Triton Composite Airdrop Platform (TCAP)

Triton Systems Inc. proposes to develop a lightweight composite airdrop platform to meet Army Future Combat System (FCS) requirements to replace the currently heavy metal platforms. Weight, life-cycle cost, and environmental impact reductions for the newcomposite platform will help preserve the overall mission effectiveness of FCS.The current Type V metal platform used for low velocity airdrop (LVAD) is expensive because of its heavy and complex modular design. Triton Systems Inc. proposes to develop a lightweight, low cost, environmentally-friendly composite airdrop platform (CAP)to replace both the current Type V and DRAS platforms. The approach is to engineer advanced thermoplastic composite (TPC) materials based on Triton's extensive experience in the transition of metallic structures to cost-effective, structurally-efficientpolymer matrix composites. Triton will explore a range of composite platform designs, ranging from inexpensive, single-use, throwaway platforms, to platforms that will provide a greater level of durability and reusability than the current Type V. Low costfiber, matrix, and core materials, and affordable manufacturing methods will be employed. Triton has teamed up with a current Type V and DRAS supplier to develop this future generation composite airdrop platform. The developed composite airdrop platforms can be used to improve mission effectiveness for Future Combat System LVAD missions. These platforms would also benefit humanitarian relief work involving airdrop of food and other supplies. Meeting thedifficult impact and durability requirements would allow the validated composite constructions to be applied to other missions requiring lightweight, damage-tolerant materials.