SBIR-STTR Award

Direct to Phase II

Keystone solved cost-effective repair to previously irreparable Integrally-Bladed-Rotors (IBRs) by providing technology capable of achieving parent metal properties to help the OC-ALC return to service the now restored IBRs of the F119 and F135 engines. We will recognize profit by charging commercial aerospace MRO companies for the license to get the IBR repair technology or we will perform the repairs as a specialty 3rd party component repair company. The proposal is to build the prototype of the depot level quality control system for defining and verifying the repaired metal matches the parent metal. The depot quality control system for IBR repair is a key step toward Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) integration and commercialization. To complete the depot level quality control system, we will deploy analytical models in a novel way: 1) to establish the structural repair process control parameters for titanium IBRs and 2) establish the go/no-go quality standard for the repairs. We will verify and validate the model and quality standard by conducting empirical test from on-the-part coupons. The statistical process control developed with the aid of analytical models and the on-the-part test coupons ameliorate the concerns regarding airworthiness for IBR structural repairs and enable the commercialization of civilian engine IBRs