MTTC Tech Transfer News

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April 1999

Navy Looking for Answers

(4/1/99) Our readers may be able to help the Navy solve an ongoing problem. Shipboard watertight doors (WTD) have handles that, when not being used, are stowed in the vertical direction. The handles are held there in place by spring metal clamps. Some of these WTDs are operated hundreds of times a day. Unfortunately, the clamps being used can corrode, lose their spring (which causes the handles to fall down and block the doorway) or simply break off. The FMTTC is looking for a replacement for these clips. They do not have to be made of metal, but, if they are metal, they must be able to withstand the salt-water environment. If you have a product or an idea that we could propose to the Navy, please call or email Dick Gilbert at the numbers at the bottom of this page.

Next Meeting of the Technical Advisory Board (TAB)

(4/20/99) As announced at the April Board, the next TAB meeting will be held October 13, 1999 at MTTC. Time and location to be announced.

Next Technical Advisory Board (TAB)

(4/1/99) As announced at the October Board, the next TAB meeting will be held on April 20, 1999 at MTTC. The meeting will be conducted in the small conference room at the Conference Center. It will run from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The agenda will approximate previous meetings.

Lynx Motor Update

(4/1/99) While U.S. Navy and Naval contractors are still expressing strong interest in using the Lynx Motor in a variety of applications, no contracts have yet been issued. Lynx has continued its expansion in the commercial arena. They recently signed contracts with NASA and Boeing to produce a prototype motor that may eventually replace the hydrazine auxiliary power unit on the space shuttle. They have completed production of the first 10-inch diameter motor that is associated with their Department of Energy SBIR contracts. Lynx is conducting negotiations with a large number of potential users ranging from transportation to home appliances.

ASNE Symposium

(4/1/99) The FMTTC has been selected to give a paper at the bi-annual American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance Symposium. This year it will be held on October 26 – 27 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Fleet Maintenance Technology Transfer Coordinator (FMTTC)

(2/26/99) The Project Status is as follows:

S086501: Superbolt. Testing is complete. NAVSEA is preparing to issue a fleet advisory approving the use in most applications. USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, USS JOHN STENNIS and USS ENTERPRISE have gone to sea with Superbolts installed under a waiver.

S086502. Portable Chlorinator. Suitcase unit is designed and under construction. COMNAVSURFLANT has identified the USS CARR as the test ship. Shipchecks have been conducted and modifications will be installed during an upcoming drydocking. A 6-12 month test period is envisioned.

S086503. Lynx Motor. The Lynx Motor shock test will probably be delayed until later in 1999 when a steel-cased motor becomes available.

S086504. Watertight Door Hinge Replacement. Approved at the January 13, 1999 meeting of the Office of Naval Research Working Group. Contract discussions are ongoing with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock. NAVSEA has estimated that this new hinge pin set will save $10M annually in maintenance costs. The new pin sets will be subjected to accelerated cycle testing to verify performance before introduction into 52,000 fleet doors. This is a Secretary of the Navy high interest item.

S086505. Heat Exchanger Descaler. Approved on January 13, 1999. This commercially- available system will be tested and approved for shipboard use. This will permit emergent maintenance and eliminate the need for costly removal/reinstallation of heat exchangers in order to deliver them ashore. An estimated $4M/year cost avoidance is forecast. Contract discussions are ongoing with NSWC Carderock.

S086506. "EURONAVY" Bilge Paint Qualification. Approved on January 13, 1999. MTTC will be teaming with NAVSEA and the Fleet Commands to qualify this new epoxy paint for use in ship bilges. This is a Secretary of the Navy high interest item and should be complete by September 1999. A savings of $6 million per year has been projected. NAVSEA and CES, Inc. are currently developing a test plan.

S086507. Topside Connector Corrosion Protection. Approved on January 13, 1999. FMTTC will qualify several re-enterable connector covers for shipboard use. The use of these materials will minimize connector corrosion and result in greater electronic system reliability and reduced maintenance. NAVSEA and Raychem, Inc. are currently developing a test plan.

January 13, 1999 Board also approved procurement of VHF antennas for shipboard testing. NAVSEA is currently analyzing available antenna systems for operational effectiveness. CINCLANTFLT has proposed the use of the USS MOUNT WHITNEY for at-sea testing. The board also authorized the FMTTC to continue discussions with NAVSEA on the National Surface Treatment Center. FMTTC is awaiting a decision from NAVSEA regarding the establishment of the NSTC as an approved MANTECH project.

Call for More Information...

For additional news or information about opportunities involving technology transfer, contact Dick Gilbert or Dave Goddard at (502)367-2186.