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Heat Resistant Visual Landing Aid (VLA) Lighting Fixtures for Ship Flight Decks and Expeditionary Air Field (EAF) Matting

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68335-10-C-0530
Agency Tracking Number: N102-132-0541
Amount: $149,939.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N102-132
Solicitation Number: 2010.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-09-06
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-03-06
Small Business Information
6400 E. Grant Road Suite 350
Tucson, AZ 85715
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mark Fink
 Director Engineering Serv
 (520) 721-0500
 mfink@breault.com
Business Contact
 Mark Fink
Title: Director Engineering Serv
Phone: (520) 721-0500
Email: mfink@breault.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Visual Landing Aids are required for visual acuity to safely guide aircraft during night and/or low visibility aircraft operations, for general lighting and navigation. The current generation of VLAs was designed to withstand loads associated with existing aircraft. Future aircraft are expected to generate more severe exhaust loads that could threaten the integrity of these lighting fixtures. Indirect aircraft exhaust temperatures of approximately 350C for long dwell periods as well as near-direct temperatures of approximately 900C for relatively short durations are expected. Such temperatures, in conjunction with the relatively high convective coefficients characteristic of jet flow, have been shown to generate significant temperature gradients in glass windows. The resulting thermal stresses, particularly in conjunction with pressure loads, can lead to window failure. Similarly, internal seals, electronics, and structural components in the VLAs can be compromised by high temperatures or differential thermal expansion. The goal of our Phase I work will be to establish a VLA design that can accommodate all thermal and mechanical loads from future aircraft such as the F35 and be a form, fit and functional replacement of currently fielded VLAs.

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

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