MCM USV Common D&R System SBIR Phase II Full Proposal

During the Phase II study, Fairlead will continue analyzing the main tow winch solution. The concept presented at the conclusion of Phase I allows the base system in its original configuration to launch and recover the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) AN/AQS24B and the Raytheon AN/AQS20A sonar bodies. Fairlead will refine the LARS modifications developed in Phase I by incorporating comments and additional design features discovered during the Phase I study. After refinement of the modifications, Fairlead will develop a Technical Data Package (TDP) to support the construction of a prototype that will be utilized for functional testing and final proof of concept demonstrations. FairleadÆs plan is to reach Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR) milestones during the Phase II Base period.Ā This period will conclude with a finalized design that is ready for release to the production floor. The Phase II Option I period will focus on the fabrication of a prototype unit. The prototype unit will then be tested both on land and in water during the Phase II Option II period. Using the Northrop Grumman system as a basis of design, it was noted that the center of gravity of the system will need to be calculated to determine its effect on the vessel. The Longitudinal Center of Gravity (LCG) from Phase I is located outside of the prescribed minimum values per the Interface Control Documents (ICD) for the vessel. The LCG will need to be analyzed by the vessel manufacturer to ensure that stability during operations is possible. The LCG may vary during the design modifications. If the LCG moves, those variables will be incorporated in the final deck loading analysis. During Phase I, it was noted that the design needs to incorporate a method to align the tow cable to the Capture Boom. Fairlead intends to use the original Capture Boom designÆs alignment feature to modify the concept design to align the components during capture operations. Fairlead predicts modifications will only need to occur to the Tow Cable Capture Paw and possibly the Constant Tension Lock Collar. This will help expedite the final design and analysis before the TDP is created. The material study conducted on the modifications developed for the NGC system have been incorporated into the Phase I final product. Any additional components developed during the Phase II activities will use materials that are readily available and suitable to saltwater immersion and operation. Lessons learned from Phase I and prior LARS development will be incorporated into the final product from Phase II efforts. Phase II will conclude with the delivery of a functional prototype that will operate in the MHP-20 and 24 packages.