Mon, Jan 11, 2010
Contract Awarded To Picometrix For Phase II Research
The U.S. Air Force has awarded a Phase II SBIR contract to
optical products maker Picometrix to develop a prototype terahertz
quality control system for it's variant of the F-35 JSF. The system
will be based on the patented fiber-coupled T-Ray 4000 instrument,
and utilized to ensure the proper fit of the coated exterior
surfaces of the jet. This contract is a continuance of the
successful Phase I SBIR feasibility work completed in 2009. The 24
month Phase II contract is valued at $3 million, with an option for
an additional $1.5 million, exercisable at the Air Force's
discretion. If successful, the Phase II dedicated T-Ray 4000
prototype system would lead to deployment of multiple production
systems in Phase III.
The handheld scanner developed under this Phase II SBIR will be
a plug-in accessory to the system, making it an option for the
company's T-Ray 4000(R) instrument. The scanner could facilitate
additional applications which would open new markets. This
technology could be utilized for any aircraft, not just the F-35,
and could be adapted for other applications including: measurement
of coating thickness, subsurface inspection, surface topography
measurements, measurement of coating tapers, and coating cure
states. A handheld scanner could also be applicable for homeland
security applications such as airport personnel scanning for
explosives and suicide bombers.
"The application of our T-Ray 4000 product platform to help
solve the difficult manufacturing challenge posed by the next
generation military aircraft is a potentially significant
opportunity to deploy multiple systems for the manufacturing and
maintenance of the F-35 throughout its life. We believe this is
just the first of many manufacturing quality control and process
control opportunities for our T-Ray product line in a variety of
markets," commented Richard (Rick) Kurtz, CEO of Advanced Photonix,
the parent company of Picometrix.
With one focus of the JSF program being affordability --
reducing the development cost, production cost, and cost of
ownership of the JSF family of aircraft, Picometrix says the T-Ray
4000(R) nondestructive testing system deployed in Phase III would
significantly improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs on
the expensive process of installing the coated doors and panels on
the F-35, in line with the affordability focus of the JSF
Program.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]