Nanocoated Steel Aircraft Tie-Down Fitting

The Navy seeks an alternative method to extend the life of Type VIII aircraft deck tie-down fittings in highly corrosive marine environments. The current MIL-STD primer takes damage from the persistent abrasion applied by the tensioner hook, making the 4130 grade steel more susceptible to corrosion and wear. This directly results in an increased maintenance burden on the Navy. Due to the sheer quantity and critical function of these components, the development of an extended life fitting aid in keeping the U.S. carrier fleet surge-ready and out of the maintenance depot. Two approaches exist: a novel alloy or material with the strength of steel, capable of welding, and corrosion/wear resistant or a vastly improved coating to the existing steel. Our approach, applying a nanoparticle electroplating has been proven to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance for similar steel alloys and will allow for the required prototype deliverables during the Phase II effort. The Phase I Base will focus on modifying our existing plating properties and methodology to 4130 steel and demonstrating performance at the coupon level. The Phase I Option will extend the development effort to non-planar geometries. Phase II will focus on full-scale fabrication and product qualification testing.