ONR Continues Work to Ensure Technological Edge

By John C. Marcario, Assistant Editor

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) expects no major shifts in how it does business during the next year, Paul Essig, assistant chief of research, said during a Sea-Air-Space Exposition briefing at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., May 5.

“There are no surprises. We will be working cyber; we will be working asymmetric warfare, regular warfare. The national responsibilities are always undersea weapons, undersea logistics, undersea medicine and ship engineering,” Essig said.

The ONR has a presence in 70 countries, through conferences and foreign offices. Essig said this is done to see how other countries are using their technology.

In April, ONR awarded Boeing and Raytheon $6.9 million to complete preliminary design of the Free Electron Laser. Essig said the ONR is hoping the laser can be used as a directed-energy, defensive weapon against missiles.

“Of all the types of lasers out there, we think this one has the best chance of success in the maritime environment,” he said.

The office’s goal is to invest in innovative science and technology that ensures warfighters have the technological edge. Nearly 40 percent of ONR's strategic plan, which was recently updated, is aimed at discovery and innovation.