Multi-Seal Blind Installation (MSBI) Fittings

The Navy has a need for enhanced high-pressure fittings for hydraulic, fuel, and oil lines on the F-35, F-18, and other aircraft. Existing solutions are prone to installation errors causing failure, are insufficiently SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) optimized, and are difficult to install and maintain in blind or restricted environments. In Phase II of this project, Mainstream will enhance our experimentally validated multi-seal blind installation (MSBI) fitting design, to facilitate tool-free installation and maintenance while preserving the high-pressure capabilities we demonstrated in Phase I. During this effort, we will focus on identifying and completing all necessary testing to qualify the MSBI family for use on aerospace platform. By the end of the Phase II Base, we will establish a comprehensive manufacturing and quality control plan, paving the way for product commercialization. During the Phase II Option, we will focus on creating variants for additional applications and extending our design and manufacturing procedures for additional material options to other desirable but more difficult-to-machine materials. This approach ensures we meet the Navy’s needs while also setting the stage for future growth and innovation.