RRHB Health Monitor Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-014 Topic Title: RRHB Health Monitor Proposal No.: N081-014-1157 Firm: Mide Technology Corporation 200 Boston Avenue Suite 1000 Medford, Massachusetts 02155-3502 Contact: C. van Phone: (781) 306-0609 Web Site: www.mide.com Abstract: An existing Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) is used on aircraft carriers to control the launch of aircraft in conjunction with a steam-powered catapult. This is a purely mechanical device with a finite lifespan; its proper operation depends entirely on manual adjustment and human optical inspection, often under foul weather, darkness, and time pressure at flight deck operation tempo, allowing significant opportunities for human error. resulting in loss of aircraft and human life. In addition, mechanical wear caused by normal usage can result in early release, with similar results. A health monitoring system capable of attaching to the existing RRHB designs will save millions by reducing the potential for human error as well as detecting impending mechanical failure which could result in premature release or failure to reset. Mide proposes an electronic RRHB health monitor as a retrofit kit to currently-existing RRHBs. Benefits: The reset sensor developed will be commercially applicable wherever a non-contact differential detection is needed and must accommodate large tolerances (error) in sensor placement. Strain measurement principle based on SCPS will be further developed and proven; also applicable where precise placement of sensor elements (e.g. strain gauges) is not feasible. Return