Foreign Object Debris - Vacuum System (FOD-VAC)

To overcome the capability with FOD removal from both on flight line and in aircraft compartments, Hy-Tek Manufacturing Co. Inc. (HMC) herein proposes a novel approach to drastically reduce the instances of FOD damage to the U.S. Navy AV-8B Harrier. This system, coined the FOD-Vacuum Removal System (FOD-VAC), will satisfy the U.S. Navys requirements by providing a highly capable debris removal system. Development and implementation of this innovative system will result in a significant improvement over current mechanical and manual equipment. The proposed system will deploy a novel probe designed to remove domestic FOD from AV-8B Harrier from within engine bay and aircraft compartments. In addition, a tracking system is proposed to aid personnel in ensuring FOD removal of flight line surfaces. Successful deployment of the FOD-VAC will provide effective debris removal, both on the flight line and within confined aircraft compartments, in turn preventing FOD damage and the cost of engine removal, repair, replacement, and downtime. Hy-Tek Manufacturing (HMC) believes that the deployment of the proposed FOD-VAC system in conjunction with an FOD Prevention Plan will result in a significant reduction of FOD related incidents.