SBIR-STTR Award

The overall goal of this SBIR Phase I project is to develop a concept to launch large Group 3-5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from the ESB Ship. The launch system must be able to handle 6,000 lb fighter-form high-launch-speed LCAATs such as Valkyrie, but also be flexible and compatible enough to launch smaller (1000 lb) UAV of this general character. In order not to interfere with ESB manned flight operations on its flight deck, over-the-side operation, away from the flight deck, is strongly preferred. The system must also stow within the confines of the ESB hull shape when not in use and support a rapid UAV launch tempo. ATR proposed a Modular Kinetic Launch System (MKLS) to meet these challenges. The system uses a linear rail supported by a truss that is angled off the port side of the ESB when deployed. A cable pulls a launch carriage with the UAV along the track to achieve the necessary launch velocity.

Benefit:
This SBIR Phase I effort is to develop a concept to launch large Group 3-5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) up to 6,000 lb weight and 30 ft in wingspan from the ESB Ship. Development of this technology will entail detailed work in the controlled launch of UAV systems with a high variability in weight and launch velocity. The system could be scaled down to be installed on much smaller vessels, including commercial survey ships. At present the majority of launch systems are designed specifically for a single type of UAV. Technology allowing the flexibility to accommodate multiple types of UAV could be implemented in a host of other commercial launch systems. The Navy and Marine Corps own vessels other than ESB that might also be suitable for the objective scale system. Portable land-based systems for the USAF are further possibilities.

Keywords:
flywheel, flywheel, Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB), Ship Motion, Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), launch, Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT)

The overall goal of this SBIR Phase II project is to further develop the Modular Kinetic Launch System (MKLS) that will allow the Navy to launch large Group 3-5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) Ship and from austere land environments. The launch system is capable of handling 6,000 lb fighter-form high-launch-speed LCAATs such as Valkyrie, but also be flexible and compatible enough to launch smaller (1000 lb) UAV of this general character. ATRs innovative solution uses a flywheel as the energy storage device, and a configuration of multiple clutches and torque converters in order to deliver the required power. The Phase II program will first design the objective system, conduct a Preliminary Design Review, and then design, build, and test a scale prototype system on land. Technology Readiness Level 5/6 (TRL-5/6) will be achieved at the end of Phase II through modeling, simulation, design, build, and field testing.

Benefit:
This SBIR Phase II effort is to further develop the Modular Kinetic Launch System (MKLS) to launch large Group 3-5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) up to 6,000 lb weight and 30 ft in wingspan from the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) Ship and from austere land environments. Development of this technology will entail detailed work in the controlled launch of UAV systems with a high variability in weight and launch velocity. The system could be scaled down to be installed on much smaller vessels, including commercial survey ships. At present the majority of launch systems are designed specifically for a single type of UAV. Technology allowing the flexibility to accommodate multiple types of UAV could be implemented in a host of other commercial launch systems. The Navy and Marine Corps own vessels other than ESB that might also be suitable for the objective scale system. Portable land-based systems for the USAF are further possibilities.

Keywords:
Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT), Ship Motion, Group 3 - 5 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), flywheel, launch, Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB), Land Based Testing