Calibration Standards
Navy-wide program which addresses Metrology related RDT&E issues for navy weapon systems, shipboard platforms, Naval Air, and Fleet Ground Marines. It supports development of calibration standards (equipment, procedures and technical data) required to resolve METCAL related safety, obsolescence, new and emerging technology support and cost reduction issues. It funds Navy unique and lead service responsibilities in DoW and Joint Services Metrology Research Programs to develop calibration solutions. The line supports development of measurement requirements to verify performance of all test systems used to validate the operation of Navy Weapon Systems with calibration standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to calibrate, sustain and ensure performance accuracy. This program also provides benefits and efficiencies in a joint collaborative environment within the Tri-Services. Projects are identified and defined so that they will meet the universal requirement. Development efforts are integrated in order to achieve the common capabilities required at minimum cost. This is also a regular and common business practice within the Navy Metrology Community where R&D efforts are communicated and integrated into the multiple testing and Monitoring Systems. This is done in support of Program Managers, Sponsors, and Principle Executive officers. As a result, common requirements are established, duplication of efforts are eliminated, and best value, high quality METCAL products are produced for the Navy.
FY2027 planned work ($1.278) Continue development of (1) Fiber Optic Time-of-Flight System Upgrade to support shipboard Readiness of Weapon System communication to Missile Launch Systems. Capability supports main data communications on the U.S. Navy's surface ships and submarines. Continue development of (1) 3D Printer Measurement Standards and Processes for Automated Parts Qualification in support of operational readiness whose performance is vital to the production of on-demand replacement parts. This effort provides timely and efficient replacement prototyping of manufactured parts with required metrological support for AM 3D printing providing a higher quality of AM produced parts in our depots, ships, and…
FY2026 to FY2027 change increase from FY26 to FY27 by .49 in the Calibration Standards Program will be applied to continue development of the Fiber Optic Time-of-Flight System Upgrade. This enhancement supports shipboard readiness by improving the precision and reliability of Weapon System communication pathways to Missile Launch Systems. The additional funding will specifically enable further prototyping, testing, and calibration necessary for operational integration aboard fleet platforms.
FY2026 plans — current year ($0.365) Begin development of (1) calibration standard for Physical/Mechanical Quantum-Based Measurement Standards supporting Temperature Metrology using dual TCVCO architecture. This modernization enhances operational readiness, improves weapon system performance, and reduces costs. The Navy's 140,000 temperature devices require 70,000 labor hours annually; this effort could cut that by 57%, avoiding $3.5M in costs per year. ($1.373) Continue development of (1) Electro/Optical calibration hardware standard for Fiber Optic Return Loss (multi-mode) to support weapon system communications, including missile launches and combat systems. Also continue (1) Fiber Optic Time-of-Flight System…