SBIR/STTR Research Award
Silent Waters
Award amount
$138,919Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IAward year
2025Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Navy
- Recipient company
- Royce Group, LLC, The
- Proposal award date
- 2025-07-23
- Contract end date
- 2026-01-19
- UEI
- N9T5L15BYCY3
- Solicitation number
- 25.1
- Topic code
- N251-043
Research abstract
The Royce Group, proposes an innovative toroidal propeller solution for the MK54 Lightweight Torpedo (LWT) in collaboration with Swarm Dynamics AI and Dr. Tommy Sebastian. The current MK54 propulsion system is hindered by high cavitation, inefficiencies in thrust, and an excessive acoustic signature. The toroidal propeller design utilizes a closed-loop blade structure to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce noise.The Phase I effort will employ advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to refine the toroidal propeller geometry, ensuring compatibility with MK54 operational parameters. Additionally, manufacturability and cost analysis studies will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of full-scale production. The Royce Group will integrate expertise in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), propulsion engineering, and materials science to validate the designís viability.The Phase I Option will expand upon initial research by refining CFD models, conducting material durability testing, and optimizing manufacturing techniques for prototype development. Further analysis will focus on refining the propellerís acoustic signature and ensuring seamless integration into the MK54 system.Our partner's research facilities, are equipped with advanced CAD tools, CFD platforms, and material testing equipment, will support all research activities while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This Phase I effort will establish the technical foundation for Phase II prototyping and further development toward operational deployment.
Technology keywords
Not reported
Awards with the same topic code
Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.
- Development of Toroidal Propellers for Torpedo and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) Applications
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