Complete Aviation Cable Restoration Kit Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-116 Topic Title: Complete Aviation Cable Restoration Kit Proposal No.: N052-116-0231 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 2851 Commerce Street Blacksburg, Virginia 24060-6657 Contact: Matthew Palmer Phone: (540) 552-5128 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: The operational commitments required of today's Navy as well as the goal to streamline material resources have made it necessary to increase maintenance quality while reducing time spent in its performance. Novel methods are being employed to reduce cost, time, and improve the mission readiness of military aircraft. Commonly, repairs made to the fiber optic networks on Navy aircraft at sea, require for optical cable to be spliced. The ability to mechanically restore the spliced section of cable back to its original specifications will reduce future maintenance costs while improving mission readiness. Luna Innovations is proposing to develop and manufacture low cost, transparent cable restoration devices and tooling that will fully restore the mechanical properties of the cabling after the splicing has been preformed on the optical network. During the first phase of this three phase development program, Luna will design, model, manufacture and test prototype devices to prove design and material feasibility. The Phase II effort will consist of design optimization, extreme environmental testing, and a sound plan for transition to large scale manufacturing. This project will result in a device and its necessary tooling that will meet the needs of the Navy for optical and electrical cable restoration. Benefits: Luna Innovations cable restoration kit will increase the durability and lifetime of optical and electrical splices made to military equipment. The ability to restore cabling to its original mechanical state after a splice while maintaining splice integrity will make field repairs easier and more durable. The cable restoration device will be able to maintain the minimum bend radii and allow for post application inspection because of its transparency. This device will also be supportive enough to support fusion splices which inherently allow for a zero bend radius once completed. The nature of the materials that will be used also provide excellent protection against electrical shock should the product be used for electrical connections. Future applications of this device include the telecommunications industry and commercial aviation repair. The device will be weatherproof making it ideal for fiber repair in humid, damp environments. Return