Light weight Composite Propulsion System Components

The US Navy’s unmanned air, surface and subsurface vehicles is an essential component of the National Defense Strategy (DFS). In particular, Naval Sea Systems Command, (NAVSSEA) PMS-406 have a need for light composite propulsion system technologies across all their platforms. In addition, several other NAVSEA submarine programs in PEO-Sub would benefit form this technology as well. The high-speed Unmanned Vehicles need leading edge light weight, propulsion technologies so they can be manufactured in large at low costs in large quantities needed for all of DoD Programs of Record ( USAF, ARMY, SOCOM, NAVY and Marine Corp) The family of Unmanned vehicles mission capabilities include battle force awareness, detection, identification, intelligence support, and classification of floating or buried naval mines in large volumes at various depths and at the sea floor. The need to introduce product improvements and technology refresh solutions for baseline UUV systems is growing. One area of increasing Navy interest and demand is in improving USV, UAV and UUV propulsion and control subsystem performance. To respond to this need for performance improvement, PEI and it’s team partner, Wartsila Defense, propose to develop light weight,  propulsion composite components to improve performance (speed and acoustic) and to reduce weight without compromising endurance. PEI is a recipient of the 2014 Tibbets Award and recognized expert in composites manufacturing and design technologies. PEI will ensure the composite components for unmanned vehicles are properly made ready for shipboard application. PEI’s staff has over 100 years of combined experience in designing, analyzing and manufacturing complex composite structures for demanding defense and aerospace applications.  In addition to our design, analysis and processing capabilities, we also possess core competencies in the areas of tool and equipment design, product qualification, inspection and testing.  We believe that our experience in development and high rate manufacturing sets us apart from many of our competitors.  Over the last several years, we have continually expanded our capabilities both in engineering services and prototype.  PEI has also demonstrated the capability to transition SBIR Phase technology and prototypes to the manufacture of products for commercial and defense markets.