A-TECH CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF161-037

Description

ABSTRACT: ATA will develop the Spin Stabilized Optical Inertial Reference Unit (SSOIRU) to provide an inertially stabilized optical reference beam for HEL weapon systems on tactical aircraft.Our approach is based on proven spinning mass gyroscope technology and the initial concept design suggests a 10x reduction in size, weight, and power (SWaP).The SSOIRU concept is based on existing technology and could be implemented in an operational mission within a 2-3 year period.Spin stabilization is used for in many high performance components.ATAs TIRU utilized a NG G2000 DTG and this device contained the components that will be utilized by ATAs SSOIRU with the exception of the laser source and optics.However, a DTG cages the flexured spinning mass to the case and the torques applied to the mass are a measure of angular rates.The SSOIRU will allow the flexured spinning mass to remain isolated from the housing at high frequency and caged at low frequency.Actuators also apply torque to the spinning mass as needed to follow a slew.Our approach relies on a large angular momentum and minimizing or eliminating unwanted torque on the rotor versus a low passive isolator frequency and high control bandwidth.; BENEFIT: The Spin Stabilized Optical Inertial Reference Unit (SSOIRU) has many benefits.Spin stabilization is a proven technology used in mechanical (spinning mass) gyroscopes as well as many spacecraft applications.The SSOIRU approach is based on this existing technology and we believe we could implement an SSOIRU in an operational system within 2-3 years.Our low SWaP-C approach enables these devices to be used on tactical, high energy laser (HEL) weapon systems.The high angular momentum provides inertial stabilization, which eliminates the need for a high bandwidth control loop and precision inertial sensors.This approach also eliminates redundant flexure supported platforms (mechanical gyroscope contains a flexure supported spinning mass which is mounted on the OIRU stable platform).ATA has been developing technology for the U.S. Government and Aerospace contractors since 1975.During this time, we have developed outstanding relationships that we will leverage to bring the SSOIRU technology to market.ATAs success in generating additional revenue tied to our Phase I and Phase II SBIR projects has allowed ATA to grow and expand its business through Phase III commercialization and other spin-off contracts.As reported in the ATA Company Commercialization Report, we have received 58 Phase I SBIR awards and 25 Phase II awards.ATAs track record for commercialization of SBIR sponsored technology development is excellent, resulting in a Commercialization Achievement Index of 90 and related cumulative revenues from sales and additional investments of over $42 million.The global inertial sensing systems market is currently >$4B annually and is expected to grow at an overall Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% to >$7B by 2019.ATA is focused on the IMU segment of this market, of which OIRUs are a very small fraction.Potential OIRU applications include missions having stringent LOSS and IAK requirements such as airborne DEW, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and space laser communications.ATA anticipates capturing significant market share, as OIRUs are a very specialized product niche in which we own most of the Intellectual Property (IP).We continually work to enhance and improve our OIRU designs and technology to maintain our competitive edge while reaching out to competitors to supply their specific mission needs.Our goal is to be the Number One supplier of OIRUs worldwide.