Composite Compatibility with ABL Systems

The proposed statement of work under this SBIR effort for the Airborne Laser Program is intended to provide a significant weight saving for the storage and dispensing tanks on the airborne system. The program will utilize linerless composite technology asdeveloped by Wilson Composite Technologies (WCT) for cryogenic storage and dispensing systems. In addition to the elimination of metallic liners and substitution of composite materials for all-metallic tankage, this program will integrate data from theongoing Composite Boss SBIR Design Contract under MDA sponsorship and will have the intent of coming up with a totally composite tank and pressure vessel technology for implementation in the ABL program. The tasks under this Phase I study will involvesimplified screening tests to review the available materials from the liquid oxygen compatibility contract and will use these minimal screening tests to down select those materials to two or three candidates, which will cover the entire spectrum ofcompatibility with the ABL fluids. Coupling of the selected materials with linerless design concepts and composite boss usage will result in attainment of the goal of this program, which is major weight reduction for the ABL system. Benefits to theGovernment will involve the significant weight savings attributed to substitution of composite material storage containers and pressure vessels for use in storage and dispensing of airborne laser fluids and also the ground support delivery of these fluidsto the airborne system. Pressure vessel designs and materials selections will be used in the additional ABL systems, which are planned for fabrication and implementation in a potential Phase II program. Commercialization of this technology will involvethe commercial handling and provision of the airborne laser fluids to selected ABL operational sites.