Innovative Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System Restraint System Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-097 Topic Title: Innovative Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System Restraint System Proposal No.: N142-097-0099 Firm: SAFE, Inc. 5032 S. Ash Avenue, Ste. 101 Tempe, Arizona 85282 Contact: Dale Kennedy Phone: (480) 820-2032 Web Site: http://www.safeinc.us Abstract: As requested in the Topic presentation, the proposed effort requires an innovative solution to the problems associated with the current Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (TBFDS) Restraint System used in the CH-53K. Safe's proposed effort will concentrate on development of the proposed concept to solve the stated problems of excessive weight, inability to meet the required retention loads when the tanks are filled to capacity, the inability to roll the fully loaded tanks on the track roller system in the aircraft, excessive weight, and excessive crew effort required. The system concept proposed is innovative, will meet the Navy's 20/20/10 G loading requirements with full tanks, and can be rolled in and out of the aircraft, minimizing crew effort and time while increasing operational capability, reliability, maintainability, and affordability. In Phase I, the system proposed conceptually in the proposal will be fleshed out and its feasibility assessed with modeling. In the Option, two unique subsystems will be developed to ready them for prototype design in Phase II and manufacturing planning for unique parts will be accomplished. At the conclusion of the optional effort, the proposed system will be ready for detailed design, prototype fabrication, and testing in Phase II. Benefits: The proposed TBFDS restraint system will meet the Navy's 20/20/10 G loading requirements with full tanks rather than having to limit the quantity of fuel that can be carried to meet those limits. The tanks can be rolled in and out of the aircraft on the track rollers, with which the aircraft is equipped, as the restraint system provides a surface that is compatible with and can support the tank while providing a surface that is also compatible with carrying the fully loaded tank on the rollers. This capability will reduce the cumbersome manhandling effort now required to move and manage the tanks. Further, the time and effort required to install the TBFDS will be reduced as a result of fewer connections required to anchor the system to the cargo tie-down rings in the aircraft. Another advantage of the proposed system is that tank translation under crash and operational loads will be reduced as compared to any webbing-based system as it is tied down with semi-rigid structural components. The proposed restraint system will reduce crew efforts and weight, while increasing operational capability, reliability, maintainability, and affordability. The proposed system will decrease the time required to perform the needed functions, reduce crew fatigue, improve safety, and improve the overall performance of the CH-53K system by reducing system weight. Return