ONR to manage new institute to develop lightweight and modern metals

The US Office of Naval Research (ONR) will manage a new institute, known as the Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) Institute, to spur innovation, manufacturing and implementation of lightweight and modern metals.

The institute is being managed as part of a White House initiative intended to boost national defence and US manufacturing through public and private partnerships.

The LM3I Institute, funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s ManTech programme and private resources and based in southeastern Michigan, will be developing materials that can make an armoured vehicle strong enough to withstand a bomb blast yet light enough to be carried on a helicopter.

Involving public and private organisations to bridge the gap between basic research and full-scale production, the institute will focus on maturing and demonstrating production scale-up of existing, innovative, lightweight and modern metals.

In addition to shortening the time necessary to design, integrate and evaluate new, affordable metals, including lightweight alloys and next-generation metals, the LM3I will develop more affordable, competitive, automated manufacturing processes relevant to lightweight and modern metals.

Naval Research chief Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder said: "Our first job is to get the best technology into the hands of our warfighters, and naval researchers have long recognized that lightweight and modern metals can increase performance, energy efficiency and lifecycle cost savings for military hardware."

Additionally, the institute will also focus on developing the tools, skills and knowledge base within the materials design and manufacturing workforce.

ONR Sea Warfare and Weapons Department Naval Materials Division director Dr Julie Christodoulou said: "Investing in this ‘missing middle’ piece provides the physical and intellectual workspace to accelerate technology transition for national defense and the strength of the commercial sector."