Carl Levin: Levin Announces Michigan Projects Included in Defense Authorization Bill

May 25, 2007 -- WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today funding for Michigan projects authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008. This bill was passed unanimously by the Committee on Thursday and will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

“This bill continues the strong support that our military men and women deserve as they are engaged in combat abroad, and it authorizes the investments necessary to adequately equip our forces in the future,” said Levin. “I am pleased that the committee continues to recognize the strong contributions of Michigan’s companies and universities in supporting our military services through innovative research, manufacturing, and engineering.”

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The bill authorizes over $184 million for Army research on combat vehicle and automotive technologies. This includes work on systems to protect Army vehicles against rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and explosively formed projectiles; advanced materials for combat and tactical vehicle armor; more efficient engines; fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles; unmanned ground vehicles; computer simulations for vehicle design and training of Army personnel; and technology partnerships with the automotive industry. This research is performed and managed by the Army Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Command (TARDEC) and its National Automotive Center (NAC), both located in Warren, Michigan. TARDEC is the leading laboratory for research and development of advanced military vehicle technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD).

The bill also authorizes funding for the programs of the Army’s Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) in Warren. TACOM is the Army’s lead organization for the development and acquisition of ground vehicle combat, automotive and armaments technologies and systems. TACOM-managed systems include the Abrams main battle tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker Armored Vehicle, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, all Army tactical vehicles, such as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTVs), and the Army’s next generation of combat vehicles, known as Future Combat Systems.

The bill also authorizes $199.4 million for the development of the Army and Marine Corps’ next generation HMMWV, known as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). TACOM and TARDEC have been designated by the Department of Defense to be the executive agent for the development and management of this vehicle.

Military Construction Projects

The bill authorizes $29.3 million for four military construction projects in Michigan.

$18.5 million for the construction of a new Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren. This project will increase the available laboratory space for development of engines, fuel cells and energy storage devices, as well as enable the Arsenal to expand its power and energy program. The new structure will attach to the existing dynamometer laboratory, sharing infrastructure and eliminating the requirement for new administrative space. This requirement matches the Army’s vision for power and energy that, in turn, is consistent with the vision of the automobile industry as we move toward a hydrogen/alternative fuel infrastructure and the large-scale use of hybrid-electric ground combat and tactical systems.

$4.3 million to continue renovations of a 62,000 square foot warehouse facility in Lansing to house U.S. Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO) personnel, multiple National Guard units, and a Marine Corps Reserve unit in a single complex. The USPFO is the primary point of contact for matters relating to federal funds and property in the possession of the Michigan National Guard. Additionally, this project will significantly improve the space available to the Joint Forces Headquarters Readiness Center by providing new supply rooms, equipment storage, and latrines.

$4.0 million for a Marine Corps Reserve Training Center at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in Mt. Clemens. These funds will pay for the construction of a vehicle maintenance facility and storage warehouse for the 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment. The unit is in the process of relocating to Selfridge ANGB and is currently forced to share space in existing facilities. The new facilities will provide adequate space for vehicle maintenance, administrative functions, and storage of tools and other equipment.

$2.5 million to construct a new infantry and convoy training course at Camp Grayling. This new training course will improve the readiness of infantry units by providing realistic training at the platoon level and will enable National Guard units to train in an environment similar to Iraq and Afghanistan by incorporating training in the detection of improvised explosive devices and convoy tactics.

Energy Research and Development

$10.0 million to continue the Vehicle Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Logistics Program. This Defense Logistics Agency-managed competitive program continues the development of fuel cell technologies for use in DoD vehicles and the development of the hydrogen infrastructure to support use of those vehicles. Additionally, a critical component of this program is the development of a comprehensive and integrated strategy for the appropriate use of hydrogen to meet DoD requirements in the future.

$6.0 million to continue the Defense Logistics Agency’s hydrogen storage program. This funding will continue a merit-based research initiative focused on solid hydrogen storage systems that would weigh less and take up less volume, allowing vehicles to safely carry more hydrogen onboard, increasing driving range, and reducing refueling frequency and cost. Issues being addressed by the program include development of materials to maximize storage potential, improving the ability to quickly charge and recharge the solid storage systems with hydrogen, devising hydrogen release systems that can flow hydrogen from the solid storage system into fuel cells in a controlled, repeatable manner, and making the entire storage system cost-effective relative to other storage systems or more traditional engine technologies.

$3.0 million for an initiative focused on obtaining significant cost reductions and improved performance of fuel cell power systems that can be utilized in military equipment. Under this program, field trials of material handling equipment utilizing fuel cell technologies will likely be carried out at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and other locations in the State of Michigan. These trials will provide important benchmarking to gauge necessary improvements in the technology in order to meet military needs. This program will be managed by TACOM.

