Instantaneous Self-Sealing Protection for Fuel Tanks Navy STTR FY2012.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2012.A Topic No.: N12A-T001 Topic Title: Instantaneous Self-Sealing Protection for Fuel Tanks Proposal No.: N12A-001-0124 Firm: ADA Technologies, Inc. 8100 Shaffer Parkway Suite #130 Littleton, Colorado 80127-4107 Contact: Steve Arzberger Phone: (303) 792-5615 Web Site: www.adatech.com Abstract: Aircraft are susceptible to ballistic and other projectile damage. They are particularly vulnerable to damage to their fuel tanks. As a result, most jet fighters and all U.S. military rotary wing aircraft employ some type of seal-sealing fuel tank technology. Unfortunately, the existing self-sealing fuel tank technologies are heavy and offer unreliable reproducibility in the self-sealing layer resulting in poor ballistic wound closure and additional fuel loss. Thus, the U.S. Navy is interested in the development of alternative self-sealing fuel tank system that is durable, functional and lightweight for introduction into the naval air fleet. An appropriate solution must perform in the temperature range of operation; -40 �F to ambient (approximately +130 �F) and possess a reasonable attachment mechanism for integration into existing air frame wing structures. Further, it must be compatible with commercial jet fuels and not interfere with fuel purity, fuel transfer and surrounding aircraft solution or equipment. To address these needs, ADA Technologies, Inc. (ADA) proposes the development of an instantaneous self-healing technology based on a thermoplastic composite. The thermoplastic composite provides a self-repair response following ballistic puncture that is more rapid than the human eye can detect based upon a kinetic-to-thermal energy transfer mechanism. Benefits: ADA proposed approach will lead to a rapid self-sealing fuel tank technology that will prevent fuel loss from ballistic impacts, and display an easy form factor design that will readily be incorporated into existing and next generation military aircraft wing architectures. In addition, self-sealing fuel tanks offer immense potential in military armored land and sea vehicles. Commerial market opportuntieis include armored limousines used by government agencies to transport high value political leaders, targets and personnel. Further, long-haul semi-trucks offer a huge potential market for self-sealing tires, whereby they can maintain operation after tire puncture, resulting in substantial reductions in vehicle downtime and service calls. Self-healing and durable tires would also be attractive for operation in rugged environments such as logging, construction and mining. Finally, the technology could also be applied to leak protection systems in railroad tank cars or tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials. Return