SBIR-STTR Award

MK 48 Torpedo Composite Fuel Tank
Award last edited on: 1/5/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$844,200
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N201-048
Principal Investigator
Steve Schoenholtz

Company Information

Triton Systems Inc (AKA: TSI~Triton Systems LLC)

330 Billerica Road Suite 200
Chelmsford, MA 01824
   (978) 250-4200
   information@tritonsystems.com
   www.tritonsys.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 03
County: Middlesex

Phase I

Contract Number: N68335-20-C-0764
Start Date: 7/8/2020    Completed: 12/10/2021
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$246,469
Triton Systems proposes a parallel approach of developing a composite fuel tank structure and an improved fuel separation system for the MK48 Torpedo. The composite tank structure will reduce of the weight of the assembly while increasing the amount of available internal volume for additional fuel by eliminating internal ribs and thinning outer walls. The redesigned fuel separation system will occupy less volume while keeping Otto Fuel and Seawater separated during both normal operation and high-speed maneuvers.

Benefit:
This effort will reduce the overall weight of the MK48 torpedo and increase the available internal volume of the tank for additional fuel. Both will increase the overall range of the weapon. This could be directly applicable to other Navy weapons and undersea vehicles. Potential commercial applications arising from this effort include pressure vessels for oil and gas exploration, deep-sea exploration, and deep-sea salvage missions.

Keywords:
composite fuel tank, composite fuel tank, Composite pressure vessel, Corrosion in Fuel Systems, Displacement of Fuel with Seawater, Seawater Ingestion, High Strength Material Use in Fuel Tanks

Phase II

Contract Number: N68335-22-C-0160
Start Date: 3/30/2022    Completed: 4/10/2023
Phase II year
2022
Phase II Amount
$597,731
During the Phase I contract, Triton Systems developed a preliminary design for a drop-in, composite version of the legacy MK48 torpedo fuel tank. Through analysis, this design was shown to reduce the dry tank weight by more than 30%, increase the internal volume available in the tank to hold fuel, and provide a more effective fuel separation system that increases the overall fuel utilization. In this Phase II effort, Triton proposes to perform subscale proof-of-concept testing to demonstrate the effectiveness of our fuel separation system, strength of our metal to composite joints, and resistance to corrosion. We will fabricate a full-scale prototype tank and work with the Navy to perform necessary structural and environmental demonstration testing. Assuming success, we will produce production representative prototypes that will be used to validate the design requirements against the MK48 torpedos design.

Benefit:
This effort will increase the overall range of the weapon and reduce maintenance and replacement costs by greatly reducing corrosion. This design could be directly applicable to other Navy weapons and undersea vehicles. Potential commercial applications arising from this effort include pressure vessels for oil and gas exploration, deep-sea exploration, and deep-sea salvage missions.

Keywords:
Seawater Ingestion, composite fuel tank, Corrosion in Fuel Systems, High Strength Material Use in Fuel Tanks, Displacement of Fuel with Seawater, Composite pressure vessel