Piezoelectric Canard Actuation System Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-096 Topic Title: Piezoelectric Canard Actuation System Proposal No.: N101-096-0415 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Information Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Oleg Galkin Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy need for non-inductive actuators for the canard actuation system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Piezoelectric Canard Actuation (PiCA) system. The proposed system is based on a new nonmagnetic design of the canard actuation based on ultrasonic piezoelectric motor technology. The innovation in the use of piezoelectric motors will achieve a zero magnetic signature of the system, and new design of the canard based on PiCA technology will allow for achieving high torque and speed in a small form factor that is compatible with low-caliber munitions. As a result, the PiCA system will not corrupt the readings of onboard magnetometers, and will be compatible with the size, weight, and power requirements for the 81 mm and 60 mm mortar rounds, which directly address the PUMA FNC program needs to develop precision-guided munitions. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of PiCA system by developing a system design, specifying its key parameters, and building a proof-of-concept prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a full PiCA prototype, demonstrate its capability to deliver adequate mechanical output, and characterize its non-interference performance in controlled magnetic environment. Benefits: The PiCA system will provide the Navy with a nonmagnetic canard actuation system compatible with small-caliber and miniature munition rounds; the proposed system will enable the development of precision guided munitions, which will increase the accuracy and efficiency of the fire power and ultimately decrease collateral damages and civilian population casualties. The military can incorporate the PiCA system into flight-controlled mortars, as well as into small unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems. The PiCA system will also find wide commercial applications in small robotic systems, small autonomous surveillance vehicles, for in-flight control of surfaces and dynamic airframe reconfiguration on small unmanned air vehicles. Return