Innovative Titanium Structures for Off-board Surface Vessels

This STTR Phase II program evaluates innovative, ultra-lightweight titanium structures for use on Off-board Surface Vessels. Titanium is chosen given its proven superior strength-to-density ratio, seawater corrosion resistance, and ballistic resistance compared to steel and aluminum as well as organic composite materials. The primary goal in Phase II will be to design, analyze, fabricate, and install lightweight titanium alloy structures for a Navy unmanned surface vessel. Sub-scale and full-scale hatches will then be tested under operating conditions, the designs refined using the testing data generated, and an implementation plan developed for expanding the work to other structures.