Tiny Wireless Networked Sensors for Missiles (TWINES-M)
Navy SBIR FY2018.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2018.1
Topic No.: N181-093
Topic Title: Tiny Wireless Networked Sensors for Missiles (TWINES-M)
Proposal No.: N181-093-1138
Firm: NextGen Aeronautics
4030 Spencer St, Suite 108
Torrance, California 90503
Contact: SHIV JOSHI
Phone: (310) 626-8360
Web Site: http://www.nextgenaero.com
Abstract: NextGen Aeronautics (NextGen) is proposing to advance state-of-the-art (SOTA) flexible hybrid sensor systems technologies for US Navy to make monitoring and testing of missile systems cost effective with minimum impact on size, weight and power (SWAT) requirements. The overall goal of this SBIR program is to develop and demonstrate a wireless instrumentation system that may be used as the baseline instrumentation system or wireless supplement to the existing wired system. NextGen team proposes to develop flexible hybrid sensory systems by adapting emerging technologies to bridge the gaps in SOTA solutions and implementation requirements. NextGen will identify candidate wireless protocols and select the one suitable for missile applications, select feasible solutions that satisfy requirements, and compare selected solutions with COTS solutions in Phase I. We are proposing hybrid sensory systems to be built on NextGen team�?Ts extensive knowledge and experience of printed multiplexed sensors and associated electronics technologies and a series of legacy programs developing wireless sensor technologies. NextGen goal is to produce prototype sensory system to be evaluated by Navy within three years. Consistent with the goal, the focus of the program is on bridging the identified development gaps at system level.
Benefits: The proposed technology is specifically developed to monitor structures and mechanical subsystems in confined and compartmentalize spaces with a large number of sensors. The current COTS systems are bulky and therefore not useful in flight testing. The DOD application of the technology is for verification and validation testing of aerospace vehicles, and damage and usage monitoring for maintenance purpose. The immediate market for transition of the technology developed under this program will be wind tunnel models, a key core capability at NextGen. The cost of these models ranges from $500k to $1.5M. A 20% saving in the cost using the technologies to be developed under this SBIR will represent substantial revenues for NextGen. Beyond this, we see wide applicability to flight testing of military and commercial aircraft. This market is several orders of magnitude larger than the wind tunnel model market and represents a major future business line for NextGen in terms of support services.

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