Repeatable Release Holdback Bar Health Monitoring System Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-014 Topic Title: Repeatable Release Holdback Bar Health Monitoring System Proposal No.: N081-014-0694 Firm: Creare Inc. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-0071 Contact: Patrick Magari Phone: (603) 643-3800 Web Site: www.creare.com Abstract: The Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) is critical to the safe and effective catapult launch of carrier-based aircraft. The current RRHB is a purely mechanical device with no integral electronic health monitoring or warning capabilities. All records regarding the use of a particular RRHB must be maintained manually to guide normal maintenance and calibration activities. In between these maintenance cycles, there is no indication of whether or not the RRHB is performing within specifications. The objective of this project is to develop a durable sensor package that can be mounted on the RRHB to monitor key performance metrics such as the RRHB serial number, number of shots, release load, and reset status. These electronics will provide an indication to ship personnel as to whether or not the RRHB is performing within its specifications and whether or not maintenance is required. In Phase I, we will develop an overall system concept including specifications and interfacing of the sensor package with the RRHB and fleet personnel. We will also develop a prototype system and demonstrate the overall concept. In Phase II, the system will be integrated with a range of RRHBs and tested at full scale. Benefits: A Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (RRHB) electronic health monitoring system can significantly improve the safety and repeatability of carrier-based aircraft launches while reducing maintenance costs. The technology developed on this effort has the potential to be adapted to a multitude of other mechanical systems in both military and commercial systems where health monitoring can improve safety or performance and reduce maintenance costs. Return