CREARE LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N192-077

Description

Cross Deck Pendants (CDP) used to recover aircraft onboard aircraft carriers are exposed to a challenging environment of physical impact, abrasion, and strain which limit life expectancy to approximately 125 arrestment cycles. Three primary effects are known to contribute to CDP failure including tail hook impact, hook slip, and final bending around the hook, although the precise contributions of each and the effects of simultaneous exposure are not well understood. CDP limited life and replacement remains a significant maintenance cost driver although changes to the accepted operational systems and protocols are difficult to implement due to the critical safety impact on flight operations. Creare proposes to develop a test apparatus which will enable CDP testing and qualification to improve understanding of the existing failure modes as well as development of new CDP designs to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety. During Phase I, we will develop a conceptual design for a test apparatus and demonstrate key aspects with targeted laboratory evaluations. While Phase I is intended to select the optimal approach at a conceptual level, the Phase I Option will create a detailed Technical Data Package, and Phase II will include fabrication and testing of the CDP test facility.