TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-251, Advanced Arresting Gear Program

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative electronic system technology to interface with the RRHB that would count the number of shots on a RRHB, indicate the position of the reset indicators, record the release load pressure, provide the start point (real time) for a catapult launch, and hold a unique identifier (serial number) for each bar that could be read with a PDA. The interface should be adaptable to different hold backs (F-18, S-3, etc.).

DESCRIPTION: Naval aviation depends on catapults to enable aircraft to operate safely on aircraft carriers. An important subsystem of the aircraft launch is the RRHB bar. The RRHB is used to restrain the aircraft until the steam pressure of a launch overcomes the release load of the bar. If the bar releases prematurely (before the catapult is fired), the aircraft will roll down the deck often confusing the pilot. The RRHB is a completely mechanical device without any transducers. An operator visual determines if the bar is reset and he keeps track of the number of shots on a bar manually. No other information (release load pressure, start point of launch, etc.) can be extracted from a fleet issued bar.

Currently, the only time RRHB start time and load pressure can be recorded is during a dead load program. Shots on the bars are manually recorded and tracked by ship�s forces. An intelligent bar will keep track of the number of shots on the bar, provide positive reset indication, indicate the start (real time) of a launch, and inform the user when pull test and maintenance are required. In addition, by trending the release load pressure, it may be possible to provide early detection of internal segment failures. The system must be capable of withstanding the shock, vibration, and temperature extremes of the flight deck. Substantial savings will be realized in preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, and stock system procurement costs.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of developing an electronic system to interface with the RRHB that will meet all requirements. Develop a conceptual design based upon the lowest technical risk and highest confidence of completion. Develop a concept of operation and provide defendable estimates for cost and reliability and maintainability (if applicable).

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype. Initial testing of the system will be on a sub-scale demonstrator progressing to full scale system testing at the NAVAIR Lakehurst Catapult Test facilities. During a final demonstration, the system should provide system health monitoring and full-scale performance to verify that the system can meet environmental robustness, shipboard shock and vibration, and maintainability requirements.

PHASE III: Manufacture and install, on a candidate USS Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, six intelligent RRHB�s to function as shipboard evaluation prototypes for a minimum of one year, prior to back-fitting the entire fleet of carrier vessels and ground catapult installations.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be a substitution for any system requiring a high accuracy, harsh environment, intelligent small differential detection system.

REFERENCES: Repeatable Release Holdback Bar (To Be Posted on SITIS)

KEYWORDS: Performance; Environmental Robustness; Maintainability; Hold Back; Real Time; Intelligent

TPOC: (732)323-2825
2nd TPOC: (732)323-7393

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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