Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (better—and more easily—known as C4ISR) is considered a mature market area with significant opportunity for further growth. Thanks to a rich tradition in IT, software development and communications equipment, it should be no surprise that Wake County and the RTP region are especially strong in this market area.
The fuel and power sources field includes alternative energy, the development of longer lasting and more efficient batteries, power storage and other smart grid technologies. The DoD must be able to power equipment, vehicles, buildings, etc. and doing such with less reliance on foreign fuel is an obvious priority.
Human Factors is the only nascent market opportunity identified by the North Carolina Military Foundation. Areas of interest include personal identification systems such as biometric sensors, and modeling and simulation of human behavior to predict threats.
The field of performance materials is also considered to be a mature market in North Carolina. Creating stronger and lighter materials for use in airplanes, vehicles, protective gear and uniforms is critical in the protection and transport of our troops and their equipment. In addition to the many existing companies operating in the area of performance materials, The Nonwovens Institute at NC State University is a recognized leader of innovation in this field.
RESET activities include the maintenance, refurbishment and recapitalization of military equipment (including aircraft, vehicles, ships, weapons, etc.) so that they are properly restored and ready for future missions. Many of the state’s universities and community colleges are active in this area.
Considered one of the state’s emerging market areas, unmanned systems utilize C4ISR technologies to replace on-site human presence. Because of the implications for human safety, unmanned systems are likely to see tremendous future growth. A-B-Sea Research and 3 Phoenix are two Wake County companies operating in this space.
