Advanced Design Concepts for High Performance Helicopter Masts Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-031 Topic Title: Advanced Design Concepts for High Performance Helicopter Masts Proposal No.: N091-031-1109 Firm: Piasecki Aircraft Corporation 519 West Second Street P.O. Box 360 Essington, Pennsylvania 19029 Contact: Frederick Piasecki Phone: (610) 521-5700 Web Site: www.piasecki.com Abstract: Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) proposes to develop an innovative approach to substantially upgrade helicopter main rotor shaft designs, materials, and manufacturing processes. A number of design concepts will be addressed and a matrix of coating materials and application methods selected for further examination. A systems engineering analysis on plating material and the application process will be conducted addressing field problems, maintenance requirements, and the dynamic characteristics of the entire drive system, with a design criteria document resulting. With the design criteria established, PiAC will examine the candidate material systems and coating processes in conjunction with an appropriate morphology matrix, leading to the selection of a plating process that will provide at least equivalent performance with today's cadmium-based coatings, along with durability and reliability improvements. Static and dynamic analysis of the shaft with the selected experimental coating will be conducted and a qualification test plan for Phase II developed. During the Option Phase, PiAC will update and release the design package, develop the statement of work (SOW) and identify the raw material/specimen and coating/application tools to support the Phase II fabrication and test program. Benefits: The benefits to be accrued by application of the coating technology will include weight reduction with improved affordability in regard to the selected material and manufacturing processes. The resulting commercial application of this technology includes retrofit of improved rotor shafts to the existing fleet of military and commercial rotorcraft as well as future platforms such as the Joint Heavy Lift (JHL)/ Advanced Joint Air Combat System (AJACS) and Joint Multi-Role (JMR) aircraft. Successful development and field testing of the improved main rotor shaft will confirm the system reliability, decreased maintenance requirements and life cycle cost reduction. Return