Exercise Torpedo Buoyancy (Recovery) System

The US Navy regularly conducts exercises using the Mark 54 torpedo. The current Buoyancy Recovery System (BRS) is expensive to operate. Systima is proposing a complete retrofit system that will significantly lower operating costs while offering increased performance. Systima’s design approach combines a hybrid inflation system with a durable inflation bag to maximize performance while simplifying system operation. The hybrid inflation system provides affordable costs and exceeds performance targets. This combines a cold gas inflation system with a solid propellant gas generator for deep operation. System maintenance is minimized by restricting the propellant use to deep operation and refillable cold gas system to moderate depths. The flotation bag design is a robust and cost effective buoyancy solution. Seamless design allows for a larger operating pressure range relaxing operational requirements reducing the overall system cost. The Phase II program will develop the BRS including component performance testing, integrated system testing at relevant conditions, and prototype fabrication. At the completion of the program Systima will deliver two functional prototype BRS, performance testing results, complete data packages, and installation/operational procedures. Included in the data package will be a complete Bill Of Materials and cost estimations for future production of the BRS.