Pre-fragmented Warhead Plate for EX 171 ERGM

The MK48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Heavyweight Torpedo is a primary submarine weapon and is considered the workhorse of the fleet. Flex hose assemblies are a major connectivity component that provides 100% accurate data exchange between the recently fired torpedo and the submarine, and are a key component in ensuring fleet combat readiness. Current Flex Hoses use toxic metallic lead for ballast, which poses environmental and health hazards during fabrication, handling, and final discharge of the Flex Hose into the sea. During the proposed Phase II, TRI/Austin will develop design and evaluate lead free composite materials to replace the metallic lead tape currently used as ballast in the Flex Hose. High-density lead-free tape will be fabricated, tested and incorporated into complete Flex Hose prototypes. High-density material fabrication methods, a new flex Hose design, and production methods for integrating the new non-toxic ballast materials into Flex Hose fabrication process will be developed. TRI/Austin will re-design the current Flex Hose assembly with a goal to meet all physical and environmental requirements set by NUWC while incorporating TRI/Austin’s novel lead free ballast materials. After Phase II is complete, TRI will remain dedicated to transitioning the new Flex Hose into the fleet.