Sealant Application Process and Technology Development

In Phase I of this SBIR contract, "Sealant Application Process and Technology Development," TIAX LLC demonstrated feasibility of a novel method of applying high-viscosity sealants to F-35 Lightning II aircraft seams and fasteners. Our approach addresses the needs of automatically applying a sealant bead without porosity. This proposal for Phase II addresses the difficult problem of practical implementation of the application method. During Phase II our aim is to fabricate and test a looks-like, works-like prototype sealant applicator system. Specifically, the major tasks in Phase II include: (1) Further development of the applicator to meet performance targets specified by the government and Lockheed Martin; (2) Determining suitable device operating parameters for sealants with various viscosities; (3) Reducing the size of the applicator; (4) Developing additional components of the system which support use of the applicator. The probability for success is high owing to the demonstration of feasibility in Phase I; the effective working relationship established between the US Air Force, the US Navy, Lockheed Martin, and TIAX; and our interactions with a leading manufacturer of aerospace sealants and a supplier of sealant for F-35 aircraft.