Lightweight, Low Cost Missile Canister Shell Solution for Future Surface Ship VLS Applications Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.2 Topic No.: N092-141 Topic Title: Lightweight, Low Cost Missile Canister Shell Solution for Future Surface Ship VLS Applications Proposal No.: N092-141-1055 Firm: San Diego Composites, Inc. 9550 Ridgehaven Ct San Diego, California 92123 Contact: Robert Kolozs Phone: (858) 751-0450 Web Site: www.sdcomposites.com Abstract: This Phase I program will provide the NAVY with advanced composite materials and automated manufacturing processes for missile canisters that will reduce weight and cost and improve the performance of launch canisters for future generations of missiles. SDC will utilize our detailed knowledge of launch canisters and composites expertise to develop an outer shell design that meets the harsh 100 PSI pressure requirement for the Mk 41 and Mk 57 Vertical Launching System (VLS). The most efficient, automated and cost effective method of producing canister outer shells to meet this requirement is filament winding. In addition to producing the best weight to pressure ratio, SDC has several proprietary methods pertaining to filament winding of canister outer shells that greatly improves the performance of the canister for other requirements such as drop, shock, permeability and EMI protection. Benefits: A composite canister that is capable of meeting the 100 PSI requirement, with a 1.5 factor of safety. A lightweight composite canister that is 30% lighter than the metal version. A cost effective solution . As stated previously, SDC has shown the DSWS Canister will have a production price of $25,000 and is 16 inches square and 15 feet long. Filament winding will provide the most automated canister layup possible and is the strongest method for producing a pressure vessel. Filament winding also provides the option of integrating rails and other hardware into the manufacturing process to reduce assembly time. SDC will share our canister assembly techniques with the NAVY to show how cost is reduced in this area. The last major benefit of this SBIR is that SDC will demonstrate the technology via test of a subscale section in the basic Phase I program and not the option. Return