N112-116 TITLE: New AC+DC Generator to Reduce Weight/Increase Power Availability on the H-1Y/Z Aircraft

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-276, USMC Light/Attack Helicopter (H-1)

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports):  This topic is "ITAR Restricted."  The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data.  Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and package an air cooled, dual-output capable generator that would supply both 5kVA (kilovolt-ampere) of three-phase/115V/400Hz alternating current (AC) and 400Amp direct current (DC) in accordance with MIL-PRF-21480.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, the UH-1Y and the AH-1Z aircraft both are fitted with two 400Amp DC generators. On the UH-1Y, there are two, single phase, 600VA inverters that supply AC power to the aircraft. On the AH-1Z, there are two, three phase, 1,800VA inverters that supply AC power. In both cases, future integrations and the need for commonality between the other major helicopter platforms (H-60/H-53/H-46/V-22) will require an electrical system that is AC based. Both aircraft are being loaded to a point where available AC power is being greatly diminished. The aircraft currently only have enough AC available to power the aircraft weapons pylons at a reduced capability. The inefficiency of converting DC to AC power should be taken into account. Successful development of this generator should allow for the removal of an inverter, and should alleviate the current issues of developing a higher capacity inverter, which adds a greater demand on the DC power system and increased weight. In addition, a corresponding Generator Control Unit (GCU)/Voltage Regulator would be required that has the capability to regulate both the AC and DC independently. All rectification and regulation must be housed within the current H-1 generator and voltage regulator form. The new generator system would replace the existing generator system and be capable of fitting onto the existing mounting of the H-1Y/Z combining gearbox. Selected candidates must demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of applicable military requirement documents (e.g.: MIL-G-21480 and MIL-G-6162). Selected candidates will make maximum use of computer modeling and simulation techniques.

PHASE I: Define generator design approach and develop implementation plan. Validate approach analytically or provide test data or bench top hardware that would validate approach.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate generator technology that can provide both 5,000VA AC as well as 400Amp DC, per MIL-STD-21480, that can be fitted to the H-1Y/Z aircraft. The package will be subjected to "proof of concept" testing at full qualification levels.

PHASE III: Package and integrate new generator for use in the H-1 aircraft. Unit(s) to be subjected to full qualification testing and flight test profiles.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This technology has commercial potential for any application that could utilize a dual output AC+DC generator. All aircraft use both AC and DC power so the technology could be used to scale to an indefinite number of output combinations.

REFERENCES:
1. MIL-PRF-21480B. Generator System, Electric Power, 400 Hertz, Alternating Current, Aircraft; General Specification for. http://docimages.assistdocs.com/watermarker/transient/FBE9175B6CB74CDD9998FB284B7B6BB3.pdf

2. MIL-DTL-6162C. Generators and Starter-Generators, Electrical Direct Current, Nominal 30 Volts, Aircraft General Specification For. http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL+SPECS+(MIL-DTL)/MIL-DTL-6162C_14521/

KEYWORDS: Generator; Generator Control Unit; Voltage Regulator; Electrical Power; Alternating Current; Direct Current

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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