Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N181-040

Description

To address the Navy needs for a solution to enhance the current submarine rescue capability to support shallow-water pressurized rescue, POC proposes to develop the Safe Mating Envelope Enhancer (SMEE), based on mature in-house and COTS components. In Phase I, POC will develop a SMEE concept to allow pressurized rescue of a disabled-submarine up to 5 ata at a depth of 100 ft, with a threshold of 200 feet, and 0-45 degrees list. The concept will be developed into a CAD model for modeling and simulation analysis. A reduced-function small-scale SMEE prototype will be fabricated and tested to validate its design concept. In Phase I Option, POC will develop the initial design specifications, capabilities description, and Phase II plan for building and testing a prototype solution. In Phase II, POC will develop, build, and deliver a small-scale SMEE prototype for proof of concept testing. This prototype will be evaluated and tested to produce empirical data verifying mating capabilities in shallow water at increased internal pressures at 0 degrees and 45 degrees list. We will use the Phase II results to develop Phase III plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.