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Smart Materials and Adaptive and Novel Technologies Applied to Unmanned Underwater Riverine Craft (MANTA-UURC)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Contract: W31P4Q-08-C-0040
Agency Tracking Number: 07SB2-0571
Amount: $198,906.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: SB072-040
Solicitation Number: 2007.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-11-06
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-12-31
Small Business Information
2780 Skypark Drive Suite 400
Torrance, CA 90505
United States
DUNS: 106823607
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Dana Howard
 Principal Investigator
 (310) 626-8652
 dhoward@nextgenaero.com
Business Contact
 Zoltan Feher
Title: Manager, Contracts and Pricing
Phone: (310) 626-8384
Email: zfeher@nextgenaero.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Our basic concept consists of a bio-mimetic manta ray like autonomous underwater vehicle which incorporates SMA actuated mechanical structure surrounded by compliant skins to duplicate the efficient and silent movement of a manta ray for use in shallow, riverine, or sensitive marine environments. Several beneficial features of the concept include: stealthy operation through low / zero noise actuation / propulsion, low-obserability through resemblance of a marine animal, and ability to carry relatively large payloads. At the end of Phase I, the following will be completed: (1) definition of optimal propulsive movement through CFD and analytical modeling of the flexible manta drive structure design, (2) simulation of the SMA actuation system, vehicle structure, and control systems, (3) a proof-of-concept laboratory underwater test of an actuated segment of the Phase II vehicle wing, (4) preliminary design of the proposed Phase II demonstration vehicle, and (5) roadmaps established for vehicle scaling and technology transition. Phase II will focus on the fabrication and testing of the proposed demonstration craft in an operational environment.

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

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