Innovative Packaging to Achieve Extremely Light Weight Sensor Pod Systems

For the Phase I effort, PiAC has designed a light weight sensor pod (LWSP) system to satisfy the Navy’s specific requirements of Topic N171A-T007. PiAC’s technical design solution meets the topic requirements, based on initial analysis. The LWSP design has been structurally sized and validated to minimize weight. PiAC’s LWSP design is dimensionally compatible with existing BRU-14 mounting systems for integration into current fixed and rotary wing platforms and has been structurally sized to react all loadings imposed by the MIL-H-8791H specification. PiAC’s design uses lightweight materials and attenuates destructive vibrations to protect vulnerable electronics. PiAC’s baseline LWSP design weighs less than 125-lbs and can service the 175-lb payload. PiAC identifies thermal and vibrational loads to be the highest risk areas in the development of this pod. PiAC and its contractors propose finalize the design, refine Phase I analyses, updated solid models (CAD), fabricated a prototype in accordance with design, and functionally test the major systems to validate analyses.