Erigo Technologies LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N142-107

Description

Enabling aircraft to land on an aircraft carrier requires an arresting gear system that can quickly pull the aircraft to a halt. One of main components of the current arresting gear system are the purchase cables that connect to a series of hydraulic and pneumatic engines that provide the braking power for the aircraft. The current purchase cables are made of steel, weigh 4 tons, and have a limited service lifetime. Erigo Technologies, LLC proposes to develop a purchase cable made of a high-strength titanium alloy that is roughly half the weight, stronger, and has the same outer diameter. Titanium has many benefits over steel in key areas that effect service life, such as vastly improved axial fatigue properties, negligible corrosion in seawater and other chemical environments, and reduced bending stresses. Recognizing titaniums tendency to wear when sliding against other metal surfaces, the main focus of the anticipated research will be creating a wire coating that retains lubricants to minimize wear and galling. During Phase I we will manufacture and test sample cables and lubricants.