Pylon Modification for Advanced Weapons on B-52

?This solicitation is part of the SBIR 24.1 Broad Agency Announcement. All supporting documents can be found at the link above.

January 03, 2024: DoD begins accepting proposals

February 07, 2024: Deadline for receipt of proposals no later than 12:00 p.m. ET

Application Portal: Topics and Topic Search (SITIS) (dodsbirsttr.mil)

Phase 1 Maximum Award: $180,000

Title: AF241-0005: SUU-67/A Pylon Modification for Advanced Weapons ?

TECHNOLOGY AREAS:

#Air Platform | #Electronics | #Materials | #Nuclear | #Weapons #Aerospace #Engineering #AerospaceEngineering

MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES:

#AdvancedMaterials | #Hypersonics | Integrated #Network Systems-of-Systems

KEYWORDS:

#Digitaltwin; Legacy #aircraft; #Equipment integration; #Testing; #Virtual model; Accurate #data; Physical dimensions; #Risk reduction; Accredited digital simulation; Time and money saving; #Realistic representation; Designing #CAD; SysML files; #B-52; Non Recurring Engineering cost reduction; #Digital engineering; #Modeldevelopment

OBJECTIVE:

This proposal seeks to study, engineer, and prototype a modified SUU-67/A Pylon with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface. AFGSC is developing a new conventional High Speed, Air-breathing cruise missile capable of range >1000 miles. Such a missile carried by the B-52 will likely exceeded the capacity of the existing conventional weapons pylon and Heavy Stores Adapter Beam (HSAB). AFGSC is exploring other means of missile carriage on the B-52. One option is repurposing the existing SUU-67/A Aircraft Pylon for conventional use. The SUU-67/A is currently used to carry the AGM-86/B Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).

DESCRIPTION:

Without this effort to repurpose the SUU-67/A, AFGSC will likely have diminished carriage capability to carry cruise missiles on the B-52. Potential adversaries and conflicts in the Pacific region will need dozens of cruise missiles in mass attacks against hostile forces. The B-52 carries eight missiles internal and twelve missiles on external underwing pylons, each pylon carries six missiles. Without a capable external pylon, B-52 carriage is diminished 60%.

PHASE I:

Define a system concept, perform a feasibility study, and propose a solution for creating a modified SUU-67/A with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface for the B-52. The developed CAD and SysML models developed during this project will be government-owned, and that the government will have unlimited rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose such technical data or computer software.

PHASE II:

"The objective of this Phase II SBIR project is to further develop the solution for a modified SUU-67/A with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface for the B-52 integration created in Phase I. The project will focus on refining and improving the digital twin, creating a well-defined deliverable prototype that can be used for commercialization.

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Approach:

The project will involve the following steps:

·???????? Refinement of the 3D Model: The 3D model of the SUU-67/A created in Phase I will be refined and improved to enhance its accuracy and functionality. This will involve further validation of the model to ensure its accuracy and the addition of new components to improve functionality and future sub-system integration.

·???????? Integration of New Equipment: The digital twin will be used to integrate new equipment, wiring, and necessary hardware with the SUU-67/A. Integration will involve testing the new equipment in different scenarios to identify potential issues and make necessary modifications.

·???????? Testing: The modified SU-67/A will undergo rigorous testing to ensure its integrity, functionality, and connectivity to the aircraft. The testing will involve simulated carriage in a wide range of scenarios, including adverse weather conditions, various payload combinations, equipment failures, and system malfunctions.

·???????? Success Criteria: The success criteria for this project will be the delivery of an modified SUU-67/A prototype.

·???????? Commercialization Plan: A commercialization plan will be developed to promote the technology and identify potential licensing and partnership opportunities. A marketing strategy will also be developed to reach potential customers and partners. The proposer will have identified potential customers and partners and have a plan to seek additional funding opportunities to continue the development of the digital twin technology and explore other potential applications in the aerospace industry.

·???????? Operating Parameters/Prototyping Expectations:

o?? The modified SUU-67/A prototype will be delivered as an ready-to-integrate & ready-to-flight demonstrate asset.

·???????? Conclusion: The success of this Phase II project will result in a well-defined deliverable modified SUU-67/A prototype ready for integration and testing. "

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

"The objective of this Phase III/Dual Use SBIR project seeks to study, engineer, and prototype a modified SUU-67/A Pylon with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface for equipment integration and testing created in Phase II. The project will focus on transitioning the technology to government and commercial applications and achieving a high technology readiness level (TRL).

Expected Phase III Effort:

The expected Phase III effort will involve prototyping, testing, and commercializing the modified SUU-67/A for government and commercial applications. The technology will be refined and optimized to meet the specific requirements of these applications. The project will involve collaboration with potential customers and partners to identify their specific needs and develop a plan for commercialization. The project will also involve seeking additional funding opportunities to further develop the technology and explore other potential applications in the aerospace industry.

Expected TRL at Phase III Entry:

The expected TRL at Phase III entry is 9, which means the technology is fully developed, tested, and validated in relevant environments. The SUU-67/A prototype will have been tested and validated in a wide range of testing environments, and its functionality will have been demonstrated through an in-flight demonstration. The technology will be ready for commercialization and deployment.

