The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is interested in receiving white papers for Research and Development projects which offer potential for advancement and improvement of NAWCAD operations. Research Opportunity Areas of Interest:
 Aeromechanics. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
aerodynamic and flight controls (manned and unmanned), aeromechanics modeling
and analysis tools, flight performance, rotorcraft aerodynamics and performance,
ship/aircraft aerodynamic interactions, and unmanned aviation and integration
including pilot augmentation and automation and UAV autonomous landing flight
mechanics.
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) (Priority). Areas of
research include but are not limited to the following: Autonomous system
development, testing, evaluation, verification and validation tools, airworthiness and
risk quantification/acceptance, collaborative autonomy, complex reasoning, multiagent based operation and decision making, airspace integration including sense and
avoid algorithms, deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and demand
forecasting.
 Avionics, Sensors & Electronic Warfare: Areas of research include but are not
limited to the following: passive/active sensor systems (RF, EO/IR, and acoustic),
advanced/alternative precision navigation and timing (PNT), advanced
computational/open system architectures, advanced signal and image processing,
flight information and control systems, and advanced concepts in electronic warfare
systems.
 Cyber (Priority). Areas of research may include but are not limited to the following:
cyber effects modeling, reverse engineering, behavioral analysis, intrusion, adaptive
cybersecurity, simulation and interface research, concolic testing and systems
configuration management.
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 Data Science & Visualization. Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: predictive modeling algorithms, complex big-data environments, data
access, storage and retrieval, data visualization techniques, risk assessment and
uncertainty quantification, and statistical analysis.
 Digital Engineering (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: advancements in the use of Digital Twin technology and concepts to
support predictive maintenance, automated sustainment environment, diagnostics
and prognostics, predictive maintenance, digital communication of system
requirements using model-based systems engineering (MBSE)/Systems Modeling
Language (SysML) views, engineering models and virtual environments to test
designs across broader parameters than what live testing permits
 Human Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
human performance assessment and modeling, cognitive performance/workload,
human-machine interface/teaming, protective equipment, controls and displays,
ergonomics, anthropomorphic measurement, virtual environments, and human factor
engineering (social, behavioral, health, and cultural).
 Hypersonic Systems (Priority). Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: external and internal high-speed aerodynamic, multi-physic modeling and
simulation, hypersonic system testing and evaluation, high temperature and specific
strength materials, structures and coatings, guidance, navigation and control and
advanced air-breathing propulsion.
 Materials and Aircraft Structures. Areas of research include but are not limited to
the following: additive manufacturing, corrosion prevention, non-destructive
inspection, structural repair and repair processes for metals and ceramics, polymers
and composites, analysis and simulation of aircraft structures, structural mechanics,
fouling, low observable, high temperature material, low temperature icing resistant
and life management of airframes.
 Mechanical Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
fire and ice protection for aviation systems, fuel containment, hydraulic systems,
pneumatic systems and landing gear systems analysis.
 Power and Propulsion Systems. Areas of research include but are not limited to the
following: reliability engineering, fuel systems, prognostics and diagnostics, energy
storage/efficiency, air‐breathing engines, fuels and lubricants, electrical power
generation, auxiliary power, low observable signature technologies, propulsion life
management, and mechanical and drive systems.
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 Quantum (Priority). Areas of research may include but are not limited to the
following: secure communication and sensing capabilities, nitrogen vacancy
diamond sensing, quantum encryption and quantum computing.
 Secure Communications & Networks (Priority): Areas of research include but
are not limited to the following: resilient data and communications networks for
Command and Control, architecture, analysis and software development, information
assurance including blockchain networks and security, platform/system health
monitoring, effective data transfer of both communications and video and integration
of security end to end in software development, all with consideration for
autonomous applications, while performing in dynamic and contested environments.
 Support Equipment. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
launch and recovery equipment, electro‐magnetics, high‐energy generation and
control, environmental sensing, prognostics and health monitoring, automatic testing
of hardware and software, displays, advanced maintenance technologies, information
systems and intelligent agents, and advanced computer and data processing
applications.
 Test and Evaluation Engineering. Areas of research include but are not limited to
the following: telemetry, communications, data links and data acquisition, signature
technologies, mission system testing, system of systems testing environments, virtual
reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), target engineering,
airborne threat simulation, integrated battle‐space simulation (Live Virtual
Constructive Environments), hardware‐in‐the‐loop testing, flight instrumentation,
ground radar analysis, test article configuration, navigation, and identification,
manned-unmanned teaming, advance training systems to include instructional
techniques and strategies, and game-based training.
 Warfare Analysis. Areas of research include but are not limited to the following:
operational suitability, signal extraction, clutter reduction, modeling and simulation,
maritime effectiveness, vulnerability and capability based assessment, and
conceptual aircraft design.