Nanoparticulate Reinforced Aluminum Components Produced by High Strain-Rate Superplastic Forming

Not Available WaveBand Corporation (WaveBand) in collaboration with Marconi Astronics proposes to develop a helicopter obstacle-warning sensor capable of detecting power line wires (down to 1 cm in diameter) at a distance sufficient for a safety maneuver (not less than 600 m). Toward this goal, the Phase I project will establish the feasibility of the proposed sensor through: (1) Numerical modeling of the sensor performance including resolution, S/N and signal-to-clutter ratio; (2) Establishing detailed specification- and design- requirements of the sensor; (3) Experimental demonstration of the obstacle wire detection phenomenology. The proposed sensor, once developed, will provide all-weather day/night operation, plus a potential multifunctional capability of the imaging system that will include target mapping, navigation aid, and fire control. The sensor will be low in cost due to the use of our proprietary scanning technique, and to capitalizing on a growing commercial market for automotive and avionic obstacle detection sensors.