$5.0 million for continued development of solar cells for space applications. New technology based on silicon materials has the potential to produce solar arrays that are ten times cheaper and three to five times lighter than current solar arrays. United Solar Ovonic of Troy has been working with the Air Force on this project.

$3.0 million to continue the development of a portable power source for the Special Operations Command. Currently, Special Operations soldiers are expected to carry hundreds of pounds of non-rechargeable batteries. The development of a portable and renewable power source is critical to enhancing their mission performance. Adaptive Materials of Ann Arbor is currently working with the military on the development of this type of equipment.

$3.0 million to continue development of an advanced mobile microgrid system for the Army. This system would significantly reduce the logistics footprint of deployed forces by supplying power from a myriad of power sources including conventional generation, renewable generation, vehicles with exportable power sources, and encampment waste. The NextEnergy Center in Detroit has been developing this concept in cooperation with other Michigan entities, including the University of Michigan’s Transportation Energy Center and TARDEC.

$1.5 million for the continued research and development of solid oxide fuel cell materials and manufacturing technology. This funding will allow the Army to continue development of the materials and manufacturing processes necessary for a reliable and cost-effective fuel cell system compatible with existing Army logistics fuels. Significant work has been done on solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit systems and some systems have been demonstrated by the military. Delphi Automotive has significant experience in these research areas and is currently working with TARDEC on this program.

Advanced Automotive

$10.0 million to initiate a coordinated hybrid engine development program at TARDEC. This merit-based program will include both basic and applied research in engine technology, power electronics, control technology and other areas. Research areas will include theoretical, computational design and analysis, and experimental verification components.

$3.0 million to initiate a competitive biofuels research program. Interest in biofuels is driven by high oil prices, environmental concerns, and national security concerns. Aggressive efforts are required to develop advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol and butanol, high yield biodiesel, and wood-derived bio-oil, all of which have significant potential to be utilized by DoD.

$7.9 million to continue the research and development of an advanced vehicle propulsion system. Funding for the next generation non-tactical vehicle propulsion system will allow the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps to continue research, development, and demonstration of fuel cell technology in commercially-based vehicles for military requirements. General Motors is currently working with the DoD on this program.

$5.0 million to continue the development of an advanced thermal and oil management system to increase engine efficiency for Army vehicles. Engineered Machined Products in Escanaba has partnered with TARDEC in the development of these systems.

$4.0 million for the development of an innovative solid hydrogen hybrid storage system. Onboard storage of hydrogen is the largest technological challenge to the use of hydrogen as a major transportation fuel. Ovonic Hydrogen Systems in Rochester Hills has developed a solid hydrogen storage system that offers significant potential for scientific breakthrough.

$3.0 million for a dynamometer facility upgrade at TARDEC. The current TARDEC dynamometer facility is outdated and cannot meet the increasing and varied testing requirements of the Army. This upgrade will provide the Army with the ability to evaluate the range of current, interim, and future conventional and hybrid electric power trains and their components. AVL North America of Plymouth has significant experience with dynamometer installation.

Procurement

$4.1 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Spartan Chassis of Charlotte and Arvin Meritor of Troy are both involved in this program.

$2.3 billion for the Army’s Stryker armored vehicle. General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights is the prime contractor for the Stryker armored vehicle. Many Michigan companies serve as subcontractors in this program.

$1.9 billion for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). Demmer of Lansing, AM General of Livonia, and General Motors are major contractors for the HMMWV. Many Michigan companies serve as subcontractors in this program.

$ 1.9 billion for the Abrams Main Battle Tank. General Dynamics Land Systems of Warren is the prime contractor for the Abrams.

$1.7 billion for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. L-3 of Muskegon is a major contractor for the Bradley program.

$1.0 billion for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). Arvin Meritor of Troy, AAR Mobility of Cadillac, and a number of other Michigan contractors are involved in the production of FMTVs.

$270 million for the Lightweight 155mm Howitzer. Howmet Castings of Whitehall is a major contractor for the Lightweight 155mm Howitzer.

$198 million for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). Detroit Diesel builds the engine for the HEMTT.

$82.0 million for Navy sonobuoys. Sonobuoys remain the Navy’s primary means to detect and locate enemy submarines. Sparton Electronics of Jackson designed and manufactures Navy sonobuoys.

$8.0 million for a new threat emitter system for the Michigan Air National Guard. The Infrared Joint Threat Emitter (JTE) System simulates electronic combat signals and is designed to provide realistic electronic warfare training for pilots and aircrew members. Threat Emitters have proven to be a tremendously effective training tool, and the JTE will further prepare our pilots for the threats they face.

$6.0 for a cold weather layering system for the Marine Corps. This cold weather layering system was developed to provide Marines with increased warmth and breathability while decreasing the bulkiness commonly associated with other cold weather gear. Peckham Industries of Lansing manufactures the fleece liners used in this cold weather layering system.

