N131-053 TITLE: Sprint Speed Capability for an Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS404, Undersea Weapons Program

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop a propulsion system that will increase maximum speed of the Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target (EMATT) from 8 knots to 14 knots.

DESCRIPTION: ASW training is obtained most effectively when air, surface and subsurface platforms and their ASW SONAR crews train in the operational environment in which they would be asked to locate enemy submarines. Training against live submarines is costly and most often not available. Mobile ASW training targets fill this critical training asset. To effectively counter current and future underwater or undersea threats Naval forces must be trained with new and sophisticated technology that simulate real world conditions and scenarios. Development of a new target propulsion system that can reach a sprint speed of 14 knots is necessary and vital. Sprint speed capability on training targets provide tactical training advantages while also emulating more realistic and dynamic maneuvers of todays� modern submarines. At present, the current MK39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) has a max speed of 3 to 8 knots and are incapable of achieving this sprint speed. The EMATT is designed to be launched Navy Air ASW platform and therefore is packaged in a Sonobuoy Launch Container; the EMATT therefore is "A" size which is 4.85 inches in diameter and 3 feet long and hydrodynamically torpedo shaped. The deficiency in the current propulsion system is tied to two (2) main components; the custom built Li SO2 batteries pack that generates 40Volts for the operation of the electronics system and a brushless DC motor. The innovative challenge of this SBIR lies in the design, development, and integration of a new propulsion system (high efficiency motor and energetic and safe battery) that allows the EMATT to operate hydrodynamically stable in depth, heading while achieving a sprint speed of 14 knots and a sustained variable speed of 3 to 8 knots. High energy fuels used for weapons systems are unacceptable propulsion/power options for this project because they would not meet storage and launch requirements for US Navy aircraft. The battery must meet stringent naval safety requirements contained in Reference 4.

Current technology has advanced beyond the custom built LiSO2 battery and brushless DC motor currently in use by the Navy. Reference 1 provides insight into the advantages and savings associated with the use of high efficiency motors; for example, lower cost, energy efficient, and better reliability than the current motor. Advances in current battery technology and evolution are contained in Reference 2; advances reflected in the reference have surpassed the technology being used in the present target system.

PHASE I: The Company shall develop concepts for a candidate propulsion system that meets the speed requirements of 3 to14 knots, and safety requirements discussed in the project description. The investigation should explore propulsion systems for "A" size target and propose an alternate extended length "A" size system, if it is felt the requirements are unattainable in the standard "A" size form factor. Stable hydrodynamic top speed and system safety are the primary emphasis of this SBIR topic. The company shall report how the candidate propulsion system meets the SBIR project description requirement and shall provide design data and analysis to substantiate it. The Company shall report how the candidate propulsion system can be integrated into the current EMATT target system to meet future navy training needs. The small business will provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the company will develop a prototype for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II development plan and the Navy requirements for a sprint speed propulsion system. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. The company will develop a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy use.

PHASE III: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. The company will develop a sprint speed target for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: With an improved propulsion system that provides increased energy and power for longer and more sustain periods; the targets system has viable commercial application in areas of underwater data collection, oil samplings and other containments from waterways, oceanography, and profiling

REFERENCES:
1. "High Efficiency Motors", EnergySC, South Carolina�s Energy Resource. 19 April 2012. <http://www.energysc.org/downloadables/high_efficiency_motors.pdf>.

2. "Battery Solutions", Electrochem Creating Tomorrow, Greatbatch. 19 April 2012.
<http://www.electrochemsolutions.com/solutions/>.

3. Lowe, Mary, Golini, Ruggero, and Gereffi, Gary "US Adoption of High Efficiency Motors and Drives: Lessons Learned", Center on Globalization Governess & Competitiveness. 19 April 2012. <http://www.cggc.duke.edu/pdfs/CGGC-Motor_and_Drives_Report_Feb_25_2010.pdf>.

4. Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity. (2004, August 19). Technical Manual for Batteries, Navy Lithium Safety Program Responsibilities and Procedures. (S9310 AQ SAF 010). Port Hueneme: Naval Surface Warfare Center.

KEYWORDS: Propulsion Systems; High Efficiency Motor; Sprint Speed;Target Systems; AntiSubmarine Warfare; Battery Safety

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between 16 November, 2012 through 16 December 2012, you may talk directly with the Topic Authors (TPOC) to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting 17 December, 2012, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

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