TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS404, Mk54 Torpedo, ACAT III

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: For FY 08-13, PMS404 will spend and average of $1,244K per year to operate/maintain the Buoyancy (Recovery) System used on the MK54 Torpedo. A system with characteristics described below has been estimated to provide a cost saving of $1030K per year. In addition, such a system could be applied to the MK48 ADCAP Torpedo, to address several significant limitations of the current in-water run programs.

DESCRIPTION: The current torpedo buoyancy system is a hot gas system with many disadvantages. An alternative system, using new technologies is needed to achieve affordable acquisition and life cycle costs, and specific performance improvements. It is critical that the alternative system have no or low cost expendables, and require only minimal maintenance between in-water runs.

System must deploy (when commanded) and raise a torpedo with a negative buoyancy of 200 pounds to the surface from a depth ranging from near the surface to 900 feet (threshold depth) deep. A goal exists for deeper recovery capability. The buoyancy system must fit within a 12.75-inch (outside diameter) cylindrical hull with a length of 19.875 inches (excluding joint band areas). 7" of shell length must be reserved for Instrumentation/Electronics. A nominal weight budget of 130 pounds (excluding electronics) has been established as follows: 75 pounds for shells, 55 pounds for buoyancy components). Depending on technology employed lighter systems are considered advantageous. Heavier systems will result in a more negatively buoyant configuration, with corresponding additional buoyancy requirements.

System must maintain flotation on the surface for a period of 16 hours. System shall be resistant to pin hole type leaks.

The system shall not introduce contaminants or hazards into the ocean environment during deployment, and shall include redundant safety features where required to ensure personnel safety.

PHASE I: Conduct a study of exercise torpedo interface, requirements, and design constraints for use in developing design concepts. Develop innovative design concepts/recommendations for review and selection by the Government. Define and propose one or more technical approaches for Phase II development.

PHASE II: Prepare a Critical Item Performance Specification for the approach selected, and submit for government review/approval. Conduct a preliminary design review. The review shall include identification and assessment of key technology areas which represent high technological risk to the concept’s successful implementation. Develop prototype system drawings and specifications for a Critical Design Review with the Government. Produce two functional prototype systems. Conduct testing to validate intended performance. Provide the two prototype systems for evaluation testing by Government. Conduct Production Readiness Review with Government following testing. Deliver the technical data package (technical drawings and specifications) to the Government for use in production contracts.

PHASE III: Produce buoyancy systems for use by the Navy in MK54 exercise torpedo sea runs. Contractor to provide logistics support, including the development of maintenance procedures.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL.DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Development of a low-cost buoyancy system will provide advancement in undersea operational capabilities for defense and commercial activities. This will have the potential for benefit to designers and manufacturers of undersea systems, inflation systems, and entities involved with underwater salvage. Novel technology developed under this SBIR will also be applicable to other military applications such as missiles and spacecraft which may have recoverable objects which fall into the ocean.

REFERENCES: 1. Specification for Buoyancy Subsystem (6206894), WS 26369

2. MK 54 Torpedo Configuration Drawing, 53711-7083425

3. MK 96 MOD 0 EXERCISE HEAD DRAWING, 53711-7476787

KEYWORDS: Buoyancy; Flotation; Torpedo; Exercise; Undersea; Maintainable; Low Cost; Affordable

TPOC: Michael Altshuler
Phone: (401)832-9292
Fax:
Email: AltshulerMG@npt.nuwc.navy.mil

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between July 19 and August 19, 2007, you may talk directly with the Topic Author(s) to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting August 20, 2007, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

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