Improved Towed Array Acoustic Hose

The objectives of SBIR Topic N221-055 include developing improved acoustic hoses for U.S. Navy (USN) towed array systems. Current hoses are manufactured using an extrusion process and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with a variety of reinforcement cords. While acoustic hoses vary in terms of TPU and reinforcement cord types, each hose exhibits an unreliable life cycle as they are vulnerable to mechanical creep, water saturated Isopar (WSI), and physical damage (i.e., cuts and abrasion). METSS will investigate acoustic hoses filled with Isopar L and M as these fluids are hypothesized to exasperate degradation of critical acoustic hose performance. To achieve the project objectives, METSS will leverage practical material approaches to examine current and alternative TPU matrices, as well as reinforcement cord treatments to improve synergistic adhesion. METSS will leverage existing commercial relationships to build prototype and full-scale acoustic hoses for advanced testing by the Navy as well as Prime contractors. This collaborative approach inherently reduces risk, maintains processing methods and infrastructure, controls costs, streamlines technology transition, and encourages adoption into the Fleet.