SBIR-STTR Award

This program will provide a unique low-cost propulsion system for the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) weapon and other smart miniature munition systems. The initial phase of this program will start prior to the SBIR program and will be supported by commercial funding to accelerate the schedule for the design and hardware fabrication. The commercial funding will continue on a parallel basis during the SBIR Phase I effort so that this development program can keep pace with a critical vehicle development schedule. The combined program will provide operational engine-generator hardware that is ready for performance development and environmental testing during the SBIR Phase II portion of the program. This new turbojet engine will use existing production turbocharger rotating components, and a direct shaft mounted generator that will provide all of the vehicle electrical power for the 30-minute operating life. The engine will be configured from a proven base technology that has already demonstrated the features of compact configuration, easy starting, and fuel lubricated bearings. The current state-of-the-art for the cost of these small engines is 20% of the total vehicle cost, and the long-range cost objective for this engine system is to approach 10% of the total vehicle cost.

This accelerated program has provided a unique low-cost propulsion system for the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) weapon and other miniature smart munition systems. Combined commercial and SBIR-Phase I funding in the initial stage of this program has provided a new, fully operational, engine-generator systems for small air vehicle application. This new turbojet engine system uses existing production turbocharger rotating components, and a direct shaft mounted generator that provides all of the vehicle electrical power for the 30-minute mission. The engine has been configured from a proven base technology that has demonstrated the features of compact configuration, easy starting, and fuel lubricated bearings. A concurrent engineering approach used for this program has validated the production processes and provided a well defined, very attractive, production cost estimate for the complete engine system. This new engine system is now prepared for the Phase II tasks of "performance development" where the performance of each component is optimized for peak efficiency. All engine system accessories and vehicle inter-face components will be added. This program will also provide the test hardware, and conduct all of the required environmental and simulated vehicle test that are necessary prerequisites for vehicle testing.

Keywords:
Turbines, Turbojets