Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Applied Research

Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Applied Research is an initiative under the Office of Naval Research (ONR) that focuses on developing high-payoff technologies with the potential to revolutionize naval operational concepts. The program aims to mature technologies from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or 3 to a TRL of 6, requiring both Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development efforts. These efforts translate promising basic research into solutions for broadly defined military needs, including developing breadboard hardware and algorithms to establish the feasibility of proposed technological solutions.

The Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology (LOCUST) project is part of the INP Applied Research program. It aims to develop a robust, scalable, and multifunctional UAV system capable of being launched from various platforms, including air, surface, ground, and sub-surface. LOCUST focuses on providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision loitering munitions capabilities through singular and swarm operations. The project emphasizes autonomy, command and control architecture, and modular payloads to enhance military advantage in contested domains.

The Arctic Mobile Observing System (AMOS) project seeks to develop a mobile sensing system deployable in the Arctic environment. This system will provide the Navy with a persistent presence at a lower cost than manned platforms by utilizing sea ice-based buoy nodes for power, communication, and environmental intelligence. AMOS aims to enable two-way communications, under-ice vehicle navigation, and extended-duration autonomy to monitor maritime operations in the Arctic Ocean.

Full Spectrum Undersea Warfare (FSUSW) focuses on developing technologies for offensive and defensive warfare conducted on the seabed and subsea environments. The project addresses Theatre Undersea Warfare (TUSW), Joint Targeting and Strike, and Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW). FSUSW includes thrust areas such as undersea effectors, integrated expeditionary subsea systems, multi-vehicle torpedo tube development systems, undersea UAVs for over-the-horizon effects, and undersea launched devices. These efforts aim to enable future undersea weapon systems and operational plans while addressing high technical risks associated with innovative naval prototypes.