Advancing Aviation and Defense Technologies Since 1981
Who We Are
The University Research Foundation (URF) is a not-for-profit technical organization established in 1981 at the University of Maryland. For more than four decades, URF has advanced applied research in aviation systems, avionics, RF sensing, secure communications, electro-optics, and advanced computing. Our teams support mission-critical programs through flight research, field testing, system evaluation, and sensor integration, working across diverse environments to validate emerging technologies and improve situational awareness capabilities.
URF conducts engineering, research, and development activities across multiple program sites and test environments in support of government, industry, and academic partners. These efforts allow URF to expand its aviation and sensing portfolios through rigorous experimentation, engineering depth, and long-standing technical collaboration. Our work continues to evolve as we apply interdisciplinary expertise to emerging challenges in sensing, navigation, and advanced system development.
Featured Technologies
Avionics & Flight Systems
Advancing cockpit awareness through enhanced and synthetic vision systems, computerized co-pilot software, and low-cost heads-up displays.
GUMPS
A modular aviation decision-support system designed to enhance pilot situational awareness, flight monitoring, and performance evaluation.
Advanced Slotted Ring Technology
A wideband antenna technology used for direction finding, RF sensing, and communications applications. (add more text here)
Papers & Publications
Explore recent papers, conference contributions, and technical publications authored by researchers at the University Research Foundation.
Development of Ground-Based Ultrawideband Multistatic Positioning System (GUMPS)
This paper presents the architecture, simulation studies, hardware development, and early laboratory testing of the Ground-Based Ultrawideband Multistatic Positioning System (GUMPS), developed under a NASA Phase II SBIR for VTOL aircraft positioning and GPS integrity monitoring.
APRIL 23, 2021
Infrared Detection and Geolocation of Gunfire and Ordnance Events from Ground and Air Platforms
In collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, this research demonstrates the detection and geolocation of small-arms and large-ordnance events using mid-wave infrared sensors on ground and airborne platforms, integrating real-time algorithms, wide-angle cameras, and networked data links for rapid threat identification.
JUNE 2, 2021
Infrared Detection and Geolocation of Gunfire and Ordnance Events from Ground and Air Platforms
This earlier publication outlines foundational work in infrared-based gunfire and ordnance detection, validating performance across day/night operations, wide-angle MWIR sensing, gimbaled systems, and networked data-forwarding for use in field environments.
OCT 25, 2004
Airborne Deployment and Improvements to the Viper Counter-Sniper System
This paper details the airborne deployment of the Viper sniper detection and counterfire system aboard a T-34 aircraft and the NRL Sparrow UAV. It includes results from infrared and visible spectrum data collection, and algorithm development for airborne muzzle flash detection without inertial attitude data.
JUNE 15, 2004
Infrared Detection and Geolocation of Gunfire and Ordnance Events
A National Military Sensing Symposia paper presenting earlier research on MWIR detection of small-arms and larger ordnance events, emphasizing range performance, false-alarm reduction, and day/night operational capabilities.
OCT 20, 2003
Our Collaborators and Sponsors
URF conducts research and development programs sponsored by leading government agencies, laboratories, and industry partners.
Contact URF
For inquiries about our research programs or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to the University Research Foundation.