Technology for Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehical (AVVV) Affordability

ERS Inc and the CALCE Electronic Products and Systems Center at the University of Maryland are pleased to submit this STTR proposal to enhance the life-cycle affordability of several electronic modules in the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV). A Physics-of-failure (PoF) methodology will be developed for assessing the life cycle durability of five selected electronic modules in the AAAV. The phase I base effort will assess the feasibility of conducting a PoF assessment. Deliverables include detailed plans of the how the methodology will be developed and implemented, a list of the input information required, specifications for test hardware/software necessary for qualification testing, and documentation of how the acceleration factors will be estimated. The phase I option plan will provide a preliminary proof-of-concept demonstration for some of the key steps, for a selected electronic module (gunner's fire control handle). Detailed qualification testing is deferred to phase II activities. The project investigators from ERS Inc and from the University of Maryland are internationally acknowledged leaders in PoF assessment. They bring over 25 years of combined expertise to the project, as well as a demonstrated track record of pioneering research and development for government and industrial sponsors, over the past 10 years.