SBIR-STTR Award

In this Phase I SBIR Program, K+P Agile will develop a high strength, lightweight, modular, composite windshield structure for the MK V Special Operations Craft (SOC) that will not fail when the craft passes through a wave (or "stuffs") at speeds up to 50 knots. The new structure will be a modular, removable lightweight composite pilothouse assembly to replace current metal, glass and fabric structure that now includes the windshield, aluminum overhead, fabric/plastic covering materials, and aluminum arch. The new structure will also include embedded/telescoping sensors/antennae to mask the craft's capabilities while reducing RCS signature. The current MK V SOC windshield structure fails when the boat stuffs into a wave at high speed, is heavy, has numerous weak/leak points, and the fabric coverings do not provide a water tight enclosure. The new structure will permit effective heating and air conditioning of the entire pilothouse assembly and provide better protection of personnel. In Phase I we will design and build a scale prototype of the composite, stuff-proof windshield and lightweight pilothouse assembly using innovative composite materials and high-strength/lightweight design elements, as well as novel manufacturing approaches. In Phase II we will develop and test prototype(s) in operationally representative scenarios/configurations. COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The design and supporting technologies would be applicable to all craft that operate in open seas, military or commercial. Embedded antennae and/or sensors would have potential for pleasure craft. The system evolving from this SBIR would be implemented via retro-fit, which is also how commercialization could occur (i.e., retrofit commercial or pleasure-craft with high-performance/lightweight crew and passenger compartment covers).

Keywords:
SPECIAL OPERATIONS CRAFT SOC , WINDSHIELD STRUCTURES, EMBEDDED SENSORS , COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, PILOTHOUSE STRUCTURES, MODULAR STRUCTURES

The Phase II effort builds on Phase I. Phase II starts with an integrated product and process design and engineering analysis of the baseline structure described in the Phase I report and variants that may reduce cost and risk. The emphasis is on use of nonlinear FEA with continuum analysis to handle stiffeners, window frames, and connectors. After review and approval by SOCOM, the design is fabricated and mechanically tested in PTI's labs, which are capable of testing a structure of this size, to validate the FEA models, the design, the fabrication process, and connectors. The structure will then be installed on a Mark V SOC craft and strain gauges will monitor its performance during an extensive period of use in normal operations. Another unique aspect of our proposal is the use of innovative software for the early identification of any changes in the performance of the structure. This patented software, SmartSignal, was developed at Argonne National Laboratory for monitoring nuclear reactors, and The Packer Group has been instrumental in its commercialization. This software is also being used to monitor the jet engines in Delta's fleet, power plants, and various industrial processes. PTI will also provide all of the support and documentation specified in the Phase II requirements

Keywords:
special operations craft, windshield structures, embedded structures, mk v, composite structures, pilothouse structures, modular structures