World-Class Advanced Energetic Research Lab Complex Opens at NSWC IHD; Among DoW’s Largest, Most Unique RDT&E Facilities

World-Class Advanced Energetic Research Lab Complex Opens at NSWC IHD; Among DoW's Largest, Most Unique RDT&E Facilities

By NSWC IHD Public Affairs

Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the command's newest state-of-the-art Advanced Energetic Research Laboratory Complex in Indian Head, Maryland, June 24. The facility will enable the development of novel materials and formulations to enhance range, speed, lethality and signature management of current and emerging joint weapon systems.

"This building is the culmination of more than a decade of rigorous planning and execution," NSWC IHD Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Duba said during his opening remarks. "The Advanced Energetics Research Laboratory Complex will focus on the development of novel materials and formulations, providing the Navy a capability and capacity not readily reproduced anywhere else. With this addition, NSWC IHD will continue operating as one of the largest energetic materials research and development activities in the Department of War [DoW]."

Built in collaboration with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), the new 21,000-square-foot laboratory enables NSWC IHD scientists and engineers to expedite molecular-level research, formulation and small-scale mixing of advanced explosives and propellants for use in all-domain warfare.

"We know that world-class talent requires world-class infrastructure," NAVFAC Washington Executive Officer Capt. Christopher Archer said. "For too long, the critical work done here at the DoW's Energetics Center of Excellence was constrained by a 66-year-old facility. The equipment required for modern research, development, test and evaluation cannot function at its full potential without precise temperature, humidity and vibration controls. As the facility degraded, it forced workarounds that delayed critical advancements. The Advanced Energetic Research Lab Complex solves that problem."

The new facility supports advanced capabilities in chemical synthesis and formulation development, integrated advanced diagnostics, enhanced scalable mixing capabilities and modernizes the command's analytical support. These improvements position NSWC IHD among the nation's leaders in weapons research and evaluation.

"This new laboratory complex empowers NSWC IHD to fully enact our 'Molecule to Mission' mindset-allowing us to take bold concepts, push them through rigorous development and transition them directly into the hands of the warfighter," Capt. Duba said. "Inside these walls, Indian Head will ensure its century-long legacy of innovation continues well into the future."

NSWC IHD - a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command and part of the Navy's Science and Engineering Establishment - is the leader in ordnance, energetics, and EOD solutions. The Division focuses on energetics research, development, testing, evaluation, in-service support, manufacturing and disposal; and provides warfighters solutions to detect, locate, access, identify, render safe, recover, exploit and dispose of explosive ordnance threats.