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Protection System for Tactical Vehicles During High-Speed External Transport
Navy SBIR 2011.2 - Topic N112-099 NAVAIR - Ms. Donna Moore - [email protected] Opens: May 26, 2011 - Closes: June 29, 2011 N112-099 TITLE: Protection System for Tactical Vehicles During High-Speed External Transport TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Battlespace ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 275, V-22 Osprey RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected. OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative compact protection device or methodology that will enable aircraft to externally transport tactical vehicles at high speeds. DESCRIPTION: Rugged tactical vehicles such as the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee), Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV), and Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) are widely used for military applications. These vehicles must often be transported across the globe quickly and at a moment's notice. Navy/Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft such as the CH-53E and MV 22 were designed to carry these assets and effectively maneuver them into position over widely varying topography. When tactical vehicles are slung under helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft they have simulated and demonstrated stability in excess of 180 knots, however when traveling in excess of 130 knots, their windshields and engine components, such as radiators, hoses, and wiring, are susceptible to damage from air loads. This limitation prevents the aircraft from traveling at optimum speeds and distances. As such, the ability to provide the Warfighter with vital assets to successfully engage the enemy, especially when time is of the essence, is severely curtailed. During development of the V-22 a number of solutions, including Styrofoam forms, inflatable canvas bags and large cargo pods directly attached to the cargo hooks were considered to overcome limitations imposed on the aircraft by slung loads. However, all of these solutions imposed severe logistic (cost, transport and durability), storage (large footprints, rapid degradation) and time constraints (strapping, cinching and buckling before and after delivery) that negated any airspeed advantages. Innovative, aerodynamic, lightweight yet rugged solutions are sought to protect tactical vehicles from damaging air loads incurred when transported externally on rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft traveling at high speeds. Approaches that enable airspeeds approaching 200 knots and that fit within the limited space available aboard Naval shipping are desired. To date, there has been no research into protecting slung load vehicles from air loads however, to address high wind conditions during hurricanes, new methodologies and materials, such as those referenced [1, 2, 3], have been developed to protect vulnerable building doors and windows and are, along with variations of them, considered baseline possibilities, but other innovative solutions will be considered as well. Innovative designs are needed to deal with the heavy air loads experienced by tactical vehicles when transported in excess of 130 knots. PHASE I: Develop an innovative, low-cost, and compact means of protecting tactical vehicles while being transported externally on rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft at high speeds and demonstrate the concept�s feasibility. PHASE II: Develop a prototype device of the concept devised in Phase I. Perform testing and evaluation to ensure that the prototype meets the proposed objectives. PHASE III: Evaluate design enhancements and transition the system for production. Perform any required testing to certify the system for aircraft and vehicle use. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The concepts developed in this SBIR could be transitioned for use on commercial and private vehicles, as well as other valuable assets of similar size, to protect against high-speed winds and the associated debris during use, transport, and storage. This concept could also increase the protection afforded by existing systems for protection of homes and commercial buildings from high winds during hurricanes. REFERENCES: 2. Miami-Dade County Building Code Compliance Office Product Control Division, notice of acceptance no. 07-0315.02 for polycarbonate storm panel shutter. 3. Miami-Dade County Building Code Compliance Office Product Control Division, notice of acceptance no. 08-1008.03 for polypropylene flexible wind abatement impact protection system. KEYWORDS: External Loads; External Transport; High Speed; Tactical Vehicle; Vehicle Protection; Windshield Protection
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