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Active Control Inceptors Using Smart Material Motion Control

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
73905 		Program Year/Program:
2005 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
A052-058-0218 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Stirling Dynamics Incorporated
4030 Lake Washington Blvd NE Suite 205 Kirkland, WA -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2005
Title: Active Control Inceptors Using Smart Material Motion Control
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W911W6-06-C-0019
Award Amount: $69,999.00
 

Abstract:

Active force-feedback control inceptors are gaining acceptance for potential future use in new and retrofit Army helicopter programs. Current active inceptor types use electric motors, gearboxes and linkages in a closed loop servo system to provide the necessary feel quality and functionality. These units successfully meet the performance requirements, but are expensive and mechanically complex. Smart materials technology can be applied to the development of simpler, lighter and less expensive active inceptors that can be produced to meet the same space, performance and reliability standards. The research program will investigate the use of smart materials to provide motion control actuation for active inceptors that are suitable for both flightworthy applications and flight simulators. Various issues of design and performance need to be researched before the performance potential is established, and a realistic specification will be developed for an initial prototype demonstrator unit. All smart material types will be considered, including piezoelectric materials and shape memory alloys. Phase I is aimed at establishing basic feasibility of the concept and applying it to a specific active inceptor type selected for this project. Phase II will extend the research into a more detailed evaluation, including manufacture and test of an actual prototype unit.

Principal Investigator:

Robert Stirling
President
4258277476
rstirling@stirling-dynamics.com

Business Contact:

Dennis Messenger
Vice President
4258277476
dmessenger@stirling-dynamics.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

STIRLING DYNAMICS, INC.
4030 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 205 Kirkland, WA 98033

EIN/Tax ID: 330641939
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No