Research and Development

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock use an oil-skimming device to recover peat moss, a substitute for spilled oil, near Mackinac Island, Jan. 24, 2012. The crew is participating in a project led by the Research and Development Center, showcasing techniques for removing spilled oil from a frozen environment. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Schofield.

The Coast Guard’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program enhances acquisition and mission execution by providing applied scientific research, development, testing, and evaluation of new technologies for the maritime environment. The RDT&E program pursues technologies that provide incremental improvements as well as those with the greatest potential to strategically transform the way the Coast Guard does business. Learn more about capabilities>>

Research and Development Center Project Spotlight

At any given time, the Coast Guard's Research and Development Center is working on more than 80 projects that support the Coast Guard’s short, medium and long range requirements across all major missions.

Underwater Imaging System Prototype Development

The Coast Guard has a growing need for tools that can accurately detect, classify and provide detailed images of threats or other items of interest underwater, such as parasitic hull attachments, improvised explosive devices, scuttled self-propelled semi-submersible vessels, lost Aids to Navigation (ATON) components or even lost personnel. Learn more>>

Latest News Releases

Coast Guard, Other Environmental Response Agencies to Practice Recovering Oil from Icy Water

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, oil spill response organizations, Enbridge Energy Partners and several other agencies are scheduled to participate in a unique exercise out of St. Ignace, Mich. during which several techniques for recovering spilled oil and other hazardous materials from icy waterways will be tested and evaluated. Read more>>

Coast Guard, Other Environmental Response Agencies to Practice Recovering Oil from Icy Water

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, oil spill response organizations, Enbridge Energy Partners and several other agencies are scheduled to participate in a unique exercise out of St. Ignace, Mich. during which several techniques for recovering spilled oil and other hazardous materials from icy waterways will be tested and evaluated. Read more>>

Research and Development Center Project Spotlight: Cutter-Based Helicopter Securing and Traversing Systems

The reduced manning requirement and expected increase in aviation operational tempo for the National Security Cutter has served as a catalyst to develop NSC program requirements for an automated Securing and Traversing System. Read more>>

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