US Navy and Indiana National Guard Open Nation's First Sled Track Facility to Accelerate Defense Innovation

The U.S. Navy's Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) in partnership with the Indiana National Guard has officially opened the nation's first ground-based Sled Track Facility in Edinburgh, Indiana. This new 3.2-kilometer test site is designed to accelerate the development and testing of defense innovations at high speeds.

The facility will allow for the evaluation of defense systems, including missile and drone technologies, under realistic operational conditions. The primary goal is to shorten product development cycles and expedite the deployment of new technologies to the field.

NSWC Crane serves as a critical hub for defense research, development, and acquisition, with a particular focus on supporting innovations from small and medium-sized businesses. The collaboration with the Indiana National Guard aims to ensure the practical applicability and rapid integration of these tested solutions.

The opening of this testing capability marks a significant advancement in the U.S. defense sector's efforts to maintain technological superiority. It provides a dedicated and controlled environment for companies and research institutions to validate new defense technologies.