Carbon Nanotube Coaxial Transmission Lines Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-121 Topic Title: Carbon Nanotube Coaxial Transmission Lines Proposal No.: N102-121-0072 Firm: Nanocomp Technologies Inc. 162 Pembroke Road Concord, New Hampshire 03301-5767 Contact: Brian White Phone: (603) 442-8992 Web Site: www.nanocomptech.com Abstract: A key technology enabler for next generation ISR systems is low loss, lightweight, flexible wire and cable, particularly the RF power routing from the fuselage to the rotodome in the E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, which requires specially designed copper based coax Aircraft Transmission Lines (ATL). Copper is the established choice of conductive material for these ATLs, but copper's susceptibility to flex failure and increased insertion loss with heating and frequency in the E-2 platform limits ATL performance and often requires phase compensation. As an alternative to copper, lightweight and low resistance carbon nanotube (CNT) based conductors can be considered for use in advanced ATL designs. We propose to design a CNT-based coaxial cable, utilizing our CNT wires and tapes, for high power, high frequency applications, which can withstand the temperature extremes, very high electrical current, mechanical stress and vibration that current ATL cables are subjected to. The aim of Phase I is to develop the models and materials properties necessary for the cable design, which will be done during the Option. Phase II will consist of constructing and testing the ATL cable in preparation for qualification and insertion into next generation ISR systems. Benefits: The CNT based coaxial transmission lines could potentially replace both rigid and flexible ATL cables currently used in the E2-D radar system. Possible benefits of using a CNT based cable include lowering power requirements, reducing cooling requirements, reducing maintenance, and offer the potential to eliminate phase compensation with changing temperature. If successful, Nanocomp Technologies expects to be able to provide high frequency, high power cables to the Navy, US DoD, and prime contractors for aircraft and other applications. Additionally, this technology would be applicable for commercial use where high frequency cables are required in extreme environments (temperature, vibration, corrosive, etc.). Significant weight savings can be achieved with our conductors while also realizing a reduction of the volume occupied by the cable. The resulting benefits are increased payload capacity or longer loiter times, as well as tighter packing of the cables. Since CNTs have superior fatigue resistance when compared to traditional metal conductors we anticipate that there will be a reduction in operation and maintenance costs. Return