Foreign Object Damage: Inlet Debris Monitoring System (FOD-IDMS)

In response to Navy SBIR N212-105 entitled “Zero Foreign Object Damage (FOD): Inlet Debris Monitoring System (IDMS)”, Triton proposes to develop on-wing means to quantify FOD debris location, 2D size and velocity within aircraft engine inlet ducts and “sensitivity to typical Navy/Marine Corps flight and environmental operating conditions”.  With redundant systems that increase probability of detection (Pd) and reduce probability of false alarm (Pfa), Triton’s proposed technology, consisting of COTS subsystems and components will help characterize debris entering the engine inlet.  Thus, the proposed technology reduces technology risk while providing critical feedback as to subject aircraft engine inlet ability to ingest debris and runway and apron surface conditions.  Triton will address (as stated in the solicitation): The design and build of a flight qualified prototype IDMS An established system interface and interface control document (ICD) for the IDMS Determination of which factors limit or affect its Probability of Detection (Pd) and Probability of False Alarm (Pfa) Quantification of how those factors limit or affect its Pd and Pfa A mathematical model to represent the IDMS’s Pd and Pfa as a function of IDMS configurable elements, environmental conditions, and FOD related variables. In Phase I, Triton will mature the technology’s TRL and demonstrate feasibility and basic scientific principles.  Triton will design, test and validate its IDMS technology with basic breadboard experiments.  Triton will include prototype plans to be developed in Phase II. In Phase II, Triton will further develop this breadboard system and test it in an environment representing particle speed and size consistent of a Navy/Marine Corps environment.  Triton will begin to quantify Pd and Pfa.  Thereafter, Triton will develop a prototype system (operationally representative IDMS) and increase the number of parameters considered (e.g., acoustics, vibration and aerodynamic effects).  Triton will develop this prototype to flight qualification status and further quantify Pd and Pfa under operational and  environmental conditions. In Phase III, Triton will prepare the prototype system for installation in a selected Navy/Marine Corps aircraft and SOSA.  Triton will support flight testing and work to enable retrofitting of this aircraft with Triton’s IDMS. Thereafter, Triton will work with its transition partner to bring its Zero FOD: IDMS to commercial aviation.