capable of rapid environmental surveys and underwater mine reconnaissance
ONR’s exhibit will also include hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics-focused educational activities for K-12 students, including Physics of Sail and SeaPerch. With Physics of Sail, children build their own ships from aluminum foil, Popsicle sticks and paper sails, then test them in a pool. SeaPerch is an ONR-funded educational program that teaches students how to build and operate their own underwater robotic vehicles.
Additionally, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory will highlight its water purification, Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network and Modular Advanced Armed Robotic Systems.
The Naval Research Laboratory will showcase its fuel-cell-powered eXperimental Fuel Cell unmanned aerial system (UAS). The folding wing UAS serves as an expendable, long-endurance platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York City celebrates the sea services. The event allows attendees to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.