Ultra-Fast Sealing, Quickly Manufacturable Fuel Bladder
Navy SBIR FY2015.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1
Topic No.: N151-008
Topic Title: Ultra-Fast Sealing, Quickly Manufacturable Fuel Bladder
Proposal No.: N151-008-0566
Firm: ADA Technologies, Inc.
8100 Shaffer Parkway
Suite #130
Littleton, Colorado 80127-4107
Contact: Thierry Carriere
Phone: (303) 792-5615
Abstract: Aircraft and especially their fuel tanks are vulnerable to ballistic and other projectile threat, for example from weapons that threaten airport approach and departure corridors in high-risk regions. Self-sealing tanks and bladders provide a means to protect tanks and dry bays from fires and explosions in case of kinetic hit. ADA Technologies, with industry partners ARM-USA and Boeing, proposes to leverage its past research in cutting edge self-sealing materials and associated manufacturing techniques to develop an innovative solution fitting the Navy's need. The proposed solution is a layered, self-healing ionomer copolymer wall construction, combined with a fuel-compatible liner. Both layers will be produced via an industrial coating technique called thermal spraying. This quick and repeatable approach will accelerate the rate of production of fuel cells and reduce cost, while providing reliable, repeatable and instantaneous sealing in case of wall puncture by a projectile. Previous research by ADA demonstrated the feasibility of the approach and the instantaneous self-sealing capability. In the present Phase I, the technology will be further developed by refining the manufacturing process and producing flat multi-layer panels that will be used in MIL-DTL-5578 gunfire tests.
Benefits: The proposed innovation offers a number of benefits and advantages over the current technology. In particular, reliable, repeatable and instantaneous self-sealing of the fuel cell provides reduced vulnerability to the air vehicle, a key enhancement to survivability of the crew and asset itself. An efficient manufacturing approach using thermal spray will improve the quality and reduce cost of the fuel cells while reducing the manual labor and lead time for production. Overall, the proposed approach addresses several concerning shortcomings of the current technology, which has evolved little over the past half century. Commercialization strategy for the proposed technology leverages the benefits listed above. Our industry partners Boeing and ARM-USA will assist ADA in its commercialization efforts. Target markets for the innovative fuel cells include military aircraft (Air Force, Army, Navy), UAVs, armored/security vehicles (DoD and non-DoD) and race cars (non-DoD market). All these markets are well understood by our partners and introduction of a new product will be best handled working hand in hand with them.

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