Post-IED Hull Inspection Tool Navy SBIR FY2012.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.3 Topic No.: N123-156 Topic Title: Post-IED Hull Inspection Tool Proposal No.: N123-156-0047 Firm: SA Photonics 130A Knowles Dr. Los Gatos, California 95032 Contact: Frank Muennemann Phone: (650) 434-2779 Web Site: www.saphotonics.com Abstract: US and Coalition ground forces depend on armored vehicles for protection from small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and especially from IEDs during their patrols. Rapid and reliable Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR) analysis in the field is critical because a vehicle may be attacked more than once on a given patrol. The Battle Damage Assessment Tool (BDAT) is a self-contained, compact and rugged device that measures armor deformation, penetration, cracking and work-hardening, then presents a graphical BDAR analysis to support a go/no-go decision, whether to return the vehicle for repair or continue the mission. BDAT reports optionally can be transmitted digitally to other locations such as vehicle maintenance facilities for further interpretation and support. BDAT does not require modification of the vehicle for its operation, and functions on all types of metal plate armor as well as composite armor and armor covered with nonconductive materials such as Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC). A BDAT unit accesses a vehicle-specific, position-indexed database, enabling the system to correctly distinguish battle damage from already-repaired damage or armor irregulatities such as weldments. The vehicle-specific database can be carried with the BDAT or with each vehicle. Benefits: The instrument this proposal describes will directly and rapidly measure damage to vehicle armor and exposed suspension members under field conditions. Given that the vehicle being assessed has been ambushed, it is critical to perform the assessment quickly and present the field commander with immediate and reliable decision support. BDAT uses proven electromagnetic nondestructive test (NDT) technology to characterize armor when it is fielded, and to rapidly re-test in the field and assess potential damage after an attack. BDAT measures all modes of damage to armor including: thermal, penetration and deformation, work-hardening and cracking. BDAT does not require modification to the vehicle being tested. Return