Innovative Packaging to Achieve Extremely Light Weight Sensor Pod Systems

For the Phase I effort, PiAC has designed a light weight sensor pod (LWSP) system to satisfy the Navys specific requirements of Topic N171A-T007. PiACs technical design solution meets the topic requirements, based on initial analysis. PiACs plan is to use this design as baseline for major trades and compliance analyses. The LWSP design will be structurally sized and validated to minimize weight. PiACs LWSP design is dimensionally compatible with existing BRU-14 mounting systems for integration into current fixed and rotary wing platforms and has been structurally sized to react all loadings imposed by the MIL-H-8791H specification. PiACs design uses lightweight materials and attenuates destructive vibrations to protect vulnerable electronics. PiACs baseline LWSP design weighs less than 125-lbs and can service the 175-lb payload. PiAC identifies thermal and vibrational loads to be the highest risk areas in the development of this pod. PiAC and its contractors propose to refine preliminary design with trade studies, updated solid models (CAD), and refined finite element analyses.