Lightweight Electronic Equipment Enclosure

The Navy is currently developing a Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system to integrate electronic information on threats to the fleet from a variety of airborne and shipboard sensors. The CEC systems includes electronic units installed on aircraft and ships. Maximum weight and volume limitations are being imposed on the systems to be installed. Reductions must come from all parts of the systems, including the cabinet structure, to meet these weight and volume goals. The focus of this proposal is assessment of the feasiblity of fabricating a cabinet from composite materials that reduces of the weight of the standard electronic enclosure while still fulfilling all of the functional and environmental requirements associated with the CEC cabinet. The proposed study includes: 1) verification of configuration and requirements; 2) selection of constituent materials; 3) EMI shielding design trade-offs; 4) structural design trade-offs; 5) thermal assessment; 6) assembly of design and initial drawings; 7) manufacturing and useability assessment; 8) assembly of a technology development plan.