Removable and Maintainable Future Hull Arrays

PEI is proposing to design and develop a composite frame structure which will serve as the foundation and means for easy assembly and removal of either array sections, modules or individual vertical block staves (VBS). PEI will develop structural technologies for building and installing these large conformal arrays to the exterior hull. PEI technology will be expanded to allow conformal sonar arrays on other parts of the ship that will create new opportunities for use of bow and sail structure volumes while improving sonar sensor performance. PEI design will allow easy installation and removal of array sections during the Extended Dry-dock Selected Refit Availability (EDSRA) of a submarine. PEI design of this framework would facilitate the attachment and removal of array sections (modules and VBS) using interlocking features and fasteners. In addition, would also be modular so that the array size could be increased if required. Composite materials are inherently corrosion resistant and can also offer acoustic transparency so as to have minimal impact on sonar performance. Also, since framework and VBS back panels will be designed using composites, the contours/shapes can be complex and features can be integrated, reducing assembly costs.