Aircraft Alternative Braking System for Reduced Cost of Sustainment

Most fielded aircraft weapon systems currently utilize wheel/brake technology that was developed in the 1960s thru 1980s.The wheel/brake systems rely almost exclusively on friction brakes to convert kinetic energy during a landing or rejected takeoff into heat energy.These friction-based components require large investments in high cost spares to replace worn friction consumables. Furthermore, structural components must be carefully designed/managed to avoid material degradation (both wheel/brake and landing gear assemblies/components).Operators routinely impose mandatory cooling timesto minimize risk to ground crew and ensure full braking capacity is available prior to the next flight.The significance of the Advanced Aircraft Braking Systems (AABS) topic opportunity is to capitalize on the new braking system technologies matriculating in the aerospace industry that could apply to both legacy and future aircraft wheel/brake systems.The innovative AABS technologies have the potential to revolutionize the aviation braking technology industry, satisfying the following topic goals:Performance:Wear: Equal-to-or-better performance in comparison to legacy systemsThermal: Improved thermal performanceConsumables: Reduction or elimination of wheel/brake friction consumablesDuring Phase I ES3 will evaluate AABS technologies that are too risky for ordinary capital investment by the private sector.