Tech Transfer Historical Highlights

Research And Development Technologies. Scientists and engineers at China Lake have responded to each U.S. world crisis with new technologies to meet the warfighter's needs. The Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC), the primary national Federal technology transfer group, consists of over 700 Federal laboratories and centers and their parent departments and agencies. The FLC was originally established by China Lake in 1971 as the DOD Technology Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer and grew from 11 original laboratories in 1971 to 200 laboratories in 1975 under China Lake leadership. The FLC promotes and strengthens technology transfer nationwide. Through the years, thousands of patents have been awarded.

Transfer programs have included telecommunications on radar systems, video frequency data conversions, data displays, test facilities, and a design for an airport firefighting system for short takeoff and landing airports for the FAA. Work was done in low-light-level television, voice scramblers, patrol car tracking, and personnel communication links for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Biomedical ideas have been brought to life for the National Institute of Health, and an air quality control monitoring program conducted mapping of aerosols for the State of California.

Other significant contributions resulted from investigations into wind, solar, and geothermal energy; solid waste conversion to clean burning fuel; and aircraft survivability. An explosive device was developed to clear fire lines for the Forest Service.

Other Notable Technology Transfer Examples.

Geophysical Warfare -- "Rainmakers." During the Vietnam Conflict, our warfighters needed a way to interdict enemy traffic on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. "Project Popeye" helped answer the call. China Lake adapted its cloud seeding technologies to enhance rainfall thereby significantly deterring enemy activity on the trail. This highly successful China Lake technology was also used in hurricane abatement, fog control, and drought relief.

Ultrasonic Scanning. During Vietnam we pioneered logarithmic amplifiers for radar signal processing applications. In 1971 this technology was transferred to the Mayo Clinic and led to the development of the first ultrasonic body scanning equipment.

Stop-Action video. We invented the Electromechanical Shuttered Video Cameras to provide non-smeared stop-action images of video test events. Today, this technology is used for commercial stop-action sports broadcasting. Since WWII, China Lake has been one of the most accomplished developers of range instrumentation.

Chemiluminescent "Light Sticks." During the Vietnam Conflict our warfighters needed emergency lighting for life rafts, downed flyer beacons, map reading and damage evaluation. China Lake scientists answered the call with a chemiluminescent light stick. Today this technology is used commercially worldwide for novelty items, commercial fishing lures, and illumination sticks for emergency kits.

CL-20. Most Significant Energetic Material in 50 Years. China Lake developed the most significant energetic ingredient in 50 years. CL-20 was a breakthrough in energetic materials with higher performance, minimum signature, and reduced hazard characteristics. CL-20 has the potential for military and numerous commercial applications.

Innovative R&D Center Is Practically Energy Independent/Geothermal Energy. World-Class Resource Ranking Among The Top 10 In Total Power Output. While California and much of the nation have been in an energy crisis, China Lake has remained nearly energy independent since 1987. In 1964, geological engineers at China Lake first discovered the enormous geothermal potential on the northwest portion of the base. In the 1980s, wells were drilled and contracts were established with Southern California Edison to tap this valuable resource. Total energy savings since that time is on the order of $36 million. The Navy will save in excess of $500 million during the life of the contract. NAWCWD was assigned the lead role for all Navy geothermal effort, not geographically limited to China Lake. Two new test wells are under consideration. Future energy potential is enormous.