TECH TRANSFER NEWS
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)
(4/1/99) 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 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 meeting.
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.
MTTC Fleet Maintenance Projects
(02/26/99) 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. Contract is imminent.
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 is imminent.
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. Contract is imminent.
S086507. Topside Connector
Corrosion Protection. Approved on January 13, 1999. MTTC 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 MTTC to continue
discussions with NAVSEA on the National Surface Treatment Center. MTTC 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. |
