Metro Aerospace, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF211-CSO1

Description

Metro Aerospace’s goal is to deliver a qualified Microvane drag-reduction solution for USAF and ANG C-130 aircraft. C-130 Microvanes support USAF strategic efforts to maximize operational energy efficiency by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving the environmental sustainability of legacy systems, enhancing aircraft performance, and lowering operating costs without compromising high-end warfighting capability. Metro operates with highly qualified engineering and manufacturing teams with over 30+ years of aerospace design and advanced manufacturing experience. 3D-printed Microvanes were developed and commercialized using private funds, and have proven operationally effective on multiple types of cargo aircraft; they are currently in use by cargo aircraft operators on four continents. This Phase 1 effort will span 90 days and is characterized by identifying and documenting requirements to: 1) Determine compatibility with USAF & ANG C-130 variants and mission sets, and 2) Optimize commercial Microvane design and configuration for use by USAF & ANG C-130 aircraft in order to qualify the Microvane solution with all stakeholders. This effort will help validate drag-reduction concepts that can be developed and applied to commercial aircraft, other aircraft such as the C-17, KC-135, and future vertical lift.