LYNNTECH INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N181-021

Description

In an effort to extend the service life of the Navy’s aging fleet of F/A-18E-F Super Hornets, the U.S. Navy has launched a comprehensive modification program to enable the fighter jets to fly more than 50-percent longer than originally intended. Under the PMA 265 Acquisition Program, it is expected to push the flight hours of the Hornet’s Service Life Extension Program from 6,000 flight hours in some cases beyond 10,000 flight hours. A current issue associated with the maintenance of the aircraft platforms are the indirect costs associated with clamp cushion (MIL-DTL-85052 B clamp loop cushion) failures that crack shortly after installation on aircrafts due to Ultraviolet (UV) and ozone exposure. Given this situation, the Navy is seeking alternative materials for hydraulic clamp cushions that are resistant to UV and ozone exposure and compatible with the respective JP-4 (MIL-DTL-5624) and petroleum based hydraulic fluid (MIL-PRF-5606) used by the Navy. To address the challenge of this Phase I opportunity, Lynntech will develop an omniphobic, UV and ozone resistant cushion material for the MIL-DTL-85052 B clamp that is highly responsive to the Navy’s unique environmental requirements for their hydraulic, fuel and electrical clamp applications.