Spinel Reconnaissance Window Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2 Topic No.: N132-125 Topic Title: Spinel Reconnaissance Window Proposal No.: N132-125-0328 Firm: Surmet Corporation 31 B Street Burlington, Massachusetts 01803 Contact: Lee Goldman Phone: (781) 345-5777 Web Site: www.surmet.com Abstract: Surmet's Sinter/HIP process for producing transparent spinel has demonstrated material of much higher strength than has been achieved through our competitor's hot press/HIP process. However, our spinel material has also been plagued with `inclusions' which are optically undesirable and may act as potential flaw sites for mechanical failure. These inclusions are believed to be associated with the starting powder, purchased from Baikowski. Recently, Surmet has developed a process for producing our own optical quality spinel powder, and is currently producing this powder in tens of kilogram sized batches. Importantly, Surmet is able to produce inclusion free spinel material using its own spinel powder, colloidal processing and its Sinter/HIP process. This is a major technical breakthrough for Surmet. We believe that the combination of new powder, colloidal processing and Sinter/HIP will produce inclusion free material that is much stronger than has been achieved by our competitors hot press/HIP process. Furthermore, Surmet is currently bringing a very large HIP (40-in diameter x 60-in long) on-line in the 3rd quarter of 2013 as part of its ongoing Title III program. This puts Surmet in a unique position to be able to produce large high strength spinel windows for the DDG-1000 and other programs. Benefits: The biggest demand and opportunity for large size transparent ceramics continues to be in the area of transparent armor, however, the market for Reconnaissance (Recce) windows and sensor domes and windows is also increasing. Spinel is a prime candidate for airborne and shipboard electro-optic sensor applications that operate from the visible through the midwave infrared (3-5 microns). One such application includes the Navy's DDG 1000 class destroyer. Other applications include unmanned Recce aircraft. UAV spending is anticipated to double during the next decade from current worldwide expenditures of $5.9 billion annually to $11.3 billion. Return