Lightweight engine applications are designed to be compact, efficient, and effective for use in various systems, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These engines are optimized for performance and capability measurement in all operating conditions, from high altitudes to extreme temperatures, making them essential for a wide range of applications.
Importance of Performance and Capability Measurement
The Department of Defense (DoD) 2022.4 SBIR Annual BAA highlights the significance of performance and capability measurement in lightweight engine applications. The engine system must be capable of operating at altitudes up to 25,000 feet and temperatures as low as -50°F, ensuring reliable and consistent performance in diverse environments.
To meet these requirements, the engine system must be designed to fit within the available space in the target aircraft while maintaining an acceptable system weight. This balance between compact size and efficient performance is crucial for the effective deployment of these engines in various systems.
Technical Data and Documentation
The M-G system, which encompasses the lightweight engine application, must include a comprehensive set of technical data and reports. This includes:
- Technical data and technical reports
- Product documentation detailing the operation of the engine
- Monthly progress reports
- A final technical report
This extensive documentation ensures that the engine’s performance, capabilities, and operational parameters are thoroughly documented and accessible to stakeholders.
Autonomous Mobility Sensing Challenges
The DoD 2022.4 SBIR Annual BAA also emphasizes the importance of improving the performance of perception used for the autonomous mobility of ground systems. The M-G system must address challenges such as:
- Vegetation
- Light levels
- Negative obstacles
- Adverse weather conditions
- Long-range sensing
The system should integrate as many of these challenge areas as feasible, including off-road sensing, adverse weather sensing, long-range sensing, and reduction in processing burden.
Software Performance Improvements
In the context of software development, the recent release of .NET 7 has demonstrated significant performance improvements compared to .NET 6.0. For example, a method like ‘Sum’ has been shown to be 75% faster in .NET 7.0. These improvements are the result of hundreds of performance enhancements made to the .NET framework.
Avoiding Bad Code Practices
While best practices are often considered starting points for software development, Casey Muratori’s video emphasizes that they should not be treated as gospel. Deviating from these practices is sometimes necessary to address real-world programming challenges. Muratori suggests that SOLID principles, while well-intentioned, can be too abstract and may not always provide concrete, practical strategies for programming.
Conclusion
Lightweight engine applications are essential for a wide range of systems, including UAS, where compact size, efficient performance, and reliable operation are critical. The DoD 2022.4 SBIR Annual BAA highlights the importance of performance and capability measurement, technical documentation, and addressing autonomous mobility sensing challenges.
In the software development realm, the performance improvements in .NET 7 and the need to avoid rigid adherence to best practices emphasize the importance of continuous innovation and pragmatic problem-solving. By combining technical expertise, data-driven decision-making, and a flexible approach to software development, engineers can create highly effective lightweight engine applications that meet the evolving demands of modern systems.
References:
- DoD 2022.4 SBIR Annual BAA: https://www.sbir.gov/node/2120611
- Performance Improvements in .NET 7: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/performance_improvements_in_net_7/
- Where does bad code come from? – Casey Muratori: https://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/qlhnhi/where_does_bad_code_come_from_casey_muratori/
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