Additional Transition Planning:

The additional transition planning for this Phase III project will involve identifying the government approvals required for the commercialization of the technology. The project team will work closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards that need to be met for the technology to be deployed in military applications. The project team will also work with potential commercial partners to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards required for commercial deployment.

Known Government Approvals Required:

The known government approvals required for this project will vary depending on the specific application and customer. However, potential approvals that may be required include certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), compliance with relevant military standards, and approval by the appropriate government agencies.

Additional DAF Customer Opportunities:

The additional DAF customer opportunities for this project include potential applications in military and commercial aviation. The digital twin technology can be used to improve the safety and performance of aircraft, reduce risk, save time and money, and increase efficiency. The technology can also be used for training and maintenance, providing a realistic and accurate representation of the aircraft that can improve safety and reduce errors during actual operations. The project team will work closely with potential customers and partners to identify additional opportunities for deployment and commercialization of the digital twin technology.

The objective of this Phase III/Dual Use SBIR project seeks to study, engineer, and prototype a modified SUU-67/A Pylon with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface for equipment integration and testing created in Phase II. The project will focus on transitioning the technology to government and commercial applications and achieving a high technology readiness level (TRL).

Expected Phase III Effort:

The expected Phase III effort will involve prototyping, testing, and commercializing the modified SUU-67/A for government and commercial applications. The technology will be refined and optimized to meet the specific requirements of these applications. The project will involve collaboration with potential customers and partners to identify their specific needs and develop a plan for commercialization. The project will also involve seeking additional funding opportunities to further develop the technology and explore other potential applications in the aerospace industry.

Expected TRL at Phase III Entry:

The expected TRL at Phase III entry is 9, which means the technology is fully developed, tested, and validated in relevant environments. The SUU-67/A prototype will have been tested and validated in a wide range of testing environments, and its functionality will have been demonstrated through an in-flight demonstration. The technology will be ready for commercialization and deployment.

Additional Transition Planning:

The additional transition planning for this Phase III project will involve identifying the government approvals required for the commercialization of the technology. The project team will work closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards that need to be met for the technology to be deployed in military applications. The project team will also work with potential commercial partners to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards required for commercial deployment.

Known Government Approvals Required:

The known government approvals required for this project will vary depending on the specific application and customer. However, potential approvals that may be required include certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), compliance with relevant military standards, and approval by the appropriate government agencies.

Additional DAF Customer Opportunities:

The additional DAF customer opportunities for this project include potential applications in military and commercial aviation. The digital twin technology can be used to improve the safety and performance of aircraft, reduce risk, save time and money, and increase efficiency. The technology can also be used for training and maintenance, providing a realistic and accurate representation of the aircraft that can improve safety and reduce errors during actual operations. The project team will work closely with potential customers and partners to identify additional opportunities for deployment and commercialization of the digital twin technology.

The objective of this Phase III/Dual Use SBIR project seeks to study, engineer, and prototype a modified SUU-67/A Pylon with MIL-STD-1760 aircraft interface for equipment integration and testing created in Phase II. The project will focus on transitioning the technology to government and commercial applications and achieving a high technology readiness level (TRL).

Expected Phase III Effort:

The expected Phase III effort will involve prototyping, testing, and commercializing the modified SUU-67/A for government and commercial applications. The technology will be refined and optimized to meet the specific requirements of these applications. The project will involve collaboration with potential customers and partners to identify their specific needs and develop a plan for commercialization. The project will also involve seeking additional funding opportunities to further develop the technology and explore other potential applications in the aerospace industry.

Expected TRL at Phase III Entry:

The expected TRL at Phase III entry is 9, which means the technology is fully developed, tested, and validated in relevant environments. The SUU-67/A prototype will have been tested and validated in a wide range of testing environments, and its functionality will have been demonstrated through an in-flight demonstration. The technology will be ready for commercialization and deployment.

Additional Transition Planning:

The additional transition planning for this Phase III project will involve identifying the government approvals required for the commercialization of the technology. The project team will work closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards that need to be met for the technology to be deployed in military applications. The project team will also work with potential commercial partners to identify any necessary certifications, approvals, or standards required for commercial deployment.

Known Government Approvals Required:

The known government approvals required for this project will vary depending on the specific application and customer. However, potential approvals that may be required include certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Department of Defense (DoD), compliance with relevant military standards, and approval by the appropriate government agencies.

Additional DAF Customer Opportunities:

The additional DAF customer opportunities for this project include potential applications in military and commercial aviation. The digital twin technology can be used to improve the safety and performance of aircraft, reduce risk, save time and money, and increase efficiency. The technology can also be used for training and maintenance, providing a realistic and accurate representation of the aircraft that can improve safety and reduce errors during actual operations. The project team will work closely with potential customers and partners to identify additional opportunities for deployment and commercialization of the digital twin technology.

REFERENCES:

1.?????? MIL-STD-1760

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ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

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TOPIC POINT OF CONTACT (TPOC):

None