The objective of this project is to create a safe environment for testing of technologies of interest in shallow water in support of ESTCP’s munition response program. This project site is located at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility in Duck NC, and focuses on technologies designed to operate in the very shallow water (<10m) through the surfzone to the shoreline.

The test site is a highly capable facility with unique amphibious vehicles, highly resolved continuous real-time met-ocean measurements and frequent topo-bathy surveys, and decades of experience placing and recovering materials in the surfzone. Background data with experienced personnel and specialized equipment can be leveraged to ensure a successful project that provides a safe space for new technology to operate in an otherwise highly dynamic, and at times, dangerous environment. 

A controlled environment for technology to be rapidly prototyped allows the Department of Defense to push the boundaries of technology maturation cycles, decreasing costs and increasing speeds of technology transition from bespoke research and demonstration to commercialized technology available to the open market. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)