Low Cost, Reliable Towed Sensors Handling Systems Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-043 Topic Title: Low Cost, Reliable Towed Sensors Handling Systems Proposal No.: N101-043-0837 Firm: PRODUCT PLANNING INC 2125 OXFORD ROAD DES PLAINES, Illinois 60018-1919 Contact: BERNARD BISHOP Phone: (847) 296-1000 Abstract: Thin-line Towed Array operational capability and array development progress have been restricted by substandard reliability of the Handling System/Array and resultant high operational costs. Thirty years of attempts to improve reliability have proven that Handler, Ship and Array concepts must be reviewed jointly and solution to reliability problems are only achievable through concept change. This SBIR research intends to employ handler/array concept joint reviews by; 1) reviewing, categorizing and weighing known reliability issues; 2) determining what ship locations are available that lessen environmental issues; 3) comparing past array failures to finite model array stress, relative to various handler design concepts; 4) reviewing, categorizing and weighing Unit Level Handler concepts relative to form, fit, function, life, cost and reliability projections; 5) selecting a new handler concept approach and ship location to minimize array interface stress; 6) eliminating existing low reliability TLTA Handler Units, components and/or subassemblies. To achieve the optimum TLTA Handling System an ideal team was formed including the Handler Concept Designer/PI, the Shipyard/Stakeholder, the Array Designer/Stakeholder, and an UNDEX/Implosion Environmental Expert, all from the onset of Phase 0, with increasing involvement planned through Phase III. Achievement will be gained through unity. Benefits: This research will set a new direction for Towed Sonar capabilities. Towed Sonar reliability and capability has been hampered by the lack of a handler concept that fits Towed Array Handling special needs. Currently Array Handlers use rope and cable technologies, not thin hose-wall requirements. The concept directions recommended for this research are specifically for TLTA therefore can offer greater operational array handling potentials such as speed and load capability, higher response/dampening, balanced bending and stretch forces, longer trouble free time on station, and longer system life with little maintenance. New concept systems can be tailored to fit various array types once an array is selected and they will fit what is normally an unusable ship location because of concept configuration flexibility. There is a definite need for reliable Handling Systems for Naval surface ship and submarine towed arrays. There is an equal or greater requirement for Towed Streamers used for oil exploration. Return