$5.0 million for Tactical Vehicle Driving Simulators for the Army National Guard. These simulators enable troops to more effectively train on tactical vehicles of various sizes before they deploy. FAAC is an Ann Arbor company that manufactures these systems for the Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves, and the Marine Corps.

Robotics

$12.0 million for the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Initiative. This is the second year of funding for this important initiative run by the ground vehicle experts at TARDEC. This funding will be used to integrate and demonstrate sensor technologies, perception hardware and software, and robotic control technologies that are required to enable UGV systems to maneuver with minimal human intervention for on and-off road missions while at militarily significant speeds. Mature technologies are incorporated in UGV technology demonstrators so that performance can be evaluated for multiple tactical and sustainment applications.

Manufacturing Research and Development

$50 million for national defense related manufacturing research and development initiatives. This funding includes: $10 million for development of defense technology-specific strategies and development plans, manufacturing test beds, and incentives for manufacturing innovations; $30 million for an Industrial Base Innovation Fund, which would help support DOD's ability to address specific shortfalls in the defense industrial base to meet short term surge manufacturing requirements; and $10 million to support longer term (often university and small-business based) research into new manufacturing techniques.

University Research

$3.0 million for advanced composite materials research. This research will advance the design of vehicles that are durable, light-weight, safe, environmentally-friendly, and functionally appropriate for specific applications in the military. The research will be focused on using composite materials in innovative structural and shell components. Michigan State University’s School of Engineering has been working with TARDEC for years in these research areas.

$3.0 million for University-based automotive research. This ongoing project is run by TARDEC. These funds will be used to grow and sustain a consortium of seven universities headquartered at the University of Michigan and including Wayne State University, Oakland University, the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the University of Iowa, Clemson University, and Virginia Tech University.

$2.5 million to continue dendrimer enhanced water remediation research. This funding will pay for the development of technology for selective removal of contaminants and other hazardous materials in water filtration. Research has shown that dendrimers have remarkable capacity to capture a variety of metal and organic molecules making them ideal materials for water remediation. Central Michigan University has extensive experience in this field.

$1.5 million to continue the development of advanced simulation capabilities for military ground vehicles. High operational tempo and harsh operating environments have taken a heavy toll on military ground vehicles. This program will attempt to increase ground vehicle reliability and optimize performance through advanced simulation technologies. Western Michigan University is currently working with TARDEC on this project.

$1.5 million to continue the development of fabric to protect military personnel against biological and chemical weapons. The Department of Defense has identified a need for protective clothing to protect troops against such agents as anthrax, typhoid fever, vibrio cholerae, plague, smallpox, mustard gas, VX, and sarin, among others. This funding will be used to design, fabricate, treat and test protective fabric for this purpose. Eastern Michigan University has substantial experience in the development of protective fabrics for the military and is continuing work on this project with the Army.

$2.0 million to continue fundamental research on the effects of low temperature environments on the performance of Army vehicles and other military equipment. Wayne State University has been working with the Army for over 20 years in addressing these issues for military systems.

$1.0 million to continue Chemical Agent Fate Evaporation Model Verification and Validation. The Agent Fate Program is a joint service program that has two main thrusts: the acquisition of chemical warfare agent data and the development of models from that data. Tests conducted in 1999 in the Czech Republic designed to examine today’s post-Warsaw Pact threat showed that the tools being used by the military were highly inaccurate. The joint services realized that they needed an overhaul of these tools to fully exploit the new chemical warfare threats they expected to face. Kettering University has an existing program and faculty with extensive experience in this area.

$2.0 million to continue integrated sensing, imaging and communications research. Wireless optical communication will be an important technology for highly secure, point-to-point communication systems. Pushing this technology to the next stage of development requires additional coordinated research, but these efforts are currently fragmented across many programs and research institutions. This research will integrate these efforts under a single program, and develop a point-to-point laser communications system with a long atmospheric path and transition these technologies to civilian industry and government programs. Michigan Technological University has extensive experience in this research area and is currently working on this project with the Department of Defense.

$1.5 million to continue research efforts into fastening and joining technology for military ground vehicles. The military’s high operation tempo has created a variety of issues associated with the wear of bolts and joints. Oakland University has been working with the Army on this research for several years.

$1.0 million for a software security assurance education initiative. Currently, there is little understanding of how to best integrate the teaching of secure practices in the development, acquisition, and operation of software into higher education curricula. These funds will support the generation of instructional materials and recommendations for the incorporation of secure software practices in higher education curricula. The University of Detroit Mercy has been certified as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency.

Nearly $1.5 billion for merit-based fundamental research to support the military at our nation’s universities and government laboratories. Many Michigan universities perform high quality fundamental research for the Department of Defense in all fields of science and technology.

