Composite Telescoping Shoring (CTS)

In this Phase II program, Dynovas will advance the MRL and TRL of the Composite Telescoping Shoring (CTS) to 6 via prototype design, build, and test. The TRL/MRL 6 demonstration will validate the anticipated benefits of the system. The CTS can enable the stowage of a Landing Craft Unit (LCU) in the well decks of Amphibious ships in less than 120 minutes, cost less than 50% of the lifetime use of timber shoring (saving the fleet $130M+ over a 20 year usage span), provide modularity from 7.5-15ft lengths, and adapt to remain in positive control of the LCU for sea states as high as 8. Furthermore, the CTS can be installed by 2-sailors (with the support of a well deck fork-lift), will weigh less than 200 lbs (30% of the weight of timber currently required), and is entirely serviceable while on deployment, home ported, or during ship/boat maintenance cycles. The CTS delivers the same general functionality of the timber shoring, namely starboard-port swaying restraint, but has several features that increase sailor safety, mission tempo, equipment safety, longevity, and decreases lifetime use costs. In Phase I, the CTS was demonstrated at TRL 3 via proof-of-concept against the highest priority requirements on the system. The highest priority requirements include securing the 448 long ton LCU 1700 in sea states up to 8 (~83 kips per shore), be compatible with the ship/LCU flexing, be operationally equivalent from 7.5-15 ft distances, minimize weight, minimize stowage volume, and minimize install personnel/time required. This Phase II SBIR is split into a Base Program and two (2) Options. The Base Program is heavily focused on system design, initial operational prototype build (TRL 5), sailor feedback, and full system manufacturing planning (including preliminary manufacturing tooling design). The results of the Base will be used to finalize the full structural design and build in Option 1 (including final tooling design and procurement).  In addition to assembling the TRL 6 prototype in Option 1 in a production relevant environment (MRL 6), preliminary test planning will be complete. Option 2 will complete the test plan, including all fixture design, and focus on operational, environmental, and structural testing of the CTS to validate TRL 6. The Dynovas team possesses the necessary equipment, capabilities, and expertise to execute on this SBIR program such that all funds can go towards TRL and MRL maturation. Following technology development, Dynovas is prepared to lead the CTS system through technology maturation, qualification, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), and Full Rate Production (FRP). Dynovas will internally manufacture the composite tubes, outsource metallic details to the US industrial base, internally assemble the CTS systems, and perform a hybrid execution of qualification and acceptance testing. Dynovas’ current equipment, facilities, partnerships, and capital investment plans exist and outpace the scheduled need for production ramp-up.