Advanced Thermal Management Devices for Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) Terminals

The next generation of Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) radio terminals are currently under development and the Navy is in need of improved thermal management to enable the current state of the art signal processing capabilities within the currently deployed fleet environment. Roccor proposed to leverage its FlexCoolTM technology in partnership with ViaSat to design, develop and demonstrate thin, formable heat pipes strategically placed within MIDS terminal configurations to drastically improve thermal management. FlexCool is a family of thin high performance heat pipes under development by Roccor for application to directed energy systems and spacecraft under DoD and NASA funding. By using emerging material technologies in thin sheet form and developing innovative diffusion bonding manufacturing approaches, Roccor has realized higher performing heat pipes in thinner components than ever before with thermal conductivities that can exceed 20,000 W/m-K (aluminum: ~200W/m-K) in thickness ranging from 1-2mm. ViaSat, one of three prime contractors developing next generation MIDS terminals, is included on the proposed work and will be consulted frequently to provide system guidance and ensure relevance toward successful technology transition and deployment.