The Navigation, Guidance, & Control (NGC) Department (5442) develops and delivers integrated, system-level NGC solutions for the hypersonic strike domain space, enabled by embedded software development and test for real-time applications. Our multi-disciplinary team establishes confidence in our software products through high fidelity six degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) dynamic modeling & simulation, Continuous Integration & Continuous Development (CI/CD), Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) testing, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testing, and integrated system hardware testing. We work closely with sister departments to mature emerging NGC technologies and verify weapon system integration compatibility. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, we team with industry throughout the development cycle which ultimately culminates in high consequence flight test demonstrations. We take pride in our reputation for delivering robust, high performance hypersonic flight control solutions for our sponsors and a responsibility for transitioning this next-generation technology to industry to enable an operational hypersonic strike capability for the warfighter.
The Navigation Warfare (Navwar) Department (5443) seeks to develop technology for robust and resilient navigation in increasingly challenging operational environments. Through Navigation Warfare Assessments to characterize and respond to US navigation contestation, engagement with the national Navwar community, and R&D towards the development of GPS-denied and contested technologies such as Alt-PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing), the Navwar department creates enduring capabilities to support warfighter needs in increasingly contested navigation engagements.
The Navigation Guidance Control & Sensing (NGC&S) Department (5444) develops and demonstrates next generation flight control systems technologies in support of Integrated Military Systems programs. The department strives to provide leadership to the Laboratory and the Nation through innovation, creativity, rapid development, practical application, and demonstration of NGC&S mod/sim and prototype sensor technologies. Game-changing hardware and software based technologies are developed, integrated, and tested with the intent of demonstrating achievable and differentiating capabilities that enable the Warfighter and improve the National security posture.
Autonomy for Hypersonics (A4H) Department (5449) manages an innovative research portfolio in autonomous systems development and flight demonstrations of technological advancements. A4H supports the research and development of software, autonomy algorithms, prototype hardware, target recognition, and navigation/guidance/control. We actively partner with domain experts both at the Labs and throughout the nation to implement high-impact research to meet national defense needs. The challenging flight environment and limited available flight data make hypersonics one of the most complex applications for autonomy.
