Hybrid Sling Rope

To address the Army need for a reliable, user-friendly technology to non-destructively inspect helicopter sling load slings, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) is proposing a new Hybrid Sling Rope (HYSR) technology. The new technology will consist of multiple conductive threads braided into inner and outer nylon braids, changing the bulk electrical properties of nylon sling rope. Low-power, direct electronic monitoring of damage and degradation along the entire sling rope will be possible with this innovative use of co-extruded nylon core encapsulated conductive nylon fibers. This technology offers a non-destructive, state-of-the-art method to inspect rope, as well as cost savings, which directly address the Army requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of HYSR by conducting theoretical analysis of the electrical and mechanical properties of synthetic sling ropes compounded with conductive yarns and by establishing a prototype development path based on key component analysis. Laboratory experiments will be conducted to investigate the electrical conductivity of carbon-infused nylon fiber yarns. In Phase II, a full-scale HYSR will be developed, and life-cycle tests will be conducted according to test standard 38850-00009.