Other Military-related Research and Development Initiatives

$5.0 million for the development of new materials for advanced power electronics needed by DoD systems. Many military systems depend on the development of semiconductor materials capable of significantly higher power, higher frequency operation in high temperature environments. Applications for the technology include high power switching for hybrid electric vehicles and grid switching networks, wireless communications, radar systems, light emitting diodes for solid state lighting, and next generation data storage. Dow Corning is currently working with the Navy on the development of this important technology.

$5.0 million to continue an effort by the Navy and Marine Corps to develop a mobile parts manufacturing cell. This project will result in a unit that can produce spare parts on-demand for military equipment at sea and in remote locations. This will allow the Navy to reduce operating and support costs while maintaining equipment readiness while deployed. Focus: HOPE of Detroit has extensive experience in this area through their work on the Mobile Parts Hospital deployed in Kuwait.

$2.5 million to develop residual stress measurement technologies for aircraft structures. Residual stresses can be unintentionally introduced into airframe structures during manufacturing and service use. If left undetected, residual stresses can cause serious safety issues including premature part failure. This project will develop a process to verify and track residual stresses during both manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft structures. Proto Manufacturing, Incorporated of Ypsilanti has significant experience in residual stress measurement.

$1.5 million for the research and development of optical connectors for military aircraft. This project will develop advanced single-mode optical connectors that improve optical data transfer of aircraft flight control, mission computer, and sensor systems. Translume of Ann Arbor has previously worked on related projects with the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy.

$10.0 million for the research and development of a hypersonic cruise missile engine. These funds will assist with the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced component technologies for sustained supersonic cruise missile engines. Williams International of Walled Lake is a leading missile engine manufacturer.

$2.0 million for continued research into nano-engineered transparent armor. Current ballistic glass adds hundreds of pounds to military vehicles and poses other problems including distortion and glare. This ongoing project is working to solve these issues through the development of nano-engineered armor materials for transparent and opaque armor systems. NanoCerox of Ann Arbor is currently conducting research on nano-engineered transparent armor solutions with TARDEC.

$2.5 million for a titanium structures initiative for military aircraft. Titanium usage is widespread in most commercial and military aircraft, but has a relatively high cost compared to aluminum and other common aerospace materials. These funds will continue research into advanced aerospace design methods, application of emerging titanium alloys, and state-of-the-art investment casting processes to reduce the cost of titanium structures for military aircraft. Alcoa-Whitehall of Whitehall is currently working with the Air Force on this project.

$3.9 million for continued research on embedding sensors in materials using a process called ultrasonic consolidation. Ultrasonic consolidation is used to manufacture metal parts at essentially room temperature, allowing fragile sensors and devices to be embedded in metal components without damage. This process could actually build new parts with embedded sensors or add a thin protective layer of metal over a sensor to apply it to a surface. Solidica, an Ann Arbor based company, is a leader in the development of these materials and processes.

$3.0 million for research into advanced shipboard power systems. Efficient, reliable, and stable shipboard power systems are critical to the operation of present and future naval surface combatants. Modern electric power generation and distribution systems on naval ships are susceptible to catastrophic high current surges that may result in permanent equipment damage and total power system shutdown. This project will develop a current limiting system to help address current and future shipboard power systems issues. Nove Technologies of Metamora has extensive experience with fault current limiting systems.

$5.0 million to begin a DoD Manufacturing Engineering Educational Outreach Program. A number of studies have determined that the DoD and its supporting industrial base are facing an impending shortfall of trained scientists, engineers, and technicians in areas critical to national security. This program is intended to help address a subset of that problem - the training of the next generation of manufacturing engineers. Focus: HOPE of Detroit has extensive experience providing the training and education necessary to prepare students for careers in the fields of advanced manufacturing and manufacturing engineering.

$4.0 million for research and development of optical interconnect technology for military aircraft. The Department of Defense continues to demand increasing data processing, communication, and system control capabilities. The next generation data and communication management systems needed for weapons platforms will depend upon tightly integrated optical fiber solutions, also known as optical interconnect. This solution provides space optimization while also achieving high bandwidth, decreased weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference, resistance to corrosion, and improved safety and security. Dow Corning is a global leader in silicon-based optical interconnection technology and Calumet Electronics Corporation of Calumet, Michigan has expertise in the manufacturing of the printed circuit boards needed for this technology.

$5.0 million for the Air Force’s Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI). The MAI is a government-industry cooperative program focused on the development of new aerospace materials and alloys. Howmet Castings in Whitehall is a participating member of the MAI and is developing new materials that will reduce aircraft engine maintenance costs and help enable the next generation of fighter aircraft and unmanned air vehicles.

Source: Senator Carl Levin