TECH
TRANSFER NEWS
March 1999
MTTC Fleet Maintenance Projects
(2/26/99) The FMTTC 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.
NAVSEA is attempting to find a test ship. It is expected that at-sea testing will commence
within a couple of months, after injection ports have been installed on the ship and the
operators have been trained.
- 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 forcast.
- 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 complete by September 1999. $6M per year savings have been calculated.
- S086507. Topside Connector Corrosion Protection. Approved on January 13, 1999.
MTTC will qualify several re-enterable connector covers for shipboard use. Use of these
materials will minimize connector corrosion and result in greater electronic system
reliability and reduced maintenance.
- Others. The January 13, 1999 Board also approved procurement of VHF antennas for
shipboard testing. NAVSEA is currently analyzing the 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.
Lynx Motor Update
(2/26/99) While Navy and Navy 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.
Next Technical Advisory Board (TAB)
(2/26/99) As announced at the October Board, the next TAB meeting will be held on April
20, 1999 at MTTC. The agenda will approximate previous meetings.
Call for More Information...
For additional news or information about opportunities involving technology transfer,
contact Dick Gilbert or Dave Goddard at (502)367-2186.
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