NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Navy’s coolest ship isn’t currently engaged in combat or performing fleet operations, but without it, the future of the Navy’s technology might not be as bright.

The M80 Stiletto, a sleek 88-foot craft operating out of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, does the vital job of putting new technologies to the test, demonstrating all the newest gear and systems that can then be potentially used by the U.S. military.

And it’s open to more than just the government.

“We’re a maritime demonstration platform that’s accessible, accomodating and affordable,” said Dennis Danko, the project manager for Stiletto.

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Norfolk, Va. (April 2, 2017) The Navy's cool looking M80 Stiletto test-bed ship speeds through the Chesapeake Bay towards Hampton Roads on April 3 . Capable of speeds of up to 60 knots, the craft was designed to take Navy SEALs to battle, but has ended up testing the coolest new toys the Navy is considering buying. The ship is preparing for a trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual Sea, Air and Space Symposium that starts April 11. (photo by Mark D. Faram/staff)

The ship is managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Carderock Division, but is funded by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s Rapid Reaction Technology Office.

It’s available to test new technologies developed by both large and small businesses, as well as goverment and academic laboratories, Denko said.

Denko said they facilitate, on average, about 60 new technology demonstrations each year.

“Our staff and crew are adept at assisting demonstrators adapting their products to the marine environment,” Denko said. “We work to understand the technology and assist organizations in installing their products and technology onboard Stiletto to best demonstrate it to interested agencies, not just the Navy, but Coast Guard and Army as well.”

And the best part is it’s very affordable, he said, given that once a project is accepted for demonstration, all the developer pays for are their own travel and labor costs.

Recently, Stiletto hosted Savox, a company interested in showcasing a new command, control and communications system that communicates between small boats and carries voice, video and network connectivity.

“Testing on Stiletto was huge for us,” said Wayne Brown, who oversaw the Savox demonstration on Stiletto. “Stilleto is recognized in the maritime industry and an outstanding test bed and if you have your project being demonstrated here, it means you have advanced technology.”

The tests were conducted under the watchful eye of multiple agencies who liked what they saw, but questioned whether the wireless commuications could be encrypted.

Savox “went away for a few weeks and came back, having added encryption to their product,” Denko said. “It’s that kind of feedback coming directly from possible end users that makes for a good back and forth — that’s what we provide.”

Have a project, product or technology you want demonstrated on Stiletto?

Send an email to Stiletto@navy.mil with the basics of your what you’d like to demonstrate. It gets reviewed by the boat’s crew and project managers for feasibility and, if approved there, is sent up to DoD’s Common Maritime Technology Working Group for a review.

About Mark D. Faram

Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.

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