#USA #BAE Systems #DARPA #HOTS Program #Nashua

BAE Systems' New Revolution in High-Temperature Pressure Sensors

BAE Systems, a prominent player in the defense sector, recently made headlines by securing a $12 million contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This contract is geared towards the development of high-bandwidth pressure sensors capable of withstanding extreme temperature environments, as part of the High Operational Temperature Sensors (HOTS) initiative.

The HOTS program aims to revolutionize the way real-time data is collected across various critical defense and industrial systems. Applications for these high-temperature sensors span numerous fields, including hypersonic aircraft, missile technology, automotive systems, jet engine turbines, and oil and gas operations. Historically, existing sensors struggle to perform effectively at temperatures above 225°C, primarily due to the limitations posed by the materials and technologies available for their construction.

Amrita Masurkar, the technology development manager at BAE Systems' FAST Labs™, noted that recent advances in materials and processes have opened the door to developing sensors that can function in previously unattainable thermal conditions. This capability is crucial for applications such as industrial process control, jet engine prognostics, and even space exploration.

As part of the project, BAE Systems will focus on designing and manufacturing a new pressure sensor module. This module will feature an integrated transducer along with signal-conditioning microelectronics that allow for operation at temperatures reaching 800°C (1,472°F). The development will take place at BAE Systems’ facilities in Nashua and Merrimack, New Hampshire, thereby bolstering local technology development.

The HOTS initiative represents an exciting intersection of defense technology and high-performance engineering. It also underlines the growing importance of advanced materials in modern sensor design. This contract isn't just about sensor development; it’s about creating an entirely new class of pressure sensors that can endure extreme conditions which are common in advanced aerospace and defense applications.

BAE Systems is also collaborating with respected institutions and companies on this project, including The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, Purdue University, and Kampanics, LLC, alongside supplier GE Aerospace. Such partnerships are essential for sharing knowledge and resources, ensuring that the latest innovations contribute effectively to this groundbreaking work.

The development of these pressure sensors is not just a technical advancement; it opens up a host of possibilities for enhancing data accuracy and reliability in applications where monitoring real-time conditions is critical. By addressing thermal limitations, BAE Systems is poised to bring significant advancements to sectors that require robust sensor technologies.

This initiative exemplifies how the intersection of defense needs and technological innovation can lead to substantial improvements in operational capabilities. As DARPA continues to advocate for cutting-edge solutions, contracts like these form the backbone of research that will ultimately support the U.S. defense infrastructure and beyond.

As BAE Systems embarks on this ambitious project, the industry will be watching closely to see how these high-bandwidth pressure sensors can reshape the landscape of high-temperature applications, generating real-time data to enhance the effectiveness of critical systems.