TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-290, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (ACAT I)

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: Develop predictive algorithms and data mining techniques to determine optimal maintenance actions incorporating level, severity, and frequency of corrosion events by aircraft.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy must operate in all kinds of weather conditions. The high humidity and salt in the sea spray create a perfect environment for the formation of corrosion. There is a tremendous need to identify and optimize the factors that affect human performance in maintenance and inspection. Innovative solutions that highlight and track corrosion issues are required in order to enhance the maintainer’s ability in the prevention, inspection, removal and treatment of corrosion and information management. The technology solution should include an intuitive user interface and display capability in order to maximize information presentation. The proposed technology should also incorporate substantial decreases in maintenance costs associated with detecting, repairing, and tracking corrosive areas.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of developing a specific algorithmic approach to determining the optimal maintenance schedules and actions by aircraft. The proposed solution should include an interface design layout and describe user interactions.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the predictive algorithms using an integrated database of maintenance actions and schedules.

PHASE III: Transition use of the predictive algorithms to corrosion databases and associated tools for specific type/model/series aircraft.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: There is a huge cost associated with corrosion induced malfunctions not only for the Navy and DoD at large, but for commercial industries, as well. The commercial potential of a successful product or service in this area is extremely large.

REFERENCES:
1. Aircraft Weapons Systems Cleaning and Corrosion Control, NAVAIR 01-1A-509, 1 July, 2000.

2. Doughty, T. (Winter, 2006). Air-Wing Toolbox: New Antenna Gaskets Eliminate Corrosion and Precipitation Static. MECH Magazine, Naval Safety Center.

3. DoD (2007). Efforts to Reduce Corrosion on the Military Equipment and Infrastructure of the Department of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics).
http://www.corrdefense.org/Key%20Documents/2007%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf

4. United States Government Accountability Office, Opportunities to Reduce Corrosion Costs and Increase Readiness, GAO-03-753, July 2003.

KEYWORDS: Corrosion; Training; Job Performance Aiding; Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals; Naval Aviation

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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