As processing has accelerated, the value of data has become increasingly evident. Using machine learning and AI, FTL mines unseen insights from large database repositories.
All sensors create data, and this is often processed into an output available on a device, like a thermometer or a multimeter. But the power of data often lies in keeping prior data, and multiplying data sources to the extent that now gigabytes of data are generated for every hour that a commercial aircraft is flying, a manufacturing or inspection operation is carried out, or images and videos are generated. FTL began in the world of “big data” through fluid monitoring, creating a one-of-a-kind fuel contaminant database that makes our fluid monitoring devices smarter with every measurement.
Once the power of such approaches was unlocked, FTL found applications in huge data packages that accompany aerospace metallic 3D prints, biomechanical analysis including measurement and modeling of joint angles during walking. Most recently, FTL has worked with the Air Force, Navy, and aerospace primes to develop 3D scanning technologies that capture enormous data sets and mine them for quality control items during manufacturing and similar processes, reducing manpower requirements and improving tempo and effectiveness. Currently FTL is working with the Navy to automate, store, and make searchable condition and maintenance data for all aircraft depot services.
While AM systems, especially metal AM, bring revolutionary capabilities and have the potential to reduce supply chain issues and enable new designs through unique layer-by-layer fabrication capabilities, AM technologies currently suffer from defects that exist within the components. Defects such as porosity, inclusions, large-scale voids, and chemical inconsistencies can inhibit the functional performance of a part and reduce confidence in designing parts for AM.
Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV’s) are anticipated to play an important role in future Naval systems. These vary from very small systems deployed by hand from boats, to very large vessels, as large as a manned battleship, but operated entirely remotely.
DADTMA (Data Analysis and Decision Tool for Mission Assurance) is a strategic risk assessment tool designed for the Department of Defense. It enables rapid evaluation of mission-critical systems by integrating data sources, visualizing risk factors, and supporting data-driven decision-making at the operational level.
DroneDraft is a mission planning tool developed for the U.S. Army to streamline drone deployment in complex environments. It offers geospatial visualization, flight path optimization, and real-time coordination features to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness.
This contamination detection system was developed to identify and analyze fluid-fluid interactions in critical aerospace systems. Using advanced sensors and automated diagnostics, it enables early detection of cross-contamination events to prevent system failure and ensure mission continuity.
FTL has current and active machine vision programs for the Navy and Air Force, most notably FTL’s FODHAT (FOD Or Defect Hazard Analysis Twin) machine vision and inspection systems.
FTL’s “FRAMER” (Fast Reconstruction of Architectural Models from Existing Resources) system has been developed for the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program of the DoD. It combines specially trained neural networks with advanced 3D processing algorithms and intelligent data exports to enable high quality building model generation from both blueprints and photographs, and parameter exports for accurate transport and dispersion simulation.
MetaWrap is a general-purpose software tool that uses CAD-compatible solid models as inputs and outputs, and that can wrap any planar periodic structure over any surface while preserving the electromagnetic performance of the unit cells. This technology is critical for next-generation airborne platforms that make extensive use of planar periodic lattice structures to manipulate electromagnetic interactions with the vehicles’ surfaces.
OilEye is a real-time fuel monitoring system developed to detect contamination and performance issues in military aircraft. It combines sensor data with predictive analytics to enhance maintenance efficiency and reduce the risk of in-flight engine failures.
SDARIT (Secure Distributed AR Integration Toolkit) is a framework for deploying augmented reality solutions in secure, networked environments. Designed for defense applications, it enables real-time collaboration and visualization while maintaining strict cybersecurity and data integrity standards.
SharpScan is an automated imaging and inspection system developed to enhance quality control in advanced manufacturing. Using high-resolution cameras and machine learning algorithms, it detects microscopic defects with speed and precision to ensure product reliability.
SHR3DR is a compact 3D scanning and reconstruction system developed for field use in defense and engineering applications. It captures high-resolution spatial data to enable rapid modeling, reverse engineering, and integration into digital twin environments.
SoundFit is an ultrasound tool that assists technicians fitting persons with amputation with prosthetic limbs by assessing fit quality. This tool measures relative bone motion to quantify the performance of mechanical energy transfer between the prosthetic limb and the user’s skeletal structure, guiding adjustments to the prosthetic socket geometry.
Sponsored by the Defense Health Agency, FTL’s SPARO (Sensorized Prosthetic Alignment Read-Out) provides clinicians and researchers a tool that enables quantitative measurements of prosthetic alignment and the effects it has on the rest of the body’s motions and dynamics through whole body gait and movement analysis.
SpearFish is a cyber threat simulation platform designed to test and strengthen network defenses against phishing and social engineering attacks. It provides realistic training scenarios and analytics to improve user awareness and organizational resilience.
SWAV (Secure Wireless Access Vehicle) is a mobile communications platform developed to provide secure, high-bandwidth connectivity in field environments. It supports real-time data exchange, remote operations, and interoperability across defense and emergency response systems.
Telemachus is a command-and-control dashboard developed for autonomous system oversight in defense operations. It consolidates real-time telemetry, mission planning, and decision support into a single interface to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.
VAME (Virtual Assessment and Modeling Environment) is a simulation platform designed to support digital twin development for defense systems. It enables virtual prototyping, behavioral analysis, and performance optimization across a range of operational scenarios.
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