Multi-Seal Blind Installation Fittings (MSBI)

The Navy has a need for new fitting technology to reduce the likelihood of incorrect installation causing aircraft downtime and increased maintenance costs. A fitting that provides positive indication of correct installation during blind installations will prevent leaks by allowing operators to confirm successful fitting attachment. To address this need, Mainstream proposes to develop a Multi-Seal Blind Installation (MSBI) fitting that not only seals high pressure aircraft fluids, but also provides a method of verification of correct installation even in blind installations The MSBI combines successful features from across the hydraulic fittings industry into a single package to provide reliable high pressure fluid sealing with a simple installation and maintenance procedure. ĀMainstream will design and build a proof-of-concept fitting that can withstand high pressure, high temperature, and high vibrational environments without leaking. The system will have features to prevent incorrect installation and to provide the operator feedback to demonstrate correct installation. In Phase I, Mainstream will design, build, and test fitting prototypes. In Phase II, Mainstream will perform extensive long term validation testing and will use existing relationships with Lockheed Martin to test the fittings on aircraft platforms.