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Optical Weight and Center of Gravity Measurement System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911W6-07-C-0019
Agency Tracking Number: A062-002-2154
Amount: $119,151.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A06-002
Solicitation Number: 2006.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-11-13
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-10-28
Small Business Information
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: 627132913
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Matthew Palmer
 Principal Investigator
 (540) 552-5128
 submissions301@lunainnovations.com
Business Contact
 Michael Pruzan
Title: Director of Contracts
Phone: (540) 558-1695
Email: submissions301@lunainnovations.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Luna Innovations Incorporated is partnering with a major helicopter manufacturer to develop a Center-of-Gravity (C.G.) and Gross-Weight (G.W.) measurement system for Blackhawk Helicopters. The proposed optical fiber-based measurement system will enable real-time monitoring of the C.G. of the rotorcraft during loading and unloading in-flight. The system will provide input to the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) as well as to the pilot and the autopilot systems enabling safer, more accurate flight control. The proposed system may also enable fly-by-wire for future upgrade of the helicopter, extending the flight envelope beyond the normal stability limits, improving performance and mission capability. Luna has a 15year history of strain sensing, instrumentation development, and thermal compensation. During Phase I Luna will develop a breadboard C.G. measurement system and demonstrate that the prototype system can accurately determine C.G. in the rotorcraft. The system will also be able to determine amplitude and orientation of load vectors of cargo attached to external hooks. Luna will develop sensor, cabling and instrumentation designs for compatibility with UH-60 components. Algorithms for C.G. and G.W. measurement will be developed with immunity to thermal effects. Phase II will optimize the system design, demonstrate durability, accuracy, resulting in a TRL5 readiness.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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