Pod Mechanical Power Production Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-035 Topic Title: Pod Mechanical Power Production Proposal No.: N081-035-0099 Firm: Streamline Automation, LLC 3100 Fresh Way SW Huntsville, Alabama 35805 Contact: Alton Reich Phone: (256) 713-1220 Web Site: www.streamlineautomation.biz Abstract: NAVAIR has developed the next generation electronic attack platform, the EA-18G Growler aircraft, as a replacement for the venerable EA-6B to effectively provide electronic attack and jammer escort for current Navy aircraft (F/A-18) and future aircraft (JSF). When the EA-18G enters service it will be equipped with ALQ-99 jammer pods that were initially designed for the EA-6 in the late 1960's. NAVAIR recognizes the limitations inherent in continuing to upgrade the ALQ-99, and, has identified a need for a Next Generation Jammer Pod with capabilities matched to the EA-18G. The NGJ Pod will be powered by an on-board turbine / generator to make the pod independent from aircraft power sources. The pod will require a minimum of 60 KVA of power generated at an airspeed of 250 knots, with the turbine/generator located within the body of the pod. The key metrics for pod power generation are weight and volume efficiency. An ideal solution for this application is a Tesla turbine, a tangential in-flow machine, that packages well, and requires only a short length of ducting to route air into the turbine. The proposed Phase 1 effort will focus in designing and testing a demonstration unit, to be followed by full-scale prototype fabrication and testing in Phase 2. Benefits: NAVAIR is pursuing the development of the Next Generation Jammer Pod, with a program expected to begin around 2011. Th NGJ Pod will require an on-board turbine-generator module. The successful completion of the proposed effort will result in the development and testing of a compact unit capable of generating the power required for the NGJ Pod. This will result in a minimal volume of the pod being required for non-jammer related ducting and machinery. The proposed T-G will be designed to be located toward the middle of the pod. This will leave the areas at the forward and aft ends of the pod available for antennas, and other components crucial to the Electronic Warfare mission. Streamline Automation has significant interest from a major DOD supplier with experience in manufacturing power generation equipment for the military. This will aid in the transition of the SBIR developed technology to a development program. In addition, there are potential commercial applications that will be pursued for waste heat recovery. Return